2020 Lexus RX vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

Lexus refreshed the RX for the 2020 model year, giving it significant upgrades inside and out. The exterior featured standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with optional triple-beam LED headlights. The grille was redesigned to resemble Lexus cars more closely, and two new paint colors were introduced: Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl. The rear received a fresh look with dual exhaust, a rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, along with an available hands-free tailgate. Inside, the cabin remained well-appointed with various interior colors and material combinations, including wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim. The F Sport appearance package added unique features like a special steering wheel, shift knob, aluminum pedals, and 20-inch wheels, among others. Despite its dated center stack, the RX's interior was functional and luxurious, with leather-wrapped surfaces and a hardy design suitable for family life.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy distinguished itself with a unique grille pattern, revised exterior lighting, additional lower body trim, 20-inch wheels, and a simulated suede interior headliner. The Limited trim adopted an exterior look similar to the Palisade SEL with Convenience or Premium packages, with standard LED headlights for models that lacked them previously. The Calligraphy trim made the Palisade look more expensive, drawing attention with its unconventional styling. Inside, the Calligraphy’s cabin featured a Beige over Navy Blue color scheme with premium Nappa leather and a suede headliner, making it a genuine bargain compared to other midsize three-row SUVs. The Palisade's interior was luxurious and well-detailed, offering a high-end feel at a competitive price.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, achieving 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque on premium 91 octane fuel. The three-row RX 350L models had slightly reduced power at 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with an electric motor for 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, while the RX 450hL had a combined output of 259 horsepower from the gasoline engine and 165 horsepower from an electric motor. The RX's performance was smooth, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.9 seconds for most models. Fuel economy varied, with the RX 350 achieving 23 mpg combined, the RX 350L and RX 350 AWD at 22 mpg, and the RX 350L AWD at 21 mpg. The RX 450h AWD excelled with 30 mpg combined, and the RX 450hL at 29 mpg. The F Sport models offered enhanced agility with adaptive variable suspension and sportier features.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with optional all-wheel drive. Drivers could choose between Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport driving modes, with AWD models adding Snow mode and a Lock function for improved traction. The Palisade AWD achieved an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined, with a test average of 21.1 mpg. The Palisade's firmer suspension provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive without sacrificing comfort. It handled well on twisty roads, remaining predictable and confidence-inspiring. The Palisade was easy to drive in urban and suburban environments, with plenty of power and smooth highway cruising, aided by the impressive Highway Drive Assist technology. The Palisade also offered a 5,000-pound towing capacity with a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector.

The 2020 Lexus RX's interior was functional but not as stylish as its German competitors. The two-row RX model comfortably seated four adults, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best for small children or pets. The cabin was spacious in the two-row configuration, with comfortable front seats and good visibility, though the A-pillar could impede the driver's view. The cargo area was smaller than rivals, with a high load floor compromising space. The RX 350L and 450hL had even less cargo space compared to competitors like the Lincoln Aviator. A hands-free liftgate was available on RX 350 and 450h models and standard on RX-L versions.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space, seating, and accessibility. The Calligraphy trim offered a plush interior with eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and separate climate controls for third-row passengers. The second-row captain’s chairs provided ample legroom and support, with easy access to the third row. The Palisade's third-row seat was more accommodating than most competitors. The SUV offered plenty of in-cabin storage, especially in the front center console and door panels. Cargo space measured 18 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86.4 cubic feet with the second row folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate automatically opened when detecting the key fob, with an option to disable this feature if desired.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system was often criticized, but improvements were made for 2020. The standard 8.0-inch display and available 12.3-inch touchscreen were moved closer to the driver. Despite this, the system remained difficult to navigate, but Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and other integrations provided workarounds. The RX featured six USB ports, a standard 12-speaker audio system, and an available 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. A CD player was also standard.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen requiring a wired connection. The Calligraphy trim included SiriusXM, navigation, Blue Link services, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Other features included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, Quiet Mode, and an available head-up display. The surround-view camera system aided in parking and maneuvering.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. New for 2020 were daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The RX also included a three-year subscription to Lexus Enform Safety Connect and a 10-year subscription to Enform Service Connect. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and multiple lane-keeping systems. It featured a rear occupant alert system, active blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems, and Safe Exit Assist. The Limited and Calligraphy trims included a Blind View Monitor and Blue Link services. Highway Drive Assist provided smooth and sophisticated adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.