2022 Lexus NX vs 2023 Hyundai Palisade

When the redesigned 2022 Lexus NX went on sale in December 2021, it presented itself as a sophisticated and stylish compact crossover SUV. Offered in four model series—NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+—the NX boasted design cues unmistakably belonging to Lexus. The NX was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering increased passenger and cargo space.

Its design emphasized minimalism, marked by a simplified and refined attention to detail reminiscent of the Lexus IS sports sedan. The interior progression leaned toward a decluttered approach albeit potentially at the cost of usability in certain situations, such as quickly accessing climate controls integrated into a 14-inch touchscreen. Materials used inside included NuLuxe simulated leather for most trims, with real leather and open-pore wood trim reserved for the NX Luxury.

On the exterior, the NX 350 F Sport stood out with unique styling cues such as a mesh-pattern grille, body-color fender trim, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and black mirrors. Both F Sport and Luxury trims shared distinctive design elements that identified them clearly in the lineup.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade, updated for the model year, made a strong statement with its enhanced road presence and bolder front fascia. The redesign featured a squared-off grille, new headlight design, and LED taillights standard from the SEL trim and up. Body-color mirrors and accents adorned all trims, with the top Calligraphy trim adding premium aesthetic touches, including a wider rear spoiler and a unique grille design in glossy black and chrome.

The interior of the Palisade was spacious and functional, with premium materials like Nappa leather in the Calligraphy trim and a new color option, Robust Emerald. Dual-pane sunroofs contributed to a bright cabin ambiance. The Calligraphy trim featured advanced seating configurations such as captains' chairs with wing-out headrests. Thoughtful touches extended throughout, from the design-focused dashboard to the practical physical control layouts.

Electrification had been a central focus for the 2022 Lexus NX, particularly notable in the NX 350h and NX 450h+ models. The NX 350h hybrid offered a combined output of 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg in combined driving. The NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid produced 302 horsepower and could deliver an estimated 36 miles of electric-only range before switching to hybrid mode.

The 2022 NX 350 had a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, offering 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, available between 1,600 rpm and 3,600 rpm. An eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters powered all four wheels. The NX 250 featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with either front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.

Both the NX 250 and NX 350 had multiple driving modes, with the F Sport trim adding additional sporty configurations and an adaptive variable sports suspension. Despite its capabilities, the NX was not suited for off-road adventures due to its limited ground clearance and approach angles.

For the 2023 Hyundai Palisade, the singular powertrain option was a 3.8-liter V6 making 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This output placed it competitively within its class. It outperformed vehicles like the Mazda CX-9 and Volkswagen Atlas, was on par with the Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder, and slightly trailed the gas-powered Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer.

The Palisade's eight-speed automatic transmission could be controlled with paddle shifters, and all trims offered an optional $1,900 all-wheel-drive (AWD) upgrade. This AWD system demonstrated impressive capability during light off-roading, enhanced by a dedicated Tow Mode, which allowed the Palisade to tow up to 5,000 pounds. Fuel economy for the Palisade with AWD was 19 mpg city, 25 highway, and 21 combined.

The 2022 Lexus NX aimed to provide more passenger and cargo space, but from the driver's seat, it felt more intimate due to the new dashboard design. This compact SUV ensured comfort, particularly with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel available on select trims. Rear-seat passengers benefited from ample room, rear climate controls, heated cushions, and multiple USB ports.

Luxurious touches in the NX included a nature-inspired Thematic Ambient Illumination system and a panoramic sunroof extending over the back seats. The cargo space had increased by 14%, offering 22.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade excelled in providing ample interior space. It offered 44.1 inches of legroom in the front row, 42.4 in the second, and 31.4 in the third row—more than competitors like the Toyota Highlander. Thanks to a standard one-touch seat slide and ingress/egress handles, accessing the third row was made easier. The Palisade's cargo space measured 18 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet behind the second row and 86.4 cubic feet with all rear seats folded flat.

The Palisade catered well to its passengers, offering HVAC vents in all three rows, numerous cupholders, and a versatile center console. Physical buttons and knobs were user-friendly, and automatic dual-zone climate control was standard from the SEL trim upwards.

The 2022 Lexus NX marked a significant technological upgrade with the Lexus Interface infotainment system. This included a standard 9.8-inch touchscreen display (upgradable to a 14-inch screen), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice assistant technology, and multiple connected service subscription plans. The NX additionally offered over-the-air software updates and advanced voice interaction, which could respond to naturally spoken commands from either front-seat occupant. A complimentary three-year trial of Drive Connect service enhanced navigation and provided cloud-based support.

Other technological conveniences in the NX included a 10-speaker sound system (upgradable to a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system), digital mirror, 10-inch head-up display, and optional wireless smartphone charging and SmartAccess key card.

For the 2023 Hyundai Palisade, technological advancements were abundant. A 12.3-inch color touchscreen infotainment system became standard, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. A premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system enhanced audio experiences in higher trims. Digital accessibility was upgraded with Hyundai's Bluelink connected vehicle system and Digital Key 2 Touch, the latter compatible with both Android and Apple devices. This feature allowed remote management of vehicle functions through an app, and drivers appreciated a choice between a 4.2-inch color driver info display and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, depending on the trim.

Practical enhancements like an in-car intercom and rear-seat quiet mode boosted convenience, while a wireless charger and myriad USB ports ensured all devices remained powered.

The 2022 Lexus NX was loaded with advanced safety features through its standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. This package included several notable technologies, such as Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also featured an Emergency Driving Stop System, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist with digital-latch door releases.

Higher trims offered additional safety technologies like rear pedestrian detection, adaptive front lighting, semi-autonomous parking assist, rear cross-traffic braking, a panoramic view monitoring system, and a lane-change assistance function.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade continued its commitment to safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for 2022. While the 2023 model awaited ratings, it introduced new active and passive safety features, including second-row side-impact airbags. The Palisade came standard with Hyundai’s Smart Sense suite, featuring forward collision avoidance, driver attention warning, high beam assist, lane-keeping assist, and lane-following assist.

Newly standard features included blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, and Safe Exit Warning. Additionally, Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist I and II provided extra safety and convenience by maintaining safe following distances, keeping the vehicle centered in its lane, and assisting with lane changes.