2024 Hyundai Palisade vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was a testament to sophistication and grace, with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. This midsize SUV, just shy of 5 metres long, exuded a stately presence. In Canada, it came standard with 20-inch wheels, but the Prestige trim tester boasted 22-inch alloy wheels. The rear design echoed the quad lamp look with four-part taillamps above the dual exhaust. Despite its boxy hands-free liftgate, the GV80 maintained an elegant appearance, especially with the matte Brunswick Green paint job. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the dash, which was split by thin horizontal air vents and adorned with metal and matte wood trim. The centre console featured three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, while the two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch. The 14.5-inch infotainment screen, though slightly awkwardly placed, was a minor annoyance in an otherwise spacious and luxurious interior.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade stood out with its distinctive styling, setting it apart from other family-friendly SUVs. Available in Urban and Ultimate Calligraphy trims in Canada, the Palisade offered a luxurious feel, especially in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim, which featured an artificial suede headliner and quality upholstery. The interior boasted metal speaker grilles, striped dashboard and door trim, and an overall sophisticated design, making it feel like a luxury SUV. The test vehicle, in the U.S.-only Night Edition trim, showcased the Palisade's ability to blend style with functionality. The Palisade's interior was well-appointed, with features like heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a dual-panel sunroof, ensuring comfort and convenience for all passengers.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) and offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6. The four-cylinder engine produced 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, while the V6, which powered the test vehicle, delivered 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Although the GV80 wasn't particularly quick, taking about five and a half seconds to reach 100 km/h, it excelled in highway driving. The smooth power delivery and electronically controlled suspension, which adjusted to road conditions, provided a comfortable and quiet ride.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade featured a 3.8-litre V6 engine generating 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, AWD was standard, and the Palisade offered a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds) with 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance. The Palisade's V6 engine provided ample power and satisfying acceleration, while the transmission consistently found the right gear. The AWD system adeptly distributed power on dirt and gravel roads. The Palisade's fuel consumption was rated at 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, though it averaged 15.0 L/100 km in Comfort mode during testing. The suspension offered a firm yet comfortable ride, and the Palisade displayed unexpected athleticism on mountain and canyon roads, with predictable handling and reliable brakes.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with a wealth of features and luxury touches. In Canada, it came standard with heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard mirrors. The test vehicle featured ventilated front and rear seats with seven-way adjustability and an Ergo driver’s seat with inflatable pockets to reduce fatigue. The Nappa leather seats were sumptuous, and a third row was available, though legroom was limited to 76 centimetres. The GV80 offered a generous 988 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 2,378 litres with the seats folded. Towing capacity was 2,720 kilograms (6,000 pounds) with trailer brakes.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade, in Canada, offered artificial leather upholstery in the Urban trim and premium Nappa leather in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. Standard features included heated and ventilated eight-way power-adjustable front seats with memory settings, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard rear seats. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added an Ergo Motion massage function for the driver. The Palisade's interior was versatile, with configurable storage between the front seats and ample storage options throughout. Second-row passengers enjoyed excellent comfort, with a rear climate control panel and USB charging ports. The third row was more comfortable and roomy than most rivals, with standard heating and air conditioning vents. The Palisade offered 509 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,297 litres with the third row folded and 2,447 litres with the second row folded.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the 3D effects were somewhat gimmicky, the head-up display projected information directly into the driver’s field of view. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, and the dial control was cumbersome, though it offered handwriting recognition. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available but required a cable. The GV80 included wireless charging, four USB ports, a 12-volt outlet, and a 110-volt outlet. The remote smart parking assist allowed the vehicle to park itself without the driver inside.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation. It supported Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a rear-seat Quiet Mode. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a cable, but wireless charging was included in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. Hyundai’s Bluelink connected services offered remote engine starting, automatic collision notification, and more. The standard 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system provided excellent audio quality. Additional technologies included a digital rearview mirror, a semi-autonomous remote parking system, and a head-up display.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver’s aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Blind-Spot View Monitor system displayed a video feed of the car’s blind spot in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist used cameras, radar, and navigation to provide a hands-on driving aid. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade featured a robust collection of driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and more. Highway Driving Assist paired adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist for highway travel. The rear-seat reminder used ultrasonic sensing to provide alerts. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star side-impact rating from the NHTSA.