Alright, guys, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of two popular SUVs: the 2022 Hyundai Palisade and the Toyota Fortuner. Choosing the right SUV can be a tough call, so we're going to break down everything from performance and features to pricing and overall value. This should help you make a decision that fits your lifestyle. Whether you're hauling the kids to soccer practice, planning a weekend getaway, or just need a reliable daily driver, understanding the differences between these two vehicles is key. We'll explore what makes each SUV stand out, focusing on the real-world aspects that matter most to you, the buyer. Get ready to compare these two SUVs and see which one takes the crown!

Performance and Driving Experience

Hyundai Palisade 2022

First off, let's talk about the 2022 Hyundai Palisade. This SUV is known for its smooth ride and comfortable driving experience. Under the hood, you'll find a 3.8-liter V6 engine, which is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This combination delivers a peppy 291 horsepower, providing ample power for both city driving and highway cruising. The Palisade is available in both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations, allowing you to choose the setup that best suits your needs and the typical road conditions you encounter. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road, making for a relaxed and enjoyable ride, especially on longer journeys. The steering is light and responsive, making the Palisade easy to maneuver in tight spaces, which is a bonus for navigating busy parking lots or crowded city streets. The Palisade also boasts a quiet cabin, minimizing road and wind noise, which enhances the overall driving experience. In terms of fuel economy, the Palisade does pretty well for its class. The FWD models typically achieve around 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, while the AWD models see slightly lower figures. This makes the Palisade a relatively efficient choice for a large SUV.

Toyota Fortuner

Now, let's turn our attention to the Toyota Fortuner. This SUV is built on the same platform as the Toyota Hilux pickup truck, so you know it's designed for ruggedness and durability. The Fortuner is typically equipped with a 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which provides a strong performance, especially in terms of low-end torque. This makes it a great choice for off-roading and towing. The Fortuner is exclusively offered with a part-time four-wheel-drive system, which is ideal for tackling challenging terrains and adverse weather conditions. The engine is paired with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. While the Fortuner may not have the same level of refinement as the Palisade in terms of ride comfort, it excels in off-road capabilities. It features a robust suspension system and high ground clearance, allowing it to navigate rough trails and uneven surfaces with ease. The steering is heavier than the Palisade, providing a more connected feel when driving on unpaved roads. The Fortuner’s fuel economy is also quite good for a body-on-frame SUV. The diesel engine is known for its efficiency, and you can expect to get decent fuel mileage both in the city and on the highway. However, the Fortuner's cabin can be a bit noisier than the Palisade, due to its more rugged construction. So, if your priority is off-road adventure or reliability in tough conditions, the Fortuner is a strong contender.

Interior and Features Comparison

Hyundai Palisade 2022 Interior

Stepping inside the 2022 Hyundai Palisade, you're greeted with a spacious and well-appointed interior. The Palisade is designed to comfortably accommodate up to eight passengers across three rows of seats, making it an excellent choice for families. The materials used throughout the cabin are of high quality, with soft-touch surfaces and available premium features like Nappa leather upholstery. The Palisade boasts a modern and user-friendly infotainment system, usually featuring a large touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration. You'll find plenty of tech features, including a digital instrument cluster, a premium audio system, and a range of driver-assistance technologies like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Palisade also offers a generous amount of cargo space, even with all the seats in use. Folding down the second and third-row seats opens up a massive cargo area, which is perfect for hauling luggage, sports equipment, or anything else you might need to carry. The Palisade prioritizes comfort and convenience, with features like heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a dual-zone or tri-zone climate control system, depending on the trim level. The overall design is sleek and contemporary, creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for both the driver and passengers.

Toyota Fortuner Interior

Moving over to the Toyota Fortuner, the interior has a more rugged and functional design. While it may not have the same level of luxury as the Palisade, it is still well-built and practical. The Fortuner typically seats up to seven passengers across three rows of seats. The materials used in the Fortuner are durable, designed to withstand the wear and tear associated with off-road use. You'll find a touchscreen infotainment system, with features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, though the screen size might be smaller compared to the Palisade. The Fortuner includes driver-assistance features, like lane departure warning and pre-collision system, but might not offer all of the advanced technologies available in the Palisade. The cargo space in the Fortuner is sufficient, but it might not be as expansive as the Palisade. Folding down the second and third-row seats does increase the cargo capacity, but the shape of the cargo area might not be as convenient for some items. The Fortuner provides a comfortable ride, and the seats offer good support, even during long drives. While it may not have all the luxurious features of the Palisade, the Fortuner is designed to provide a practical and reliable interior for everyday use and off-road adventures. Features such as air conditioning, power windows and a user-friendly layout will make it a good choice.

