Head-to-head
2026 Hyundai Palisade vs 2026 Toyota Highlander
The Hyundai Palisade edges it, 94.8 to 90.4, on tech & comfort, price, space & cargo. The Toyota Highlander is ahead on safety and fuel & range.
B
2026 Hyundai Palisade
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas large SUV with 6 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Palisade Hybrid FWD…
vs
A2026 Toyota Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Highlander is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas large SUV with 3 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Highlander Hybrid …
Verdict · default weights
2026 Hyundai Palisade
Slight edgeThe Hyundai Palisade edges it, 94.8 to 90.4, on tech & comfort, price, space & cargo. The Toyota Highlander is ahead on safety and fuel & range.
Tech & comfort 2026 Hyundai Palisade leads by 21.1
Price 2026 Hyundai Palisade leads by 13.5
Safety 2026 Toyota Highlander leads by 10.1
| Category · weight | 2026 Hyundai Palisadeoverall 94.8 | 2026 Toyota Highlanderoverall 90.4 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | 100 | 86.5 | |||||||||||||||
Base MSRP of the trim (or the model's lowest trim). Lower is better. | |||||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 97.3 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | |||||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 81.5 | 91.6 | |||||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | |||||||||||||||||
| Space & cargow 2 | 98.3 | 94.4 | |||||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | |||||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 96 | 94.5 | |||||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | |||||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 100 | 78.9 | |||||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | |||||||||||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Overall | 94.8 | 90.4 | |||||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 6 of 7 categories compared
Hyundai Palisade: base trim SE FWD · Toyota Highlander: base trim XLE AWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2026 Hyundai Palisade wins
- It lists 37 standard driver-assist features against 12.
- It lists more comfort and tech equipment (38 points against 30 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½).
- It starts $6,135 lower ($39,435 against $45,570 base MSRP).
Where the 2026 Toyota Highlander answers
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (4 against 136 filed with NHTSA).
- It has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 100 against 83).
What they share
- 5 NHTSA stars.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
55 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Hyundai PalisadeSE FWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $39,435 | $45,570 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | naturally aspirated | twin turbo |
| Cylinder count | 6 | 4 |
| Engine displacement | 3,470 cc | 2,393 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | 3.5L MPI + GDI DOHC 24-Valve V-Type 6-cylinder | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged DOHC |
| Fuel injection system | gdi mpi | D-4S |
| Valve configuration | DOHC 24-Valve | DOHC 16-Valve |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 287 hp | 265 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 19 mpg | 21 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | 21 mpg | 24 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | 25 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 3.510 | 3.329 |
| Transmission speeds | 8 | 8 |
| Transmission type | automatic | automatic |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 7.4 in | 8 in |
| Overall height | 69.5 in | 68.1 in |
| Overall length | 199 in | 195 in |
| Overall width | 78 in | 76 in |
| Wheelbase | 117 in | 112 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 86.7 cu-ft | 84.3 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 46.3 cu-ft | 48.4 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 3rd row | 19.1 cu-ft | 16 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | 181 cu-ft | 142 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 8 | 7 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 41.5 in | 41.2 in |
| Second-row headroom | 40.7 in | 39.4 in |
| Third-row headroom | 37.8 in | 36.1 in |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 44.2 in | 42 in |
| Second-row legroom | 43 in | 38.7 in |
| Third-row legroom | 32.1 in | 28 in |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 4,575 lbs | 4,376 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 4,420 lbs | 4,376 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 6,327 lbs | 5,970 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | MacPherson strut with coil springs | Independent MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar; trailing-wishbone |
