2026 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 Hyundai Palisade

The Palisade is the company’s largest SUV, debuting in 2020 as a replacement for the Hyundai Santa Fe XL. Since then, the automaker has steadily improved the SUV’s styling, technology, and packaging, and that’s also true of the 2025 Palisade. This year, the SEL Premium is a trim level instead of a trim package, and the XRT adds some standard equipment. A redesigned 2026 Palisade is on the way and will undoubtedly improve on this outgoing version.

Verdict: Though the 2025 Palisade marks the last year for the current-generation model, you should still consider one, especially if the deal is too good to pass up. This Hyundai has aged remarkably well and remains more appealing than many of its rivals in the midsize three-row SUV arena.

Buyers have high expectations of luxury crossovers. They want arresting design, comfortable interiors, the latest technology, and powerful engines. Several automakers employ turbocharged six-cylinder engines to get that power, but Lexus is going a different way with its most potent RX model—the RX 500h F Sport Performance. It still uses a turbocharger, but also employs hybrid technology to boost power and cut acceleration times while improving fuel economy. It’s one of two 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid models, along with the tamer RX 350h.

Verdict: The RX 500h F Sport Performance may be the most powerful RX, but it’s not as powerful or quick as most rivals, and despite the F Sport badge, there isn’t much real “sport” to be had. While it does have good EPA fuel economy ratings, we found them hard to match in the real world.