Hyundai Palisade vs Lexus RX

The Hyundai Palisade starts from $76,500 before on-road costs, while the Lexus RX opens at $90,350. That makes the Hyundai Palisade the more affordable entry point by $13,850.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $84,150 and $99,385 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus RX by roughly $1,995 in fuel alone.

Both the Hyundai Palisade and Lexus RX hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Hyundai Palisade packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Lexus RX.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Hyundai Palisade and 8 in the Lexus RX.

Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Hyundai Palisade stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Lexus RX. The Lexus RX counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Lexus Premium Sound audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Hyundai Palisade uses a Petrol producing 245kW and 460Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout.

The Lexus RX responds with a Hybrid making 184kW and 239Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds.

The Hyundai Palisade has the clear power advantage at 245kW vs 184kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Hyundai Palisade measures 5,065mm long on a 2,970mm wheelbase, 175mm longer than the Lexus RX at 4,890mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Palisade generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 300L in the Hyundai Palisade and 612L in the Lexus RX, giving the Lexus RX a 312L advantage. The Hyundai Palisade seats 8 vs 5.

For towing, the Hyundai Palisade leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,938/year for the Hyundai Palisade and $1,539/year for the Lexus RX. That is a $399 annual difference in favour of the Lexus RX.

Estimated annual total: $1,938 (Hyundai Palisade) vs $1,539 (Lexus RX). The Lexus RX saves you roughly $399 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Palisade) vs 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus RX). The Hyundai Palisade has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus RX).