2025 Hyundai Palisade vs 2026 Toyota Highlander

$37,200 · Crossover

$45,270 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant quantifiable difference between the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and the 2026 Toyota Highlander is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), where the Palisade starts at $37,200, a $8,070 savings over the Highlander's $45,270 entry price. Performance metrics are split, with the Palisade offering superior peak output at 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque compared to the Highlander's 265 hp and greater 310 lb-ft of torque. Fuel efficiency slightly favors the Highlander, achieving a combined 24 MPG against the Palisade's 22 MPG, which is reflected in its standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system versus the Palisade's standard Front Wheel Drive (FWD). Dimensionally, the Palisade is larger overall, measuring 196.7 inches long, though it offers 2 cubic feet more cargo volume (18 cu ft vs. 16 cu ft). Buyers must weigh the substantial cost savings of the Palisade against the Highlander's inherent AWD setup and higher torque rating.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota Highlander

The 2026 Toyota Highlander wins for commuters due to its slightly superior 24 combined MPG rating and standard AWD capability.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Hyundai Palisade

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade provides more usable space, offering 18 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Hyundai Palisade

Enthusiasts will appreciate the Palisade's higher peak horsepower of 291 hp versus the Highlander's 265 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade offers substantial value by undercutting the Highlander's MSRP by $8,070.

Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...

Your primary concern is acquisition cost, as the Palisade saves $8,070 on the MSRP.
You prioritize maximum horsepower, as the Palisade outputs 291 hp compared to 265 hp.
You need maximum storage space, benefiting from the Palisade's 18 cu ft cargo capacity.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

All-wheel drive is essential, as the Highlander includes it standard over the Palisade's FWD base.
You desire superior pulling power, noted by the Highlander's 310 lb-ft of torque versus 262 lb-ft.
Slightly better fuel economy is desired, as the Highlander achieves 24 combined MPG.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Palisade	Toyota Highlander
Length	196.7"	194.9"
Width	77.8"	76.0"
Height	68.9"	68.1"
Wheelbase	114.2"	112.2"

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	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓

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 shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

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.	375.9/501.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.8 gal.	17.9 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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Toyota
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	8.0 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	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Toyota
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	44.1 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.2 in.	59.0 in.
Front Hip Room	58.1 in.	57.2 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Toyota
Rear Head Room	40.1 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	42.4 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.8 in.	58.4 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	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Hyundai	Toyota
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R18	P235/65R V
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in

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 Highlander.

What is the primary drivetrain difference between the 2025 Palisade and the 2026 Highlander?

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade is typically equipped with Front Wheel Drive (FWD) as standard, while the 2026 Toyota Highlander comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD). This is a significant difference for adverse weather performance right off the lot.

Which vehicle has a higher output for performance driving?

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade generates more raw horsepower at 291 hp. However, the 2026 Toyota Highlander counters with higher torque, measuring 310 lb-ft compared to the Palisade's 262 lb-ft.

How much more expensive is the base 2026 Highlander than the 2025 Palisade?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander has an MSRP of $45,270, which is $8,070 more expensive than the 2025 Hyundai Palisade starting at $37,200.

Is there a noticeable difference in fuel economy between the two models?

Yes, the Toyota Highlander holds a slight edge in efficiency, achieving a combined 24 MPG. The Hyundai Palisade is rated at 22 combined MPG, translating to a minor difference in ownership costs.

Which crossover offers more passenger and cargo room based on the provided specifications?

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade is physically longer at 196.7 inches and offers a larger cargo capacity of 18 cubic feet. The 2026 Toyota Highlander is slightly shorter and provides only 16 cubic feet of cargo space.