2026 Hyundai Palisade vs 2026 Lexus NX

$39,435 · Crossover

$44,175 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade hits the road with a commanding 287 hp and a generous 199.2 inches of length, offering sheer presence and immediate power for those who prioritize output on a budget. Contrastingly, the 2026 Lexus NX captivates with staggering efficiency, boasting an incredible 40 MPG combined, vastly outperforming the Palisade's 21 MPG rating. The Lexus carries a higher MSRP of $44,175 compared to the Palisade's $39,435, marking a $4,740 entry fee for superior economy. While the Palisade boasts 47 more horsepower (287 hp vs. 240 hp), the NX delivers practicality with slightly more cargo space at 22.7 cubic feet versus the Palisade's 19.1 cubic feet. These two crossovers offer distinct paths: raw, accessible power versus refined, fuel-sipping mileage.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lexus NX

The Lexus NX is the superior commuter vehicle due to its exceptional 40 MPG combined fuel economy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Palisade

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade wins for families based on its significantly larger overall size, suggesting superior interior room beyond just the provided cargo numbers.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Hyundai Palisade

The Palisade delivers more driving excitement with a stronger 287 hp engine output compared to the NX's 240 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade provides substantially more horsepower for $4,740 less than the Lexus NX.

Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...

You prioritize raw power, needing the 287 hp available from the 2026 Hyundai Palisade.
You must keep the initial purchase price down, as the Palisade starts at $39,435.
You prefer regular unleaded fuel over the Lexus's recommended premium requirement.

Choose the Lexus NX if...

Your driving routine demands ultimate efficiency, benefiting from the NX's stunning 40 MPG combined rating.
You need slightly better usable space, as the NX offers 22.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
You value a smaller footprint for city maneuvering, as the NX is notably shorter in length than the Palisade.

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	Lexus
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear 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	✓	✓
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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Lexus
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	hybrid
Horsepower	287 hp @ 6400 rpm	240 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	260 lb-ft @ 5000 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	continuously variable-speed 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)	19/25 MPG	42/38 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	40 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	361.0/475.0 mi.	609.0/551.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.0 gal.	14.5 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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Lexus
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	9.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speaker System	—	10

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Lexus
Front Head Room	41.5 in.	38.3 in.
Front Leg Room	44.2 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.4 in.	56.3 in.
Front Hip Room	58.8 in.	56.3 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

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

Tires and Wheels

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

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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ 10000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How much more efficient is the Lexus NX compared to the Hyundai Palisade?

The Lexus NX is dramatically more efficient, achieving 40 MPG combined, which is nearly double the Hyundai Palisade's 21 MPG combined rating. This 19 MPG difference will result in significantly lower annual fuel costs for the NX.

Which vehicle offers better straight-line acceleration potential?

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade has the measurable edge in raw power with 287 hp compared to the Lexus NX's 240 hp. This 47 hp advantage suggests the Palisade will feel quicker off the line.

Is the Hyundai Palisade cheaper to purchase initially?

Yes, the Palisade offers a lower entry point with an MSRP of $39,435, saving buyers $4,740 compared to the $44,175 asking price of the Lexus NX.

Does the Lexus NX require premium fuel?

While not explicitly mandated, the 2026 Lexus NX recommends premium unleaded fuel for its operation, whereas the more powerful Palisade runs happily on regular unleaded.

Which crossover provides more interior storage volume?

The smaller Lexus NX actually surpasses the larger Hyundai Palisade in stated cargo volume, offering 22.7 cubic feet versus the Palisade's 19.1 cubic feet behind the rearmost seats.

What major differences exist in their transmissions?

The Palisade uses a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission focused on performance output, while the Lexus NX utilizes a Continuously Variable-Speed Automatic (CVT) transmission, optimized primarily for smooth power delivery and maximizing MPG.