2024 Lexus GX vs 2025 Hyundai Palisade

The 2024 Lexus GX 550 marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the GX 470, with a bold new design that embraced geometric styling. The spindle grille, a signature of the brand, was less pronounced, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights. The front end stood more vertically, giving the SUV a more aggressive look, while the flat hood featured humps above the front wheels for better off-road visibility. The side profile of the GX was sleek, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline to enhance visibility. The SUV was available in six trim levels, with the Premium+ expected to be the best-seller. Luxury trims focused on opulence with features like 22-inch wheels and ambient lighting, while the Overtrail trims were geared towards off-roading with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. Inside, the GX combined luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road functions.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade stood out with its bold design, especially after the 2023 refresh that introduced a more angular and technical look. The SUV's balanced forms and upscale appearance made it a standout in its class. Inside, even the base SE trim offered a modern and upscale feel, with higher trims like the Calligraphy featuring premium leather, artificial suede, and metal speaker grilles. The Palisade was packed with thoughtful details, such as USB ports in the front seatbacks, smartphone storage pockets, and drink holders accessible to children. Hyundai offered the Palisade in seven trim levels, with prices ranging from $37,200 to $54,500. The Calligraphy trim, with AWD and additional features, brought the MSRP to $55,205.

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 provided impressive torque low in the rev range, making off-road driving easier. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX offered a stiffer chassis for better stability on and off-road. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission, full-time 4WD, and 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 capability. During testing, the GX demonstrated strong acceleration and effective braking, with a composed on-road demeanor despite its size.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade came with 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 optional AWD available. The Palisade had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and an EPA-rated fuel economy of 22 mpg combined. Despite its age, the Palisade offered a firm ride at lower speeds and a softer ride on highways. The powertrain was smooth and refined, with satisfying performance. However, fuel efficiency was lower than expected, with recorded figures of 16.9 mpg in city driving and 19.8 mpg overall. The Palisade's steering and suspension provided a reasonable feel for the road, and the brakes were well-calibrated.

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 with 31.7 inches of legroom. The GX excelled in cargo space, offering 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with it folded, and a total of 76.9 cubic feet. Overtrail models provided even more space, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.5 cubic feet in total.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade offered three rows of seats, with our test vehicle featuring a seven-passenger configuration with second-row captain's chairs. The Calligraphy trim included Nappa leather, power-adjustable front seats, and a massaging driver's seat. The second-row seats were heated and ventilated, with good thigh support and legroom. The third row, also heated, provided adequate space for adults if the second row was adjusted. The Palisade offered generous storage, with adjustable cupholders, smartphone trays, and a Smart Liftgate. Cargo space measured 18 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 48.8 cubic feet with it folded, and a maximum of 86.4 cubic feet.

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

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade's technology, though slightly dated, was functional and feature-rich. It included a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a cable connection. The Palisade offered Bluetooth support, wireless charging, SiriusXM, and Bluelink+ services. The voice recognition system performed well, and the Harman Kardon audio system provided commendable sound. Additional features included a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2024 Lexus GX received a significant upgrade in safety features with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. It included pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. A new proactive driving assist feature enhanced safety during highway driving. While crash-test ratings were not yet available, the modern GA-F architecture and advanced safety systems inspired confidence.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade came with a comprehensive suite of safety features under the Hyundai SmartSense umbrella. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added features like a surround-view camera, Blind Spot View Monitor, and Remote Smart Parking Assist. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS through 2024, but a Poor rating in a new test prevented the accolade in 2025. The NHTSA awarded it five-star frontal impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings.