2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the spacious practicality of the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander and the slightly more affordable style of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade can be tough. If your priority is maximizing fuel efficiency for daily driving, the Grand Highlander pulls ahead easily, delivering 24 combined MPG compared to the Palisade's 21 combined MPG, requiring less frequent trips to the pump. However, the Palisade leads slightly in raw power, boasting 287 horsepower versus the Toyota's 265 hp, though this comes at a slight fuel cost. For sheer utility, the Toyota is physically larger, measuring 201.4 inches long and offering a superior 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row versus the Palisade's 19.1 cu ft. With an MSRP difference of only about $1,425 (Toyota at $40,860 vs. Hyundai at $39,435), buyers must weigh those extra MPG and cargo dimensions against the Palisade's modest power advantage.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is the clear winner for commuting due to its higher 24 combined MPG rating.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
Families will appreciate the Grand Highlander's larger footprint, noted by its 201.4-inch length and greater 20.6 cu ft cargo capacity.
2026 Hyundai Palisade
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its slightly higher output of 287 horsepower.
2026 Hyundai Palisade
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade offers a lower entry price at $39,435, making it the marginally better initial value proposition.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- You prioritize fuel economy and want the best efficiency at 24 combined MPG.
- You need maximum utility, as the Grand Highlander provides a substantial 20.6 cubic feet of standard cargo space.
- You prefer the proven reliability associated with Toyota and the slightly higher torque rating of 310 lb-ft.
Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...
- You want a little more pep, thanks to the Palisade's 287 horsepower.
- Keeping the initial purchase price lower is critical, with an MSRP starting at $39,435.
- You don't mind slightly lower fuel economy (21 combined MPG) in exchange for that extra power.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Grand Highlander | Hyundai Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 201.4" | 199.2" |
| Width | 78.3" | 78.0" |
| Height | 70.1" | 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 | 2.4 L | 3.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm | 287 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 260 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/28 MPG | 19/25 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 21 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 373.8/498.4 mi. | 361.0/475.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.8 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. |
| 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 and 2026 Hyundai Palisade.
Which SUV is better for long road trips in terms of fuel stops?
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is generally better for reducing fuel stops, delivering 24 combined MPG versus the Palisade's 21 combined MPG. This 3 MPG advantage means you spend less time pulling over for regular unleaded gasoline.
Is the size difference between the two vehicles noticeable for parking?
Yes, the Toyota Grand Highlander is slightly larger overall, measuring 201.4 inches in length compared to the Palisade's 199.2 inches, and it is also marginally wider at 78.3 inches. While both are large three-row crossovers, the Toyota requires a tiny bit more space.
If I carry a lot of gear, which crossover has more room?
The Grand Highlander has the edge in usable space, offering 20.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Palisade's 19.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats. This extra 1.5 cubic feet could be crucial for luggage or groceries.
How much faster is the 2026 Hyundai Palisade?
The Palisade offers 287 horsepower, which is 22 hp more than the Grand Highlander's 265 hp. While this might translate to quicker acceleration, the Toyota counters with slightly superior torque at 310 lb-ft.
Are both models expensive to fuel based on the required fuel type?
No, both utilize regular unleaded gasoline, keeping the per-fill-up cost manageable. However, the Toyota's better MPG rating means that overall ownership costs related to fuel will likely be lower across the year.
Does the transmission type affect performance significantly?
Both utilize an 8-speed automatic setup, but the Palisade specifies a 'shiftable automatic,' offering the driver slightly more direct control when desired. Otherwise, the operation style is very similar for both crossovers.
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