2025 Hyundai Palisade vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade rockets forward with a spirited 291 hp, promising an engaging drive from its $37,200 starting point. Conversely, the imposing 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander, though slightly less powerful at 265 hp, draws attention with superior torque (310 lb-ft versus 262 lb-ft) and a more generous footprint, measuring 201.4 inches long. For value hunters, the Palisade saves $4,160 initially, while the Grand Highlander boasts a slight efficiency edge with a 24 MPG combined rating compared to the Palisade's 22 MPG. While both offer an 8-speed automatic transmission, the Palisade’s shorter 196.7-inch length might appeal to urban drivers, whereas the Grand Highlander rewards cargo-focused users with 20.6 cu ft versus the Palisade's 18 cu ft. Enthusiasts favoring brute power will lean toward the Palisade’s output, but those prioritizing usable space and torque efficiency favor the larger Toyota.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade wins for commuters due to its lower starting MSRP of $37,200 and marginally better fuel economy in the city (19 MPG vs 21 MPG highway difference notwithstanding).
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is the family champion, offering significantly more space with 20.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Palisade's 18 cu ft.
2025 Hyundai Palisade
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade excites driving enthusiasts with a superior peak horsepower output of 291 hp.
2025 Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade offers undeniable entry value, costing $4,160 less than the Grand Highlander while delivering 26 more horsepower.
Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...
- You demand the highest horsepower figure, as the Palisade delivers 291 hp.
- Saving money upfront is critical, given the Palisade's MSRP is $37,200.
- You prefer the slightly more nimble footprint, measuring 196.7 inches in length.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- Maximum cargo hauling is essential, leveraging the Grand Highlander's 20.6 cu ft capacity.
- You prioritize low-end grunt for towing or loading, thanks to its class-leading 310 lb-ft of torque.
- Slightly better fuel efficiency is desired, with a combined rating of 24 MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Palisade | Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.7" | 201.4" |
| Width | 77.8" | 78.3" |
| Height | 68.9" | 70.1" |
| Wheelbase | 114.2" | 116.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.8 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/26 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 357.2/488.8 mi. | 373.8/498.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.8 gal. | 17.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Power Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speaker System | — | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.1 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.2 in. | 60.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.1 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.1 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 60.8 in. | 58.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.7 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/60R18 | 255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander.
What is the main performance difference between the two crossovers?
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade leads in raw power with 291 hp, whereas the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander compensates with substantially higher torque at 310 lb-ft, likely translating to better hauling capability from a standstill.
Is the price difference between the two models significant for buyers?
Yes, the Grand Highlander starts $4,160 higher than the Palisade, making the Hyundai the clear choice for budget-conscious shoppers initially.
Which vehicle is physically larger?
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is the physically larger machine, both in length (201.4 inches vs 196.7 inches) and height (70.1 inches vs 68.9 inches), which directly contributes to its greater cargo volume.
Are there substantial differences in fuel consumption?
The Grand Highlander holds a slight edge in efficiency, achieving 24 MPG combined (21/28 City/Highway) compared to the Palisade's 22 MPG combined (19/26 City/Highway).
Do both crossovers use regular unleaded fuel?
Yes, happily, both the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander specify regular unleaded fuel, keeping running costs predictable for both models.
How does the drivetrain compare in these FWD models?
Both vehicles utilize an 8-speed automatic transmission when equipped with the standard Front Wheel Drive layout, though the Palisade specifies a 'shiftable automatic' option.
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