2024 Lexus TX vs 2025 Hyundai Palisade

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. Its upscale appearance was enhanced by 22-inch silver-finished wheels, part of the TX 350 Executive packages, which significantly improved its presence. The styling of the TX was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, offering a toned-down design that appealed to those previously put off by the brand's 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, though the TX 550h+ was not yet on sale. The TX 350, likely the volume seller, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive, with options for Ultra Luxury or Executive packages. The interior, while dark with the Peppercorn colour scheme, felt luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade stood out with its bold design, a refreshing change from the rugged styling cues of other SUVs. The 2023 refresh gave it a more angular and technical look, enhancing its upscale appearance and making it seem like a bargain at its sticker price. Inside, even the base Palisade Preferred trim offered a clean, modern, and upscale feel. The higher trims featured premium leather and metal speaker grilles, elevating it beyond a typical mainstream SUV. Thoughtful details like USB ports in the front seatbacks, smartphone storage pockets, and accessible drink holders added to its appeal. In Canada, the Palisade was available in four trims, with prices ranging from $53,284 to $63,584. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim, tested in Robust Emerald paint, had an MSRP of $62,460, showcasing its value proposition.

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. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 100 km/h in about eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to its torque delivery. The official fuel economy rating was 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, slightly better than the previous RX L model. However, during testing, the TX 350 averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm yet comfortable suspension and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on highways, though the brake pedal felt too soft in the pre-production test vehicle.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade featured a 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. It had a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms and an average fuel consumption of 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres. The Palisade's ride was firm at lower speeds but softer on highways, handling speed bumps with ease. The powertrain was smooth and refined, with the V6 engine providing ample power and a pleasant sound. Despite its higher fuel consumption of 13.9 L/100 km in city driving, the Palisade's performance was satisfying, with well-calibrated brakes and responsive steering.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It offered a comfortable interior with premium materials, though the front seats lacked a massage function. The second-row bench seat was standard, with optional captain's chairs available. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, a significant improvement over the RX L and GX models. The TX provided 572 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the seats folded, and 2,746 litres with the second row down. However, the second-row legroom was limited, affecting comfort when accommodating third-row passengers.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade offered three rows of adult-friendly seating, with our test vehicle featuring second-row captain's chairs. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included Nappa leather, power-adjustable front seats, and a massaging driver's seat. The second-row seats provided good support and legroom, with heating and ventilation. The third row was accessible for adults, with USB-C ports and air vents. Storage was generous, with adjustable cupholders and dedicated smartphone trays. The Smart Liftgate feature allowed hands-free access to the cargo area, which offered 509 litres behind the third row, 1,297 litres with it folded, and 2,447 litres with the second row down.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen display with the Lexus Interface infotainment system. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the head-up display had usability issues with polarized sunglasses. The Executive packages added a surround-view camera and semi-autonomous parking assist. The TX offered a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system and various connected services, though some required subscriptions.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade's technology, while slightly dated, was functional and comprehensive. It included a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though smartphone connectivity required a cable. Features included Bluetooth support, wireless charging, SiriusXM, and Bluelink+ services. The voice recognition system was effective, and the Harman Kardon audio system provided good sound quality. The Palisade also offered a digital rearview mirror, head-up display, and surround-view camera system.

The 2024 Lexus TX came with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. The traffic jam assist system provided hands-free driving at low speeds, though the TX's response to vehicles cutting in was overly cautious.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. The Highway Driving Assist system combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist. The Palisade also featured an ultrasonic rear occupant alert, evasive steering assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist. It received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS through 2024, though a Poor rating in a new test affected its 2025 accolade. The NHTSA awarded it five-star frontal impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings.