Hyundai Palisade vs Lexus TX

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade underwent significant design changes while maintaining its recognizable identity. It featured a more upright and squared-off profile, with a bold front lighting design that included rectangular slashes flanking a massive grille, giving it a distinctive appearance. Inside, the Palisade's interior was softened with flowing shapes and simple lines reminiscent of mid-century modern furniture, creating a refined and relaxing atmosphere. The high-quality materials in the top-spec Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy model added texture variance, while the off-road-oriented Palisade XRT Pro offered durable materials. The 2026 Palisade was longer and had an extended wheelbase, accommodating seven or eight passengers depending on the configuration.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a variety of packages, each with unique features. The TX 350 came with the Luxury package by default, while the 500h hybrid started with the F Sport Performance 2 package. The exterior retained a large grille with sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting spanning the vehicle's width. Inside, the TX offered three interior colour options and ambient lighting, but the material quality fell short of luxury standards. Redesigned door handles added a modern touch, though some found them unnecessary. The TX's interior was spacious, with a focus on comfort and convenience, but lacked the attention to detail found in some competitors.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. While slightly less powerful than its predecessor, it remained competitive against rivals like the Chevrolet Traverse and Ford Explorer. The eight-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, and the Palisade's ride was comfortable yet controlled. The suspension offered good isolation from road imperfections, and the brakes were upgraded for shorter stopping distances. The Palisade's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, and its HTRAC AWD system provided versatility with various drive and terrain modes. The new Palisade XRT Pro enhanced off-road capability with features like all-terrain tires and improved ground clearance. Additionally, a hybrid powertrain option was introduced, delivering a total system output of 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque.

The 2026 Lexus TX 350 featured a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the TX 500h hybrid boosted output to 366 hp. The gas model had an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the hybrid used a six-speed automatic. The TX 350 came with full-time AWD, while the TX 500h featured Lexus's Direct4 AWD system. Drive modes included Normal, Eco, and Sport, with Sport mode enhancing throttle response. The TX 500h offered adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling. While not a sports car, the TX provided a comfortable and controlled ride, with the hybrid offering additional performance benefits.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade offered a spacious interior with options for captain's chairs or a second-row bench seat. The third row was accessible but required some maneuvering for taller passengers. USB-C charging ports, cupholders, and air vents were available for all passengers. The Palisade's interior was designed for comfort, with heated and ventilated seats, and Relaxation Mode in the top trim. Cargo space was ample, with up to 540 litres behind the third row and a maximum of 2,455 litres with all seats folded. While not class-leading, it provided practical storage options for families.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second row offered captain's chairs with a removable centre console, and the third row was spacious with a recline function. Entry to the third row was facilitated by a one-touch button, though folding the second row flat required multiple steps. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX provided excellent cargo space, with 572 litres behind the third row and a maximum of 2,747 litres with all seats folded. The TX's towing capacity matched the Palisade's at 2,268 kilograms.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a second 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment. Standard features included onboard navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Ultimate Calligraphy model offered a 12-inch head-up display and integrated dashcams. A surround view monitor and in-car intercom were standard, along with a UV-light cleaning system. The Bose audio system provided excellent sound quality, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2026 Lexus TX boasted a 14-inch touchscreen with quick response times, though some features lacked polish. Steering wheel controls were multifunctional but confusing, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto occasionally conflicted with the native audio system. A subscription was required for in-dash navigation and other features. The backup camera offered a clear view, and the Advanced Park system assisted with parking. The TX provided ample connectivity with seven USB ports and wireless charging, ensuring devices remained powered.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade had not yet received safety ratings from NHTSA or IIHS, but the previous model performed well. It offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning. Additional packages added features like side parking sensors and evasive steering assist. The Highway Driving Assist II system provided lane-change assistance in the top trim.

The 2026 Lexus TX came standard with Safety System+ 3.0, including forward collision warning, lane tracing assist, and traffic sign recognition. Proactive Driving Assist applied brakes or steering when necessary, though some found it intrusive. Adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, and hands-free driving was available via subscription. The TX received a five-star safety rating from NHTSA and "Good" scores from IIHS, with some areas rated "Acceptable."