Genesis GV70 vs Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

The 2026 Genesis GV70 showcased the brand's "Athletic Elegance" design philosophy with a refined and distinctive style. Its sharpened crest-shaped grille, flanked by two-line headlamps with micro lens array lighting elements, gave it a bold presence. The GV70 was available in eight colours, including the new Ceres Blue, inspired by the first dwarf planet discovered by humanity. Inside, the GV70 featured a 27-inch OLED screen dominating the dashboard, complemented by redesigned interior lighting elements that added a techy glow. The Sport model stood out with a unique grille pattern, dark chrome moulding, and 21-inch wheels, while the interior boasted carbon fibre trim and flashy colour options.

In contrast, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid was available in two trims: Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy. The Palisade Hybrid integrated seamlessly into the gas-only Palisade lineup, offering a massive grille with horizontal slats and LED projector headlights. The rear view was equally handsome, with wide-spaced letters spelling the vehicle's name and stacks of LED taillights. Inside, the Palisade Hybrid impressed with its organic and natural shapes, offering a richer feeling of craftsmanship compared to other non-luxury crossovers. The interior featured H-Tex synthetic leatherette upholstery, eight-way power adjustment for the driver's seat, and three-stage heating elements for the front seats. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added luxurious Nappa leather upholstery and thoughtful storage solutions.

The 2026 Genesis GV70 offered a choice between a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-litre turbocharged V6 engine delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV70 featured Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes, along with a new Terrain Mode for Snow, Mud, and Sand settings. The 2026 GV70 also introduced hydro bushings and Highway Body Motion Control for a smoother ride, while the Road Preview feature used forward-facing cameras to enhance comfort.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, on the other hand, combined a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery, producing a total of 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The advanced eight-speed automatic transmission and next-generation hybrid system optimized power distribution and fuel efficiency. The Palisade Hybrid impressed with its lack of noise and vibration inside the cabin, thanks to noise-absorbing carpet and acoustic glass. The steering feel was sharp, while the pedals felt a bit squishy, but overall, the Palisade Hybrid provided a delightful driving experience.

The 2026 Genesis GV70 offered ample space for tall drivers in the front seats, with most controls within easy reach. However, the 27-inch OLED screen was partially blocked by the steering wheel, requiring a good driving position for optimal visibility. The wide centre console featured a rotary shifter and infotainment dial, though storage space was limited. The rear seats provided plenty of headroom and shoulder room, but rear legroom was not the car's strongest suit. Cargo space was adequate but fell short compared to competitors like the BMW X3.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid offered 2,455 litres of total cargo capacity, trailing some competitors but surpassing others. The second-row legroom was slightly compromised due to the battery's position, but the third row provided ample space. The Palisade Hybrid's cabin was comfortable, with dual-zone climate control, seven USB-C power outlets, and a second-row bench seat for eight passengers. The centre console featured a rubberized cargo space, while the front doors had small storage areas for phones or sunglasses.

The 2026 Genesis GV70 featured a 27-inch OLED touchscreen infotainment system with over-the-air updates, customizable themes, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The screen displayed various camera angles, including a 360-degree Surround View Monitor. The digital gauges were customizable, and additional voice commands were available for climate control and infotainment. The GV70 also included Genesis Digital Key and a fingerprint authentication system for keyless entry and start.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. It supported HD and Sirius XM satellite radio, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The Driver Talk intercom system facilitated communication between rows, while a 14-speaker Bose stereo was available on higher trims. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim featured a built-in dashcam, and the Palisade Hybrid introduced "Stay Mode" for running climate control and infotainment while the engine was off.

The 2026 Genesis GV70 boasted a comprehensive package of advanced driver safety features, including forward collision avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, and more. The Genesis Highway Driving Assist II technology detected the driver's hands on the steering wheel and proved reliable during testing. Although the 2026 GV70 had not been crash-tested, previous models received high safety ratings, and the advanced safety packages were expected to maintain those standards.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid came standard with a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. The blind-view monitor was standard on higher trims, and the rear doors featured a safe-exit alert indicator. While the 2026 Palisade Hybrid had not been crash-tested, the 2025 model received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.