2022 Hyundai Palisade vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade, introduced as Hyundai's flagship SUV in 2020, replaced the Santa Fe XL and stood out with its elegant and striking exterior design. It featured distinctive lines, a prominent grille, and expressive LED lighting, giving it a sophisticated appearance. The interior was equally polished, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, high-quality materials, and spacious seating arrangements, including optional captain's chairs in the second row. The Palisade's fit and finish were near-luxury levels, making it a worthy flagship for Hyundai.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX retained a design reminiscent of its first-generation model from 2002, with a signature spindle grille and LED headlights. While the exterior appeared dated, the cabin boasted high-quality craftsmanship and a quiet atmosphere. The GX offered a comfortable driving position and clear visibility, but its interior design and controls felt old-school. Despite this, the GX's cabin was well-padded and featured physical controls, providing a tactile experience for drivers.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, equipped with gasoline direct injection and dual variable valve timing, offered a balance of power and efficiency. The Palisade's fuel consumption was estimated at 12.3 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 9.6 on the highway. It featured a four-wheel independent suspension and could tow up to 2,267 kilograms with trailer brakes.

The 2022 Lexus GX, on the other hand, came with a 4.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. Despite its power, the GX's fuel consumption was higher, estimated at 14.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The GX featured a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, providing stability and off-road capability. Its towing capacity was 2,948 kilograms, and it included a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System for improved handling.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade offered a spacious and versatile interior, with comfortable seating in all three rows. The third row provided easy access and cupholders, while the second-row captain's chairs were notably comfortable. The Palisade's cargo space was generous, with 509 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,447 litres with both rear rows folded. The interior featured a compact shift-by-wire setup and logically arranged controls, enhancing usability.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position and comfortable seating, but its interior design felt dated. The GX's third-row seat was challenging to access and offered limited space, impacting cargo capacity. The tailgate swung open to the side, making loading difficult in tight spaces. Despite these drawbacks, the GX's interior featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and triple-zone climate control, adding a touch of luxury.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased advanced technology, with a standard 1920 x 720 colour touchscreen and a premium Harman Kardon audio system on higher trims. It included wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, multiple USB ports, and a Qi wireless charging pad. The Palisade also featured Hyundai's Blue Link connected car system, offering remote engine start and vehicle monitoring. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster was available on higher trims, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Lexus GX introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. The system included a CD player and a Lexus app with smartwatch compatibility. However, the stereo controls were awkwardly placed, making them difficult to use. The GX's infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and its voice recognition technology was praised for its accuracy. Lexus also included Intuitive Parking Assist and optional surround-view cameras for added convenience.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade boasted a comprehensive list of safety features, including seven airbags, electronic stability control, and advanced driver assistance systems like blind-spot collision avoidance and forward collision-avoidance assist. It earned top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Lexus GX, while lacking crash-test ratings, offered standard Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. It also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, the GX lacked some modern safety technologies found in competitors, which may appeal to those who prefer fewer driving aids.