2025 Hyundai Palisade vs. 2025 Toyota Highlander: SUV Showdown

Family SUV shoppers have two compelling options to consider in the midsize segment: the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and the 2025 Toyota Highlander. Both vehicles consistently rank among the top 10 best-selling midsize SUVs in the US, offering three-row seating and comprehensive features for families. Competitive pricing, spacious interiors, and high safety ratings make both vehicles worthy contenders for families seeking a reliable SUV.

This detailed comparison explores pricing, design, performance, and safety features to help you make an informed decision between these popular SUVs.

2025 Hyundai Palisade For Sale

Pricing and Available Trims

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade presents a competitive lineup with seven distinct trim levels: SE, SEL, XRT, SEL Premium, Limited, Calligraphy, and Calligraphy Night. Prices range from $37,100 to $54,400, with the SEL trim offering exceptional value at $39,850. The SEL trim includes features such as power second-row seats and a comprehensive safety suite.

The Toyota Highlander comes in five trim configurations: LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum, with prices ranging from $39,520 to $52,680. The Highlander LE includes features such as an 8-inch touch screen and wireless smartphone connectivity. When you compare car trims, the Palisade offers more options and a lower entry point.

Hyundai provides superior warranty coverage with a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and an industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile drivetrain warranty. The Highlander includes a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile drivetrain warranty. The Palisade’s warranty coverage includes three years of scheduled maintenance, while the Highlander offers two years of scheduled service.

Design and Features: Inside and Out

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade measures 196.7 inches in length with a 114.2-inch wheelbase, while the Toyota Highlander spans 194.9 inches with a 112.2-inch wheelbase. When you compare car features, the Palisade provides more interior space with 44.1 inches of front legroom and 42.4 inches of second-row legroom compared to the Highlander’s 42.0 and 38.7 inches, respectively.

The Palisade also offers more cargo space with 18 cubic feet behind the third row versus the Highlander’s 16 cubic feet. A car spec comparison reveals the Palisade’s superior interior dimensions, with 61.2 inches of front shoulder room compared to the Highlander’s 59 inches. Both vehicles offer seating for up to eight passengers, with the Palisade providing 155.3 cubic feet of total passenger volume.

Both SUVs come standard with features such as adaptive cruise control and wireless smartphone connectivity. The Palisade SE includes a 12.3-inch touch screen with navigation, while the Highlander LE offers an 8-inch touch screen. The Palisade also includes standard features such as tri-zone climate control.

Performance, Towing Capacity, and Fuel Efficiency

When you compare the engines of these cars, the Palisade has an edge in power with its 3.8-liter V-6 engine generating 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Highlander employs a 2.4-liter turbo-four engine producing 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.

Both vehicles achieve a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The Highlander offers superior fuel economy ratings of 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, while the Palisade returns 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

Both SUVs utilize eight-speed automatic transmissions and offer front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The Highlander has additional powertrain choices, including hybrid options that deliver up to 35 mpg combined. The Highlander’s hybrid variant boasts a 2.5-liter inline-four hybrid powertrain producing 243 horsepower.

Safety Features, Reliability, and Consumer Satisfaction

Comparing reliability ratings shows the Hyundai Palisade scoring 85/100, while the Toyota Highlander achieves 81/100. Both vehicles have earned Top Safety Pick ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and five-star ratings from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

When examining the Hyundai Palisade vs. Toyota Highlander reliability, both SUVs come equipped with comprehensive safety features including forward collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Palisade includes standard parking assistance and an aerial-view camera system, while these features remain optional on the Highlander.

Consumer satisfaction strongly favors the Palisade with 4.3 stars out of 5 compared to the Highlander’s 3.5 out of 5 stars, based on owner reviews. The Palisade’s higher reliability score and superior consumer ratings demonstrate its strong appeal to families seeking a dependable SUV.

Making the Right Choice: The Palisade or Highlander?

This Palisade vs. Highlander comparison reveals clear differences between these competitive SUVs. U.S. News rates the Palisade highly for its comfortable, well-built interior and luxurious features without the luxury price tag while praising the Highlander for its comfortable ride and comprehensive technology package. The Palisade offers more value with its lower starting price, superior warranty coverage, and more spacious interior. It excels in passenger comfort with greater legroom and cargo capacity while providing comprehensive standard features.

The Highlander counters with better fuel economy and multiple powertrain options, including an efficient hybrid version. However, its higher starting price and less generous warranty coverage may influence your buying decision.

Experience the 2025 Hyundai Palisade Today

Call us at 850-479-9667, or stop by to experience the 2025 Hyundai Palisade in person, at Allen Turner Hyundai in Pensacola. Our team can help you explore available trims, financing options, and current special offers. Calculate your monthly payments using our online payment calculator, and discover the value of your trade-in with our trade-in valuation tool. You can also view our complete Palisade inventory.

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Image Courtesy of Hyundai