2024 Lexus TX vs 2025 Hyundai Palisade

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. It presented an upscale appearance, especially with the Luxury trim's 22-inch silver-finished wheels, which significantly enhanced its presence. The TX's styling was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, offering a conservative look that might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's design. The TX lineup included the TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350, though the TX 550h+ was not yet available. The TX 350, likely the most popular version, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with options for FWD or AWD. Our test model, priced at $67,869, included several packages and a dark Peppercorn interior, which felt too dim despite the panoramic sunroof. However, the interior was luxurious enough to justify the Lexus badge.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade stood out with its bold design, which was a refreshing change from the rugged styling cues of other SUVs. The 2023 refresh gave it a more angular and technical look, enhancing its upscale appearance. Inside, even the base SE trim offered a modern and premium feel, with higher trims featuring luxury touches like premium leather and metal speaker grilles. The Palisade was packed with thoughtful details, such as USB ports in the front seatbacks and smartphone storage pockets. It was available in seven trims, with prices from $37,200 to $54,500, excluding the destination charge. Our Calligraphy trim test vehicle, priced at $55,205, included AWD and other features. The Palisade's design and interior features made it feel like a bargain at its sticker price.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in eight seconds with FWD and 7.8 seconds with AWD. The engine's performance was adequate for typical driving, though the engine note and torque steer with FWD could be irritating. The TX 350 FWD had an EPA rating of 23 mpg in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 20.4 mpg. AWD, costing an additional $1,600, offered slightly quicker acceleration and better traction in adverse conditions. The TX 350's suspension provided a balance between firmness and comfort, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on highways, though the brake pedal felt too soft in the pre-production test vehicle.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving, or 21 mpg with AWD. Despite its age, the Palisade's ride and handling were impressive, with a firm ride at lower speeds and a softer feel on highways. The powertrain was smooth and refined, with satisfying power delivery and silky transmission shifts. However, it was not very fuel-efficient, recording 16.9 mpg in city driving and 19.8 mpg overall during testing. The Palisade's steering and suspension provided a reasonable road feel, and the brakes were well-calibrated. Overall, the Palisade offered a delightful driving experience, especially for those who appreciated its suspension tuning.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It offered a luxurious interior with premium materials, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat was standard, with optional captain's chairs. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, a significant improvement over the RX L and GX models. However, sliding the second-row seat forward to accommodate third-row passengers compromised second-row comfort. The TX provided 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row folded and 97 cubic feet with the second row down. Storage options were plentiful but lacked lining, potentially causing noise. The split front center armrest design was not practical, and the cargo area lighting was an optional extra.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade offered three rows of seats, with our test vehicle featuring second-row captain's chairs. The Calligraphy trim included Nappa leather, power-adjustable front seats with massage, and heated and ventilated seats. The second-row seats provided good support and legroom, with climate control and window shades enhancing comfort. The third-row seat was heated, with USB-C ports and air vents, though headroom was snug. Storage was generous and well-designed, with adjustable cupholders and smartphone trays. The Smart Liftgate was a convenient feature, though it could open unintentionally. Cargo space measured 18 cubic feet behind the third row, with a large compartment under the load floor. Folding the third row provided 48.8 cubic feet, and maximum capacity was 86.4 cubic feet.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured an optional Technology Package, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera, and parking assist. However, the unmarked steering wheel controls and head-up display visibility issues were frustrating. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, offered a cloud-based navigation system and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, along with 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade's technology was functional but starting to show its age compared to newer Hyundai models. It featured a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though smartphone connectivity required a cable. The system included Bluetooth support, wireless charging, SiriusXM, Bluelink+ services, and a navigation system. The voice recognition system performed well, and the Harman Kardon audio system offered commendable sound. The Palisade also had a head-up display, surround-view camera, and digital rearview mirror. Hyundai Pay and a Rear Seat Quiet Mode were additional features.

The 2024 Lexus TX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist was part of the system, though it was not always transparent in operation. The TX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and optional parking sensors. The traffic jam assist system provided hands-free driving at low speeds. Overall, LSS+ 3.0 was smooth and effective, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, offering forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The Highway Driving Assist system combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist. Higher trims added features like rear occupant alert, surround-view camera, and Remote Smart Parking Assist. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS through 2024 but did not receive the accolade in 2025 due to a Poor rating in a new crash test. The NHTSA awarded it five-star frontal impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings.