2023 Hyundai Palisade vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai's largest SUV, was already a prominent figure on the road, and its 2023 styling update further enhanced its commanding presence. The new front fascia, with bolder strokes and a squared-off grille, framed the updated headlights, giving the SUV a more robust appearance. Standard LED accents, daytime running lights, and headlights were complemented by LED taillights on the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. The body-colour mirrors, heated and powered across all trims, added to the vehicle's premium feel, especially with the Ultimate Calligraphy's unique grille and bumper. In Canada, 20-inch alloy wheels were standard, with the Ultimate Calligraphy trim featuring a new multi-spoke design. The introduction of the Robust Emerald colour added a subtle elegance to the lineup. Inside, the Ultimate Calligraphy trim boasted a stylish interior with premium Nappa leather and a dual-pane sunroof, while lower trims offered cloth seats and a single sunroof. The seating configurations allowed for either seven or eight passengers, with second-row captain's chairs available on higher trims.

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, presented itself as a luxury SUV with a distinct upscale appearance. The TX's styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred a toned-down design. The TX 350 Executive packages included striking 22-inch wheels that enhanced the SUV's presence. The TX lineup included the TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486. The TX 350, likely the volume seller, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with standard all-wheel drive. The Ultra Luxury package added premium interior features, while the Executive packages offered a choice between 7-seat and 6-seat configurations. The interior, though luxurious, felt dark due to the Peppercorn colour scheme and black-grained trim, despite the panoramic glass sunroof. Overall, the TX 350's interior was luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain was competitive within its class, surpassing the Mazda CX-9 and Volkswagen Atlas, and slightly outperforming the Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder. The Palisade's eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard paddle shifters, provided smooth gear changes. In Canada, the standard all-wheel drive system, HTRAC, demonstrated its capability during a muddy off-road test. While not designed for rock-crawling, the Palisade offered a comfortable ride and a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms. Its fuel economy was rated at 12.6 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 9.5 on the highway, and 11.2 combined.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed the TX 350 could accelerate to 100 km/h in approximately eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to its torque delivery. The TX 350's fuel economy was rated at 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, a slight improvement over the previous RX L model. During testing, the TX 350 averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm suspension providing road feedback while maintaining comfort. The steering was accurate, and the interior remained quiet on the highway. However, the brake pedal felt too soft, though it was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade offered ample space for seven or eight passengers, with generous legroom in all three rows. The front row provided 1,052 millimetres of legroom, the second row 1,077 millimetres, and the third row 798 millimetres, surpassing the Toyota Highlander. The Palisade's passenger volume measured 4,397 litres, and the third-row seats folded flat to expand cargo space from 509 litres to 2,447 litres. The hands-free smart liftgate was standard on all but the base trim. The Palisade's interior was designed for convenience, with HVAC vents in all rows, multiple cupholders, and a well-organized centre console.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350's interior featured premium materials, including semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel were standard. The second-row bench seat was comfortable, though captain's chairs were available. The third-row seat was spacious enough for adults, with a stadium-style cushion providing leg support. The TX offered 572 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,746 litres with all seats folded. The interior included numerous storage compartments, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade featured a 12.3-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and more. A premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was standard on higher trims. The Palisade's Bluelink connected vehicle system allowed remote access to vehicle information and controls. The digital instrument cluster and head-up display were available on select trims, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2024 Lexus TX offered a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen display. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a Drive Connect subscription providing cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The TX also featured a digital rearview mirror, head-up display, and surround-view camera. However, the head-up display's controls were criticized for being distracting and difficult to use with polarized sunglasses. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. It came with Hyundai's Smart Sense suite, including forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot collision avoidance and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance were standard. The Palisade also featured Highway Driving Assist, safe exit warning, and rear seat occupant alert.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist provided additional braking and steering assistance. The TX also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. Optional features included parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist.