2024 Hyundai Palisade vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2024 Lexus GX presented a bold departure from its predecessor, the GX 470, with a more angular and geometric design. The signature spindle grille was less pronounced, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights that contributed to a more aggressive front fascia. The vehicle's side profile appeared as if carved from a solid block, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline to enhance visibility. The GX was available in six trims, with the Premium+ expected to be the bestseller. Luxury trims focused on opulence with features like 22-inch wheels and ambient lighting, while the Overtrail trims emphasized off-road capability with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. Inside, the GX combined luxury with utility, featuring a 14-inch touchscreen and robust materials, making it a premium SUV ready for rugged use.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade stood out with its distinctive styling, appealing to those who appreciated its unique look. Offered in six trims, including the new Calligraphy Night Edition, the Palisade ranged from $36,650 to $53,850. The Calligraphy Night Edition featured a blacked-out appearance with dark chrome and gloss black accents. Inside, it boasted an artificial suede headliner and quality upholstery, giving it a luxurious feel. The Palisade's interior was sophisticated, with metal speaker grilles and striped dashboard trim, making it feel like a luxury SUV despite its mass-market positioning.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, producing 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain offered impressive low-end torque, enhancing off-road capability. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX featured a stiffer chassis for improved stability. It came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard full-time 4WD with a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential. The Overtrail trims added a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for enhanced off-road performance. The GX demonstrated controlled on-road behavior and effective braking, though its off-road capabilities were not fully tested due to weather conditions.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission powered the front wheels, with AWD available. The Palisade offered several driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Smart, and Snow. It excelled in providing a smooth ride, with the AWD system effectively distributing power on dirt and gravel roads. The Palisade averaged 18.8 mpg in Comfort mode during testing. It displayed unexpected agility on mountain roads, with predictable handling and effective brakes. Overall, the Palisade offered a pleasant driving experience, though its real-world fuel economy was less impressive.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a minimalist and sophisticated interior with fewer physical buttons. It offered comfortable seating for six-foot-tall adults in the first and second rows, with 41.2 inches of legroom in the front and 36.7 inches in the second row. The third row, available in Premium and Luxury models, was tight for adults. The GX excelled in cargo space, with 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 76.9 cubic feet with seats folded. Overtrail models offered even more space, with 90.5 cubic feet of total cargo capacity.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade offered a range of seating options, from cloth seats in the SE trim to premium Nappa leather in the Calligraphy trims. Heated and ventilated front seats were available, with additional comfort features like memory settings and an Ergo Motion massage function for the driver. The Palisade provided configurable storage, with a large center console and various storage bins. Second-row passengers enjoyed captain's chairs with optional heating and ventilation. The third row was more comfortable than most rivals, with standard heating and air conditioning vents. The Palisade offered 18 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 86.4 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered Drive Connect and Remote Connect services with a three-year trial. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo available on higher trims. While the Lexus Interface was user-friendly, subscription costs for certain features after the trial period were a consideration for long-term ownership.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi access, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a USB-A cable. Bluelink+ connected services were free for original owners, offering features like remote engine start and SOS emergency assistance. The Palisade featured a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and additional technologies like a digital key, digital rearview mirror, and semi-autonomous remote parking. The head-up display provided useful information, though it was incompatible with polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Lexus GX received significant safety upgrades with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign recognition. While crash test ratings were not yet available, the modern GA-F architecture and advanced driver assistance systems improved confidence in its safety offerings.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with SmartSense driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. Highway Driving Assist provided a hands-on driving system for highway travel. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though some crash test results were incomplete. The SUV received a five-star rating for side-impact collisions and a four-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.