2023 Hyundai Palisade vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, a stalwart in the SUV market, continued its second generation into its 14th year without substantial changes. Its exterior design adhered to a classic aesthetic, with a modestly sized grille and elegant wheel arches, maintaining a big presence with dimensions of 77 inches in height, 79.9 inches in width, and 205.1 inches in length. Despite its mature design, the Sequoia's interior felt dated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen that seemed out of place in a modern vehicle. However, the interior was built with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity, making it suitable for families. The Nightshade Special Edition model, with its darkened chrome and black painted finishes, brought a contemporary touch to the Sequoia's appearance.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade received a styling update that enhanced its commanding presence on the road. The new front fascia, squared-off grille, and LED lighting elements contributed to a stronger look. The Palisade's top Calligraphy trim featured premium rear accent lighting, a unique grille, and a wider rear spoiler, while the new XRT trim added rugged elements like a dark grille and black 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Palisade's Calligraphy trim boasted premium Nappa leather and a dual-pane sunroof, creating a bright and stylish cabin. The Palisade offered a range of seating configurations, with heated and ventilated seats available in higher trims, ensuring comfort for all passengers.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a lockable Torsen limited-slip center differential in 4WD models. The Sequoia's truck roots provided a payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds and a towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. However, its weight of 5,730 to 6,000 pounds contributed to its low fuel economy ratings of 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway/15 mpg combined for RWD models. Despite its heft, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its body-on-frame construction and four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine was mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, and power was routed to the front wheels by default, with AWD available as an option. The Palisade's towing capacity was competitive at 5,000 pounds, and AWD models included a dedicated Tow Mode. Fuel economy for the Palisade was more efficient than the Sequoia, with FWD models achieving 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway/22 mpg combined. The Palisade offered a comfortable ride, with the HTRAC AWD system proving capable on light off-road terrain.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, with spacious seating across all three rows and three-zone climate control. A power moonroof and heated and ventilated front seats were available, enhancing the driving experience. The Sequoia's cargo space was versatile, with 18.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 66.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 120.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade offered generous interior space, with 44.1 inches of legroom in the front row, 42.4 in the second, and 31.4 in the third. Passenger volume measured 155.3 cubic feet, and the Palisade's cargo space was flexible, with 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 45.8 behind the second, and 86.4 with all but the front-row seats folded. The Palisade's interior was designed for convenience, with HVAC vents in all three rows, a hands-free smart liftgate, and a well-organized center console.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology was somewhat outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen. However, it included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, WiFi connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Sequoia Limited added navigation and a 12-speaker audio system, with an optional premium audio package available.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade excelled in technology, featuring a standard 12.3-inch color touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. A premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system was available in SEL models and standard in Limited and Calligraphy. The Palisade also offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a color head-up display, and Hyundai's Bluelink connected vehicle system, which allowed remote access and management of various vehicle functions. The Palisade was the first Hyundai to offer WiFi hotspot capability and Digital Key 2 Touch, enhancing convenience and connectivity.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including 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 and Toyota's STAR safety system, which included stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade built on its predecessor's safety reputation, with the 2022 model earning a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. The 2023 Palisade included Hyundai's Smart Sense suite, featuring forward collision avoidance, driver attention warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot collision avoidance and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance were newly standard, along with navigation-based Smart Cruise Control and Highway Driving Assist. The Palisade also offered a full-display digital rearview mirror and a rear seat occupant alert system.