2024 Hyundai Palisade vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. Its upscale appearance was evident, especially with the 22-inch silver-finished wheels included in the TX 350 Executive packages, which significantly enhanced its presence. The styling of the TX was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, offering a conservative design that might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's bolder aesthetics. The TX was available in three model series: TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486, although the TX 550h+ was not yet available. The TX 350, likely the most popular version, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive, with options for Ultra Luxury or Executive packages in Canada. The interior, while dark with the Peppercorn colour scheme, felt luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Palisade stood out with its distinctive styling, setting it apart from other family-friendly SUVs. Available in Urban and Ultimate Calligraphy trims in Canada, the Palisade offered a luxurious feel, especially in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim, which featured an artificial suede headliner and quality upholstery. The interior's sophistication, with metal speaker grilles and striped dashboard and door trim, made the Palisade resemble a luxury SUV. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim, priced at $61,031, included features like a dual-panel sunroof and Ergo Motion massage function for the driver, enhancing comfort. The Palisade's design might not appeal to everyone, but those who appreciated its looks likely found the rest of the vehicle equally appealing.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Despite initial skepticism about its suitability for a midsize luxury SUV, the engine performed adequately in typical driving situations, accelerating the TX 350 to 100 km/h in approximately eight seconds. The SUV felt quicker due to the torque swell, although the engine note was somewhat grating. The TX 350's fuel economy was rated at 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving by Natural Resources Canada, but during testing, it averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm yet comfortable suspension, commendable body motion control, and accurate steering. However, the brake pedal felt too soft, though it was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade featured a 3.8-litre V6 engine generating 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The Palisade offered a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms and 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance. Various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Smart, and Snow, were available, with the option to lock the AWD system for off-road conditions. The V6 engine provided ample power and satisfying acceleration, with the transmission always in the right gear. The Palisade's fuel economy was rated at 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but it averaged 15.0 L/100 km during testing. The suspension offered a firm yet comfortable ride, with excellent visibility and a top-down surround-view camera aiding city driving. The Palisade displayed unexpected athleticism on mountain roads, with predictable handling and resilient brakes.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs, offering a more compelling option. The TX 350 test unit featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, with standard heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel in Canada. The second-row bench seat was standard, with optional captain's chairs available. While the front seats lacked a massage function, they were comfortable, and the power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel was easy to grip. The second-row seat was less welcoming due to its flat lower cushion, but triple-zone climate control and USB charging ports for all rows met segment expectations. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, offering leg support and a good view. Cargo space measured 572 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row folded and 2,746 litres with the second row down.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade offered artificial leather upholstery in the Urban trim and premium Nappa leather in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. Standard features in Canada included heated and ventilated front seats with memory settings, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard rear seats. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added an Ergo Motion massage function for the driver. Configurable storage between the front seats included a large bin, cupholders, and a wireless smartphone charger. Second-row passengers enjoyed a bench seat in Urban trim, with optional captain's chairs available. Comfort was excellent, with a rear climate control panel and USB charging ports in the front seatbacks. The third-row seat was accessible via a one-touch function, offering more comfort and room than most rivals. The Palisade provided 509 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,297 litres with the third row folded and 2,447 litres with the second row down.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with additional options like a head-up display, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist in the Executive packages. The head-up display, however, replaced properly marked steering wheel controls with unmarked ones, causing distraction. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a Drive Connect subscription for cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The TX also included free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, with Remote Connect free for three years. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation. It supported Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and a rear-seat Quiet Mode, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto requiring a USB-A cable. Wireless charging was included in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. Hyundai's Bluelink connected services offered remote engine starting, collision notification, and more with a three-year subscription. The standard 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system provided excellent audio quality. Additional technologies included a digital rearview mirror, semi-autonomous remote parking, and a head-up display showing navigation instructions and safety feature status.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist offered additional braking and steering assistance, though it was not always transparent. The TX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system, with options for parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. The traffic jam assist system provided hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways, but no higher-speed hands-free system was available.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade came with a comprehensive suite of driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and more. Highway Driving Assist paired adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist for highway travel, with lane-change assist on the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. The rear-seat reminder used ultrasonic sensing to alert for movement inside the vehicle. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA crash tests were incomplete, with top ratings for side-impact collisions and rollover resistance.