Fleetwood Palisade 45CS vs Newmar Dutch Star 4325
2026 Class A comparison · side-by-side specs, verdict, and who each is best for.
Quick verdict
Both 44-foot Class A diesels use the Cummins L9 450 HP and three slides, but the Newmar Dutch Star 4325 stretches further on layout and capacity. The Fleetwood Palisade 45CS sleeps 4 on the Freightliner XCM Freedom Bridge at 46,000 lb GVWR with a 2,800-watt inverter, six AGM batteries, and 100W solar - priced at $706,848. The Dutch Star 4325 sleeps 6 on a tag-axle 52,000 lb GVWR Spartan K2 or Freightliner XCR chassis, adds a bath-and-a-half layout, four-season insulation, an 800 amp-hour bank, and 105-gallon fresh tank for $676,135.
The Newmar's bath-and-a-half is the major floorplan differentiator - that half-bath up front means guests don't traipse through the bedroom to use a toilet. The 6,000 lb GVWR advantage (52,000 vs 46,000), 11,650 lb published cargo capacity, and four-season insulation give the Dutch Star 4325 a clear capability edge. The Palisade 45CS counters with newer Fleetwood Apex Custom Furniture, a 2,800-watt inverter, and the six AGM batteries.
Verdict: Dutch Star 4325 for the half-bath, bigger payload, and lower price; Palisade 45CS only if you specifically want Fleetwood's interior finish.
Side-by-side specs
| Fleetwood Palisade 45CS | Newmar Dutch Star 4325 | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $706,848 | $676,135 |
| Length | 44'8" | 43'9" |
| Dry weight | — | 40,350 lbs |
| GVWR | 46,000 lbs | 52,000 lbs |
| Sleeps | 4 | 6 |
| Slides | 3 | 3 |
| Fresh tank | 100 gal | 105 gal |
| Grey tank | 75 gal | 75 gal |
| Black tank | 50 gal | 55 gal |
| LP | — | 0 gal |
| Solar | 100W | — |
| Inverter | 2800W | — |
| Generator | 10000W | 10000W |
| Bath | — | one_and_half |
| Bed | king | king |
| 4-season | No | Yes |
| Off-road | No | No |
| Outdoor kitchen | No | No |
| Washer/dryer | yes | included |
| Residential fridge | Yes | Yes |
Where Fleetwood Palisade 45CS wins
- Six AGM batteries with 100W factory solar
- 2,800-watt factory inverter
- Generator prep included
- Fleetwood Apex Custom Furniture with hand-laid tile
- Freightliner XCM Freedom Bridge with 102-inch width
Where Newmar Dutch Star 4325 wins
- Bath-and-a-half layout (half-bath added)
- Sleeps 6 vs 4 (two more passengers)
- 52,000 lb GVWR vs 46,000 lb (+6,000 lb)
- 11,650 lb published cargo, 800 Ah battery bank
- Four-season insulation, $30,713 lower MSRP
Pick the Fleetwood Palisade 45CS if…
Pick the 2026 Fleetwood Palisade 45CS if you want Fleetwood's flagship Class A diesel finish - Apex Custom Furniture, hand-laid tile showers, six AGM batteries, factory 100W solar, and a 2,800-watt inverter. The 102-inch-wide Freightliner XCM Freedom Bridge chassis sleeps 4 with a king bed and three slides for $706,848. Best for couples or a pair of travelers who don't need bath-and-a-half or four-season insulation, but do want Fleetwood's interior package and the newer Freedom Bridge platform.
Pick the Newmar Dutch Star 4325 if…
Pick the 2026 Newmar Dutch Star 4325 if you want a bath-and-a-half Class A diesel that sleeps 6, with the tag-axle 52,000 lb GVWR chassis carrying 11,650 lb cargo. The 800 amp-hour bank, four-season insulation, 105-gallon fresh tank, and Newmar build quality on Spartan K2 or Freightliner XCR deliver more cabin and payload than the Palisade. At $676,135 it saves $30,713 versus the Palisade 45CS. Best for families needing the guest bath, plus owners hauling heavy and traveling cold.
Frequently asked
Which has the bath-and-a-half layout?
The Dutch Star 4325 has a bath-and-a-half. The Palisade 45CS does not list its bath layout but is described as a full bath.
How many sleeping spots in each?
The Palisade 45CS sleeps 4; the Dutch Star 4325 sleeps 6 - two more passengers in the Newmar.
Which has more cargo capacity?
The Dutch Star 4325 publishes 11,650 lb cargo capacity. The Palisade 45CS doesn't publish cargo capacity but has a lower 46,000 lb GVWR.