What To Know
- Two popular contenders that often find themselves in the crosshairs of comparison are the Toyota Highlander and the Hyundai Palisade.
- The Highlander embraces a more conservative and familiar look, with clean lines and a rugged demeanor.
- Both the Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Palisade excel in providing spacious and comfortable interiors, making them ideal for families and those who frequently carry passengers.
Choosing the right three-row SUV can be a daunting task, with a plethora of options vying for your attention. Two popular contenders that often find themselves in the crosshairs of comparison are the Toyota Highlander and the Hyundai Palisade. Both offer spacious cabins, advanced features, and reliable performance, but which one emerges as the ultimate champion?
This comprehensive guide delves deep into the Toyota Highlander vs Hyundai Palisade debate, analyzing their key strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Styling: A Tale of Two Approaches
The Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Palisade take distinctly different approaches to design, appealing to different aesthetics. The Highlander embraces a more conservative and familiar look, with clean lines and a rugged demeanor. Its styling is timeless and inoffensive, making it a safe bet for those seeking a classic SUV aesthetic.
The Hyundai Palisade, on the other hand, leans towards a bolder and more modern design philosophy. Its cascading grille, sharp lines, and intricate details create a striking visual presence. The Palisade’s design is undeniably eye-catching, making it a statement piece on the road.
Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference. If you value a classic and understated look, the Highlander is a solid option. If you prefer a more daring and modern design, the Palisade will likely appeal to you.
Interior Comfort and Space: Room for the Whole Crew
Both the Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Palisade excel in providing spacious and comfortable interiors, making them ideal for families and those who frequently carry passengers.
The Highlander’s cabin feels well-appointed and functional, with ample headroom and legroom for all three rows. The seats are supportive and comfortable, even on long journeys. The Highlander also offers a generous amount of cargo space, making it practical for hauling luggage or groceries.
The Palisade, however, takes interior comfort to another level. Its cabin is exceptionally spacious, offering even more headroom and legroom than the Highlander. The Palisade’s seats are plush and luxurious, with multiple adjustments to ensure optimal comfort for both driver and passengers. The Palisade also boasts a massive cargo area, easily accommodating bulky items.
Performance and Handling: Power and Efficiency
Both the Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Palisade offer capable performance, but their driving dynamics differ slightly.
The Highlander is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides ample power for everyday driving, highway merging, and towing. The Highlander’s handling is predictable and stable, offering a comfortable ride even on rough roads.
The Palisade is equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. While the power output is similar to the Highlander, the Palisade’s engine feels more responsive and refined. The Palisade’s handling is also more agile, making it feel more engaging to drive.
Technology and Features: Keeping You Connected and Entertained
Both the Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Palisade come loaded with advanced technology and features to enhance your driving experience.
The Highlander offers a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. It also features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The Palisade takes technology to the next level with its 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is incredibly user-friendly and responsive. The Palisade also boasts a premium sound system, wireless charging, and a head-up display.
Safety: Protecting You and Your Passengers
Both the Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Palisade prioritize safety, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features.
The Highlander has earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, thanks to its robust construction and advanced safety features. It comes standard with features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring.
The Palisade also boasts impressive safety credentials, earning top ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA. It offers a similar suite of safety features as the Highlander, including automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right SUV for You
Ultimately, the choice between the Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Palisade comes down to your individual needs and preferences.
The Toyota Highlander is a solid choice for those who prioritize:
- Reliability and durability: Toyota’s reputation for reliability is well-established, and the Highlander consistently ranks high in reliability surveys.
- Classic and understated design: If you prefer a more traditional SUV aesthetic, the Highlander’s design will likely appeal to you.
- Value for money: The Highlander offers a compelling blend of features, performance, and value.
The Hyundai Palisade is a better option for those who desire:
- Spacious and luxurious interior: The Palisade’s interior is truly exceptional, offering a level of comfort and space that rivals luxury SUVs.
- Modern and stylish design: If you’re drawn to a bolder and more modern aesthetic, the Palisade’s design will likely resonate with you.
- Advanced technology and features: The Palisade is loaded with cutting-edge technology features, making it a tech-savvy choice.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Which SUV has better fuel economy?
A: The Toyota Highlander generally has slightly better fuel economy than the Hyundai Palisade.
Q: Which SUV has a larger third row?
A: The Hyundai Palisade has a larger and more comfortable third row than the Toyota Highlander.
Q: Which SUV is more affordable?
A: The Toyota Highlander is generally more affordable than the Hyundai Palisade.
Q: Which SUV is more reliable?
A: Toyota has a long-standing reputation for reliability, and the Highlander consistently ranks high in reliability surveys.
Q: Which SUV is better for off-roading?
A: Neither the Toyota Highlander nor the Hyundai Palisade is designed for serious off-roading. However, the Highlander’s available all-wheel drive system provides better traction in slippery conditions.
