2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade
Comparison Overview
The most significant divergence between the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid (car1) and the 2026 Hyundai Palisade (car2) lies in fuel economy, where car1 achieves a 36 combined MPG compared to car2's 21 combined MPG—a massive 15 MPG advantage. Conversely, car2 offers a notable 42 horsepower advantage, producing 287 hp versus car1's 245 hp. Pricing is also a key factor, with the Palisade starting at $39,435, significantly undercutting the Grand Highlander Hybrid's $44,210 MSRP by $4,775. Dimensionally, car1 is slightly larger, measuring 201.4 inches long versus 199.2 inches for car2, which also translates to superior cargo volume at 20.6 cu ft compared to 19.1 cu ft. The drivetrain choice heavily impacts performance metrics, with car1 utilizing a CVT optimized for efficiency and car2 employing an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The 36 combined MPG of the Grand Highlander Hybrid drastically reduces weekly operating costs for high-mileage commuters.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
With a larger length of 201.4 inches and 20.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, car1 provides superior space utilization for family needs.
2026 Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade provides higher peak output with 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque paired with a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission.
2026 Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade has a significantly lower entry price point, starting at $39,435 compared to car1's $44,210 MSRP.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid if...
- You prioritize long-term running cost savings, benefiting from 36 combined MPG.
- You require the maximum available cargo space, utilizing the 20.6 cu ft area.
- You prefer the stability of standard All-Wheel Drive capability.
Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...
- Your initial budget requires spending $4,775 less on the purchase price.
- You prioritize raw acceleration and horsepower, benefiting from the 287 hp engine.
- You prefer the driving feel of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid | Hyundai Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 201.4" | 199.2" |
| Width | 78.3" | 78.0" |
| Height | 72.1" | 69.5" |
| Wheelbase | 116.1" | 116.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 3.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 245 hp @ 6000 rpm | 287 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Torque | — | 260 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm |
Drive Train
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 37/34 MPG | 19/25 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 36 MPG | 21 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 636.4/584.8 mi. | 361.0/475.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.2 gal. | 19.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.5 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 44.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.2 in. | 61.4 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.5 in. | 58.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.2 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.8 in. | 61.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.0 in. | 56.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/65R18 | 235/65R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 8.0 in |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. | — |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid and 2026 Hyundai Palisade.
How does the fuel cost difference affect ownership between these two crossovers?
The 15 MPG difference in efficiency is substantial; for an owner driving 15,000 miles annually, car1 will consume roughly 417 gallons less fuel per year than car2, equating to significant annual savings that offset car1's higher MSRP.
Is the increased horsepower in the Palisade noticeable compared to the Grand Highlander Hybrid?
Yes, the 2026 Palisade outputs 287 horsepower against the Toyota's 245 hp, meaning the Hyundai has a 42 hp advantage for spirited driving, despite car1 using an AWD system against car2's FWD base.
Which vehicle offers more utility based on physical dimensions?
The 2025 Grand Highlander Hybrid offers slightly more physical utility; it is 2.2 inches longer overall and provides 1.5 cubic feet more cargo capacity behind the rear seats at 20.6 cu ft.
What is the drivetrain difference impacting traction?
The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), while the baseline 2026 Hyundai Palisade is Front Wheel Drive (FWD), which affects performance primarily in low-traction scenarios.
How much more expensive is the entry-level Grand Highlander Hybrid?
The Grand Highlander Hybrid starts at $44,210, making it $4,775 more expensive than the 2026 Hyundai Palisade's starting MSRP of $39,435.
Do both vehicles use the same type of gasoline?
Both the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid and the 2026 Hyundai Palisade are specified to use regular unleaded fuel.
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