Hyundai Palisade vs BMW X3
What's the difference?

Hyundai Palisade

$66,800 - $93,400

2026 price

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BMW X3

$88,100 - $131,400

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Hyundai Palisade

2026 BMW X3

By Emily Agar

By Mark Oastler

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.5L

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Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

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Fuel Efficiency

6.8L/100km (combined)

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Seating

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Likes

Refined ride and handling
Timeless design
Easy to manoeuvre

M performance
Rear seat knee/headroom
Versatile family/driver’s car

Dislikes

Rear bench-style seats are firm
Safety systems sometimes clunky
More expensive than rivals

No ANCAP
Prefers premium fuel
Rear seat shoulder room for three adults

2026 Hyundai Palisade Summary

If you’re in the market for an eight-seat family SUV, the Hyundai Palisade has probably already crossed your radar. But now there’s a twist. Hyundai has taken this well-established large SUV and given it a hybrid powertrain.

That puts it up against familiar rivals like the Toyota Kluger GXL Hybrid and Kia Sorento Sport+ Hybrid which are both strong players in the family-friendly space. The version we’re looking at for this review is the mid-spec Elite and we're family-testing it to see if the new hybrid powertrain makes for a winning combo.

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2026 BMW X3 Summary

BMW has recently launched its fourth-generation (G45) X3 range, which comprises three petrol variants including the entry-level 20 xDrive, mid-grade 30e xDrive PHEV and top-shelf M50 xDrive.

The new trio brings revised powertrains, new exterior and interior styling, increased standard equipment, enhanced technology and an emphasis on the use of sustainable materials.

We recently trialled the five-seater flagship to see if it has the right mix of performance and practicality to maintain the X3’s enduring appeal for Aussie families.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Hyundai Palisade 2026 BMW X3

Verdict

The new hybrid powertrain for the Hyundai Palisade is a welcome addition for families looking for an efficient three-row SUV that doesn’t drive like a brick and looks good at the school pick up or client lunch. Overall, the Palisade remains a solid, all-round package that deserves praise and the eighth seat is an added bonus.

Verdict

This is a highly competent all-rounder, given that it has the comfort and practicality for urban family duties yet with its revered M breeding can produce a level of performance which, in competent hands, could hold its own at a track day where its capabilities could be safely explored.

Hyundai Palisade vs BMW X3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Hyundai Palisade vs BMW X3
What's the difference?