Head-to-head
2026 Hyundai Palisade vs 2026 Toyota Highlander
Too close to call: Toyota Highlander 91.3 vs Hyundai Palisade 90.7 with these weights. The Hyundai Palisade is ahead on performance and space & cargo. Raise the performance weight from 2 to 2.2 and it flips.
C
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 Toyota Highlander
Toss-upToo close to call: Toyota Highlander 91.3 vs Hyundai Palisade 90.7 with these weights. The Hyundai Palisade is ahead on performance and space & cargo. Raise the performance weight from 2 to 2.2 and it flips.
Safety2026 Toyota Highlander leads by 23.5
Performance2026 Hyundai Palisade leads by 35.2
Space & cargo2026 Hyundai Palisade leads by 12.5
| Category · weight | 2026 Hyundai Palisadeoverall 90.7 | 2026 Toyota Highlanderoverall 91.3 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | no data | no data |
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 97.2 | 100 |
| Safetyw 4 | 76.5 | 100 |
| Space & cargow 2 | 100 | 87.5 |
| Performancew 2 | 100 | 64.8 |
| Tech & comfortw 3 | no data | no data |
| Warrantyw 2 | no data | no data |
| Overall | 90.7 | 91.3 |
Hyundai Palisade: base trim SE FWD · Toyota Highlander: model-level data. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Raise the performance weight from 2 to 2.2 and the answer flips.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
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Specifications side by side
53 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Hyundai PalisadeSE FWD | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $39,435 | — |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | naturally aspirated | — |
| Cylinder count | 6 | — |
| Engine displacement | 3,470 cc | — |
| Engine type (full description) | 3.5L MPI + GDI DOHC 24-Valve V-Type 6-cylinder | — |
| Fuel injection system | gdi mpi | — |
| Valve configuration | DOHC 24-Valve | — |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 287 hp | — |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | — |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 19 mpg | — |
| MPG (combined) | 21 mpg | — |
| MPG (highway) | 25 mpg | — |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 3.510 | — |
| Transmission speeds | 8 | — |
| Transmission type | automatic | — |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 7.4 in | — |
| Overall height | 69.5 in | — |
| Overall length | 199 in | — |
| Overall width | 78 in | — |
| Wheelbase | 117 in | — |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 86.7 cu-ft | — |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 46.3 cu-ft | — |
| Cargo volume behind 3rd row | 19.1 cu-ft | — |
| Total interior volume | 181 cu-ft | — |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 8 | — |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 41.5 in | — |
| Second-row headroom | 40.7 in | — |
| Third-row headroom | 37.8 in | — |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 44.2 in | — |
| Second-row legroom | 43 in | — |
| Third-row legroom | 32.1 in | — |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 4,575 lbs | — |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 4,420 lbs | — |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 6,327 lbs | — |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | MacPherson strut with coil springs | — |
| Rear suspension type | Multi-link Independent, separated spring & shocks | — |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Rack and pinion, column-mounted | — |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 39.2 ft | — |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 345 mm | — |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | — |
| Parking brake type | epb | — |
| Rear brake diameter | 325 mm | — |
| Rear brake type | solid disc | — |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 18 in | — |
| Wheel material | forged alloy | — |
| Wheel width | 8 in | — |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | 235/65 R18 106H | — |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 19 gal | — |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | — |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | Bluelink+ | — |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 61.4 in | — |
| Second-row shoulder room | 61 in | — |
| Third-row shoulder room | 55.6 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
119 features · differences first, then sharedSafety38 differ · 38 listed
| Feature | Hyundai PalisadeSE FWD | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Blind-Spot Collision Warning | std | — |
