2025 Hyundai Palisade vs 2024 BMW X5

The 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained a timeless appeal, although the M Sport treatment was not universally appreciated, giving it a station wagon-like appearance. The test vehicle featured optional 21-inch “741M” wheels with staggered-width summer tires, which were considered a worthwhile upgrade despite the potential cost of tire replacement. The X5 offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, a turbo-six PHEV powertrain, and a turbocharged V8 engine, with various trim packages and options available. The xDrive50e M Sport model tested came with Brooklyn Grey paint and every available equipment package, priced at $88,075. The 2024 model received a light styling refresh and introduced the BMW Curved Display, modernizing the interior while retaining high-quality materials and construction.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade stood out with its bold design, especially after the 2023 refresh that replaced its chubby-cheeked face with a more angular look. The SUV's balanced forms and upscale appearance made it seem like a bargain at its sticker price. Inside, even the base SE trim offered a clean and modern look, while higher trims featured premium materials like leather and artificial suede. The Palisade was packed with thoughtful details, such as USB ports in the front seatbacks and second-row smartphone storage pockets. Available in seven trim levels, the Palisade's pricing ranged from $37,200 to $54,500, with the Calligraphy trim tested priced at $55,205. The Palisade's design and interior features made it a standout choice in its segment.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV featured new mild-hybrid engines and a significant upgrade to its electric range and power output. It boasted a more powerful electric motor and a 19.2 kWh lithium-ion battery, offering 38 miles of electric-only driving and 22 mpg in combined driving. The xDrive50e produced 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV model was praised for its driving dynamics, with adaptive damping air suspension and excellent handling. It achieved an average fuel economy of 38.8 mpg during testing, making it a top choice for those seeking a balance of performance and efficiency.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and averaged 22 mpg in combined driving. The Palisade's ride was firm at lower speeds and softer on highways, with impressive handling over speed humps. The powertrain was smooth and refined, delivering satisfying performance. However, it fell short of its EPA fuel economy estimates, recording 16.9 mpg in city driving and 19.8 mpg overall. Despite this, the Palisade's V6 engine was appreciated for its power and refinement.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e offered seating for five in two rows, with a cargo area of 33.1 cubic feet, expandable to 71.2 cubic feet. The split liftgate design provided a convenient seating area but required stretching to access deep cargo. The test vehicle featured Sensafin artificial leather upholstery, standard sport seats, and a Climate Comfort Package with 20-way power-adjustable front seats, four-zone climate control, and heated rear seats. The panoramic sunroof and side window sunshades added to passenger comfort. The X5 no longer offered a third-row seat, requiring a step up to the BMW X7 for that feature.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade accommodated three rows of seats, with the test vehicle featuring a seven-passenger configuration with second-row captain's chairs. The Calligraphy trim included Nappa leather, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, and a massaging driver's seat. The second-row seats offered heating, ventilation, and ample legroom, while the third row was heated and provided USB-C ports and air vents. The Palisade's cargo space measured 18 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 48.8 cubic feet with the third row folded and 86.4 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The Smart Liftgate feature provided hands-free access to the cargo area.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured the BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It ran BMW Operating System 8.5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and over-the-air updates. The Intelligent Personal Assistant, however, struggled with voice recognition, leading to inaccurate navigation results. The optional Harman Kardon sound system delivered excellent audio quality, and the head-up display provided useful information. Despite the voice assistant's shortcomings, the X5's technology package was comprehensive and modern.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade's technology, while slightly dated, remained functional and feature-rich. It included a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though smartphone connectivity required a cable. The system offered Bluetooth support, wireless charging, SiriusXM, and Bluelink+ services. The voice recognition system performed well, and the Harman Kardon audio system provided commendable sound. The Palisade also featured a head-up display, blind spot warnings, and a surround-view camera system, enhancing its technological appeal.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the Highway Assistant hands-free driving system, which required deliberate activation. It performed well in specific conditions but occasionally engaged brakes unexpectedly. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance worked effectively, though the system's behavior in traffic could be frustrating. The X5 received high ratings from the IIHS but missed an award due to lower headlight ratings. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall crash-test rating.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade came equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. The HDA system paired adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, performing well in various conditions. The Palisade's safety features included forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS through 2024 but missed the accolade in 2025 due to a Poor rating in a new frontal-impact test. The NHTSA awarded it five-star frontal impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings.