Volvo XC60 vs Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

The 2026 Volvo XC60 B5, available in Core, Plus, and Ultra trim levels, offered a luxurious experience with its beautifully detailed interior and clean Scandinavian design. The Ultra trim, with its Forest Lake paint and 22-inch wheels, added significant presence to the vehicle. The interior featured plush Nappa leather, premium wood trim, and classy metal speaker grilles, creating a calm and pampered atmosphere for drivers. However, the minimalist design of the controls required some getting used to, especially during a family road trip.

In contrast, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, available in Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, impressed with its massive grille, LED projector headlights, and stylish rear design. The interior was a delight, offering H-Tex synthetic leatherette upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and a rich feeling of craftsmanship. The Palisade Hybrid provided a comfortable cabin with dual-zone climate control, multiple USB-C power outlets, and thoughtful storage solutions, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2026 Volvo XC60 B5 featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 247 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While it offered a 6.9-second sprint to 100 km/h, the power delivery was uneven due to turbo lag and transmission reluctance. The fuel efficiency was slightly below expectations, with a combined rating of 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres. The XC60's ride quality was impacted by the 22-inch wheels, but the air suspension provided comfort in most situations. The vehicle excelled on highways, offering a smooth road trip experience.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, with its 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, delivered a total of 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The advanced hybrid system optimized power distribution, resulting in impressive performance and fuel efficiency. The Palisade Hybrid offered a quiet and smooth ride, with minimal noise and vibration inside the cabin. The steering was sharp, providing a responsive driving experience, although the pedal feel was slightly soft.

The 2026 Volvo XC60 offered comfortable front seats with heating, cooling, and massage features, making it ideal for long-distance travel. However, the rear seats were less comfortable, with firm cushions and limited legroom. The XC60 provided 613 litres of cargo space behind the back seat, expandable to 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded. In-cabin storage was adequate, with various compartments for smaller items.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid offered 2,455 litres of total cargo capacity, providing ample space for families. While the second-row legroom was slightly compromised by the battery placement, the third row offered decent space for passengers. The Palisade Hybrid featured dual-zone climate control, multiple USB-C power outlets, and a variety of storage solutions, ensuring a comfortable and practical interior for occupants.

The 2026 Volvo XC60 introduced a larger 11.2-inch touchscreen with Volvo Car UX software, offering Google built-in features and a four-year subscription to Digital Services. The infotainment system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although Apple CarPlay required a wired connection. The optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system provided a premium sound experience, but at a significant cost.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The vehicle featured a Driver Talk intercom system, a 14-speaker Bose stereo, and a built-in dashcam on higher trims. The Palisade Hybrid also introduced "Stay Mode," allowing the use of climate control and infotainment while the engine was off, enhancing convenience for drivers.

The 2026 Volvo XC60 did not receive a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS due to an Acceptable rating in the side-impact crash test. However, it offered a range of safety features, including forward collision warning, oncoming collision mitigation, and intersection braking assist. The Pilot Assist system, while present, lacked sophistication compared to competitors. The XC60 earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid came standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic assist, and automatic emergency braking. The blind-view monitor was standard on higher trims, enhancing safety during lane changes. While crash test ratings for the 2026 model were not available, the 2025 Palisade received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.