| 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 | — |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist | std | — |
| Driver and front passenger airbag (2) | std | — |
| Front (2) and 2nd row (2) side impact airbags | std | — |
| Front center airbag (1) | 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 | — |
| 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 | — |
| Trailer Sway Control | std | — |
| 2x LATCH anchors & 3 tethers (for bench seat) in 2nd row; 2x LATCH & 3 tethers for 3rd row | std | — |
| Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with 4-wheel disc brakes | std | — |
| Driver Knee Airbag (1) | std | — |
| Electronic parking brake with Auto Vehicle Hold | std | — |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) with traction control (TCS) and brake assist | std | — |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) with traction control (TCS) and brake assist | std | — |
| Forward Attention Warning | std | — |
| Haptic Feedback | std | — |
| High Beam Assist | std | — |
| Highway Driving Assist – HDA I | std | — |
| Hillstart Assist Control (HAC) | std | — |
| Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) | std | — |
| Occupant classification system (OCS) – seat weight sensor and seat track sensor | std | — |
| Rear Occupant Alert (door-logic system) | std | — |
| Side air curtains (front and rear passengers) with rollover sensors (2) | std | — |
| Vehicle stability management | std | — |
| Vehicle Stability Management | std | — |
| Immobilizer | std | — |
| Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) with individual tire indicator | std | — |
Infotainment12 differ · 12 listed
| Feature | Hyundai PalisadeSE FWD | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Wifi Hotspot | std | — |
| Bluetooth® hands-free w/ wireless audio streaming | std | — |
| 12.3" color touchscreen with onboard Navigation / Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay / HD Radio / SIRIUS XM | std | — |
| Audio controls (Volume up/down, Seek up/down, Mode) | std | — |
| Bluelink® Connected Car System | std | — |
| Dynamic Voice Recognition | std | — |
| High Power USB-Cs: Two 1st row (2x USB-C Power) + Two 2nd row + Two 3rd row | std | — |
| Multiple Device Connection (up to two devices) | std | — |
| Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates | std | — |
| Paddle Shifters | std | — |
| Passenger Talk In-car intercom | std | — |
| Rear Seat Quiet Mode | std | — |
Convenience6 differ · 6 listed
| Feature | Hyundai PalisadeSE FWD | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Proximity key entry with push button start | std | — |
| Remote engine start (on key fob) | std | — |
| Proximity w/ detachable valet key (2) | std | — |
| Remote release – Hood | std | — |
| 12-volt outlet – 2 total: 1 Fr, 1 cargo | std | — |
| Power windows with safety front auto-down/up | std | — |
Climate3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Hyundai PalisadeSE FWD | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Zone automatic climate control w/auto defog | std | — |
| 2nd and 3rd row air vents | std | — |
| PTC Heater | std | — |
Seating10 differ · 10 listed
| Feature | Hyundai PalisadeSE FWD | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd Row – 60/40 split fold-flat seats with recline & adjustable head restraints | std | — |
| 6-way adjustable driver's seat | std | — |
| 3rd row 60/40 split-fold seats with ingress/egress handles | std | — |
| 6-way adjustable passenger seat | std | — |
| Bench Seating (2nd row) | std | — |
| Materials – Cloth | std | — |
| One-touch 2nd row seat slide for 3rd row access | std | — |
| Seating Capacity 8-passenger (SE) / 7-passenger (all others) | std | — |
| Sliding 2nd-row seats with electric cargo area releases | std | — |
| Tilting Walk-In Feature | std | — |
Interior15 differ · 15 listed
| Feature | Hyundai PalisadeSE FWD | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| 4.2" Color multi-information display | std | — |
| All-Weather Floormats/Liners | opt | — |
| Dashboard – Slush-molding | std | — |
| Dashboard – Wrapped, artificial leather | std | — |
| Door handles – Metal Paint | std | — |
| Front center console – Fixed armrest storage with tray | std | — |
| Glove compartment with damper and illumination | std | — |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | std | — |
| LED interior cabin lights | std | — |
| Storage tray – Center stack / center console | std | — |
| Upper door panels / console armrest – Premium Soft Touch | std | — |
| Sunvisor – W/ illumination | std | — |
| Headliner/Pillar – Cloth | std | — |
