2025 INFINITI QX50 vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade

$43,000 · Crossover

$39,435 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 INFINITI QX50 bursts forth with a sophisticated focus, offering a compelling 268 horsepower and achieving 25 MPG combined despite requiring premium fuel. Conversely, the larger 2026 Hyundai Palisade brings raw utility, boasting 287 horsepower and standard front-wheel drive dimensions that stretch to 199.2 inches long. While the QX50 leans into premium driving dynamics with its 280 lb-ft of torque, the Palisade undercuts the price barrier significantly, starting at $39,435 compared to the QX50's $43,000 entry point. The INFINITI nets a respectable 28 MPG highway versus the Palisade's 25 MPG highway, illustrating a key 4 MPG difference in overall efficiency favoring the smaller luxury entry. This comparison pits the agile, efficient premium feel of Car 1 against the brute size and horsepower advantage of Car 2.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 INFINITI QX50

The QX50's superior combined 25 MPG efficiency and smaller footprint make it more practical for daily city commuting than the Palisade.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Palisade

The 2026 Palisade's significantly larger exterior dimensions (199.2 inches long) suggest superior passenger and potential three-row space, making it the family hauler.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Hyundai Palisade

The Palisade edges out performance with 287 horsepower compared to the QX50's 268 hp, although the QX50 offers better torque at 280 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Palisade

The Palisade offers a lower entry MSRP of $39,435 and uses less expensive regular unleaded fuel, creating a clear value proposition.

Choose the INFINITI QX50 if...

You prioritize better fuel economy, achieving a combined 25 MPG.
You desire a higher torque output of 280 lb-ft for responsive driving feel.
You prefer a more premium ownership experience starting at an MSRP of $43,000.

Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...

You require maximum size, as the Palisade is significantly longer at 199.2 inches.
You want the highest horsepower rating, delivering 287 hp from its engine.
You aim to save money upfront and on fuel, with a $39,435 MSRP and regular unleaded requirement.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	INFINITI QX50	Hyundai Palisade
Length	184.7"	199.2"
Width	74.9"	78.0"
Height	66.0"	69.5"
Wheelbase	110.2"	116.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	INFINITI	Hyundai
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic 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	✓	✓
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 Ventilated 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	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓

Engine

Feature	INFINITI	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	268 hp @ 5600 rpm	287 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm	260 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	INFINITI	Hyundai
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—

Fuel

Feature	INFINITI	Hyundai
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/28 MPG	19/25 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	352.0/448.0 mi.	361.0/475.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.0 gal.	19.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	INFINITI	Hyundai
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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	INFINITI	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	—
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	INFINITI	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	2	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	INFINITI	Hyundai
Front Head Room	41.0 in.	41.5 in.
Front Leg Room	39.6 in.	44.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.9 in.	61.4 in.
Front Hip Room	55.6 in.	58.8 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way

Rearseats

Feature	INFINITI	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	40.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.7 in.	43.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	61.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.8 in.	56.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	INFINITI	Hyundai
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 7.5 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Size	235/55R19	235/65R
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

Feature	INFINITI	Hyundai
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	INFINITI	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ unlimited mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 INFINITI QX50 and 2026 Hyundai Palisade.

How significant is the power difference between the 2025 QX50 and the 2026 Palisade?

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade has a slight edge in raw output with 287 horsepower compared to the INFINITI QX50's 268 hp. However, the QX50 counters with superior torque delivery at 280 lb-ft versus the Palisade's 260 lb-ft, which may feel punchier at lower speeds.

Which crossover will save me more money at the pump?

The 2025 INFINITI QX50 is the efficiency winner, offering 25 MPG combined against the Palisade's 21 MPG combined. Furthermore, the QX50 requires premium fuel, adding to its operational cost over the regular unleaded needed by the Palisade.

Is the Palisade significantly larger than the QX50?

Yes, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade is noticeably larger, measuring 199.2 inches in length compared to the QX50's 184.7 inches. This size difference suggests the Palisade offers substantially more interior volume, reflected in its 19.1 cu ft vs. the QX50's 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity—though this capacity difference is confusing given standard SUV dimensions and suggests the Palisade might be measuring third-row-folded cargo or a different metric.

What is the difference in starting price?

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is the more budget-friendly choice with an MSRP of $39,435. The 2025 INFINITI QX50 starts higher at $43,000, representing a $3,565 price gap between the base models.

Do these crossovers use different transmissions?

Yes, the driving feel will differ due to transmission choices; the QX50 utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT) optimized for smooth efficiency. In contrast, the Palisade uses a more traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic, which enthusiasts might prefer for perceived engagement.

How does the drivetrain affect their intended use?

The QX50 comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), making it inherently better suited for variable weather conditions. The Palisade comes standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), prioritizing its spacious interior configuration.