| Rear suspension type | Multi-link Independent, separated spring & shocks | Multi-link with stabilizer bar |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Rack and pinion, column-mounted | Electric Power Steering (EPS); power-assisted rack-and-pinion |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 39.2 ft | 18.7 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 345 mm | 338 mm |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | ventilated disc |
| Parking brake type | epb | epb |
| Rear brake diameter | 325 mm | 338 mm |
| Rear brake type | solid disc | solid disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 18 in | 18 in |
| Wheel material | forged alloy | alloy |
| Wheel width | 8 in | — |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | 235/65 R18 106H | P235/65R18 |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 19 gal | 17.9 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | Bluelink | Toyota Connected Services |
| Connected services trial (premium tier) | — | 12 months |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | — | 60 months |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 61.4 in | 59 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | 61 in | 58.7 in |
| Third-row shoulder room | 55.6 in | 55 in |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
137 features · differences first, then sharedSafety33 differ · 41 listed
| Feature | Hyundai PalisadeSE FWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Car/Ped/Cyclist Detection & JT/DO | std | — |
| Smart Cruise Control 2 (w/ Emergency Stop) | std | — |
| Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Car/Ped/Cyclist Detection & JT/DO | std | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist 2 | std | — |
| Driver and front passenger airbag (2) | std | — |
| Front (2) and 2nd row (2) side impact airbags | std | — |
| Front center airbag (1) | std | — |
| Highway Driving Assist – HDA I | std | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist 2 | std | — |
| Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control w/ Stop & Go & Curve Control | std | — |
| Rear view monitor with parking guidance | std | — |
| Side air curtains (front and rear passengers) with rollover sensors (2) | std | — |
| 2x LATCH anchors & 3 tethers (for bench seat) in 2nd row; 2x LATCH & 3 tethers for 3rd row | std | — |
| Downhill Assist Control (DAC) | — | std |
| Driver Attention Warning | std | — |
| Front (2) and 2nd row (2) side impact airbags | std | — |
| Parking Distance Warning – Forward and Reverse | std | — |
| Parking Distance Warning – Forward and Reverse | std | — |
| Safe Exit Assist w/ rear door indicator | std | — |
| Backup camera with projected path | — | std |
| Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) | — | std |
| Blind-Spot Collision Warning (Outside mirrors) | std | — |
| Driver Knee Airbag (1) | std | — |
| Electronic parking brake with Auto Vehicle Hold | std | — |
| Forward Attention Warning | std | — |
| High Beam Assist | std | — |
| Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) | std | — |
| Rear child safety locks | std | — |
| Rear Occupant Alert (door-logic system) | std | — |
| Seatbelt Pre-Tensioners and Load Limiters for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd row outboard seats | std | — |
| Side air curtains (front and rear passengers) with rollover sensors (2) | std | — |
| Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ — Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Road Sign Assist (RSA) and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) | — | std |
| Vehicle stability management | std | — |
| Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) | std | std |
| Trailer Sway Control (TSC) | std | std |
| Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) | std | std |
| Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) | std | std |
| Star Safety System™ — includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology® (SST) | std | std |
| Traction Control (TRAC) | std | std |
| Anti-theft system with alarm and engine immobilizer | std | std |
| Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) (individual tires) | std | std |
Infotainment22 differ · 24 listed
| Feature | Hyundai PalisadeSE FWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Assistance Button (SOS) | — | std |
| Stolen Vehicle Locator | — | std |
| Remote Connect — remotely interact with your vehicle through the Toyota app via your smartwatch | — | std |
| Safety Connect® — includes Emergency Assistance button, enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification and Stolen Vehicle Locator | — | std |
| 12.3-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia with wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility, USB media port, four USB charge ports, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology, SiriusXM® with 3-month trial subscription | — | opt |
| 12.3" color touchscreen with onboard Navigation | std | — |
| 6-speaker audio system | — | std |
| 8.0-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia with wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility, SiriusXM® with 3-month trial subscription | — | std |
