2023 Hyundai Palisade vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, a stalwart in the SUV market, continued its second generation into its 14th year without significant redesigns. Its exterior design adhered to the principle that "good taste never goes out of style," featuring a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight lines that gave it a mature and substantial appearance. Despite its age, the Sequoia's interior was crafted with typical Toyota precision, offering high-quality materials and a durable build. However, its design felt dated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen that seemed out of place in a modern SUV landscape. The Nightshade Special Edition model, based on the Limited trim, showcased Toyota's efforts to keep the Sequoia relevant.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade presented a refreshed and commanding presence on the road, thanks to its updated styling. The new front fascia, squared-off grille, and LED lighting elements contributed to its bold look. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim stood out with premium rear accent lighting and a unique grille design. Inside, the Palisade offered a stylish and spacious cabin, with premium Nappa leather in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim and a dual-pane sunroof that brightened the interior. The Palisade's interior design drew inspiration from luxury brands, featuring horizontal quilting and dash lines. It provided ample seating configurations, including second-row captain's chairs with wing-out headrests, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, offering a reliable and durable powertrain. The Sequoia's truck-based roots contributed to its impressive payload capacity of up to 608 kilograms and a maximum towing capacity of 3,221 kilograms. However, its weight of nearly 2,721.5 kilograms resulted in less-than-stellar fuel efficiency, with consumption ratings of 18.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 13.9 on the highway. Despite its heft, the Sequoia provided a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its body-on-frame construction and four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade featured a 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain was competitive within its class, offering more power than some rivals. The Palisade's eight-speed automatic transmission could be controlled with paddle shifters, and its all-wheel-drive system, standard in Canada, proved capable during off-road tests. While not designed for rock-crawling, the Palisade offered a comfortable ride and a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms. Its fuel economy was reasonable, with ratings of 12.6 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 9.5 on the highway.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, offering spacious seating across all three rows with ample headroom and legroom. It featured three-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and heated front seats as standard. The Sequoia's cargo space was generous, with 535 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,886 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 3,401 litres with both the second and third rows flat. The interior provided ample storage options, including a large centre console and door pockets.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade offered a roomy interior, accommodating seven or eight passengers comfortably. It provided 1,052 millimetres of legroom in the front row, 1,077 in the second, and 798 in the third. The Palisade's cargo space was versatile, with 509 litres behind the third row, 1,297 litres behind the second, and 2,447 litres with all but the front-row seats folded flat. The Palisade featured a hands-free smart liftgate, HVAC vents in all rows, and a well-organized centre console with cupholders and storage space.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology offerings were somewhat outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the infotainment system felt clunky compared to modern competitors. The Sequoia Platinum and TRD Pro trims added navigation and a 14-speaker JBL premium audio system. Despite its age, the Sequoia featured LED exterior lighting and standard safety technologies like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade excelled in technology, boasting a 12.3-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and a premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system in higher trims. The Palisade offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in Urban and Ultimate Calligraphy models, along with an in-car intercom and a colour head-up display. Hyundai's Bluelink connected vehicle system provided remote accessibility and management features, enhancing convenience for Palisade owners.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, but it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Toyota Safety Sense P suite included pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The Sequoia also featured a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Toyota's STAR safety system, which included stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. A full complement of airbags and child safety features were standard.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, thanks to its extensive safety features. Hyundai's Smart Sense suite included forward collision avoidance, driver attention warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot collision avoidance. Adaptive cruise control with stop and go, Highway Driving Assist, and a full-display digital rearview mirror were also available. The Palisade's rear seat occupant alert and safe exit warning added an extra layer of safety for families.