2024 Hyundai Palisade vs 2023 BMW X7

The 2023 BMW X7 underwent a significant design update, drawing inspiration from the BMW 7 Series sedan. The most noticeable change was the repositioning of the LED accent lights and the recessing of the actual headlights, which contributed to a more polarizing front-end design. While the bold new look aimed to make a statement, it was met with mixed reactions, as some found it lacking in grace and cohesiveness. The rest of the exterior remained largely unchanged, offering two design themes: the chrome-accented Design Pure Excellence and the darker M Sport. Inside, the X7 received a modernized dashboard with a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen, along with high-quality materials like supple leather and Sensafin synthetic substitutes. Despite some interior trim choices causing glare, the overall build quality was solid, providing a quiet and elegant cabin experience.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade stood out with its distinctive styling, setting it apart from other family-friendly SUVs. Available in multiple trims, including the new Calligraphy Night Edition, the Palisade offered a range of features and price points. The Calligraphy Night Edition, with its blacked-out appearance and luxurious interior touches like an artificial suede headliner, elevated the Palisade to a near-luxury level. The interior boasted quality upholstery, metal speaker grilles, and sophisticated design elements, making it feel upscale. The Palisade's design might not have appealed to everyone, but those who appreciated its looks likely found much to enjoy in its overall package.

The 2023 BMW X7 offered two engine options, starting with the base xDrive40i model, which featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. This setup delivered 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, allowing the X7 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The more powerful X7 M60i model came with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, also with a 48-volt hybrid system, producing 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Despite its nearly 6,000-pound weight, the X7 handled well, with potent acceleration from the V8 and adequate power from the six-cylinder. The ride was slightly firmer compared to other luxury SUVs, but it maintained a good balance of performance and comfort.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine generating 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an upgrade. The Palisade offered a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and eight inches of ground clearance. It featured multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Smart, and Snow, with the ability to lock the AWD system for off-road conditions. The V6 provided satisfying acceleration, and the transmission was responsive. The Palisade's AWD system performed well on dirt and gravel roads, and it achieved an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in combined driving. The ride was firm yet comfortable, with excellent visibility and handling that inspired confidence on winding roads. The brakes were reliable, and the overall driving experience was enjoyable, though real-world fuel economy was a downside.

The 2023 BMW X7 offered ample space, with the second-row seats accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The power-operated middle row provided access to the third row, which could fit average-sized adults, though with limited thigh support and lateral space. Cargo space behind the third row was 12.8 cubic feet, expandable to 48.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 90.4 cubic feet with the middle seats down. The split tailgate and adjustable suspension made loading easier. Front-seat storage included a large covered bin with a wireless charging pad and spacious door pockets.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade featured a range of seating options, from cloth seats in the base SE trim to premium Nappa leather with microfiber inserts in the Calligraphy Night Edition. Heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and an Ergo Motion massage function for the driver were available in higher trims. The Palisade offered configurable storage between the front seats, with a large bin and wireless charging. Second-row passengers enjoyed captain's chairs with optional heating and ventilation, while the third row was more comfortable than many rivals. The hands-free power tailgate and generous cargo space, with 18 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 86.4 cubic feet with seats folded, added to the Palisade's practicality.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iDrive infotainment system, which, despite its intuitive layout, had drawbacks due to the reduction of physical buttons. Basic functions were easy to operate, but accessing features like heated seats and adaptive cruise control required navigating complex menus. Voice commands offered a workaround, but they interrupted audio playback. The system's reliance on digital controls was seen as a step backward, and more physical buttons would have been appreciated.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation. It supported Bluetooth for two devices, Bluelink+ connected services, Wi-Fi, SiriusXM, and a rear-seat Quiet Mode. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a USB-A cable. The Palisade's voice recognition system worked well, though it struggled with some music requests. Bluelink+ offered remote engine starting, emergency assistance, and more. The Harman Kardon sound system provided excellent audio quality, and additional features included a digital key, digital rearview mirror, and semi-autonomous remote parking. The head-up display was informative but incompatible with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 BMW X7 lacked crash test results from NHTSA and IIHS, but it came with a comprehensive list of safety features, including frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, adaptive headlights, and parking sensors. The M60i trim added a surround-view camera, with options for adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and highway driving assist. The safety features performed well, with no false alarms, and the highway driving assist reduced driver fatigue.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with Hyundai's SmartSense suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and more. Highway Driving Assist paired adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, working effectively during testing. The rear-seat reminder with ultrasonic sensing and additional safety features were available in higher trims. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS, though NHTSA crash tests were incomplete, with top ratings for side-impact and rollover resistance.