These two automakers have followed similar paths in the U.S., with critics saying each needed to offer a line of sport-utility vehicles to ensure their long-term success. Well, it appears management listened with the Hyundai Palisade and Volkswagen Atlas as the flagships for each brand’s SUV lineup.
The Palisade got a midcycle refresh for the 2023 model year, whereas the VW Atlas received some updates for 2024. With each sporting fresh exterior and powertrain tweaks, let’s size up these two 3-row midsize crossover SUVs.
2024 Hyundai Palisade
On the outside, there are no changes for the Hyundai Palisade, as it just went through an update for 2023. However, it is the top of the brand’s sport-utility mountain, offering an impressive combination of looks, performance, comfort, and technology — critical to success in the midsize 3-row SUV segment.
However, it did get a new trim level, the Calligraphy Night edition with a blacked-out exterior, including wheels, and all-wheel drive (AWD) added as standard. Pricing starts at $36,400.
Hyundai Palisade Highlights
Considerable power: The Hyundai Palisade is powered by a 291-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive (FWD) or AWD. That power helps when the Palisade is in tow mode if yours has AWD.
Easy access to tech: Few things are more frustrating than trying to wend your way through a series of menus on a small touchscreen. Fortunately, that’s not a problem with the 12.3-inch screen in the Palisade.
Outstanding warranty: Hyundai’s 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty offer you peace of mind — for a decade. Hyundai also throws in a 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance plan.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Palisade models for sale near you
2024 Volkswagen Atlas
VW was slow to the SUV segment, but now that it’s in — it’s all in. The brand has updated the Atlas twice now, including for 2024. The exterior gets a much-needed punch-up, while the cabin gets some functional updates that should make it a more pleasant place. Additionally, the company dumped the available 6-cylinder engine in favor of a turbocharged 4-cylinder that offers more go and improved fuel economy.
There’s also a new Peak Edition in the portfolio. Mostly an appearance package, it features distinct front and rear fascias, body cladding, black trim, and 18-inch black wheels shod in all-terrain tires. Pricing for the Atlas starts at $37,725.
Volkswagen Atlas Highlights
Improved safety technology: VW’s IQ.DRIVE driver assistance suite is standard on the Atlas. It features lane centering, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. It can also be upgraded to include adaptive cruise control and a head-up display.
Sharper image: No one wants to drive around in a rectangle on four wheels, and with the Atlas, you don’t after the most recent set of exterior improvements. The crossover SUV features a modernized light signature, new front and rear fascia designs, and updated wheels. Add the R-Design and Peak Edition, and buyers can dress it up even more.
More is more: VW previously asked Atlas buyers to choose between power and fuel economy. That is no longer a question as the German automaker offers one engine: a 269-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The new model gets a power boost for the new year while retaining its impressive fuel economy.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Rogue models for sale near you
Similarities
The pair are similar in size and have a slew of standard equipment.
Conclusion
So often, these comparisons are too close to call. The Hyundai Palisade features a more powerful engine, a better warranty, and a new special edition, and it’s about $1,300 cheaper than the Atlas. However, the VW is slightly larger inside, and that less powerful powertrain gets you slightly better fuel economy — 1 mpg in each category.
This is a photo finish, and the winner will only be determined by which one looks nicer and rides better in your eyes.
| 2024 Hyundai Palisade | 2024 Volkswagen Atlas | |
| Starting Price | $36,400 | $37,725 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.8-liter 6-cylinder | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 291 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 269 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm | 273 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 19 city/26 highway/22 combined mpg | 20 city/27 highway/23 combined |
| Also Available | AWD | AWD |
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | TBD | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
| Wheelbase | 114.2 inches | 117.3 inches |
| Overall Length | 196.7 inches | 200.7 inches |
| Width | 77.8 inches | 78.3 inches |
| Height | 68.9 inches | 70.4 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.7 feet | 41.0 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.7 inches | 41.3 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 40.1 inches | 40.4 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 44.1 inches | 41.7 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 42.4 inches | 37.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 61.2 inches | 61.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 60.8 inches | 60.8 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 18.0/86.4 cubic feet | 20.6/96.6 cubic feet |
