2025 Toyota Highlander vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade
Comparison Overview
The battle between the 2025 Toyota Highlander and the 2026 Hyundai Palisade pits trusted efficiency against raw capacity. The Highlander excites with its superior fuel economy, achieving a combined 25 MPG, outperforming the Palisade’s 21 MPG significantly, making it the thrifty choice for high-mileage drivers. Conversely, the Palisade tempts buyers with a slightly more potent engine delivering 287 hp, topping the Highlander’s 265 hp, and offers superior utility with a larger 19.1 cu ft cargo space versus the Highlander's 16 cu ft. Starting at an accessible MSRP of $39,435, the Palisade undercuts the Highlander’s $40,320 starting price. Both employ a similar 8-speed automatic transmission, but the Highlander's 4 MPG advantage in efficiency remains its core strength against the Palisade's slightly greater horsepower and bulkier footprint (199.2 inches long).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Highlander
The 2025 Toyota Highlander wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 25 MPG.
2026 Hyundai Palisade
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is better for families as it offers more utility with 19.1 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft.
2026 Hyundai Palisade
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade appeals more to driving enthusiasts by offering 287 horsepower, beating the Highlander's 265 hp.
2026 Hyundai Palisade
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade edges out in initial value, having a lower MSRP of $39,435 against the Highlander's $40,320.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- Fuel efficiency is your absolute priority, as the Highlander delivers 25 combined MPG.
- You prefer the slightly more maneuverable size, measuring 194.9 inches in length.
- You want the better highway fuel economy, rating at 29 MPG for the Highlander.
Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...
- You need maximum utility, benefiting from 19.1 cu ft of cargo space versus 16 cu ft.
- You crave the punchier acceleration provided by the Palisade's 287 horsepower rating.
- You are seeking the lower entry cost, starting at an MSRP of $39,435.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Highlander | Hyundai Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.9" | 199.2" |
| Width | 76.0" | 78.0" |
| Height | 68.1" | 69.5" |
| Wheelbase | 112.2" | 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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
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 shiftable 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) | 22/29 MPG | 19/25 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 21 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 393.8/519.1 mi. | 361.0/475.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 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 | 41.2 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.0 in. | 44.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.0 in. | 61.4 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 57.2 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 | 39.4 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.7 in. | 61.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.0 in. | 56.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/65R V | 235/65R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 8.0 in |
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 Highlander and 2026 Hyundai Palisade.
Which crossover is cheaper to fuel regularly?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is significantly cheaper to fuel, boasting a 25 MPG combined rating compared to the 2026 Hyundai Palisade’s 21 MPG combined. This 4 MPG advantage translates directly to fewer trips to the pump over the year.
How does the horsepower difference affect daily driving?
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade has a 22 horsepower advantage, producing 287 hp versus the Highlander's 265 hp. While both utilize an 8-speed automatic, the Palisade may feel slightly punchier during highway passing maneuvers.
Is the larger size of the Palisade beneficial?
Yes, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade is physically larger in every dimension (199.2 inches long vs. 194.9 inches) and offers 3.1 cubic feet more cargo space, making it superior for hauling larger items.
Are the starting prices very different for these two models?
The difference is marginal, with the Palisade starting at $39,435 and the Highlander starting at $40,320. This difference of less than $1,000 suggests the decision should likely hinge on performance or efficiency metrics.
Which vehicle offers the most torque?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander pulls ahead in low-end grunt, offering 310 lb-ft of torque, significantly higher than the 2026 Hyundai Palisade's 260 lb-ft of torque.
Do these FWD crossovers use different fuel types?
No, both the 2025 Toyota Highlander and the 2026 Hyundai Palisade are designed to run efficiently on regular unleaded fuel.
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