hyundai palisade vs toyota grand highlander specs
Hyundai Palisade vs Toyota Grand Highlander: Complete Specs Comparison for 2025–2026
Two of the most popular three-row midsize SUVs go head to head. Here's where each one wins—and where it falls short.
Key Takeaways at a Glance
- Palisade has more standard horsepower—291 hp versus the Grand Highlander's base 245 hp (hybrid available).
- Grand Highlander offers a hybrid option that delivers up to 36 mpg combined—something the Palisade cannot match.
- Palisade has a higher max towing capacity at 5,000 lbs versus 5,000 lbs on the Grand Highlander Hybrid (up to 3,500 lbs non-hybrid).
- Grand Highlander provides a standard third row with easier access and more usable space in every row.
- Palisade includes more luxury features standard across trim levels, while Grand Highlander trims run leaner out of the box.
- Toyota carries a stronger resale-value premium, typically retaining 5–8% more value over five years.
- Palisade offers a longer basic warranty (5-year/60,000-mile) compared to Toyota (3-year/36,000-mile), though Toyota's powertrain coverage is excellent.
- Both vehicles seat seven to eight passengers, but the Palisade's second row is a true captain's chair or bench; Grand Highlander uses a standard three-seater middle row.
Overview: What Each SUV Brings to the Table
Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade entered the three-row SUV segment as a value-driven contender that punches above its price class. Since its 2020 debut, it has refined its cabin materials, added advanced driver-assistance features, and offered more standard equipment than many rivals at similar price points. The 2025 model year continues to build on that reputation with updated infotainment, improved ride refinement, and a comprehensive suite of safety technology now standard across most trims.
Toyota Grand Highlander
The Toyota Grand Highlander arrived in 2024 as a larger replacement for the outgoing Highlander, filling the gap left by the discontinued 4Runner-based 8-seater variant. It is physically larger than the standard Highlander, offering true three-row usability and a hybrid powertrain that delivers class-leading fuel economy. For families prioritizing space efficiency, hybrid efficiency, and long-term reliability, the Grand Highlander has quickly become a top recommendation.
Full Specs Comparison Table
| Specification | Hyundai Palisade | Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (Approx.) | $38,250 | $39,450 |
| Engine (Base) | 3.8L V6, 291 hp / 262 lb-ft | 2.4L Turbo-4, 265 hp / 310 lb-ft |
| Engine (Hybrid / Option) | Not available | 2.5L Hybrid, 245 hp combined / 3.5L Hybrid Max, 362 hp combined |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic (gas) / eCVT (hybrid) |
| Drivetrain Options | FWD or HTRAC AWD | FWD or Dynamic Torque AWD |
| MPG (City / Hwy / Combined) | 19 / 26 / 22 (FWD) | 22 / 28 / 25 (Hybrid FWD) — up to 36 mpg combined |
| Towing Capacity (Max) | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs (Hybrid Max) / 3,500 lbs (standard hybrid) |
| Seating Capacity | 7 or 8 passengers | 7 or 8 passengers |
| Front Headroom | 40.7 in | 40.6 in |
| Second-Row Headroom | 41.2 in | 40.9 in |
| Third-Row Headroom | 36.5 in | 35.8 in |
| Front Legroom | 42.3 in | 41.3 in |
| Second-Row Legroom | 42.5 in | 44.0 in |
| Third-Row Legroom | 33.5 in | 33.5 in |
| Cargo Volume (Behind Row 3) | 18.0 cu ft | 12.0 cu ft |
| Cargo Volume (Rows 2 & 3 Folded) | 86.4 cu ft | |
| Wheelbase | 114.2 in | 112.2 in |
| Length | 196.1 in | 200.7 in |
| Width | 78.7 in | 78.9 in |
| Ground Clearance | 8.0 in |