When it comes to 3-row SUVs, they excel in various aspects. However, which vehicle performs better overall between the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander?
The introduction of the Hyundai Palisade in 2020 occurred almost two decades after the launch of the Toyota Highlander. Hyundai took cues from Toyota’s family-oriented design, enhancing the Palisade with a more spacious third row and luxurious features.
Fast forward to 2024, Toyota launched the Grand Highlander, a larger and more upscale version of the standard Highlander, offering two hybrid powertrain options.
Can Toyota’s latest offering outshine the Palisade and maintain its consumer base, or has Hyundai set the bar too high? Let’s compare the two models.
- Hyundai Palisade compared to Toyota Highlander in terms of prices and variants
- Price range for Highlander and Palisade is $38,000-$54,000
- Grand Highlander XLE is priced between $44,500-$60,000
- Highlander models include L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum trims
- Grand Highlander is available in XLE, Limited, and Platinum variants
- Palisade comes in SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy grades
Which Toyota Highlander should I opt for?
The base Highlander L, priced at $37,955 (including a $1,335 destination fee), features an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a power driver seat, cloth upholstery, and 18-inch wheels. All Highlanders come with a standard 3-year/36,000-mile warranty, with an additional two years or 25,000 miles of scheduled service from Toyota.
For all-wheel drive, expect to pay between $1,600-$1,950, the higher cost applying to the upper trims. The hybrid variant is available starting from the LE trim at $42,365, with an additional reasonable $1,600 charge.
Commencing at $44,715, the Grand Highlander first offers the XLE model, which stands out for its value proposition. It includes heated synthetic leather front seats, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity and charging capabilities, a power tailgate, and blind-spot monitors. For just slightly more than the regular Highlander XLE, the Grand Highlander XLE provides an attractive package.
Toyota goes even further with the Grand Highlander in its top Limited and Platinum trims. The Platinum variant, priced at almost $60,000, features the most potent hybrid engine as standard. Positioned in the premium segment with its price and features, it boasts a panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled front and middle seats, a surround-view camera system, and a head-up display.
Our suggestion would be to go with the Grand Highlander XLE for its extra space and compelling features.
Which Hyundai Palisade should I select?
While the base SE is an option, the more preferable choice is the SEL trim.
With the same $1,335 destination fee, the Palisade SE starts at around $38,215, which is slightly lower than the SEL. It offers more value, incorporating a 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation (albeit with wired smartphone connectivity), USB ports in the first two rows, three-zone climate control, power second-row seats, and Hyundai’s impressive 5-year/60,000-mile warranty, which includes three years or 36,000 miles of scheduled maintenance.
Adding all-wheel drive will cost an extra $2,000 where applicable and not already included.
For an additional $2,750, the SEL upgrade boasts synthetic leather seats, heated power front seats, second-row captain’s chairs, a wireless smartphone charger, and a power tailgate.
Opting for the $4,600 Premium Package treats you to features like 20-inch wheels, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, front parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, a sunroof, driver seat memory, a heated steering wheel, heated second-row seats, cooled front and middle row seats, a blind-spot camera, and the automaker’s more advanced adaptive cruise control system. With a total cost just over $45,000, this package surpasses the Highlander XLE models in terms of equipment. If you’re willing to spend more, the Calligraphy Night edition will set you back $55,515.
Advantage: Hyundai Palisade.
Highlander versus Palisade: comparing interior and exterior design
- While not as striking as the Kia Telluride, the Palisade boasts a pleasing design
- The Highlander maintains its original look while the Grand Highlander elevates the aesthetics
- The Palisade’s interior shines brighter than that of the Grand Highlander’s
Is the Toyota Highlander visually appealing?
It varies. The Grand Highlander overshadows the traditional Highlander, which might seem outdated in comparison. The standard Highlander’s edges have become sharper, enhancing it, but it retains the same body bulge that elevates behind the rear fender like in the Sienna minivan.
