2023 Hyundai Palisade vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade, as Hyundai's largest SUV, had a commanding presence on the road, further enhanced by its 2023 styling update. The new front fascia, with its bold strokes and squared-off grille, framed the updated headlights, giving the SUV a stronger and more assertive look. LED accents, daytime running lights, and headlights were standard across the lineup, while LED taillights were standard on SEL and higher trims. The top Calligraphy trim was distinguished by premium rear accent lighting, body-color bumpers, a unique grille, and a wider rear spoiler. The new XRT trim featured a dark grille, roof cross rails, and black 20-inch wheels. The Palisade's interior, especially in the Calligraphy trim, was stylish and brightened by a dual-pane sunroof. Premium Nappa leather was standard in the Calligraphy, while other trims offered a mix of cloth, leatherette, and leather-trimmed seats. The second-row seating options varied, with bench seats standard on SE models and captain's chairs on higher trims.

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, presented itself as a luxury SUV with a more upscale appearance. The TX's styling was toned down compared to other Lexus models, resulting in a more conservative look. The TX 350, the volume-selling version, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and offered both FWD and AWD options. Our test model, equipped with Luxury trim, featured 22-inch wheels, premium semi-aniline leather upholstery, and a Peppercorn interior. The TX's interior was luxurious, with heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic glass sunroof. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, a significant improvement over previous Lexus models. The TX offered ample cargo space, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 97 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The interior featured numerous storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially contributing to noise and vibration.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain was competitive within its class, offering more power than the Mazda CX-9 and Volkswagen Atlas, and slightly more than the Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder. The Palisade's eight-speed automatic transmission could be controlled with paddle shifters, and power was routed to the front wheels by default, with AWD available as a $1,900 option. The AWD system, tested on a muddy off-road course, proved capable. The Palisade's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, and AWD models featured a dedicated Tow Mode. Fuel economy for FWD models was 19 mpg city, 27 highway, and 22 combined, while AWD models achieved 19 city, 25 highway, and 21 combined.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed the TX 350 could accelerate to 60 mph in eight seconds with FWD and 7.8 seconds with AWD. The engine's performance was adequate, with a noticeable swell of torque as it gathered speed. The EPA rated the TX 350 FWD at 23 mpg combined, though testing showed an average of 20.4 mpg. AWD was a $1,600 option, offering slightly quicker acceleration and improved traction. The TX 350's suspension provided a comfortable ride, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior was quiet on the highway, though the brake pedal felt too soft in the test vehicle.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade offered ample space for seven or eight passengers, with 44.1 inches of legroom in the front row, 42.4 in the second, and 31.4 in the third. Passenger volume measured 155.3 cubic feet, and cargo space was 18 cubic feet with all seats in place, 45.8 behind the second row, and 86.4 with the second and third rows folded. The Palisade featured HVAC vents in all three rows, two cupholders per person, and a center console with a phone holder and additional storage. The layout of physical buttons and knobs was compact and intuitive, with automatic dual-zone climate control standard in SEL and higher trims.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350 Luxury model featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat was standard, with captain's chairs available as an option. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, with stadium-style seating and large side windows. Cargo space measured 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The TX offered numerous storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially contributing to noise and vibration.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade featured a 12.3-inch color touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, HD Radio, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth connectivity. A premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system was available in SEL models and standard in Limited and Calligraphy. The Palisade offered WiFi hotspot capability, a 4.2-inch color driver info display, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in higher trims. Hyundai's Bluelink connected vehicle system was standard, allowing remote access to vehicle information and features. The Palisade also introduced Digital Key 2 Touch, compatible with Apple and Samsung devices.

The 2024 Lexus TX, equipped with the optional Technology Package, featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, a surround-view camera, and a semi-autonomous parking assist system. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included a 14-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. The TX offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, as well as Wi-Fi Connect and Remote Connect. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system provided impressive audio quality.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with Hyundai's Smart Sense suite of safety features, including forward collision avoidance, driver attention warning, high beam assist, and lane-keeping and lane-following assist. Blind-spot collision avoidance and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance were standard on all trims. The Palisade also featured navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, Highway Driving Assist, and a full-display digital rearview mirror. Safe exit warning and rear seat occupant alert were standard on most trims.

The 2024 Lexus TX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and road sign assist. Proactive Drive Assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system were also included. Optional features included front and rear parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. The LSS+ 3.0 system proved smooth and effective, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in front.