2022 Toyota Sequoia vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade, particularly in its Calligraphy trim, stood out with its distinctive design elements. It featured a unique grille pattern, revised exterior lighting with puddle lamps, additional lower body trim, and exclusive 20-inch wheels. The interior was equally impressive, boasting upgraded detailing and a simulated suede headliner. The Calligraphy trim made the Palisade appear more luxurious than its price suggested, with a Beige over Navy Blue color scheme and premium Nappa leather upholstery. The Palisade's unconventional styling drew mixed reactions, but its upscale appearance was undeniable, offering a cabin that rivaled more expensive SUVs in the midsize three-row class.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia maintained a more traditional and mature design, having been in its second generation since 2008. Its exterior featured a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight body lines, giving it a substantial presence. The Sequoia's interior, however, felt dated compared to modern SUVs, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen. Despite this, the Sequoia's interior was well-built, with high-quality materials and a focus on durability. The Nightshade Special Edition added a contemporary touch with darkened chrome and black-painted finishes, enhancing its overall appeal.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered front-wheel drive as standard, with an optional all-wheel-drive system. The Palisade featured multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport, with AWD models adding Snow mode and a Lock function for improved traction. The Palisade's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined for AWD models, and it delivered a firm yet comfortable ride with excellent body-motion control. It was easy to drive, with ample power and responsive handling, making it suitable for urban and suburban environments. The Palisade also boasted a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, with a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector for 2021.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, was powered by a 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, generating 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. It came with a six-speed automatic transmission and a lockable Torsen limited-slip center differential for 4WD models. The Sequoia's truck-based construction contributed to its impressive payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds and a maximum towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. However, its fuel economy was less favorable, with ratings of 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway/15 mpg combined for RWD models. Despite its weight, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities and a respectable turning circle for daily driving.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space and comfort, offering a well-designed cabin with eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and easy access to the third row, which was more accommodating than most competitors. The Palisade offered generous cargo space, with 18 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 86.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience, although it could be disabled if desired.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, with spacious seating across all three rows and three-zone climate control. A standard one-touch tilt/slide power moonroof added to the cabin's appeal. The Sequoia offered ample storage space, with a large center console, glove compartment, and door pockets. Its cargo area featured an auxiliary 12-volt outlet and provided 18.9 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expanding to 120.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded flat.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems, with an 8-inch or 10.25-inch touchscreen display. Both systems supported Bluetooth pairing for two smartphones, but only the 8-inch setup offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Palisade Calligraphy came with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, navigation, and Blue Link connected services. Additional features included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, and a head-up display.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen. However, it offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, along with WiFi connectivity and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Sequoia Limited added navigation and a 12-speaker audio system, with an optional premium audio package. While the Sequoia lacked modern powertrain technology, it featured LED exterior lighting and standard safety features like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and multiple lane-keeping systems as standard. It also featured a rear occupant alert system and active blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems. The Palisade's Highway Drive Assist provided advanced adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. It earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with Blue Link services offering additional safety features.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, but it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Toyota Safety Sense P suite included pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. The Sequoia also featured a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags. Its robust construction and safety systems provided peace of mind for drivers and passengers.