Not only is the Grand Highlander longer by 6.5 inches, wider by 2.3 inches, and taller by 2.0 inches compared to the Highlander, it presents a sleeker and more refined appearance than its counterpart. The vertical front and sculpted rocker panels resemble the Palisade more than the Highlander, although Toyota integrates the back end more seamlessly than Hyundai.
The Grand Highlander boasts modernity inside, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen that blends harmoniously into the dashboard, albeit protruding slightly like a digital thumb. Both models offer ample storage spaces, with a clever shelf above the glove box demonstrating efficient use of space. Unlike the Highlander’s mechanical shifter, the Grand Highlander incorporates an electronic gear shifter that occupies significantly less space.
Is the Hyundai Palisade an aesthetically pleasing vehicle?
Revised for 2023, the Hyundai Palisade adorns its exterior with a broad cascading grille resembling a printing press, accented with indicator lights. The upright daytime running lights flank stacked headlight enclosures, emanating an aura of either assertiveness or perplexity. The chrome band dividing the C-pillar and delineating the rear quarter window from the greenhouse may be subject to debate. The XRT model encompasses dark trim accents, faux skid plates, black roof rails, black 20-inch alloy wheels, a power sunroof, and black simulated leather interiors.
Hyundai has refined the Palisade’s interior, incorporating a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen positioned beneath a curving glass panel shared with the instrument cluster. A slim vent strip accentuates the screen, underlined by a thin climate and menu control panel, creating a visually spacious, horizontally-oriented dashboard design. The center console features an electronic gear dial and a pleasing mix of concealed storage compartments and soft-touch surfaces adorned with metal trim.
Advantage: Grand Highlander exterior, Palisade interior.
- Palisade vs. Highlander dimensions, passenger comfort, and load capacity
- All three models offer three rows of seating for up to eight passengers
- The Grand Highlander boasts a length of 201.4 inches and a wheelbase of 116.1 inches
- The Highlander spans 194.9 inches in length with a 112.2-inch wheelbase
- The Palisade measures 196.7 inches in length and has a 114.2-inch wheelbase
- The Palisade strikes a balance in size between the Highlanders
The Grand Highlander surpasses both the Palisade and the standard Highlander in size, offering the most roomy and spacious ambience for passengers. However, the Hyundai Palisade simplifies the seat-folding process. Each model features three seats in the third row and the option for captain’s chairs in the second row.
How spacious is the Toyota Highlander?
The Grand Highlander furnishes 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 57.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 97.5 cubic feet with both rear rows folded flat
The Grand Highlander’s third-row legroom measures 33.5 inches, compared to 27.7 inches in the standard Highlander
In line with their dimensions, the Hyundai Palisade bridges the gap in roominess and cargo capacity between the Grand Highlander and the standard Highlander. All three can accommodate eight passengers, with the Grand Highlander providing the most optimum space.
Standardized with captain’s chairs and seating for seven, the Grand Highlander features 1.5 inches less second-row legroom than the standard Highlander at 41.0 inches, with seats perched on a shelf approximately four inches high to accommodate the hybrid battery. This shelf is present in both gasoline and hybrid Grands, maintaining an elevated floor in the third row, positioning the knees slightly higher.
With 33.5 inches of rear legroom, and integrated dual cupholders above the wheel wells, the rear section offers ample space even with the expansive sunroof, accommodating two adults comfortably if the mid-row passengers adjust their seats forward slightly to avail more legroom.
Pull straps from the cargo area streamline the folding of the third-row seats and their headrests, simplifying the process. The levers on the side of the seats and the latches atop the second-row seats might pose a challenge for smaller hands, especially when compared to the push-button second-row seats standard in the Palisade.
How generous is the Hyundai Palisade?
- Cargo area proportions reveal 18.0/45.8/86.4 cubic feet of space
- Second-row legroom spans 42.4 inches
- Third-row legroom amounts to 31.4 inches
Operating the rear seats in the Palisade is more user-friendly for all passengers compared to the Highlanders. A simple press slides the second row forward for easy access to the third row, and exiting is equally effortless. The reclining third row includes cupholders and USB ports in most grades, with top trims offering heated and cooled seats, as well as power folding functionalities. The third-row legroom of 31.4 inches exceeds the standard for the segment.
