Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

The 2023 Honda CR-V presented a more refined and slightly aggressive appearance with its blunt nose, long hood, and extended wheelbase, marking a departure from the more expressive fifth-generation model. While its conservative styling might not have been as charismatic, it promised longevity in appeal. The CR-V EX-L featured 18-inch alloy wheels and dark-tinted rear privacy glass, enhancing its sophisticated look. Inside, the leather-wrapped seats, steering wheel, and shift knob elevated the interior's quality, complemented by a dashboard design inspired by the latest Civic, featuring metal mesh trim and a larger touchscreen infotainment system. The CR-V EX-L also offered a power-adjustable front passenger seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a power rear liftgate, adding to its premium feel.

In contrast, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid was available in two trims: Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy, both integrating seamlessly into the existing Palisade lineup. The base Luxury trim came with 20-inch alloy wheels and a striking front grille with LED projector headlights. The Palisade's profile was marked by body-colour, heated side mirrors with power-folding capabilities in the Luxury Hybrid. The rear design was equally impressive, with wide-spaced letters and LED taillights. Inside, the Palisade Hybrid boasted a comfortable cabin with H-Tex synthetic leatherette upholstery, eight-way power adjustment for the driver's seat, and three-stage heating elements. Higher trims offered features like Nappa leather upholstery and integrated driver's seat memory settings, showcasing a rich sense of craftsmanship.

The 2023 Honda CR-V was powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, while efficient, was known for its droning noise during hard acceleration. Despite this, the CR-V excelled in ride and handling, with a well-tuned suspension, steering, and brakes. It offered a smooth and engaging driving experience, effectively managing body motion and impact harshness. The CR-V achieved impressive fuel economy, averaging 8.1 L/100 km on a mountainous route, slightly better than the expected 8.4 L/100 km.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, on the other hand, featured a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery, delivering a combined 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. This setup provided ample power for both city driving and highway overtaking. The Palisade Hybrid's advanced eight-speed automatic transmission and propulsion systems contributed to its impressive performance. The hybrid system allowed for optimized power distribution, enhancing handling and efficiency. Inside, the Palisade Hybrid offered a quiet and comfortable ride, with noise-absorbing materials and acoustic glass minimizing road and engine noise.

The 2023 Honda CR-V was touted as the roomiest version yet, though the driver's seat felt more car-like than SUV-like. The second row offered ample space, resembling a midsize model, with good thigh support and legroom. The CR-V's cargo area provided 1,113 litres of space, expandable to 2,166 litres with the rear seats folded. The Hybrid model offered slightly less cargo space. Storage solutions were abundant, though lined with hard plastic, which could cause noise.

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 by the battery placement, but the third row was spacious enough for most passengers. The Palisade Hybrid's cabin was comfortable, with dual-zone climate control and multiple USB-C power outlets. It came standard with a second-row bench seat, with captain's chairs available on higher trims. The Palisade also featured numerous storage cubbies, enhancing its practicality.

The 2023 Honda CR-V featured a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a larger 9-inch display on the EX-L trim. The EX-L offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an upgraded sound system. However, the technology package was considered basic compared to competitors, lacking innovation and premium features.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, offering wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A 14-speaker Bose stereo was available on higher trims, along with a built-in dashcam on the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. The Palisade Hybrid introduced "Stay Mode," allowing the use of climate control and infotainment while the engine was off, showcasing its advanced technology offerings.

The 2023 Honda CR-V featured the Honda Sensing suite, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. New features included a seatbelt reminder, rear-seat reminder, and traffic sign recognition. The CR-V was built with Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure and received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid offered a comprehensive 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. While crash test ratings were not available at the time, the 2025 Palisade received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.