2022 Hyundai Palisade vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its rugged and aggressive exterior styling, a testament to its decade-long presence in the market. Despite its age, the GX's design remained coherent, with the massive spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights adding a distinctive touch. However, the interior did not match the modern luxury standards, with wood trim that felt like plastic and an abundance of actual plastic materials. The semi-aniline leather was a standard feature, but overall, the interior felt dated compared to contemporary luxury SUVs.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Palisade boasted an elegant and striking exterior design, shedding any past criticisms of derivative styling. Its prominent grille, crisp shoulder lines, and sculpted wheel arches contributed to its visual appeal. The continuous strip of glass surfaces and pronounced LED taillights added a touch of sophistication. Inside, the Palisade offered a polished and elegant cabin with high-quality materials and finishes. The spacious second and third rows, along with thoughtful storage solutions, made it a practical choice for families. The Ultimate Calligraphy model, in particular, stood out with its luxurious features and stunning design.

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's substantial weight of 2,349 kilograms made high-speed maneuvers and stopping a challenge. The body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen centre differential, low-range gearing, and various off-road modes. It offered a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms, making it a robust choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade featured a naturally aspirated 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. While not the most fuel-efficient option, the V6 provided a smooth and responsive driving experience with no turbo lag. The Palisade's curb weight ranged from 1,991 to 2,004 kilograms, contributing to its nimble handling. The four-wheel independent suspension and stabilizer bars ensured a comfortable ride. With a towing capacity of 2,267 kilograms, the Palisade was well-suited for family adventures.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel position. The upright dashboard and high centre console added to the bus-like driving feel. While outward visibility was excellent, forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. Storage options were limited, with small centre-console storage and cupholders. The GX offered three rows of seating, but the third row was best suited for children due to limited space. Cargo capacity was also limited, with only 1,833 litres available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space and functionality. The third row provided comfortable seating and easy access, while the second-row captain's chairs offered ample legroom and headroom. The front row featured generous storage options, including a centre console with two compartments. Luggage space was impressive, with 509 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,447 litres with all seats folded. The Palisade's shift-by-wire setup and intuitive controls added to its user-friendly design. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim offered luxurious features like a dual-panel sunroof and premium Nappa leather upholstery.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functionality. However, analog controls were a welcome feature for those who preferred a more traditional interface. The 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was a highlight, providing excellent sound quality.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased advanced technology features. The standard display audio system featured a high-resolution touchscreen, and the Harman Kardon premium audio system delivered exceptional sound quality. The infotainment system included wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with multiple USB ports and a wireless charging pad. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added a head-up display and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Lexus GX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including features like a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus models. The GX did not have crash-test ratings from NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade boasted an impressive array of safety features, earning it a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA. It included seven airbags, blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance, and forward collision-avoidance assist. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added Highway Driving Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring.