2025 Hyundai Palisade vs 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid often comes down to upfront cost versus long-term running expenses. The Palisade hits the sweet spot for budget-conscious buyers with an MSRP starting at $37,200, significantly lower than the Highlander Hybrid's $47,020 price tag—a difference of nearly $10,000. However, the Toyota instantly claws back some ground with its exceptional fuel economy, boasting a 35 MPG combined rating versus the Palisade's 22 MPG combined. If raw power is important, the Palisade leads with 291 hp, dwarfing the Highlander Hybrid's 243 hp. Yet, for daily driving where space and affordability matter most, the Palisade offers a slightly larger 196.7-inch length and 18 cu ft of cargo space, though the Highlander Hybrid includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) where the Palisade defaults to Front-Wheel Drive (FWD).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The 2026 Highlander Hybrid wins for commuters due to its superior 35 MPG combined fuel economy.
2025 Hyundai Palisade
The 2025 Palisade provides slightly more overall length and a small edge in cargo capacity at 18 cu ft.
2025 Hyundai Palisade
Enthusiasts will favor the Palisade's higher 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque output.
2025 Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade offers substantially better immediate value with an MSRP that is $9,820 less than its competitor.
Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...
- You need the highest upfront affordability, as the Palisade starts at $37,200.
- You prioritize performance, benefiting from the 291 hp engine.
- You prefer the control offered by a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is crucial, given the impressive 35 MPG combined rating.
- You require standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for varied weather conditions.
- You are looking to save approximately $9,820 in initial purchase price.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Palisade | Toyota Highlander Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm | 243 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5200 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 | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/26 MPG | 35/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 35 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 357.2/488.8 mi. | 598.5/598.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.8 gal. | 17.1 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 | P235/65R18 |
| 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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
How much more money will I spend to run the 2025 Palisade versus the 2026 Highlander Hybrid?
Based purely on fuel efficiency, the Highlander Hybrid's 35 MPG combined rating versus the Palisade's 22 MPG combined will lead to higher annual fuel expenditures for the Palisade, offsetting some of its initial $9,820 price advantage over several years.
Is the 2025 Palisade significantly more powerful than the hybrid?
Yes, the Palisade offers 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, which is a substantial 48 hp advantage over the Highlander Hybrid's 243 hp output, making it the peppier choice.
Which vehicle has more room for storage?
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade offers slightly more utility with 18 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's 16 cubic feet.
Does the standard drivetrain setup favor one vehicle over the other?
The Highlander Hybrid comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), which is generally preferred for traction, whereas the Palisade's standard configuration is Front-Wheel Drive (FWD).
Do both crossovers use premium fuel?
Fortunately, neither vehicle requires premium fuel; both the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid are rated to use regular unleaded gasoline.
How much bigger is the Palisade in exterior dimensions?
The Palisade is longer at 196.7 inches compared to the Highlander Hybrid's 194.9 inches, and it is also wider, measuring 77.8 inches versus 76.0 inches.
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