2022 Hyundai Palisade vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade stood as Hyundai's flagship SUV, replacing the Santa Fe XL. It boasted a striking and elegant exterior design, shedding any past criticisms of being derivative. The Palisade featured distinctive lines, a prominent grille, and expressive LED lighting, giving it a signature look. Its design included a continuous strip of glass surfaces, creating a floating rear roof impression. Inside, the Palisade offered a near-luxury experience with high-quality materials, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and spacious seating for up to eight passengers. The Ultimate Calligraphy model, in particular, was noted for its stunning design and premium features.

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned for the year, came in four model series, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. It featured a bold spindle grille and refined styling details, reflecting Lexus's design philosophy. The NX was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space. Inside, the NX embraced a minimalist approach, with a focus on simplicity and functionality. The F Sport trim added sporty elements like bolstered seats and unique instrumentation. While the interior design was more streamlined, some controls were integrated into the touchscreen, which could be challenging to navigate quickly.

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, while not the most fuel-efficient, offered a satisfying baritone rumble and quick acceleration without turbo lag. The Palisade's handling was commendable, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and stabilizer bars. It could tow up to 2,267 kilograms with trailer brakes, making it a versatile choice for families.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX offered a range of powertrains, including the turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine in the NX 350, delivering 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. The NX 350h hybrid provided 239 horsepower, while the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid boasted 302 horsepower and an estimated 61 kilometres of electric range. The NX's handling was refined, with a lower centre of gravity and dynamic tuning. The F Sport trim added sportier driving modes and an adaptive variable sports suspension. While the NX excelled in handling, its turbocharged engine didn't match the refinement of some German rivals.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade offered a spacious and versatile interior, with comfortable seating for up to eight passengers. The third row provided easy access and ample space, while the second-row captain's chairs were notably comfortable. The Palisade's cargo capacity was impressive, with 509 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,447 litres with all seats folded. The interior featured thoughtful storage solutions and a compact shift-by-wire setup for the gear selector. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added luxury features like a dual-panel sunroof and premium Nappa leather upholstery.

The 2022 Lexus NX, while offering more interior room than its predecessor, felt cozy from the driver's seat. The front seats, especially in the F Sport trim, provided excellent support and comfort. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX's cargo space increased by 14%, offering 643 litres behind the back seat and 1,328 litres with the seats folded. The interior featured a nature-inspired ambient lighting system and a panoramic glass sunroof, enhancing the overall ambiance.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased Hyundai's technological prowess with a standard display audio system and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system on higher trims. The infotainment system included wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and satellite radio. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added a head-up display and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Hyundai's Blue Link connected car system offered remote engine start and vehicle monitoring, enhancing convenience and connectivity.

The 2022 Lexus NX took a significant leap forward in technology with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. It featured large touchscreen displays, natural voice recognition, and cloud-based features. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and over-the-air software updates. The NX offered a 10-speaker sound system, with an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system. The Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems provided advanced voice control, while connected services like Drive Connect and User Profiles enhanced the overall experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade earned high safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It featured a comprehensive list of passive and active safety features, including seven airbags, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, and forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added Highway Driving Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring.

The 2022 Lexus NX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering a wide range of advanced safety features. These included lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. New features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Oncoming Vehicle Detection enhanced safety. The NX also featured Emergency Driving Stop System, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist. Additional safety technologies were available in packages, including a panoramic view monitoring system and front cross-traffic alert.