2025 Hyundai Palisade vs 2026 Lexus RX
Comparison Overview
The primary differentiator between the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and the 2026 Lexus RX is the $12,525 MSRP gap, with the Palisade starting at $37,200 versus the RX's $49,725. Performance shows a clear separation in torque, where the Lexus RX delivers 317 lb-ft compared to the Palisade's 262 lb-ft, despite the Palisade offering slightly more horsepower at 291 hp versus the RX's 275 hp. Fuel efficiency metrics favor the Lexus, achieving 25 MPG combined, while the Palisade manages 22 MPG combined. Furthermore, cargo volume is significantly divergent: the RX offers 29.6 cubic feet, substantially more than the Palisade's 18 cubic feet. The Palisade is also larger physically, measuring 196.7 inches in length against the RX's 192.5 inches, suggesting a trade-off between outright size and efficiency/utility for the segment.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Lexus RX
The 2026 Lexus RX wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 25 MPG compared to the Palisade's 22 MPG.
2026 Lexus RX
The 2026 Lexus RX offers substantially more utility with 29.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the Palisade's 18 cubic feet.
2026 Lexus RX
The 2026 Lexus RX is preferred by enthusiasts because its 317 lb-ft of torque surpasses the Palisade's 262 lb-ft.
2025 Hyundai Palisade
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade provides superior financial value, starting $12,525 lower than the comparable Lexus RX model.
Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...
- Your primary concern is initial acquisition cost, given the $37,200 MSRP.
- You require the slightly higher peak output of 291 horsepower.
- You prefer using regular unleaded fuel over the RX's premium recommended fuel.
Choose the Lexus RX if...
- Maximizing usable space is critical, as the RX offers 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You prioritize torque figures, benefiting from the RX's 317 lb-ft output.
- Better city and highway fuel economy (22/29 MPG) is necessary for your routine driving.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Palisade | Lexus RX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.7" | 192.5" |
| Width | 77.8" | 75.6" |
| Height | 68.9" | 67.3" |
| Wheelbase | 114.2" | 112.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.8 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm | 275 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm | 317 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Hyundai | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/26 MPG | 22/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 357.2/488.8 mi. | 391.6/516.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.8 gal. | 17.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 9.8 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speaker System | — | 12 |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.1 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.2 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.1 in. | 56.7 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.1 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 37.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 60.8 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.7 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 19 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/60R18 | ✓ |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Painted Alloy Wheels | — | ✓ |
| Polished Alloy Wheels | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and 2026 Lexus RX.
How much greater is the Lexus RX's cargo capacity than the Hyundai Palisade's?
The 2026 Lexus RX provides 29.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, which is 11.6 cubic feet more than the 2025 Hyundai Palisade’s 18 cubic feet. This significant difference directly impacts utility for transporting large items or family gear.
Which vehicle offers better fuel economy for daily driving?
The 2026 Lexus RX achieves a 25 MPG combined rating (22 city/29 highway), outperforming the 2025 Hyundai Palisade's 22 MPG combined rating (19 city/26 highway). The RX maintains efficiency while requiring premium fuel, unlike the Palisade's regular unleaded requirement.
What is the core difference in engine power specifications?
The Palisade produces more horsepower at 291 hp, whereas the RX emphasizes low-end pulling power with 317 lb-ft of torque compared to the Palisade's 262 lb-ft. Both utilize an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Is the higher price of the Lexus RX justified by performance or size?
The $12,525 price premium for the RX is not justified by physical size, as the Palisade is longer (196.7 inches vs. 192.5 inches). However, the RX offers superior torque and cargo volume metrics.
Are both vehicles front-wheel drive by default?
Yes, both the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and the 2026 Lexus RX are listed with standard front-wheel drive configurations in this comparison.
Do these crossovers require different grades of gasoline?
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade specifies regular unleaded fuel. Conversely, the 2026 Lexus RX recommends premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance, which adds to its overall operating cost.
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