2022 Hyundai Palisade vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade, which replaced the Santa Fe XL as Hyundai's flagship SUV, presented a striking and elegant exterior design. It featured distinctive lines and shapes, from its prominent grille to its crisp shoulder lines and tasteful tailgate. The SUV's profile was visually interesting, highlighted by sculpted wheel arches and a provocative continuous strip of glass surfaces that gave the impression of a floating rear roof. Inside, the Palisade was equally polished, with high-quality materials and finishes adorning every surface. The horizontally arrayed screen and beefy center console anchored the dash, while the second and third rows offered ample space and comfort.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition, with its Black Onyx exterior, eradicated almost all chrome, transforming the SUV into a rolling black hole. Despite its new Black Line treatment, the GX's design looked dated, reminiscent of the first-generation 2002 GX 470. Inside, the cabin's quality was undeniable, featuring smooth, silky refinement and a quiet atmosphere. The GX's interior themes remained similar to its predecessors, with comfortable seats and physical controls. However, the overall design felt old, and the vehicle quickly accumulated dust, making it look drab and shabby.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade came with a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 gasoline engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with gasoline direct injection and dual variable valve timing, offered a balance of power and efficiency. The Palisade's EPA estimates were 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway/22 mpg combined for FWD models and 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway/21 mpg combined for AWD models. The SUV handled nicely, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and stabilizer bars. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds with trailer brakes, making it a versatile family vehicle.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with its 4.6-liter V8 engine, produced 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. Despite its power, the GX's 7.8-second run to 60 mph felt leisurely. The six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system provided stability and control. However, the GX's fuel economy was a drawback, with an EPA estimate of 16 mpg combined on premium gas. The SUV's Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) helped maximize wheel articulation off-road while alleviating excessive body motions. The GX's ride and handling were refined, but the slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal detracted from the driving experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade excelled as a minivan replacement, offering comfortable seating and ample storage throughout the cabin. The third row provided easy access and cupholders, while the second-row captain's chairs were spacious and comfortable. The front row featured multiple storage compartments, including a locking glove box and door panel bottle holders. Luggage space was generous, with 18.0 cubic feet behind the third row, 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. The Palisade's shift-by-wire setup and intuitive controls added to its functionality, while the dual-panel sunroof improved the ambiance in the upper trim levels.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position and clear outward visibility. The test vehicle's seats were comfortable, and the interior padding was well-placed. However, the switchgear was old-school, and the stereo controls were awkwardly positioned. The Black Line Special Edition featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the back seats were heated. The third-row seat was challenging to access and uncomfortable for adults. The GX's cargo space was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded. The side-swinging tailgate added to the loading hassle.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased Hyundai's technological prowess. The standard display audio system on SE and SEL models featured an 800 x 480 resolution screen, while the Limited and Calligraphy models had a 1920 x 720 color touchscreen with a 630-watt Harman Kardon premium audio system. The infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, and satellite radio. The Palisade also offered multiple USB ports, a Qi wireless charging pad, and a 115-volt power outlet. The Blue Link connected car system provided remote engine start and vehicle monitoring. The Limited and Calligraphy models featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with turn signal and blind-spot monitor integration.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The GX also had a CD player, a Lexus app, and Lexus Enform connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround-sound audio system was available. However, the stereo controls were awkwardly positioned below the off-roading controls. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition technology was quick and accurate. The GX also included Intuitive Parking Assist, surround-view, and terrain-view cameras.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade boasted a comprehensive list of standard and available safety features. Passive safety features included seven airbags, three-point seat belts, LATCH anchors, active head restraints, and more. Standard active safety features included anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Lexus GX, despite its age, included standard Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The GX also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked some modern safety technologies found in its competitors. The GX had no crash-test ratings available, and the third-row seat's proximity to the tailgate raised safety concerns.