2024 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2023 Hyundai Palisade

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade, as Hyundai's largest SUV, had a more commanding presence on the road following its styling update. The new front fascia, with its bolder strokes, framed new headlights, giving the SUV a stronger look. Standard LED accents, daytime running lights, and headlights were complemented by LED taillights on SEL and higher trims. The squared-off grille added to the Palisade's imposing appearance. Body-color mirrors with features like heating and auto-dimming were standard across the lineup. The top Calligraphy trim stood out with premium rear accent lighting, a unique grille, and a wider rear spoiler. The new XRT trim featured a dark grille and special accents, while wheel options ranged from 18-inch alloys on SE and SEL models to 20-inch wheels on higher trims. A new color, Robust Emerald, was introduced for Calligraphy models, offering a subtle elegance.

Inside, the Calligraphy-trim tester was stylish, with a dual-pane sunroof brightening the dark seats. Premium Nappa leather was standard in Calligraphy, while the base SE model had cloth seats. Heated, power-adjustable seats were available in higher trims, with Limited and Calligraphy models offering heated and ventilated seats in the first and second rows. The second-row bench configuration was standard for SE models, with captain's chairs available in higher trims. The Palisade's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with features like a one-touch seat slide for easy third-row access and a hands-free smart liftgate on all but the base trim.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a styling refresh that enhanced its original design with new lighting elements. The most noticeable changes included light-up VW logos, with the front logo shining white and the rear logo red. A front light bar connected to the daytime running lights, part of new LED headlights, gave the Atlas a new "face" with American swagger. At the back, the taillights blended into a full-width light bar housing the illuminated logo. New wheel designs were introduced across all trim levels, with the SEL Premium R-Line featuring 21-inch wheels and sportier styling elements. The Atlas Peak Edition added an outdoorsy flavor with black 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and model-specific colors like Avocado Green and Pure Gray.

Inside, the Atlas received a revised look, with changes concentrated around the center of the cabin. The infotainment touchscreen stood free of the dashboard, and the shifter was reduced to a tiny toggle, creating more functional space. The interior aimed for an upscale feel with fake wood trim and a new weaved plastic trim. Leatherette seats were standard, with leather upholstery available on SEL models. The range-topping SEL Premium R-Line featured diamond stitching, though some areas, like the center console, had cheaper-looking stitching. Overall, the interior quality seemed more fitting for a base model than a top-of-the-line version.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a single 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This made it more powerful than competitors like the Mazda CX-9 and Volkswagen Atlas, slightly more so than the Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder, and just a bit less than the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer. The eight-speed automatic transmission could be controlled with standard paddle shifters, and power was routed to the front wheels by default, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available for an additional $1,900. The HTRAC AWD system proved capable on a muddy off-road course, though the Palisade wasn't designed for rock-crawling. It offered a comfortable ride, with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds and a dedicated Tow Mode for AWD models. Fuel economy for front-wheel-drive models was 19 mpg city, 27 highway, and 22 combined, while AWD models achieved 19 city, 25 highway, and 21 combined.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas saw a reduction in powertrain options, leaving only a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. This engine produced 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, offering more torque than the previous VR6 engine. The Atlas was quicker than the six-cylinder 2023 model, with front-wheel-drive models reaching 60 mph in an estimated eight seconds and AWD models in 8.3 seconds. Despite the improvements, the Atlas remained a family hauler focused on comfort and frugality. The four-cylinder engine provided smooth acceleration but was noisier than expected. Ride quality was consistent with the pre-refresh Atlas, and the Peak Edition added all-terrain tires and an Offroad driving mode. The 4Motion AWD system was designed for pavement, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds for most models, except the base SE, which was rated for 2,000 pounds.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade offered ample space for seven or eight passengers, with 44.1 inches of legroom in the front row, 42.4 in the second, and 31.4 in the third. Passenger volume measured 155.3 cubic feet, and the second-row seating facilitated easy access to the third row with a one-touch seat slide. The third row featured 60/40-split seats that folded flat, with power switches available in higher trims. Cargo space totaled 18 cubic feet with all seats in place, 45.8 behind the second row, and 86.4 with the seats folded flat. The Palisade was equipped with HVAC vents in all three rows and provided two cupholders per person. The center console included a phone holder and space for a bag, with physical buttons and knobs laid out intuitively. Automatic dual-zone climate control was standard in SEL and higher trims.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas gained more standard features for 2024, including a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats on the base SE trim. The SE with Technology added a power liftgate, while leather upholstery and heated second-row seats became standard on the SEL. Seating for seven was standard, with a second-row bench that could split-fold, recline, and slide. The bench could hold three child seats side by side and tilt and slide forward with them in place. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, reducing seating capacity to six. The Atlas offered competitive headroom and legroom across all three rows, with third-row legroom being the best in its class. Cargo space measured 96.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, 55.5 cubic feet with the third row stowed, and 20.6 cubic feet with all seats in place.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade introduced several technological advancements, including WiFi hotspot capability standard on all trims. A new 12.3-inch color touchscreen infotainment system was also standard, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, HD Radio, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth connectivity. A premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system was available in SEL models and standard in Limited and Calligraphy. The Palisade offered a 4.2-inch color driver info display or a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in higher trims. An in-car intercom and rear-seat quiet mode were available, and Hyundai's Bluelink connected vehicle system was standard, offering remote accessibility and management features. The Palisade was the first vehicle to feature Digital Key 2 Touch, compatible with Apple and Samsung devices, allowing owners to unlock, start, and drive the car using their devices.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received more standard tech features, including a 12-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless phone charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were now standard. Six USB-C ports were standard, with up to eight available, including a dash cam port on higher trims. A head-up display was standard on SEL and higher trims. VW switched to a Harman Kardon 12-speaker system for premium audio on higher trims. The upgraded infotainment system was user-friendly, with sharp graphics and a map view in the digital instrument cluster. However, VW's reliance on haptic touchpads for controls like audio volume and headlights made them more challenging to use than traditional buttons.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for the 2022 model, and the 2023 model was expected to maintain or improve upon this rating. The Palisade came with Hyundai's Smart Sense suite of safety features, including forward collision avoidance, driver attention warning, high beam assist, and lane-keeping and lane-following assist. Blind-spot collision avoidance and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance were newly standard. Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control with stop and go and curve control functions was standard, along with intelligent speed limit assist. Highway Driving Assist I was standard on lower trims, while Highway Driving Assist II was available on SEL and standard on higher trims. A full-display digital rearview mirror and safe exit warning were also available.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The IIHS hadn't released ratings for the 2024 model, but the 2023 model received high scores in most crash tests. More driver-assist features became standard for 2024, including VW's IQ.Drive package with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist for highway driving. The SEL Premium R-Line added park assist and a surround-view camera system. The Atlas also featured automatic post-collision braking, a crash response system, and an emergency assist feature.