2023 Hyundai Palisade vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai's largest SUV, had a commanding presence on the road, especially after its 2023 styling update. The new front fascia, with its bold strokes and squared-off grille, gave the Palisade a stronger and more assertive look. Standard LED accents, daytime running lights, and headlights enhanced its visual appeal, while the Ultimate Calligraphy trim featured premium rear accent lighting and a unique grille. The 20-inch alloy wheels, standard across the lineup in Canada, added a premium feel, particularly with the new multi-spoke design on the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. The interior of the Palisade was stylish and bright, thanks to features like the dual-pane sunroof and premium Nappa leather in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. The seating configurations allowed for flexibility, with second-row captain's chairs available, and the vehicle could accommodate up to eight passengers in the lower trims.

The 2023 Lexus GX, with its massive spindle grille and 206 millimetres of ground clearance, had a distinctive visual presence. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, offering exclusive paint colours like Nori Green Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design leaned towards a sleeker aesthetic compared to Toyota's blocky designs. The interior, however, was marred by a disappointing amount of plastic, which detracted from its luxury status. The GX's interior did offer some luxury touches, such as heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery. However, the overall design and materials felt dated, reflecting the GX's status as a low-selling model with a long-spent research and design budget.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This made it more powerful than competitors like the Mazda CX-9 and Volkswagen Atlas, and slightly more so than the Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder. The Palisade's eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard paddle shifters, provided a smooth driving experience. In Canada, the standard all-wheel drive (AWD) system, known as HTRAC, proved capable during off-road tests. The Palisade offered a comfortable ride, with a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds) and a dedicated Tow Mode. Its fuel economy was competitive, consuming 12.6 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 9.5 on the highway, and 11.2 combined.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 4.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 provided a satisfying driving experience with its linear power delivery. The GX's towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms (6,500 pounds) was impressive, but its fuel economy was less so, with estimates of 16.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 12.3 on the highway, and 14.5 combined. The GX's weight contributed to its predictable and controllable handling, and its Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential enhanced its off-road capabilities. Despite its age, the GX's driving dynamics were improved, with strong brakes and communicative road feel.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade offered ample interior space, comfortably seating seven or eight passengers. It provided 1,052 millimetres of legroom in the front row, 1,077 in the second, and 798 in the third, with a total passenger volume of 4,397 litres. The Palisade's second-row seating facilitated easy access to the third row, and the 60/40-split seats folded flat for increased cargo space. Cargo capacity was generous, with 509 litres behind the third row, 1,297 litres behind the second, and 2,447 litres with all but the front-row seats folded. The Palisade also featured HVAC vents in all three rows, multiple cupholders, and a well-organized centre console.

The 2023 Lexus GX provided ample cubby space for small items, with a deep centre console bin and conveniently placed cupholders. However, the GX's interior was let down by small door pockets and outdated USB-A ports. The physical controls, while numerous, were a welcome alternative to touchscreens. The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs and fold-out cupholders, but the third row was too tight for regular use. The GX's cargo space was limited, with only 328 litres behind the rear seats, 1,322 litres with the third row folded, and 1,832 litres with both the second and third rows folded.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade boasted a 12.3-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system, standard across the lineup, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and more. The Urban and Ultimate Calligraphy trims featured a premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Palisade's technology offerings included a 4.2-inch colour driver info display or a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, an in-car intercom, and a colour head-up display on the Ultimate Calligraphy. Hyundai's Bluelink connected vehicle system provided remote accessibility and management features, allowing drivers to view vehicle information and control certain functions remotely.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, updated in 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, offering SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and smartphone compatibility. However, the inclusion of a CD player highlighted the GX's outdated tech. The GX's off-road capabilities were more impressive, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, and more. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) and optional multi-terrain monitor further enhanced its off-road prowess.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. It came equipped with Hyundai's Smart Sense suite of safety features, including forward collision avoidance, driver attention warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot collision avoidance and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance were standard, along with adaptive cruise control. The Palisade also featured Highway Driving Assist, safe exit warning, and rear seat occupant alert.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it included the Lexus Safety System+ with features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Despite its older design, the GX's safety features were up-to-date, providing a level of reassurance for drivers.