The front seats provide supreme comfort, boasting power adjustments and heating on most models, excluding the base trim. Ample bolstering, lumbar support, and cushioning create a cozy environment, shielding occupants from most disturbances originating from the back rows during extended journeys.
There’s sufficient space behind the third row for every occupant to stow a carry-on bag each.
Advantage: Grand Highlander space, Palisade seats.
Comparing Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Palisade in terms of towing, off-road capability, and performance
The Highlander is equipped with three engine choices, which include two hybrid options
The Palisade is equipped with a sole 291-hp V-6 engine that generates 262 lb-ft of torque
Both models have a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds
Does the Hyundai Palisade offer 4WD?
Yes, it is available for an additional $1,900. While front-wheel drive is standard, the AWD versions come with a locking center differential along with extra Snow and Tow modes. The locking center differential divides the torque evenly between the axles at speeds under 40 mph to enhance traction on slippery or muddy terrains.
The Palisade prioritizes comfort over speed or climbing capabilities. It delivers a soft ride and exhibits handling characteristics that discourage aggressive driving; however, it excels in isolating the driver from road imperfections. Moreover, its self-leveling rear suspension maintains balance during towing up to 5,000 pounds.
What is the speed capability of the Hyundai Palisade?
Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the 291-hp 3.8-liter V-6 engine offers robust initial power delivery and quick downshifts, allowing for swift overtaking maneuvers. The SUV features four drive modes (Smart, Sport, Eco, and Comfort) that alter throttle response, with Eco mode offering a softer pedal feel and Sport mode providing a more responsive throttle. However, the recommendation is to keep it in Smart mode. Although not as potent as the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max, the Palisade’s V-6 engine outperforms the Highlander hybrid.
Is the Toyota Highlander available with 4WD?
Both Highlander trims come with front-wheel drive as standard, with the option to upgrade to AWD for an additional cost ranging from $1,600 to $1,950, depending on the variant. The standard AWD system distributes half of the power to the rear wheels when slip is detected, providing on-demand all-wheel drive capabilities. The Limited and Platinum gasoline Highlanders are equipped with torque vectoring across the rear axle for enhanced power delivery precision and improved handling. In addition, the AWD hybrid model is outfitted with a third motor, which powers the rear axle as needed.
The Grand Highlander exclusively features a hybrid powertrain that employs a full-time all-wheel-drive system, directing torque based on driver inputs and selected driving modes. For instance, Sport mode delivers more torque to the rear axle for improved acceleration, while Snow or Rock & Dirt modes evenly distribute low-speed torque for enhanced traction.
What about the speed performance of the Toyota Highlander?
The acceleration capabilities range from sluggish to dynamic.
The 2.5-liter inline-4 hybrid powertrain, featuring two front motor generators available in both Highlander variants, generates 243 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 7.9 seconds. Under specific conditions, it can operate silently in EV mode up to around 15 mph; however, strenuous driving or uphill climbs might lead to a transition to conventional operation. Its focus lies on efficiency rather than aggressiveness, with a towing capacity limited to 3,500 pounds.
The base versions of both Highlanders share a 2.4-liter turbo-4 engine producing 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, offering greater performance than the Palisade. Coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission in front- or available all-wheel drive configurations, it emits higher noise levels compared to the hybrids, but its ample torque delivery ensures robust acceleration for passing maneuvers. The larger Grand Highlander accomplishes a 0-60 mph sprint in 7.5 seconds.
The Grand Highlander’s Hybrid Max powertrain combines the 2.4-liter turbo-4 engine with a motor on each axle interconnected by a 6-speed automatic transmission. The total output reaches 362 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a rapid 0-60 mph time of 6.3 seconds, offering a strong performance feel in a large vehicle. It represents the most potent powertrain available and exhibits superior efficiency compared to the Palisade’s V-6 engine.
Advantage: Grand Highlander.
Image Source: FeelGoodLuck / Shutterstock
