Lexus RX vs Hyundai Palisade
What's the difference?

Lexus RX

$101,200 - $111,100

2026 price

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Hyundai Palisade

$66,800 - $93,400

2026 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

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 Lexus RX

2026 Hyundai Palisade

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

—

Inline 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

—

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

—

6.8L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Smooth & refined
Premium features
Family-friendly rear seat

Refined ride and handling
Timeless design
Easy to manoeuvre

Dislikes

Relatively short EV-only range
No spare tyre, just a repair kit
Raised rear seat cramped for tall people

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

2026 Lexus RX Summary

Lexus has finally brought a plug-in hybrid to the Australian market with the RX450h+, and we’ve been testing the second-from-the-top Sports Luxury grade to see how it stacks up.

Promising a blend of electric efficiency and the high-end comfort Lexus is known for, this large SUV steps into a competitive segment. But does it deliver on both fronts?

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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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Deep dive comparison

2026 Lexus RX 2026 Hyundai Palisade

Verdict

The new Lexus RX450h+ Sports Luxury is packed with a wealth of premium features and strikes a solid balance between refinement and practicality. There are enough thoughtful touches that make everyday driving a little easier.

You’ll get the most out of the plug-in hybrid powertrain if you’re able to charge it regularly; ideally every day. That might not always be practical for busy people on the go, but overall, the RX450h+ manages to blend efficiency with Lexus’ signature comfort and quality.

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.

Lexus RX vs Hyundai Palisade What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Lexus RX vs Hyundai Palisade
What's the difference?