2023 Kia Sportage vs 2024 Hyundai Palisade

The 2023 Kia Sportage emerged with a bold redesign, shedding its previous iterations' varied styles for a look that was both exciting and exotic. Its appearance was reminiscent of French automotive design, with standout features like boomerang-shaped daytime running lights and textured metal trim on the D Pillar. This model was available in five trims in Canada, starting with the LX, which offered front-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as an option. Inside, Kia opted for synthetic leather upholstery, maintaining a balance between durability and style, although some might have missed the feel of genuine leather. The interior boasted a large display, but some design choices, like touch-sensitive HVAC controls, were less user-friendly.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Palisade stood out with its distinctive styling, appealing to those who appreciated its unique look. Available in two trims in Canada, Urban and Ultimate Calligraphy, the Palisade offered a luxurious feel with features like an artificial suede headliner and quality upholstery. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim, in particular, exuded sophistication, making it feel like a luxury SUV. The interior was well-appointed, with configurable storage and thoughtful touches like a dual-panel sunroof and heated seats. The Palisade's design and features made it a comfortable and upscale choice for families.

The 2023 Kia Sportage featured a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While it offered more power than its predecessor, it lacked the turbocharged engine option that some enthusiasts might have preferred. The Sportage's fuel economy was respectable, with figures of 9.3 L/100 km in the city and 7.4 on the highway for FWD models. The AWD version had slightly higher consumption. The Sportage's off-road capabilities were decent, with 21 centimetres of ground clearance, but it lacked the rugged features of the X-Pro trims available elsewhere.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade, on the other hand, was powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided ample power and smooth acceleration, with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD in Canada. The Palisade offered several driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, and Sport, and had a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. Its fuel consumption was rated at 11.1 L/100 km combined, though real-world testing showed higher figures. The Palisade's suspension provided a firm yet comfortable ride, and it handled well on various terrains, making it a versatile choice for drivers.

The 2023 Kia Sportage, as a compact crossover, offered increased dimensions compared to its predecessor, providing more interior space. Rear-seat legroom was generous at 1,050 mm, and the cargo area offered 1,121 litres of space, expandable to 2,098 litres with the rear seats folded. The front seats had ample storage, but the technology interface was somewhat overcomplicated, with touch-sensitive controls that could be frustrating to use.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior comfort and space, with premium Nappa leather in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim and heated, ventilated seats. The Palisade's configurable storage options and thoughtful design elements, like USB ports and sunshades, enhanced passenger comfort. The third-row seating was more spacious than many competitors, and the hands-free power tailgate added convenience. Cargo space was ample, with 509 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,447 litres with seats folded.

The 2023 Kia Sportage featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system on higher trims, paired with a digital instrument cluster. While the technology was impressive, the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on top trims was puzzling. The Sportage offered standard Bluetooth, keyless entry, and a Harman Kardon audio system on the X-Line Limited trim.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a cable, the system's voice recognition worked well. Hyundai's Bluelink connected services were standard, offering features like remote engine start and emergency assistance. The Palisade also boasted a premium Harman Kardon sound system and advanced technologies like a digital rearview mirror and head-up display.

The 2023 Kia Sportage offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a backup camera. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. However, the Sportage had not yet been crash-tested by major safety organizations.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with an extensive array of safety systems, such as forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included advanced features like lane-change assist. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though some crash test results were pending.