Safety Features and Technology

Hyundai Palisade Safety

Safety is a top priority for the 2022 Hyundai Palisade, and it comes packed with advanced safety features and technology. The Palisade earned excellent safety ratings from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), giving you peace of mind on the road. Standard safety features include forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, and adaptive cruise control. These features are designed to help prevent accidents and mitigate the severity of collisions. The Palisade also incorporates a high-strength steel structure and multiple airbags to protect occupants in the event of a crash. The available driver-assistance technologies such as Highway Driving Assist and a surround-view monitor, further enhance safety and convenience. These features can automatically steer, accelerate, and brake the vehicle in certain situations, making highway driving less stressful. The Palisade's comprehensive safety package makes it an excellent choice for families and anyone prioritizing safety on the road.

Toyota Fortuner Safety

The Toyota Fortuner also offers a range of safety features, designed to protect occupants and help prevent accidents. Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of advanced safety technologies, typically comes standard. This includes features like pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The Fortuner also has a strong body structure and a comprehensive airbag system. While the Fortuner's safety features are solid, they might not be as extensive or advanced as those in the Palisade. The Fortuner’s safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA are generally good, but might not be as high as the Palisade's scores. In terms of technology, the Fortuner may have fewer available driver-assistance features compared to the Palisade. However, the focus remains on providing reliable and essential safety systems to protect occupants. Safety is taken seriously in the Fortuner, and its features provide confidence for drivers navigating various road conditions and terrains.

Pricing and Value

Hyundai Palisade 2022 Pricing

When it comes to pricing, the 2022 Hyundai Palisade is generally positioned as a great value proposition in the large SUV segment. The base trim levels are often competitively priced, offering a lot of features and technology for the money. The Palisade’s mid-range and higher-trim models also provide a good value, including premium features that are typically found in more expensive SUVs. Considering the spacious interior, the long list of standard features, and the advanced technology, the Palisade offers excellent value for its price. Depreciation can be a factor, so research this before investing. Hyundai’s warranty coverage is another highlight, with a comprehensive warranty package that includes a long powertrain warranty. This extended warranty can give you added peace of mind, knowing that you're covered against potential mechanical issues for an extended period. The overall cost of ownership for the Palisade is often reasonable, with competitive fuel economy and relatively affordable maintenance costs. This makes the Palisade an attractive choice for buyers looking for a well-equipped, feature-rich SUV without breaking the bank.

Toyota Fortuner Pricing

The Toyota Fortuner typically comes with a higher price tag than the Hyundai Palisade. This is primarily due to its rugged construction, off-road capabilities, and the Toyota brand’s reputation for reliability. Although the base model may be more expensive, the Fortuner holds its value very well over time. This high resale value can offset the initial higher cost, making the Fortuner a good investment for the long term. The Fortuner’s rugged build quality and robust components contribute to its reputation for reliability. Toyota vehicles are known for their durability and low maintenance costs, which can result in lower ownership costs over time. While the Fortuner might not have all the bells and whistles of the Palisade, its focus on off-road performance, durability, and high resale value makes it an appealing choice for a specific group of buyers. The cost of ownership for the Fortuner is generally lower, especially if you plan to keep the vehicle for an extended period. Therefore, if you value reliability and off-road capability more than luxury features, the Fortuner can be an excellent value despite its higher initial price.

Which SUV Should You Choose?

So, guys, which SUV comes out on top? It really depends on what you're looking for. The Hyundai Palisade is ideal if you want a comfortable, feature-rich, family-friendly SUV with a smooth ride and a modern interior. It’s perfect for daily commutes, family trips, and anyone who values a luxurious experience. Its lower price point also makes it an excellent value for the money. On the other hand, the Toyota Fortuner is the better choice if you prioritize off-road capability, ruggedness, and reliability. It's built to handle tough terrains and is a great option for those who enjoy adventurous driving or need a vehicle that can withstand challenging conditions. The Fortuner also offers excellent resale value, making it a good investment. Ultimately, the best SUV for you depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. Consider what matters most to you, whether it’s comfort, technology, off-road ability, or long-term reliability, and then make your decision. Happy driving!