VS
At a Glance
Power
287hp @ 6400
265hp @ 6000
Torque
260lb-ft @ 5000
310lb-ft @ 1700
Fuel
22 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Towing
5000lbs
5000lbs
Engine
3.5 L/212ci
2.4 L/146ci
Choosing between the Hyundai Palisade and the Toyota Highlander is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Hyundai Palisade delivers 287hp @ 6400 while the Toyota Highlander produces 265hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Palisade returns 22 mpg est. while the Highlander uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $45,300 for the Palisade and $45,570 for the Highlander. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Hyundai PalisadeSEL Premium 7P FWD 2026 - From $45,300
Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD (Natl) 2026 - From $45,570
Performance
Power Output (hp)
287hp @ 6400
265hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
260lb-ft @ 5000
310lb-ft @ 1700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.5 L/212ci
2.4 L/146ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
22 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
19mpg
21 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
25mpg
28 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
19gal
17.9gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
199.2in
194.9in
Width (in)
78in
76in
Height (in)
69.5in
68.1in
Wheelbase (in)
116.9in
112.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4420lbs
4376lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
5000lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Palisade
Fuel Economy
Highlander
Value
Tied
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Palisade
Lower starting price ($45,300)
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Toyota Highlander
Better fuel economy (24 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Palisade or Highlander?
The Palisade gets 22 mpg est. and the Highlander gets 24 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Highlander is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Palisade or Highlander?
The Palisade produces 287hp @ 6400 and 260lb-ft @ 5000 of torque while the Highlander delivers 265hp @ 6000 and 310lb-ft @ 1700 of torque. The Palisade is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Palisade and Highlander?
The Palisade starts from $45,300 and the Highlander from $45,570, a difference of just $270, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Palisade or Highlander?
The Palisade has a braked towing capacity of 5000lbs and the Highlander can tow 5000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Palisade or the Highlander?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.