Honda HR-V vs Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

The 2026 Honda HR-V was available in three trim levels: LX, Sport, and EX-L, with pricing in Canada ranging from $33,446 to $41,846, including a $2,000 destination charge and other fees. The EX-L trim, which we tested, came with a Nordic Forest Pearl paint, bringing the MSRP to $42,246. The HR-V's design featured a blobby grille and a unique profile, but the green paint and 18-inch alloy wheels under gloss-black wheel arches enhanced its appearance. The interior of the HR-V was more appealing, especially with the grey upholstery and trim available in the EX-L trim, creating a contrast against the black interior. The EX-L also featured genuine leather seats with perforated surfaces and Z-pattern stitching, upgraded cabin lighting, and detailing for 2026.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid was offered in two trim levels: Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy, integrating into the gas-only Palisade lineup. The base Luxury trim came with 20-inch alloy wheels and a massive grille with LED projector headlights. The Palisade's profile featured body-colour, heated side mirrors with power-folding capabilities in the Luxury Hybrid. The rear view was equally handsome, with wide-spaced letters spelling the vehicle's name and LED taillights. Inside, the Palisade impressed with H-Tex synthetic leatherette upholstery, eight-way power adjustment for the driver's seat, and three-stage heating elements. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a richer feeling of craftsmanship compared to other non-luxury crossovers.

The 2026 Honda HR-V was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 138 pound-feet of torque at 4,200 rpm. Weighing up to 1,510 kilograms, the HR-V's engine worked hard, especially when paired with the continuously variable transmission (CVT). While the CVT performed well in urban settings, the HR-V struggled with acceleration on highways and steep grades. Fuel economy was not as impressive as expected, with the HR-V averaging 9.5 L/100 km on our test loop, compared to the official ratings of 8.3 L/100 km (FWD) and 8.7 L/100 km (AWD). The HR-V's dynamic tuning was commendable, with a multi-link rear suspension and Agile Handling Assist, providing a lively feel in turns.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery, producing a combined 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The Palisade's advanced eight-speed automatic transmission and hybrid system contributed to its impressive performance, allowing it to handle urban and highway driving with ease. The hybrid system optimized power distribution, enhancing handling and fuel efficiency. Inside, the Palisade offered a quiet and comfortable ride, with noise-absorbing carpet and acoustic glass reducing road and engine noise. The steering was sharp, providing a responsive driving experience, although the pedal feel was softer than expected.

The 2026 Honda HR-V's interior lacked the innovation of its predecessor, with the rear "Magic Seat" now folding flat like other crossovers. The HR-V did not offer a fold-flat front passenger seat or a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat. The cargo area behind the rear seats measured 691 litres, with a total of 1,559 litres when the seats were folded. The HR-V's storage solutions were reasonable, but the back seat lacked comfort and features such as air conditioning vents and USB charging ports.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid offered 2,455 litres of total cargo capacity, trailing some competitors but surpassing others like the Ford Explorer and Mazda CX-90. The second-row legroom was slightly reduced due to the battery's position, but the third row provided adequate space. The Palisade's cabin was comfortable, with dual-zone climate control, seven USB-C power outlets, and a second-row bench seat standard. The Palisade also featured numerous storage cubbies, enhancing its practicality for families.

The 2026 Honda HR-V featured a 9-inch touchscreen with a faster processor, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless smartphone charger. However, it lacked built-in navigation and SiriusXM satellite radio. The EX-L trim offered an eight-speaker audio system, and the tech was simple and user-friendly, though it lagged behind competitors like the Hyundai Kona.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, supporting HD and Sirius XM satellite radio, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The Palisade featured a 14-speaker Bose stereo on higher trims and a 15-watt wireless charging pad. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included a built-in dashcam and "Stay Mode," allowing the use of climate control and infotainment while the engine was off.

The 2026 Honda HR-V was equipped with Honda Sensing, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize vehicles, requiring driver intervention. The HR-V received favourable ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2025 model year.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid featured a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic assist, and automatic emergency braking. The blind-view monitor was standard on higher trims, and the safe-exit alert indicator was a useful feature. The Palisade's ADAS performed well during testing, with no false alerts. The 2025 Palisade received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.