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2026 Hyundai Palisade Vs. 2026 Toyota Highlander

2026 Hyundai Palisade Vs. 2026 Toyota Highlander
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When shopping for a new family SUV, comparing the Hyundai Palisade vs. Toyota Highlander is a great place to start. Both Hyundai and Toyota are popular brands known for quality construction and reliable vehicles, so how do you choose which of these three-row options is best for you and your loved ones? In this guide from Roswell Hyundai, we've put the 2026 Hyundai Palisade and 2026 Toyota Highlander side by side.

2026 Hyundai Palisade vs. Toyota Highlander Overview

Both the new Hyundai Palisade and Toyota Highlander SUVs are capable three-row vehicles with seating for up to eight.

With its lower starting price, tech-centric cabin, spacious interior, and choice of powertrains, we clearly favor the Hyundai Palisade. But you want to see the specs, dimensions, and features of both models to help you choose what's right for you. Afterward, we invite you to visit our Hyundai dealership in Roswell, NM, to take the Palisade out for a spin!

2026 Hyundai Palisade vs. Toyota Highlander Overview

Hyundai Palisade vs. Toyota Highlander Specs

The Hyundai Palisade specs start with a 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine that makes up to 287 horsepower. This SUV is available in either front- or all-wheel drive, and it fetches up to an EPA-estimated 19/25/21 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).1

The Toyota Highlander specs are a bit different due to its smaller engine size. It has a torque-heavy 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 265 horsepower.

Hyundai Palisade vs. Toyota Highlander Specs
2026 Hyundai Palisade2026 Toyota Highlander
Engine3.5L 6-cyl2.4L 4-cyl
Horsepower287265
Torque260 lb-ft310 lb-ft
DrivetrainFWD or AWDAWD
Transmission8-spd auto8-spd auto
EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb)Up to 19 / 25 / 21121 / 28 / 242
Max. Towing5,000 lbs35,000 lbs4

Hyundai Palisade vs. Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity

Want to bring along gear like a trailer, camper, or boat? You easily can with either the Hyundai Palisade or Toyota Highlander.

  • Hyundai Palisade towing capacity: Up to 5,000 pounds3
  • Toyota Highlander towing capacity: Up to 5,000 pounds4
Hyundai Palisade vs. Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity

Hyundai Palisade vs. Toyota Highlander Dimensions

Looking at the exterior and cabins of these SUVs, the Hyundai Palisade dimensions are longer, wider, and taller than the Highlander. This size difference translates to a substantially roomier interior and a more commanding presence on the road. If you prioritize family comfort even in the third row, the Palisade is waiting for you.

Hyundai Palisade cargo space also offers more room for gear in every configuration. Whether you're utilizing the Hyundai Palisade trunk space behind the back row (19.1 cubic feet) or wanting to take advantage of the entire rear of the vehicle (86.7 cubic feet), the Palisade has more room than the Toyota Highlander cargo space, which maxes out at 84.3 cubic feet. The Toyota Highlander trunk space behind the third row offers only 16 cubic feet.

You'll find room for seven or eight with either the Hyundai Palisade seating capacity or the Toyota Highlander seating capacity, but how your family fits into those seats makes all the difference. That's because the Hyundai Palisade dimensions give everyone more space to stretch out with superior headroom and legroom. The Palisade gives growing kids in the third row more than 4 full inches of legroom than the Toyota Highlander dimensions.

Get a closer look at comfort in the chart below:

Hyundai Palisade vs. Toyota Highlander Dimensions
2026 Hyundai Palisade2026 Toyota Highlander
Length199.2 in194.9 in
Width78 in76 in
Height69.5 in68.1 in
Wheelbase116.9 in112.2 in
Ground Clearance7.4 in8 in
Headroom (front / middle / rear)41.5 / 40.7 / 37.8 in39.6 / 39.4 / 36.1
Legroom (front / middle / rear)44.2 / 43 / 32.1 in42 / 38.7 / 28 in
Cargo Space (behind rear / middle / front rows)19.1 / 46.3 / 86.7 cu ft16 / 48.4 / 84.3 cu ft
Max. Passenger Volume161.9 cu ft139.5 cu ft

Hyundai Palisade vs. Toyota Highlander Interior Features

Despite having a significantly lower starting MSRP, the Hyundai Palisade interior is tech-centric and family-friendly. Standard amenities include:

  • 12.3-inch touchscreen display with Navigation
  • High-power USB charging ports in all three rows
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel with haptic feedback
  • Cloth seating
  • Three-zone automatic climate control

In comparison, the standard features in the Toyota Highlander interior include:

  • SofTex-trimmed front and second-row seats
  • Auto-dimming rearview mirror
  • Three-zone automatic climate control
  • 8-inch infotainment screen
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel

Both cabins offer plenty of modern tech, but the Palisade interior is noticeably nicer in terms of both luxury and practicality. Higher trims offer Nappa leather seats with relaxation functions, second-row four-way power captain's chairs, an integrated front and rear dash cam, a 12-inch Head-Up Display, and even advanced driving features like Remote Smart Parking Assist, where the SUV literally parks itself for you without you being inside it.

The large displays create a high-end look that feels closer to a luxury SUV than a family hauler. In short, the Palisade feels like a modern sanctuary, which is something the Highlander SUV's simpler, more utilitarian layout doesn't quite match.

Hyundai Palisade vs. Toyota Highlander Interior Features

Hyundai Palisade vs. Toyota Highlander Safety

When it comes to safety, both vehicles earned a Top Safety Pick award for the 2024 model year from the IIHS.5,6 2026 models have not yet been rated.

The Hyundai Palisade safety ratings are influenced by its excellent safety and driver-assistance systems, which include the following standard features.

  • Parking Distance Warning
  • Blind-Spot Collision Warning
  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
  • Highway Driving Assist
  • Driver Attention Warning
  • Forward Attention Warning
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist
  • Safe Exit Assist
  • Lane Keeping Assist

The Toyota Highlander safety ratings are also influenced by this SUV lineup's safety features, which, while great, aren't as comprehensive as those found in the Palisade.

Hyundai also gives drivers extra peace of mind with one of the industry's best warranty packages. With a model from our all-new Hyundai inventory, you'll get "America's Best Warranty" with the following coverages:

  • 10-year/10,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty7
  • 5-year/60,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty7

Contact us to learn more about the warranty coverages included with the purchase or lease of a new Hyundai vehicle.

Hyundai Palisade vs. Toyota Highlander Safety

Visit Roswell Hyundai Today

If the Hyundai Palisade feels like the best fit for your family, come see us today! Schedule a test drive to personally get behind the wheel and see how it performs on the road.

When you're ready, we offer tailored financing options right here at Roswell Hyundai.

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1All figures are EPA estimates and for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle's condition.

2Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.

3Towing capability varies by configuration. See the towing guide in the Owner's Manual for proper use and additional information.

4Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner's Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment. "Added vehicle equipment" includes additional standard/optional equipment and accessories added by the manufacturer, dealers, and/or vehicle owners. The only way to be certain of your vehicle's exact curb weight is to weigh your vehicle without passengers or cargo. [Calculated with the new SAE J2807 method.] Installation of a tow hitch receiver or other accessories located near the rear bumper or side-door kick sensors may require disabling or removing the kick sensor, and the sensor operation setting in your vehicle should be turned off. See Owner's Manual for limitations.

5Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/hyundai/palisade-4-door-suv/2025

6Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/toyota/highlander-4-door-suv/2025

7Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.