A Family SUV Showdown: The Toyota Highlander vs. Hyundai Palisade

Is your family outgrowing the family car? Need more space, maybe an extra row of seats to spread everyone out? When it’s time to upgrade to a larger family hauler, it might be time to consider a three-row SUV such as the Toyota Highlander or the Hyundai Palisade, but which one has what you need? Take a look.

How Much Power Do You Need?

Whether you’re looking at a new or a used Toyota Highlander, you can get it with either a gas or a hybrid engine. The gas version uses a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 265 horsepower. If you want hybrid power, this version of the Highlander uses a four-cylinder engine and hybrid system that work together to develop 243 horsepower.
The Palisade comes with just a gas engine. It’s a 3.8-liter V-6 that puts out 291 horsepower. And gets 262 pound-feet of torque.

Let’s Talk Cabin Comfort

The first two rows in the Highlander are spacious and comfortable. The third row can be a little small if you have older kids to put back there. The Palisade has more space in the third row, and rear doors that open wide making it easy to get in. You can make getting to the third row even easier by sliding the second-row captain’s chairs up and out of the way.
Once you get in and get settled, the Highlander’s tri-zone automatic climate control will keep everyone comfortable, and the standard power-adjustable driver’s seat makes it easy to find the perfect driving position.

Technology for Everyone

An 8-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system comes in the entry-level Highlander. If you want a larger screen, you can get ne that stretches for 12.3-inches in the Limited and Platinum trims. Features such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and an 11-speaker JBL stereo system are available. Want to get the attention of the kids in the third row without having to yell? The Highlander’s intercom system will broadcast your voice through the speakers.
If you like technology, the Palisade is probably your better SUV. It starts with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, so you’ll get it no matter what trim you have. It comes loaded with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an integrated navigation system. Hyundai’s Bluelink+ connected services are also standard, so you have a voice assistant, and emergency notifications.

Safety Always Comes Standard

Both of these SUVs come with advanced safety systems no matter which trim level you choose and whether you choose to buy a brand-new model or a used Palisade or used Toyota Highlander.
You can count on getting forward collision warning, automatic braking, lane-keep assist, rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control. Both the Highlander and Palisade have blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, and you can get a 360-degree surround view camera system in both of these models if you take a couple of steps up from the base trim.
Are you ready to upgrade now that you know more about some of your options for family-friendly SUVs?