Hyundai Tucson vs Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson, a continuation of the fourth generation introduced in 2022, maintained its striking design with sharp angles and distinctive features like headlights that seamlessly blend into the grille. This cohesive design gave the Tucson a modern and athletic appearance, even in the typically unflattering white colour of the test vehicle. Unlike some luxury brands that replicate designs across their lineup, Hyundai ensured each model had its unique style, making the Tucson stand out in the compact SUV segment.

Inside, the Tucson's cabin was a blend of modernity and refinement, with technology integrated in an approachable manner. While the absence of a volume dial was a minor inconvenience, the touch-capacitive buttons and steering wheel toggle were functional alternatives. The layout of controls near the shifter and cupholders was practical, though it required some familiarization. The Tucson offered a range of trims, each with distinct features, from the base Preferred with its 17-inch alloy wheels to the Ultimate trim, which boasted advanced driver assistance technologies and luxurious touches like ventilated front seats and genuine leather upholstery.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, available in Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, integrated seamlessly into the existing Palisade lineup. The base Luxury trim featured 20-inch alloy wheels and a prominent grille with LED projector headlights, giving the Palisade a commanding presence. The vehicle's profile was enhanced by body-colour, heated side mirrors with power-folding capabilities, and acoustic side glass for a quieter ride. The rear design was equally impressive, with wide-spaced lettering and LED taillights, emphasizing the Palisade's focus on efficient and peaceful driving.

Inside, the Palisade Hybrid offered a luxurious experience with features like H-Tex synthetic leatherette upholstery and eight-way power-adjustable seats. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim elevated the interior with Nappa leather upholstery and additional comfort features. The cabin design was thoughtfully crafted, with organic shapes and well-engineered storage solutions, providing a sense of craftsmanship that set it apart from other non-luxury crossovers. Despite some competition catching up in terms of third-row space, the Palisade remained a comfortable and spacious option for families.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson in Canada came equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. While the engine was adequate for city driving, it struggled to provide swift acceleration on highways, often requiring the throttle to be pushed to the floor. For those seeking more power, the Tucson Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid offered 226 and 261 horsepower, respectively, though they featured a unique button-style shifter that required some adjustment.

The Tucson excelled in handling and ride quality, offering a balanced combination of comfort and cornering ability. It absorbed road imperfections well, making it suitable for long journeys or daily commutes. The steering was precise and well-weighted, though not as sporty as some competitors like the Mazda CX-5. Overall, the Tucson provided a well-rounded driving experience.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid defied the stereotype of sluggish hybrids, offering a dynamic driving experience for a three-row crossover. Its powertrain 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. This setup ensured the Palisade never felt underpowered, whether in city traffic or on the highway.

The advanced eight-speed automatic transmission and next-generation hybrid system contributed to the Palisade's impressive performance. The system eliminated the need for a starter motor and auxiliary belts, relying on a capable electric motor connected directly to the engine. This motor, along with a second unit for propulsion, allowed the Palisade to operate efficiently in various driving conditions. The result was a powerful yet fuel-efficient powertrain that enhanced handling and provided a smooth, quiet ride, except under hard acceleration when engine noise became noticeable.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson offered impressive cargo space, with up to 2,119 litres available when the rear seats were folded, and 1,097 litres with the seats in use. This made it a strong contender in the compact SUV segment. The Tucson's hands-free power liftgate, available on trims above the base Preferred, provided convenience without the need for awkward foot movements. The interior accommodated up to five passengers comfortably, with ample headroom and legroom in both rows. The front seats were particularly spacious, making the Tucson suitable for longer trips with four adults. The cabin featured deep cup holders and a centre tray with a wireless charging pad for added convenience.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid offered a total cargo capacity of 2,455 litres, trailing some competitors like the Chevrolet Traverse and Honda Pilot but surpassing others such as the Ford Explorer and Mazda CX-90. While the second-row legroom was slightly compromised due to the battery's placement, it remained competitive. The third row, however, lagged behind some rivals in terms of legroom and headroom. Despite this, the Palisade provided a comfortable cabin with dual-zone climate control, multiple USB-C power outlets, and spacious seating for up to eight passengers. The interior was designed with practicality in mind, featuring numerous storage cubbies and a well-thought-out layout.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson featured a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a fully digital instrument panel. While the layout was intuitive, the lack of wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay was a drawback. The haptic volume toggle was less convenient than traditional dials, but the touchscreen and buttons were glove-friendly. The remote start system was a highlight, allowing drivers to start the vehicle remotely and simply drive away once inside, thanks to key detection.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a matching digital instrument cluster. While not overly large, the screen was slightly out of reach for passengers. The infotainment system supported wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with HD and Sirius XM satellite radio. The Driver Talk intercom system facilitated communication between rows. Higher trims featured a 14-speaker Bose stereo and a built-in dashcam, a valuable addition for safety-conscious drivers. The Palisade also introduced "Stay Mode," allowing the use of climate control and infotainment while the engine was off, provided the hybrid battery had sufficient charge.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson came standard with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Ultimate trim added advanced features like front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, and Hyundai's Smart Park remote-parking feature. The Tucson received high safety ratings, with the IIHS awarding it a Top Safety Pick+ designation for 2023, and the NHTSA granting it five stars in frontal crash tests.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid also offered a robust array 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, standard on higher trims, provided real-time camera feeds of blind spots. The Palisade's ADAS technology performed reliably during testing, and while crash test ratings for the 2026 model were not yet available, the 2025 Palisade received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.