2023 Toyota Highlander Vs. 2023 Hyundai Palisade: See How They Stack Up

In the realm of family-friendly SUVs, the Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Palisade stand as two of the most compelling options. Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, impressive safety features, and capable performance. However, they also have distinct characteristics that may appeal to different buyers. In this comprehensive comparison, we pit the Toyota Highlander against the Hyundai Palisade to help you determine which three-row SUV is the ideal choice for your needs.

Interior Space and Comfort

When it comes to interior space, both the Highlander and Palisade offer ample room for passengers and cargo. The Highlander provides 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, which expands to a generous 84.3 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Palisade offers slightly more cargo space, with 18.0 cubic feet behind the third row and 86.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

In terms of passenger comfort, both SUVs offer comfortable seating for up to eight passengers. The Highlander’s front seats are supportive and offer good adjustability, while the second-row seats provide ample legroom and headroom. The Palisade’s front seats are equally comfortable, and the second-row seats offer slightly more legroom than the Highlander. The Palisade also offers a unique third-row seat that can be folded flat into the floor, creating a completely flat cargo area.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency

The Toyota Highlander offers two powertrain options: a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, and a hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce a combined 243 horsepower. The V6 engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid powertrain uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The Hyundai Palisade is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Highlander hybrid is the clear winner, with an EPA-estimated 36 mpg city/35 mpg highway. The V6 Highlander gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway, while the Palisade gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway.

Safety Features

Both the Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Palisade offer a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which includes features such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Palisade comes standard with Hyundai SmartSense, which includes features such as forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring.

Both SUVs also offer a variety of additional safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system.

Technology and Infotainment

The Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Palisade both offer user-friendly infotainment systems. The Highlander comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen display, while the Palisade comes standard with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display. Both systems offer features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio.

The Highlander also offers a premium JBL audio system with 11 speakers, while the Palisade offers a premium Harman Kardon audio system with 12 speakers.

Pricing and Value

The Toyota Highlander has a starting price of $34,810, while the Hyundai Palisade has a starting price of $33,650. Both SUVs offer a variety of trim levels, with the top-of-the-line Highlander Platinum trim starting at $50,325 and the top-of-the-line Palisade Calligraphy trim starting at $47,700.

In terms of value, the Highlander and Palisade are both well-equipped for their respective price points. The Highlander offers a slightly more powerful engine and better fuel efficiency, while the Palisade offers more cargo space and a more user-friendly infotainment system.

Which SUV Is Right for You?

Ultimately, the best SUV for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a fuel-efficient SUV with a powerful engine, the Toyota Highlander is a great choice. If you’re looking for a spacious SUV with a user-friendly infotainment system, the Hyundai Palisade is a great choice.

The Verdict: Toyota Highlander vs Palisade

The Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Palisade are both excellent three-row SUVs that offer a variety of features and benefits. The Highlander is a great choice for buyers who prioritize fuel efficiency and performance, while the Palisade is a great choice for buyers who prioritize space and technology.

What People Want to Know

Which SUV has more cargo space, the Toyota Highlander or the Hyundai Palisade?

The Hyundai Palisade has slightly more cargo space than the Toyota Highlander, with 18.0 cubic feet behind the third row and 86.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, compared to the Highlander’s 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row and 84.3 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

Which SUV has better fuel efficiency, the Toyota Highlander or the Hyundai Palisade?

The Toyota Highlander hybrid has better fuel efficiency than the Hyundai Palisade, with an EPA-estimated 36 mpg city/35 mpg highway compared to the Palisade’s EPA-estimated 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway.

Which SUV has more standard safety features, the Toyota Highlander or the Hyundai Palisade?

The Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Palisade both offer a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Highlander offers a few more standard safety features than the Palisade, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.