2022 Hyundai Palisade vs 2023 Lexus RX

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade stood out with its elegant and striking exterior design, marking a significant departure from earlier Hyundai models that were often criticized for being derivative. Its distinctive lines, prominent grille, and sculpted wheel arches contributed to a visually appealing profile. The continuous strip of glass surfaces around the tailgate created a floating roof effect, enhancing its modern look. Inside, the Palisade offered a polished and near-luxury experience with high-quality materials and finishes. The spacious interior accommodated up to eight passengers comfortably, with options for captain's chairs in the second row. The Ultimate Calligraphy model, in particular, impressed with its Steel Graphite paint and black interior combination, showcasing Hyundai's commitment to design and execution.

The 2023 Lexus RX, entering its fifth generation, presented a familiar yet refreshed exterior design. It was shorter in height, broader in width, and longer in wheelbase compared to its predecessor, giving it a more compact appearance. The signature spindle-style grille was better integrated, and the light-blade taillight design added a modern touch. Inside, the RX featured a thoroughly modern interior with fewer buttons and knobs, emphasizing digital instrumentation and a touchscreen display. The cabin offered high-quality materials, with options for NuLuxe artificial leather and genuine leather. The RX 350 was available in various trims, each offering a unique blend of luxury and sportiness. Overall, the RX maintained its identity while incorporating contemporary design elements.

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 choice was somewhat of a throwback in an era dominated by turbocharged engines, but it delivered a satisfying baritone rumble and immediate power delivery without turbo lag. The Palisade's fuel consumption was estimated at 12.3 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 9.6 on the highway, and 11.1 combined. Despite not being the most fuel-efficient in its class, the Palisade offered a smooth and comfortable ride, 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.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine, generating 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. While it produced less horsepower than the previous V6, it offered more torque and better performance at higher altitudes. The RX 350 AWD was estimated to average 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with real-world results slightly higher. The RX 350 Executive trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion, while the F Sport 3 trim felt more secure with its adaptive damping suspension. The RX 350 AWD could accelerate to 100 kilometres per hour in approximately 7.3 seconds, providing a satisfying driving experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade excelled as a minivan replacement, offering comfortable seating and easy access throughout the cabin. The third row provided ample space for passengers, while the second-row captain's chairs were exceptionally comfortable. The Palisade boasted generous storage options, including a spacious luggage area with 509 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,447 litres with both rows folded. The interior featured a compact shift-by-wire setup, intuitive controls, and a dual-panel sunroof on higher trims. Heated and ventilated seats, a hands-free liftgate, and premium Nappa leather upholstery were available on the Ultimate Calligraphy trim, enhancing the overall luxury experience.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered a comfortable and modern interior, with the F Sport 3 package providing sportier seat bolsters for added support. The RX 350 Executive trim featured semi-aniline premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The back seat was roomy and supportive, though taller passengers might find headroom slightly tight. The RX provided useful storage areas and improved cargo space compared to its predecessor, with 838 litres available with the second row in position and 1,308 litres with the rear seat folded down. The RX's interior design emphasized luxury and sophistication, catering to discerning buyers.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased Hyundai's technological prowess with a standard display audio system featuring a 1920 x 720 colour touchscreen. Most trims included a 630-watt Harman Kardon premium audio system with 12 speakers and Clari-Fi music restoration technology. The infotainment system supported wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and satellite radio. The Palisade offered multiple USB ports, a Qi wireless charging pad, and a 115-volt power outlet on higher trims. Hyundai's Blue Link connected car system provided remote engine start and vehicle monitoring. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with integrated turn signal and blind-spot monitor cameras.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the new Lexus Interface multimedia infotainment system, available with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, satellite radio, and various connected services plans. The Drive Connect plan offered Intelligent Assistant natural voice recognition, allowing users to interact with the system using voice commands. The RX's infotainment system supported user profiles, streaming services, and a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system. Digital instrumentation, Digital Latch door handles, and a digital rearview mirror were standard, while a colour head-up display and digital key smartphone technology were available.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade earned a reputation for safety with a comprehensive list of passive and active features. It included seven airbags, three-point seat belts, LATCH anchors, and active head restraints. Standard active safety features encompassed anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, and forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection. The Palisade received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, highlighting its commitment to safety.

The 2023 Lexus RX came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering a robust suite of advanced driving assistance systems. It included lane departure warning, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. The RX introduced semi-autonomous driving technologies like Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist. While LSS+ 3.0 impressed during evaluation, some features, such as curve-speed reduction technology, required refinement. The RX's safety systems aimed to enhance driver confidence and safety.