2023 Lexus RX vs 2023 Hyundai Palisade

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai’s largest SUV, undoubtedly caught many glances on the road with its updated, more commanding appearance. The new front fascia boasted bolder strokes framing new headlights, giving the SUV a stronger, imposing look. Standard LED accents, daytime running lights, and headlights, combined with the redesigned squared-off grille, changed the Palisade’s face to loom impressively rather than merely lurk in the background.

All 2023 Palisades came with body-color heated, powered auto-dimming mirrors. The Calligraphy trim was easily recognized by its premium rear accent lighting, body-color bumpers, a unique glossy black and chrome grille, and a wider rear spoiler. The new XRT trim stood out with its dark grille, roof cross rails, bodycolor door handles, special bumper and skid plate accents, and black 20-inch wheels. Wheel options ranged from the standard 18-inch alloys on SE and SEL models to 20-inch wheels, which were optional for SEL and standard on higher trims.

The 2023 Lexus RX, meanwhile, introduced a shorter height, broader width, and longer wheelbase while retaining the same overall length as its predecessor. It delivered more trunk space than the 2022 model, even though it still lagged behind some rivals. The RX appeared smaller due to its reduced rear overhang and softer design lines, which gave it a stubby look. The spindle-style grille was more integrated with the design, and upswept body sides reminiscent of the Lexus IS sedan led into flared rear fenders. The rear featured a light-blade taillight, block-letter Lexus name, and a sporty bumper with simulated air vents.

The RX's styling was familiar yet fresh. It managed to retain its Lexus identity while ensuring a modern, understated aesthetic. Though it shared visual similarities with the smaller NX, the RX maintained its distinct mid-size allure, affirming itself as a vehicle worthy of a higher price point.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade retained its single powertrain: a 3.8-liter V6 producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This setup offered competitive performance within the class, surpassing the Mazda CX-9 and Volkswagen Atlas in power and slightly edging out the Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder. The Palisade was almost on par with the gas-powered Toyota Highlander and the Ford Explorer. An eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters was standard, and the default powertrain was front-wheel drive, though all trims offered all-wheel drive (AWD) as a $1,900 option. The HTRAC AWD system proved capable under muddy off-road conditions during tests. The Palisade excelled in towing, capable of hauling up to 5,000 pounds, with AWD models featuring a dedicated Tow Mode for optimized gear shifting. Fuel economy ratings for FWD Palisades were 19 mpg city, 27 highway, and 22 combined, while AWD models achieved 19 mpg city, 25 highway, and 21 combined.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. During test drives in Santa Maria, California, the F Sport Handling trim displayed more secure handling compared to the Luxury trim, particularly with its adaptive damping suspension. Both trims showcased the turbo-four engine’s improved torque and fuel efficiency over the previous V6, though they traded off smoother engine sound for performance and economy. The RX 350 AWD was slightly faster to 60 mph (7.2 seconds) than the FWD version (7.5 seconds). Fuel economy expectations were 25 mpg combined for FWD and 24 mpg for AWD, but real-world results showed 22.5 mpg and 21.8 mpg, respectively.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade’s interior comfortably seated seven or eight passengers. It offered generous legroom: 44.1 inches in the front row, 42.4 inches in the second, and 31.4 inches in the third—surpassing the Toyota Highlander. Passenger volume stood at 155.3 cubic feet. Easy third-row access was facilitated by a standard one-touch seat slide and ingress/egress handles. Cargo capacities were substantial, with 18 cubic feet behind all seats, 45.8 cubic feet behind the second row, and 86.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The smart liftgate, standard on all but the base SE trim, added convenience.

In the Lexus RX 350, comfort reigned supreme, though sport seat bolsters in the F Sport Handling model could be too snug for some. The Luxury trim featured premium semi-aniline leather, ten-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The F Sport Handling trim, with its black NuLuxe seats and Dark Graphite trim, toned down the luxury but enhanced sportiness. The RX's back seat provided good leg support and spaciousness, but taller passengers might find headroom lacking. Lexus improved storage and cargo space, with the trunk measuring 29.6 cubic feet behind the seats and a maximum of 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded—still modest for the segment.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade elevated its tech game with standard WiFi hotspot capability and a new 12.3-inch color touchscreen infotainment system that included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, HD Radio, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth connectivity. The 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system was available in SEL and standard in higher trims. USB ports were abundant, and a wireless charger came standard on all but the base model. Drivers had access to either a 4.2-inch color info display or a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in higher trims. Advanced features like the in-car intercom, rear-seat quiet mode, and Hyundai’s enhanced Bluelink connected vehicle system, including Digital Key 2 Touch, rounded out the impressive tech suite.

Conversely, the 2023 Lexus RX benefited from the new Lexus Interface infotainment system with either a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen. This system featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, and several connected service plans. Drive Connect, including Destination Assist and Intelligent Assistant, was complimentary for three years. Lexus Interface enabled user profiles and streaming of Apple Music or Amazon Music. Despite these advancements, the inability to view multiple data panels simultaneously was a drawback. Both RX 350s tested boasted the 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system, digital instrumentation, and optional digital rearview mirror and key smartphone technology. A head-up display was available but had visibility issues under certain conditions.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. While the 2023 model’s rating was pending, enhancements included new active and passive safety features such as second-row side-impact airbags. The standard Hyundai Smart Sense suite encompassed features like forward collision avoidance, driver attention warning, blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, and navigation-based Smart Cruise Control. The rear seat occupant alert with an ultrasonic sensor added an extra layer of safety, particularly in preventing accidental child entrapment.

The 2023 Lexus RX arrived with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, integrating advanced driver assistance systems. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance, and a curve speed-reduction function. Semi-autonomous technologies like Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist debuted, although some aspects, like the unmarked adaptive cruise controls on the HUD and the curve-speed reduction technology, had room for improvement. Overall, LSS+ 3.0 enhanced the RX’s safety profile but was not without its flaws.