2024 Hyundai Palisade vs 2024 Toyota Sequoia

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade stood out with its distinctive styling, setting it apart from the typical family-friendly SUVs. While its design might not have appealed to everyone, those who appreciated its aesthetics likely found other aspects of the vehicle equally appealing. In Canada, the Palisade was available in two trims: Urban and Ultimate Calligraphy, priced at $57,431 and $61,031, respectively, including destination charges. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim, which was tested, featured luxurious touches such as an artificial suede headliner, quality upholstery, and sophisticated interior elements, giving it a feel akin to a luxury SUV.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, featuring similar design cues like hexagonal grilles and muscular stances. The exterior colour significantly influenced its appearance, with the Capstone model showcasing more chrome brightwork. Presented in Celestial Silver, the Sequoia appeared somewhat dated, reminiscent of a "cop car." Inside, the Sequoia mirrored the Tundra's blocky, geometric dashboard design, with physical dials and buttons for climate control. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered SofTex leatherette or standard leather. The Sequoia's interior was spacious, with power-adjustable front seats and a power-tilt and -slide moonroof standard across all trims.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD) in Canada. The Palisade had a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms and offered 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance. Various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Smart, and Snow, were available, with the option to lock the AWD system for off-road conditions. The V6 engine provided ample power and smooth acceleration, while the suspension offered a firm yet comfortable ride. The Palisade's fuel consumption was rated at 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres, though real-world testing showed an average of 15.0 L/100 km in Comfort mode.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively available in a hybrid format, utilizing Toyota's iForce MAX hybrid powertrain. This system combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, delivering 427 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. The Sequoia's fuel economy improved significantly, rated at 11.7 L/100 km combined with four-wheel drive. In Canada, the Sequoia came with standard 4WD and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The SR5 TRD Off-Road model offered adventure-ready features like unique tires, off-road suspension, and driver-assist technologies. The Sequoia's towing capacity was 4,137 kilograms, with available towing-related upgrades for enhanced capability.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade offered a comfortable and well-appointed interior, with artificial leather upholstery in the Urban trim and premium Nappa leather in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. Standard features included heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a dual-panel sunroof. The Palisade's configurable storage options and spacious second-row seating added to its practicality. The third-row seat was accessible via a one-touch function, providing decent clearance and comfort. The Palisade's cargo space measured 509 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,447 litres with the second and third rows folded.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured automatic power-deploying running boards on the Capstone and Platinum trims, aiding entry for shorter passengers. The Sequoia's cargo space reached a maximum of 2,460 litres with both rear rows folded. However, the third-row seats did not create a flat load floor due to the hybrid powertrain's battery pack. The Sequoia's interior dimensions included 995 mm of front legroom and 904 mm in the third row, with second-row captain's chairs available on higher trims. While the Sequoia offered ample space, its seating comfort and legroom were less competitive compared to some rivals.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and touchscreen infotainment system with navigation. Standard connectivity options included Bluetooth, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, though the latter required a USB-A cable. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added wireless charging and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Hyundai's Bluelink connected services were included with a three-year subscription, offering remote engine start and emergency assistance. Additional technologies included a digital rearview mirror, semi-autonomous remote parking, and a head-up display.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia's Capstone trim came with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, accessible through a 14-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system prioritized functionality over flashy design. A 12.3-inch driver information display was standard across all trims, while the Panoramic View monitor and 10-inch head-up display were available on higher trims. The Sequoia's 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system was standard on Platinum and Capstone trims, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a comprehensive suite of driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. Highway Driving Assist (HDA) was standard, offering adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA crash tests were incomplete at the time of writing.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5 suite as standard, including pre-collision systems, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Optional driver aids included a trailer backup guide with Straight-Path Assist. The Sequoia had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar Toyota Tundra received a Top Safety Pick+ designation.