2020 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2020 Volvo XC90 showcased a pinnacle of modern Volvo design, proving that a large SUV could be as aesthetically pleasing as a sleek sedan. The R-Design trim featured blacked-out, honeycomb grille treatments, black window surrounds, mirrors, a more aggressive chin spoiler, and bright 22-inch rims, adding a touch of elegance to its already handsome figure. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were distinctive, while the subtle arching shoulder crease emphasized width and stability. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint with a blue hue contrasted beautifully with the beige-leather and aluminum interior, creating a stunning visual appeal.

Inside, the XC90 offered a luxurious experience with options like matte wood trim and wool fabric seats in the Inscription models, and leather with aluminum or carbon-fiber trim in the R-Design. The seats were exceptionally comfortable, with power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage features. The rear seats were nearly as good as the front, and the cabin was filled with rich leather and padded materials for both quality and safety. The attention to detail, such as the Swedish flag tag on the front passenger seat and the twist-action ignition knob, highlighted Volvo's craftsmanship. The vertical touchscreen integrated seamlessly into the dash, emphasizing simplicity and quality.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy distinguished itself with a unique grille pattern, revised exterior lighting, additional lower body trim, 20-inch wheels, upgraded interior detailing, and a simulated suede interior headliner. These features made the Calligraphy trim look more upscale and drew attention, though opinions on its styling varied. The Palisade's unconventional design was polarizing, but it undeniably appeared more expensive than its price tag suggested.

Inside, the Calligraphy trim offered a luxurious experience with a Beige over Navy Blue color scheme and light, striated simulated wood trim. The quilted and stitched premium Nappa leather and suede headliner added to the upscale feel. The cabin was spacious and comfortable, with eight-way power-adjustable seats for the driver and passenger, heated and ventilated front seats, and second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row passengers enjoyed separate climate controls and rear side-window sunshades. The Palisade's interior space and accessibility were impressive, making it a standout in the midsize three-row SUV segment.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which felt insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6 model, with a supercharger added to the turbocharger, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing better performance. The Polestar tune upgrade boosted these numbers to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's acceleration was not linear, and the engine noise was unrefined for its price range. Fuel economy was also unimpressive, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined.

The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, with an 11.6-kWh battery providing up to 18 gas-free miles. However, the added weight negated the speed benefits, and the fuel economy was only slightly better at 27 mpg combined. The Polestar upgrade improved transmission, throttle, and steering response, but the XC90's handling remained uninspiring. The Four-C adaptive air suspension provided comfort, but the steering lacked precision, and the body exhibited significant roll and dive.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with optional all-wheel drive. Drivers could choose between Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport driving modes, with AWD models adding a Snow mode and a Lock function for improved traction. The Palisade AWD achieved an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving, and our test vehicle averaged 21.1 mpg.

The Palisade's firmer suspension provided excellent body-motion control, making it more communicative about road conditions while maintaining comfort. It handled well on twisty roads, though it did not encourage aggressive driving. The Palisade was easy to drive in urban and suburban environments, with plenty of power, good steering effort, and brake pedal modulation. Highway cruising was effortless, thanks to the impressive Highway Drive Assist technology. The Palisade also offered a 5,000-pound towing capacity, with a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector for 2021.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system initialized faster and responded more quickly than previous models, which was crucial since all climate controls were within the touchscreen. The system was well-organized, but some safety features were buried in menus. The cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an integrated booster cushion for young children. The six-seat configuration was available on T6 and T8 powertrains but not on the R-Design model. The first and second rows offered generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was tight and suitable for small children. Cargo space was up to 85.7 cubic feet with the last two rows folded.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space, seating, and accessibility. The Calligraphy trim offered eight-way power-adjustable seats for the driver and passenger, with heated and ventilated front seats and second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row passengers had separate climate controls and rear side-window sunshades. The seats provided good support for long drives, and the second-row captain’s chairs slid forward and back for passenger and cargo flexibility. The third-row seat was more accommodating than most competitors. The Palisade offered plenty of in-cabin storage, with a storage tray under the center console. Cargo space was 18 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, and 86.4 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate was convenient, though it could be turned off if desired.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design trim featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, offering an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen made navigation easier, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could show the map between the analog-style dials but lacked major reconfiguration options. Volvo needed to improve the digital screen and show individual tire pressures in the TPMS sensors.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen requiring a wired connection. The Calligraphy trim included SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, Blue Link connected services, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. Other features included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, Quiet Mode, and a head-up display. The surround-view camera system helped with parking and maneuvering in tight spaces.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though the headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels, curtain airbags, and a unique whiplash protection system.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and multiple lane-keeping systems. The rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist added to its safety credentials. Limited and Calligraphy trims featured a Blind View Monitor and Highway Drive Assist, which provided smooth and sophisticated adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA and included three free years of Blue Link services for automatic collision warning and emergency assistance.