After spending time with both of these vehicles, the difference in their purpose and feel was clear to me. The Lexus RX is a beautiful and refined SUV, but its five-passenger seating and more conservative design felt limiting for a busy lifestyle. The Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy, in contrast, felt like a true premium experience, with its expansive three-row interior and a confident, modern design. The Palisade’s more powerful standard engine and its commitment to providing a truly luxurious family-friendly environment is what truly sets it apart.
2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy vs. 2026 Lexus RX In Erie, Pennsylvania
Discover Our Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Inventory!For anyone in Erie, Pennsylvania, seeking an SUV that truly delivers a top-tier experience, the choice often comes down to two very different philosophies. On one hand, you have the highly respected 2026 Lexus RX, a long-standing symbol of luxury. On the other, you have the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy, a premium three-row SUV that challenges the status quo with its expansive interior, confident power, and cutting-edge technology. While the Lexus RX is a beautiful vehicle, the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy redefines what premium means for modern families, making it the clear winner for drivers who demand more space, more features, and more value.
My Verdict

A Closer Look at the Contenders

Power & The Passion: Performance Showdown
The Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy's standard 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering a robust 291 horsepower, provides a confident and effortless driving experience. I found the acceleration to be smooth and on-demand, which is crucial for a vehicle of its size. In comparison, the standard Lexus RX's 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while powerful for its size, simply doesn't have the same confident feel or aural pleasure of a V6. The Palisade's eight-speed automatic transmission also felt more direct and engaging than the RX’s continuously variable transmission.
Inside the Cabin: An Oasis of Space vs. A Haven of Refinement

The Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy’s interior is a masterpiece of design and functionality. I was impressed by the amount of space in all three rows, a key advantage over the five-passenger-only Lexus RX. The Palisade’s Nappa leather seats and its relaxation features create a truly premium environment. The dual 12.3-inch displays are beautifully integrated into the dashboard, and the interior's overall design felt more modern and cohesive. While the Lexus RX has a beautiful cabin, its two-row layout felt much smaller, and it lacked the same sense of spacious luxury that the Palisade offers.

Beyond the Screen: Tech & Safety That Impress
This is where the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy truly shines. I was impressed by the integrated digital display that combines the instrument cluster and infotainment screen into one seamless unit. The Palisade also offers a built-in dash camera, a digital rearview mirror, and an AI-powered voice assistant that the Lexus RX does not. In terms of safety, both vehicles come with a suite of safety features, but the Palisade offers more standard and available features, including Side Parking Distance Warning and Remote Smart Parking Assist, making it a more stress-free experience.
Comparison Table: A Head-to-Head Luxury Battle
Feature | 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy | 2026 Lexus RX | My Takeaway |
---|---|---|---|
Primary Focus | Family-First Luxury and Practicality | Refined Two-Row Luxury and Efficiency | The Palisade is a more versatile vehicle for families. |
Engine | 3.5L V6 (291 hp) | 2.4L Turbo I4 (275 hp)T | The Palisade’s V6 offers a smoother and more powerful driving feel. |
Seating Capacity | Up to 8 passengers | 5 passengers | The Palisade offers a full third row for larger families. |
Technology | Dual 12.3-inch displays, Digital Key, built-in dashcam. | 14-inch touchscreen, Google built-in. | The Palisade’s tech suite feels more advanced and integrated. |
Interior Space | Superior passenger and cargo volume in all three rows. | Generous space, but limited to two rows of seating. | The Palisade’s interior is more spacious and comfortable for everyone. |
Towing Capacity | Up to 5,000 lbs. | Up to 3,500 lbs. | The Palisade offers a significant advantage for those who need to tow. |
Safety | More standard and available features, including Side Parking Distance Warning. | SStrong safety suite, but lacks some of the Palisade’s advanced features. | The Palisade's safety suite feels more comprehensive and family-oriented. |
My Final Take: The Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy is the Undeniable Winner
For me, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy is the superior choice for anyone who wants a luxury SUV that truly delivers on all fronts. Its bold design, spacious three-row interior, and a comprehensive suite of advanced technology and safety features make it a more compelling vehicle than the Lexus RX. For anyone in Erie, Pennsylvania, looking for a luxury SUV that offers a perfect blend of style, substance, and incredible value, the Palisade Calligraphy is the vehicle to own.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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The Hyundai Experience At Dave Hallman Hyundai In Erie, Pennsylvania
While the 2026 Lexus RX is a strong competitor, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy is the definitive winner. Its blend of modern design, superior technology, and incredible value makes it the perfect vehicle for any adventure. To truly understand the difference, we invite you to come and see it. Visit Dave Hallman Hyundai, your premier Hyundai dealer in Erie, Pennsylvania, and let us help you get behind the wheel of the perfect SUV.
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