2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2024 Hyundai Palisade

Volkswagen made subtle styling changes to the 2023 ID.4, including a gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design aimed at improving aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colors were introduced, and the rear VW logo now lights up. Despite these updates, the ID.4 didn't look particularly SUV-like, lacking the upright profile and ground clearance typical of traditional SUVs. This could be a drawback for buyers attracted to those features, although it was a common issue among many electric vehicles.

The ID.4 was built on VW’s MEB platform, designed specifically for EVs, offering modularity to support various models. The interior maintained the minimalist design and quality feel of recent VW gasoline cars, with leatherette upholstery made partly from recycled fibers as standard. The base ID.4 Standard model, despite having a manual driver’s seat, didn't feel like a significant downgrade from higher trims, showcasing VW's commitment to quality across the lineup.

Distinctive styling set the 2024 Hyundai Palisade apart from its rivals, making it easily recognizable among family-friendly SUVs. Hyundai offered the Palisade in multiple trims, including the new Calligraphy Night Edition, with prices ranging from $36,650 to $53,850. The Calligraphy Night Edition featured a blacked-out appearance with dark chrome and gloss black exterior trim, available only in Abyss Black or Hyper White paint colors paired with a black interior featuring leather with artificial suede inserts.

The Palisade's interior exuded luxury, especially in the Calligraphy Night Edition, with an artificial suede headliner, quality upholstery, metal speaker grilles, and sophisticated design elements. The overall feel was akin to a luxury SUV, making it a standout in the midsize family SUV segment. The attention to detail and high-quality materials used in the Palisade's interior made it a comfortable and appealing choice for buyers seeking a premium experience.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base Standard and S models, available only with RWD. The Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus trims retained the 82-kWh pack, available with both RWD and AWD. Single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while dual-motor AWD models increased output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds.

Volkswagen estimated that the smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, potentially improving acceleration and handling. The 62-kWh ID.4 Standard felt spritely during a short drive, though more seat time was needed for a proper comparison with the larger-battery version. The AWD ID.4 offered acceleration comparable to hot hatchbacks like the Golf GTI but lacked the handling finesse. Regenerative braking was present but didn't support one-pedal driving, providing a more familiar experience for new EV drivers.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine generating 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Palisade offered FWD as standard, with AWD available as an upgrade. The maximum towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, and the SUV had eight inches of ground clearance. Various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Smart, and Snow, were available, with the AWD system capable of evenly splitting power between the front and rear wheels for off-road travel.

The V6 engine provided ample power and satisfying acceleration, with the transmission always in the right gear. The AWD system expertly distributed power on dirt and gravel roads. The EPA estimated 21 mpg in combined driving for AWD models, though real-world testing averaged 18.8 mpg in Comfort mode. The Palisade displayed some athleticism on mountain and canyon roads, with predictable handling and effective brakes. Overall, driving the Palisade was a simple pleasure, though real-world fuel economy was a minor drawback.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more interior space than other affordable EVs, with more front-seat and rear-seat legroom than the Chevrolet Bolt EV or Nissan Leaf, and more headroom than the 2023 Kia Niro EV. Cargo space was 30.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, surpassing most entry-level EVs. The ID.4 also had a towing capacity of 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models. Small interior changes for 2023 included a conventional lid for the center console and a better spot for a phone, along with three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade offered various seating options, with the base SE trim featuring cloth seats and higher trims offering H-Tex artificial leather, real leather, or premium Nappa leather with microfiber inserts. Heated eight-way power-adjustable front seats were standard on all but the SE trim, with additional comfort features available on higher trims. The Calligraphy Night Edition test vehicle was particularly comfortable, though it only came with a black interior.

The Palisade provided configurable storage between the front seats, with a large storage bin, wireless smartphone charger, and additional storage under the center armrest. Second-row passengers enjoyed excellent comfort, with heated and ventilated captain’s chairs available on higher trims. The third-row seat was more comfortable and roomy than most rivals, with standard heating and air conditioning vents. The Palisade offered 18 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86.4 cubic feet with the second row folded.

For 2023, the Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, replacing the 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. The infotainment system received software updates for improved responsiveness, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remaining standard. The ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster was also standard. Despite the updates, the user experience was hampered by haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel, which lacked physical feedback and could be distracting. The ID.Light feature provided ambient lighting and AI assistance, indicating navigation directions and drive mode changes.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, available with the SEL Premium option package or higher trims. All Palisades had a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, supporting Bluetooth connectivity for two devices, Bluelink+ connected services, Wi-Fi access, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a rear-seat Quiet Mode. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a cable connection. The Harman Kardon premium sound system was available on higher trims, providing excellent sound quality. Additional technologies included a digital key function, digital rearview mirror, semi-autonomous remote parking system, and an excellent head-up display.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests, and four stars in rollover crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2022 model its highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating, with top scores in all crash tests and high ratings for front crash prevention. The ID.4 came with a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and VW’s Travel Assist 2.0.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with Hyundai’s SmartSense collection of driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. Highway Driving Assist (HDA) paired adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, offering a hands-on driving system for highway travel. Higher trims added features like front parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA crash tests were incomplete.