2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 Hyundai Palisade

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade stood out with its bold and unmistakable design, which set it apart from other SUVs that often relied on rugged styling cues. While its detailing evoked mixed reactions, the Palisade's angular and technical look, especially after the 2023 refresh, was generally well-received. The SUV's balanced forms, tasteful body sculpting, and upscale appearance made it seem like a bargain at its sticker price. Inside, even the base SE trim offered a clean, modern, and upscale feel, with premium materials and luxury cues in the higher trims. However, some metallic-surface control markings were difficult to read during the day. The Palisade was packed with thoughtful details, such as USB charging ports in the front seatbacks, smartphone storage pockets, and drink holders accessible to children. It was available in seven trim levels, with prices ranging from $37,200 to $54,500, excluding the destination charge.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h Black Line Special Edition, was priced at $75,000 and featured an exclusive Incognito paint job with orange brake calipers. Despite these unique touches, the RX's design was considered unremarkable, with a huge front grille and dramatic rear haunches. The RX lineup included three models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each offering different power outputs and fuel efficiencies. The RX 500h, with its turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension, was the most powerful but least fuel-efficient. The RX Hybrid's interior was contemporary, with quality materials and ambient lighting, but some ergonomic issues, such as the loud climate system fan and uncomfortable front seats, detracted from the overall experience. The RX offered ample interior storage and cargo space, though the rear center armrest storage compartment lacked a lining, causing potential noise issues.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission transferred power to the front wheels, with an optional AWD system available. The Palisade had a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 22 mpg in combined driving, dropping to 21 mpg with AWD. Despite its age, the Palisade's driving dynamics remained competitive, with a firm ride at lower speeds and a softer ride on highways. The powertrain was smooth and refined, with the automatic transmission delivering silky shifts. However, the Palisade was not very fuel-efficient, recording 16.9 mpg in city driving and 19.8 mpg overall during testing. The steering and suspension offered a reasonable feel for the road, and the brakes were well-calibrated and easy to modulate.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three models with varying performance characteristics. The RX 350h, with 246 hp and 233 pound-feet of torque, was the least powerful but most efficient, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving. The RX 450h+ PHEV delivered 304 hp and a 6.2-second zero-to-60 time, with an electric-only range of 37 miles. The RX 500h, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, produced 366 hp and 406 pound-feet of torque, achieving a zero-to-60 time of 5.7 seconds but only 20.9 mpg in testing. The RX 500h featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension, performance brakes, and a dynamic rear-wheel steering system. However, the RX 500h's drivetrain hesitated in city driving, and the adaptive suspension produced unnatural sensations. The RX 500h excelled in straight-line acceleration but lacked dynamic capability and communication between the driver and the road.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade offered three rows of seats, accommodating up to eight passengers in the base SE trim and seven in higher trims with second-row captain's chairs. The Calligraphy trim featured Nappa leather, power-adjustable front seats, and a massaging driver's seat. The second-row captain's chairs were heated and ventilated, with good thigh support and legroom. The third-row seat was also heated, a rarity in this segment, and offered USB-C charging ports and air vents. The Palisade provided generous storage space, with adjustable front cupholders, door panel trays, and dedicated sleeves for devices. The Smart Liftgate was a convenient feature, though it could open unintentionally. Cargo space measured 18 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 48.8 cubic feet with the third row folded and 86.4 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space, with a two-row configuration. The RX 500h F Sport Performance model featured heated and ventilated front seats with enhanced bolstering, though the bottom cushions were uncomfortable after extended periods. The rear seats were power-reclining, heated, and ventilated, with ample room for adults. Interior storage was practical, though the rear center armrest compartment lacked a lining. The RX Hybrid offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, with hooks for grocery bags and a small storage area under the load floor. Folding the second row increased cargo volume to 46.2 cubic feet, which was modest for a midsize SUV.

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 Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wired connection. The system included Bluetooth support, wireless smartphone charging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluelink+ connected services. The voice recognition system performed well, and the Harman Kardon audio system delivered commendable sound. The Palisade also offered a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid met luxury expectations with its high-tech features, though some expected items were optional. The RX 500h featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen display. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music. The RX offered a cloud-based navigation system and a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, the steering wheel controls were distracting and difficult to use while driving. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system sounded great, but the head-up display was smaller than some rivals.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade came equipped 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. The Highway Driving Assist system combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering 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 received a Poor rating in a new frontal-impact test for 2025. The NHTSA awarded the Palisade five stars for frontal impact and four stars for rollover resistance.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Safety Connect, providing automatic collision notification and emergency assistance. The Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The RX also offered Predictive Driving Assist, which monitored forward progress and used braking or steering input to maintain safe distances. The optional Convenience Package added a surround-view camera. The RX earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS gave it a Poor rating in a new frontal-impact test.