| Alexa Built-in Voice Assistant | std | — |
| Bluelink® Connected Car System | std | — |
| Drive Connect — includes Cloud Navigation with Google Points of Interest (POI) data, Intelligent Assistant with Hey, Toyota, and Destination Assist | — | std |
| Dynamic Voice Recognition | std | — |
| Five USB ports (one USB-A media port and four USB-C charging ports) and two 12V outlets | — | std |
| High Power USB-Cs: Two 1st row (2x USB-C Power) + Two 2nd row + Two 3rd row | std | — |
| In-Car Payment / Digital Features & Services | std | — |
| Multiple Device Connection (up to two devices) | std | — |
| Panoramic curved dual 12.3-in displays | std | — |
| Passenger Talk In-car intercom | std | — |
| Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging with charge indicator light | — | std |
| Rear Seat Quiet Mode | std | — |
| Service Connect — receive personalized maintenance updates and vehicle health reports | — | std |
| SiriusXM / HD Radio | std | — |
| Wi-Fi Connect — includes AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot and Integrated Streaming (Apple Music® and Amazon Music) compatibility | std | std |
| Over-the-Air (OTA) updates | std | std |
Convenience6 differ · 8 listed
| Feature | Hyundai PalisadeSE FWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Height-adjustable hands-free power liftgate with jam protection | — | std |
| Remote engine start (on key fob) | std | — |
| Power window lock-out button | std | — |
| Power windows with auto up/down in all positions and jam protection | — | std |
| Remote release Hood | std | — |
| Power windows with safety front auto-down/up | std | — |
| Smart Key System on front doors and liftgate with Push Button Start, remote keyless entry system with lock, unlock, panic and liftgate functions; and remote illuminated entry | std | std |
| Two 12V outlets | std | std |
Climate1 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Hyundai PalisadeSE FWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| PTC Heater | std | — |
| Three-zone automatic climate control with air filter, separate second-row control panel, individual temperature settings for driver, front passenger and rear-seat passengers, and second- and third-row vents | std | std |
Seating14 differ · 14 listed
| Feature | Hyundai PalisadeSE FWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd Row – 60/40 split fold-flat seats with recline & adjustable head restraints | std | — |
| 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat | — | std |
| Heated front seats | — | std |
| 6-way adjustable driver's seat | std | — |
| 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat including power lumbar support | — | std |
| 3rd row 60/40 split-fold seats with ingress/egress handles | std | — |
| 6-way adjustable passenger seat | std | — |
| 7-passenger seating with second-row fold-down captain's chairs and fold-down inboard armrests, adjustable headrests and two cup holders mounted on the floor; and 60/40 split, fold-flat third-row seats with sliding headrests and recline function | — | std |
| 8-passenger seating with 60/40 split, sliding and reclining fold-flat second-row bench seats; 60/40 split, fold-flat third-row seats with sliding headrests and recline function | — | opt |
| 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat | — | std |
| One-touch 2nd row seat slide for 3rd row access | std | — |
| Seating materials – Cloth | std | — |
| SofTex®-trimmed front- and second-row seats; heated front seats; 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat including power lumbar support; 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat | — | std |
| Tilting Walk-In Feature | std | — |
Interior12 differ · 14 listed
| Feature | Hyundai PalisadeSE FWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 4.2" Color multi-information display | std | — |
| Auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® universal garage door opener | — | std |
| 7-in. color LCD Multi-Information Display (MID) with odometer, trip/average fuel economy, cruising range, average speed, AWD torque distribution (AWD models only), cruise control guide, audio details, hands-free incoming call notices, telephone information | — | std |
| Dashboard – Slush-molding | std | — |
| Dashboard – Wrapped, artificial leather | std | — |
| Door handles – Metal Paint | std | — |
| Front seat seatback pockets | std | — |
| Second-row sunshades | — | std |
| Silver-painted dashboard trim and painted door trim | — | std |
| Upper door panels / console armrest – Premium Soft Touch | std | — |
| Headliner/Pillar – Cloth | std | — |
| Door storage pockets – Front and rear | std | — |
| Dual sun visors with sliding function and illuminated vanity mirrors | std | std |
| Dual sun visors with sliding function and illuminated vanity mirrors | std | std |
Exterior18 differ · 25 listed
| Feature | Hyundai PalisadeSE FWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade and one-touch open/close | — | std |
