If you’re shopping for a spacious, family-friendly SUV, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade and 2025 Toyota Highlander are two top contenders. Both offer impressive features, bold styling, and strong reputations—but which one truly fits your lifestyle?
In this detailed comparison, we’ll break down key differences between the Palisade and Highlander to help you make an informed decision. You’ll learn how these SUVs compare in areas like:
The redesigned 2026 Hyundai Palisade offers a confident and capable driving experience, starting with its standard 3.8L V6 engine. This powertrain delivers up to 291 horsepower, giving drivers smooth acceleration and strong performance across city streets or highways. The Palisade also offers:
Standard 3.8L 6-cylinder engine with 291 horsepower
Available front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD)
Up to 5,000 lbs of towing capacity when properly equipped
Hybrid option for gas-conscious drivers
XRT Pro trim available for drivers who want to explore off-road
Ideal for Minnesota winters with optional AWD and solid ground clearance
This makes the Palisade a great pick for families and drivers who need both performance and versatility in a midsize SUV.
The Toyota Highlander takes a slightly different approach, using a 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that delivers up to 265 horsepower. While it’s efficient and well-balanced, it doesn’t quite match the V6 power of the Palisade. Highlights include:
Standard FWD with available AWD for winter traction
Up to 5,000 lbs of towing capacity, matching the Palisade
Turbocharged engine provides responsive performance but less overall horsepower
For drivers focused on fuel economy or urban commuting, the Highlander’s smaller engine might be a better fit—but those who want stronger performance may lean toward the Palisade.
When choosing a midsize SUV for your daily drive or Minnesota weekend getaways, interior space and comfort are top priorities—especially for families or those with active lifestyles. Here’s how the 2026 Hyundai Palisade and Toyota Highlander stack up in terms of interior space:
The newly redesigned 2026 Palisade puts a strong emphasis on spaciousness and refinement. Whether you’re in the driver’s seat or the third row, you’ll find generous room to stretch out.
Front Head Room: 40.7 inches
Front Leg Room: 44.1 inches
Cargo Space Behind 3rd Row: 18.0 cu. ft.
Maximum Cargo Space (behind 1st row): 86.4 cu. ft.
Passenger Volume: 155.3 cu. ft.
Additional design enhancements for 2026 include more premium materials, a sleeker dash layout, and a modernized exterior with updated grille, lighting, and wheel options.
The Toyota Highlander remains a solid contender in the midsize segment, offering respectable comfort and cargo capacity:
Front Head Room: 41.2 inches
Front Leg Room: 42.0 inches
Cargo Space Behind 3rd Row: 16.0 cu. ft.
Maximum Cargo Space (behind 1st row): 84.3 cu. ft.
Passenger Volume: ~141.8 cu. ft.
While the Highlander offers a bit more front headroom, it falls short in legroom and overall space, making it feel slightly more compact for families or long road trips.
With over 13 cu. ft. more passenger volume and superior cargo space, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade offers more room to stretch out, more flexibility for hauling gear, and a refreshed design that stands out in the crowded SUV market. It’s a smart choice for Minnesota drivers who want comfort, capability, and style all in one package.
While both the 2026 Hyundai Palisade and the 2025 Toyota Highlander are top contenders in the midsize SUV category, they take distinctly different approaches when it comes to exterior styling. Each model reflects the brand’s unique design philosophy, offering drivers two very different visual experiences.
The Highlander leans into a more traditional SUV aesthetic with a broad, square-like front fascia that emphasizes width and strength.
Large, wide grille that dominates the front end
Sharper edges and squared-off corners for a boxier feel
Conservative styling with fewer standout visual elements
While the Highlander’s design may appeal to drivers who favor a classic SUV silhouette, it lacks the contemporary polish and upscale detailing seen on the new Palisade.
With its 2026 redesign, the Hyundai Palisade presents a more modern and upscale look. Sleek lines, a wider front grille, and updated LED lighting give it a commanding road presence that’s both bold and refined.
Redesigned front and rear bumpers for a sleeker profile
Integrated LED daytime running lights and full-width rear light bar
Sculpted body panels and available premium alloy wheels
New color options enhance visual appeal
The Palisade’s exterior upgrades make it stand out in suburban neighborhoods and on city streets across Minnesota, especially with the rugged XRT Pro trim and upscale Calligraphy model.
