Hyundai Palisade vs. Toyota Grand Highlander

The Latest Hyundai Palisade Takes On the Grand Highlander

When it comes to the Hyundai Palisade vs. Toyota Grand Highlander, the latest Palisade is back with new features, including a hybrid option to compete with the Grand Highlander. Irwin Hyundai takes a look. 

New Hybrid Version To Add Efficiency

The Hyundai Palisade competes with the Toyota Grand Highlander in the same size category, and both have gas powertrains. However, now the Palisade also offers a hybrid version, so that's another consideration if buyers are looking for a family SUV that comes in a hybrid. The latest Palisade is now slightly larger than the Grand Highlander as well. Both SUVs have standard seating for eight and an option to get second-row captain's chairs.

The new longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Palisade benefits you in a few ways. It adds more room to the third row, and it also adds more cargo room, whether you choose to fold that row down or not.

   

Hyundai Palisade vs. Toyota Grand Highlander Powertrain Comparison

In comparing the Hyundai Palisade vs. Toyota Grand Highlander, we see that the Palisade now has a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter engine and two electric motors. AWD is standard, and the total output is 329 horsepower. Over on the Grand Highlander side, we have two hybrid versions, one with 245 horsepower and one with 362. The standard version comes with a CVT and either FWD or AWD, so you have to move up for the more powerful Toyota hybrid, while the Palisade's competitive powertrain is standard if you choose the hybrid.

Efficiency and Towing By the Numbers

In most configurations, the Grand Highlander delivers 3,500 pounds of towing capacity. In comparison, the standard hybrid Palisade can tow up to 4,000 pounds. You can get more with the Toyota if you move up to the Hybrid Max. Similarly, the new Hyundai Palisade gets better fuel economy numbers than the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max. The less powerful standard Highlander gets a few mpg more on the highway.

Palisade Improvements to Consider

The Palisade gas engine is a newly developed 3.5-liter V6 that makes 287 horsepower. At the same time, the Palisade's longer wheelbase and retuned suspension give it an improved ride, even over rough surfaces. The base Grand Highlander with a gas engine is a turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 265 horsepower. In other words, the Palisade outdoes the Grand Highlander for power in most configurations, which translates to you spending less money to get more. The Palisade also now offers an adventurous XRT PRO trim for those who like to take the path less traveled.