2025 Lexus NX vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade

$40,965 · Crossover

$39,435 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Lexus NX and the 2026 Hyundai Palisade lies in fuel economy, with the Lexus achieving a 28 MPG combined versus the Palisade's 21 MPG combined, translating to a 7 MPG advantage for the NX. Power output is also vastly different; the Palisade offers 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, dramatically outpacing the Lexus NX's 203 hp and 184 lb-ft. Conversely, the larger Palisade is less economical to run despite its lower initial cost of $39,435 compared to the NX's $40,965 MSRP. Dimensionally, the Palisade is notably larger at 199.2 inches long compared to the NX's 183.5 inches, although this extra size does not translate to superior cargo space, as the NX offers 22.7 cu ft versus the Palisade's 19.1 cu ft. Both vehicles utilize a standard front-wheel-drive configuration and an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lexus NX

The 2025 Lexus NX wins for commuters due to its superior 28 MPG combined fuel economy rating.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Palisade

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is preferred for families because its larger exterior dimensions (199.2 inches long) typically suggest better passenger room, despite slightly less cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Hyundai Palisade

Enthusiasts will prefer the 2026 Hyundai Palisade for its substantial 84 hp advantage, producing 287 hp compared to the NX's 203 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Palisade

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade presents a stronger initial value proposition with an MSRP of $39,435 for significantly higher horsepower.

Choose the Lexus NX if...

Fuel efficiency is paramount, as the NX achieves 28 MPG combined versus 21 MPG for the Palisade.
A more compact footprint is required, with the NX measuring 183.5 inches in length.
You prefer a vehicle with higher maximum cargo utility, offering 22.7 cubic feet versus 19.1 cubic feet.

Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...

Maximum engine performance is desired, with the Palisade producing 287 horsepower.
The budget requires a lower entry price, with the Palisade starting at $39,435.
Greater physical size is necessary, as the Palisade is 199.2 inches long and 78.0 inches wide.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus NX	Hyundai Palisade
Length	183.5"	199.2"
Width	73.4"	78.0"
Height	66.1"	69.5"
Wheelbase	105.9"	116.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Lexus	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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Front Fog 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	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lexus	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	203 hp @ 6600 rpm	287 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 5000 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	Lexus	Hyundai
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Lexus	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/33 MPG	19/25 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	377.0/478.5 mi.	361.0/475.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	19.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Lexus	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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
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	✓	—
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	Lexus	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	9.8 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	10	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Lexus	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Hyundai
Front Head Room	38.3 in.	41.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	44.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.3 in.	61.4 in.
Front Hip Room	56.3 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	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way

Rearseats

Feature	Lexus	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	38.5 in.	40.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.1 in.	43.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.0 in.	61.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.5 in.	56.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lexus	Hyundai
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Size	235/60R18	235/65R
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Lexus	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 10000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus NX and 2026 Hyundai Palisade.

What is the primary fuel economy trade-off when comparing these two crossovers?

The 2025 Lexus NX offers significantly better mileage at 28 MPG combined, while the 2026 Hyundai Palisade achieves 21 MPG combined. This 7 MPG difference suggests the Palisade will require more frequent stops at the pump.

Which vehicle provides superior power output for acceleration?

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is the clear winner in power, generating 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This contrasts sharply with the 2025 Lexus NX's 203 hp and 184 lb-ft.

Despite being smaller, why does the Lexus NX have more cargo room than the Palisade?

The Lexus NX offers 22.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which exceeds the Hyundai Palisade's 19.1 cubic feet. This suggests the NX utilizes its shorter 183.5-inch frame more efficiently for utility space.

How do the base MSRPs compare between the 2025 NX and the 2026 Palisade?

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade has a lower starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) at $39,435. The 2025 Lexus NX is priced higher, beginning at $40,965.

Are there differences in the size that affect handling or garage fit?

Yes, the Palisade is substantially larger, measuring 199.2 inches long and 78.0 inches wide, compared to the NX's 183.5 inches length and 73.4 inches width, which might impact maneuverability in tight spaces.

Do either of these models require premium gasoline?

No, based on the provided specifications, both the 2025 Lexus NX and the 2026 Hyundai Palisade utilize regular unleaded fuel, which can contribute to lower operating costs.