2025 Lexus RX vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade

$49,125 · Crossover

$39,435 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Lexus RX and the 2026 Hyundai Palisade is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Palisade starting $9,690 lower at $39,435 compared to the RX's $49,125. This cost difference offsets performance metrics; the Palisade offers a slight horsepower advantage (287 hp vs. 275 hp), but the RX counters with superior fuel economy, achieving 25 MPG combined against the Palisade's 21 MPG combined. Furthermore, the Lexus provides substantially more cargo space at 29.6 cubic feet versus the Palisade's 19.1 cubic feet, although the Palisade is physically larger in all exterior dimensions (199.2 inches long vs. 192.5 inches). While both utilize 8-speed automatic transmissions and FWD, the RX also boasts higher torque output at 317 lb-ft compared to the Palisade's 260 lb-ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lexus RX

The Lexus RX wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 25 MPG versus the Palisade's 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Lexus RX

The RX provides 52% more cargo capacity (29.6 cu ft vs. 19.1 cu ft), which is critical for family utility.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Lexus RX

The RX secures the enthusiast vote due to its significantly higher torque output of 317 lb-ft compared to the Palisade's 260 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade offers a substantial initial cost savings, being $9,690 less expensive than the Lexus RX.

Choose the Lexus RX if...

Fuel efficiency is paramount, as the Lexus RX achieves 25 MPG combined.
Maximum cargo space is required, evidenced by its 29.6 cu ft capacity.
Higher torque figures (317 lb-ft) are preferred for acceleration characteristics.

Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...

A budget is strict, as the Palisade has an MSRP nearly $9,700 lower.
More horsepower is desired, as the Palisade produces 287 hp compared to 275 hp.
The owner requires a larger physical footprint, as the Palisade is longer (199.2 in) and taller (69.5 in).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus RX	Hyundai Palisade
Length	192.5"	199.2"
Width	75.6"	78.0"
Height	67.3"	69.5"
Wheelbase	112.2"	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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lexus	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	275 hp @ 6000 rpm	287 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque	317 lb-ft @ 1700 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	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/29 MPG	19/25 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	391.6/516.2 mi.	361.0/475.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.8 gal.	19.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Lexus	Hyundai
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power 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	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	9.8 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	12	—
Subwoofer Count	1	—
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 Dual Mirrors	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Hyundai
Front Head Room	39.5 in.	41.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 in.	44.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	61.4 in.
Front Hip Room	56.7 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	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
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	38.6 in.	40.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.4 in.	43.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.5 in.	61.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.9 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
Painted Alloy Wheels	✓	—
Polished Alloy Wheels	✓	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.0 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	✓	235/65R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

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 RX and 2026 Hyundai Palisade.

Which vehicle offers a lower operating cost based on fuel requirements?

The Hyundai Palisade is likely cheaper to fuel initially because it requires regular unleaded gasoline, whereas the 2025 Lexus RX recommends premium unleaded. Furthermore, the RX is more efficient, delivering 4 MPG better combined.

How significant is the interior space difference between these crossovers?

The Lexus RX offers significantly more usable cargo capacity at 29.6 cu ft, whereas the 2026 Hyundai Palisade offers 19.1 cu ft. This 10.5 cu ft difference suggests the RX is better equipped for large cargo loads.

Despite the lower price, does the Palisade have better raw power figures?

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade produces slightly more peak horsepower at 287 hp compared to the Lexus RX's 275 hp. However, the Lexus counters this with higher torque at 317 lb-ft versus the Palisade's 260 lb-ft.

Are there significant differences in size or platform?

Yes, the Palisade is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 199.2 inches in length and 78.0 inches in width, while the Lexus RX is smaller at 192.5 inches long and 75.6 inches wide. Both utilize front-wheel drive and 8-speed automatic transmissions.

Is the difference in MSRP worth the trade-offs in specs?

The $9,690 price disparity means the Palisade wins on initial affordability. Buyers must weigh this against the RX's advantages in torque (317 vs 260 lb-ft) and fuel economy (25 MPG vs 21 MPG).

Do either of these models offer different drive types?

Based strictly on the provided specifications, both the 2025 Lexus RX and the 2026 Hyundai Palisade are configured with front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard for this comparison.