When evaluating midsize SUVs, understanding the pricing structure across various trims is crucial. Here’s how the 2026 Hyundai Palisade and the 2025 Toyota Highlander compare:
Official pricing for the 2026 Palisade has not been released. However, based on industry expectations and previous model trends, it’s anticipated that:
Starting MSRP: Around $40,000
Top Trim (Calligraphy) Estimated MSRP: Approximately $54,500
The 2026 Palisade is expected to offer a range of trims, including the new XRT Pro for off-road enthusiasts and a hybrid option for those prioritizing fuel efficiency.
The 2025 Highlander offers a variety of trims with the following pricing:
LE FWD: $40,970
XLE FWD: $44,120
XSE AWD: $47,790
Limited FWD: $48,225
Platinum AWD: $53,375
While the 2025 Toyota Highlander offers a slightly lower entry price, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade is anticipated to provide enhanced features, a refreshed design, and additional options like the XRT Pro and hybrid variants. These additions may justify the expected price difference for buyers seeking advanced features and versatility.
Both the 2026 Hyundai Palisade and the 2025 Toyota Highlander prioritize safety, ensuring that drivers and passengers are protected with a wide range of advanced safety technologies. Here’s how they compare:
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of cutting-edge safety technologies designed to enhance protection and driver confidence. Some of the key features include:
Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW)
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection
Lane Following Assist (LFA)
Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
Safe Exit Assist (SEA)
Parking Distance Warning – Reverse
Rear Occupant Alert (ROA)
Highway Driving Assist (HDA)
High Beam Assist (HBA)
Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Curve Control
These advanced features are designed to help drivers avoid accidents and improve driving comfort, offering peace of mind on both city streets and highways.
The 2025 Toyota Highlander comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, an advanced suite of standard safety features that includes:
Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD)
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA)
Automatic High Beams (AHB)
Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
Road Sign Assist (RSA)
Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
These features are designed to provide enhanced safety by assisting drivers in avoiding collisions and improving visibility and control on the road.
While both the 2026 Hyundai Palisade and the 2025 Toyota Highlander come with robust safety features, the Palisade stands out with additional technologies like Rear Occupant Alert and Highway Driving Assist, providing a more comprehensive safety system for families and long-distance travelers. However, the Highlander’s Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ offers a solid suite of safety features as well, particularly with its full-speed radar cruise control.
When it comes to warranty coverage, both the 2026 Hyundai Palisade and the 2025 Toyota Highlander offer protection, but Hyundai takes the lead with its outstanding warranty offerings.
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade comes with America’s Best Warranty, which is a standout in the industry. Hyundai offers:
10 years or 100,000 miles of limited powertrain coverage
5 years or 60,000 miles of limited basic coverage
This industry-leading coverage ensures that your Palisade is protected for the long haul, providing peace of mind for years to come.
The 2025 Toyota Highlander offers a more standard warranty but still provides solid protection with:
5 years or 60,000 miles of limited powertrain coverage
3 years or 36,000 miles of basic coverage
While Toyota’s warranty is decent, it doesn’t quite measure up to Hyundai’s impressive coverage, especially when it comes to long-term peace of mind.
At Walser Hyundai, we go above and beyond to make sure you’re covered even after your purchase. That’s why every new Hyundai comes with our WalserCare warranty, which offers:
10 years or 150,000 miles of limited powertrain protection
We pride ourselves on providing exceptional service and support to our customers, ensuring that you get the best experience before, during, and after your purchase.
While both the 2026 Hyundai Palisade and 2025 Toyota Highlander offer strong warranties, the Palisade’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage is a standout feature, providing unparalleled protection. Add to that the exclusive WalserCare warranty at Walser Hyundai, and the Palisade stands out as the better option for long-term peace of mind.
So, which SUV comes out on top: the 2026 Hyundai Palisade or the 2025 Toyota Highlander? While both offer impressive safety features, tech upgrades, and solid warranties, the Palisade stands out as the better all-around package. It delivers more interior space, greater engine power, a more competitive warranty, and enhanced technology options compared to the Highlander.
The Palisade also offers better long-term value with America’s Best Warranty and exclusive features that are sure to impress any driver. It provides a truly exceptional combination of features and value for your money.
The redesigned 2026 Hyundai Palisade is set to raise the bar for midsize SUVs with bold styling, upgraded tech, and advanced safety features. While it hasn’t arrived in showrooms just yet, you can be one of the first to experience everything it has to offer.
Ready to make the Palisade yours? Visit our 2026 Hyundai Palisade page and be one of the first to pre-order the newly redesigned model!
