2022 Lexus NX vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy distinguished itself with a unique grille pattern, revised exterior lighting, including puddle lamps, additional lower body trim, unique 20-inch wheels, upgraded interior detailing, and a simulated suede interior headliner. These features made the Calligraphy trim look fancier than other Palisades, drawing attention with its unconventional styling. Inside, the Calligraphy’s cabin, with its Beige over Navy Blue color scheme, quilted and stitched premium Nappa leather, and suede headliner, appeared far more luxurious than its price suggested.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned and available in four model series, offered a more refined and simplified design. The NX featured a longer, wider, and taller body, providing more passenger and cargo space. The F Sport trim added sporty elements like a unique mesh-pattern grille, body-color fender trim, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and black mirrors. Inside, the NX aimed for a minimalist look with fewer buttons and knobs, integrating many functions into the available 14-inch touchscreen. The NX’s interior, especially in the Luxury trim, included real leather, open-pore wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof, enhancing its premium feel.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade came equipped with a powerful and quiet 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with an optional all-wheel-drive system. Drivers could choose between Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport driving modes, with AWD models adding a Snow mode and a Lock function for improved low-speed traction. The Palisade AWD had an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg in combined driving, and our test vehicle averaged 21.1 mpg. The Palisade’s firmer suspension tuning provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive, though not outright fun. It was undemanding to drive in typical scenarios, with plenty of power and easy maneuverability, and it offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg in combined driving, and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 horsepower and an estimated 36 miles of pure electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The NX 350 F Sport added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. The F Sport felt taut and lean on winding roads, while the NX 350 Luxury offered a softer driving character. Lexus estimated 25 mpg in combined driving for the NX 350, and our observed fuel economy was 22.2 mpg for the F Sport and 25.5 mpg for the Luxury. The NX’s handling impressed, though the turbocharged engine didn’t sound as refined as those in German rivals.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space, seating, and accessibility. The driver and passenger enjoyed eight-way power-adjustable seats, with the driver also getting an adjustable thigh support cushion and a heated steering wheel. The front seats and second-row captain’s chairs were heated and ventilated, and third-row passengers had separate climate controls and rear side-window sunshades. The Palisade offered plenty of in-cabin storage space and a roomy cargo area, with 18 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86.4 cubic feet with the second row folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience, though it could be turned off if desired.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided more interior room for people and cargo, though it felt more intimate from the driver’s seat. The NX was comfortable, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim offered better bolstering for the front seats, while rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations with rear air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The NX’s panoramic glass sunroof extended over the back seat, and the Luxury trim included a nature-inspired Thematic Ambient Illumination system. The NX had 22.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with the back seats folded.

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 satellite radio, a navigation system, Blue Link connected services, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. Other features included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, Quiet Mode, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system with a 9.8-inch touchscreen display standard and a 14-inch screen optional. Both versions included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and readiness for five connected service subscription plans. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system available. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural voice commands, and the NX included a complimentary three-year trial subscription to Drive Connect service. Additional technologies included a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and a digital key capability.

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

The 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also had an Emergency Driving Stop System, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist technology. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, an adaptive front lighting system, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. The Vision Package included a panoramic view monitoring system, front cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assistance.