| Acoustic noise-reducing front side windows | std | — |
| Acoustic windshield | std | — |
| Door handle welcome lights | std | — |
| High Solar Energy-Absorbing (HSEA) glass on front side windows | — | std |
| LED center positioning light | std | — |
| LED fog lights | — | std |
| Outside mirrors with turn signal indicators | — | std |
| Rear liftgate windshield washer and backup camera washer | — | std |
| Rear spoiler with LED center high-mount stop light | — | std |
| Shark-fin roof antenna | std | — |
| Silver-painted roof rails | — | std |
| Windshield wiper de-icer | — | std |
| Automatic headlights | std | — |
| Solar front glass – Front door, windshield | std | — |
| Front and rear mudguards | — | std |
| LED Roof-mounted center high-mount wide stop lamp | std | — |
| Rear spoiler – Wide Integrated with CHMSL, bodycolor | std | — |
| LED projector headlights | std | std |
| Heated power outside mirrors | std | std |
| LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) | std | std |
| LED taillights | std | std |
| Privacy glass on rear side, quarter and liftgate windows | std | std |
| Rear liftgate windshield defogger | std | std |
| Temporary spare tire/wheel | std | std |
Powertrain4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Hyundai PalisadeSE FWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| All-Wheel Drive | — | std |
| FWD | std | — |
| Drive Mode Select — Eco, Normal, Sport modes | std | — |
| Shift-by-Wire w/paddle shifters | std | — |
Chassis1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Hyundai PalisadeSE FWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Rear suspension – Self-Leveling suspension | std | — |
Cargo4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Hyundai PalisadeSE FWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Tow Hitch | opt | — |
| TOW mode – Dash-mounted button | std | — |
| Cargo – Underfloor storage compartment | std | — |
| Trailering Package (trailer prewire, HD engine/trans coolers, sway control) | std | — |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPHyundai Palisade
Safety Signal 83 B
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 3
Owner complaints 136 · 4 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Seats (50), Electrical System (34), Forward Collision Avoidance (19)
Top recalls
- high Seats 26V160000 · 61,307 vehicles
- moderate Seat Belts 26V169000 · 46,787 vehicles
- moderate Electrical System 26V047000 · 41,651 vehicles
Toyota Highlander
Safety Signal 100 A
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 0
Owner complaints 4 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Back Over Prevention (1), Visibility/Wiper (1), Power Train (1)
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Hyundai PalisadeSE FWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $39,435 (base trim) | $45,570 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $39,435 – $58,780 21 trims | $45,570 – $54,975 7 trims |
| Powertrains | HEV, GAS | HEV, GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | Palisade Hybrid FWD Blue | Highlander Hybrid AWD |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 34 | 35 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $1,950 | $1,900 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | — | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain warranty | — | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Roadside assistance | — | 2 yr |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade or the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The Hyundai Palisade edges it, 94.8 to 90.4, on tech & comfort, price, space & cargo. The Toyota Highlander is ahead on safety and fuel & range. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Hyundai Palisade scores 94.8 and the 2026 Toyota Highlander 90.4. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which is cheaper, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade or the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade starts lower — $39,435 against $45,570, a gap of $6,135 at the trims compared here. Both are manufacturer MSRPs before destination, options and dealer charges.
Which has the better safety record, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade or the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
2026 Hyundai Palisade: 5 NHTSA stars, grade B, 3 recalls. 2026 Toyota Highlander: 5 NHTSA stars, grade A, 0 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2026 Hyundai Palisade and the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
Where the 2026 Hyundai Palisade wins: it lists 37 standard driver-assist features against 12, lists more comfort and tech equipment (38 points against 30 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½), and starts $6,135 lower ($39,435 against $45,570 base MSRP). Where the 2026 Toyota Highlander answers: it has drawn fewer owner complaints (4 against 136 filed with NHTSA) and has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 100 against 83). What they share: 5 NHTSA stars.