| Sunvisor – Dual vanity mirror with cover, W/ sliding function, W/ illumination | std | — |
| Door storage pockets – Front and rear | std | — |
Exterior20 differ · 20 listed
| Feature | Hyundai PalisadeSE FWD | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| LED headlights (Projector) | std | — |
| 18 X 8.0J Alloys / 235/65 R18 106H | std | — |
| Acoustic side glass – Front | std | — |
| Acoustic windshield | std | — |
| Black Side sills | std | — |
| Door handle welcome lights | std | — |
| Grille – Black + Silver Accents | std | — |
| Heated outside mirrors | std | — |
| Hood insulator | std | — |
| LED center positioning light | std | — |
| LED daytime running lights | std | — |
| LED rear combination lamps/taillights | std | — |
| Roof antenna, shark-fin | std | — |
| Automatic headlights | std | — |
| Privacy glass – Rear/quarter/back glass | std | — |
| Rear window defroster with timer | std | — |
| Solar front glass – Front door, windshield | std | — |
| Compact Spare Tire / T155/90R18 | std | — |
| LED Roof-mounted center high-mount wide stop lamp | std | — |
| Rear spoiler – Wide Integrated with CHMSL, bodycolor | std | — |
Powertrain6 differ · 6 listed
| Feature | Hyundai PalisadeSE FWD | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Configuration – FWD | std | — |
| 8-speed automatic transmission (A8LF1) | std | — |
| AWD Lock indicator | opt | — |
| Drive Mode Select (Eco, Sport, & My Drive) – Dash-mounted button + toggle switch | std | — |
| Idle Stop & Go | std | — |
| Shift-by-Wire w/paddle shifters | std | — |
Chassis4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Hyundai PalisadeSE FWD | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Front suspension – MacPherson strut with coil springs | std | — |
| Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Rack and pinion steering, column-mounted | std | — |
| Rear suspension – Multi-link Independent, separated spring & shocks | std | — |
| Rear suspension – Self-Leveling suspension | std | — |
Cargo5 differ · 5 listed
| Feature | Hyundai PalisadeSE FWD | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Tow Hitch | opt | — |
| TOW mode – Dash-mounted button | std | — |
| Cargo – Underfloor storage compartment | std | — |
| Roof cross bars | opt | — |
| Trailering Package (trailer prewire, HD engine/trans coolers, sway control) | std | — |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
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Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPHyundai Palisade
Safety Signal78 C
NHTSA overall★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls3
Owner complaints114 · 2 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained aboutSeats (47), Electrical System (28), Forward Collision Avoidance (17)
Top recalls
- highSeat Belts26V169000 · 46,787 vehicles
- highElectrical System26V047000 · 41,651 vehicles
- moderateSeats26V160000 · 61,307 vehicles
Toyota Highlander
Safety Signal100 A
NHTSA overall★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls0
Owner complaints2 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained aboutBack Over Prevention (1), Visibility/Wiper (1), Power Train (1)
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Hyundai PalisadeSE FWD | Toyota Highlander | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $39,435 (base trim) | — |
| Price range across trims | $39,435 – $58,780 21 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 | $1,850 | $1,800 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | — | — |
| Powertrain warranty | — | — |
| Roadside assistance | — | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade or the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
Too close to call: Toyota Highlander 91.3 vs Hyundai Palisade 90.7 with these weights. The Hyundai Palisade is ahead on performance and space & cargo. Raise the performance weight from 2 to 2.2 and it flips. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Toyota Highlander scores 91.3 and the 2026 Hyundai Palisade 90.7. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which has the better safety record, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade or the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
2026 Hyundai Palisade: 5 NHTSA stars, grade C, 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 differences between the 2026 Hyundai Palisade and the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
This page puts 53 specifications and 119 equipment items side by side, with the better value marked on every row where the direction is unambiguous and the differences listed before the things both cars share.