Two of the leading choices for the three-row midsize SUV segment are the Toyota Highlander and the Hyundai Palisade. See how the two SUVs measure up in this 2023 Toyota Highlander vs. 2023 Hyundai Palisade comparison. With its many advantages, the Palisade beats the Highlander. 

2023 Toyota Highlander vs. 2023 Hyundai Palisade

In this 2023 Toyota Highlander vs. 2023 Hyundai Palisade SUV comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, and price.

Highlander vs. Palisade: Performance and gas mileage

For performance, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade has a higher maximum horsepower output than the 2023 Toyota Highlander. All Palisade models have a 3.8-liter V-6 engine, which generates 291 horsepower. In comparison, the Highlander offers two engine options: a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four engine (265 horsepower) and a hybrid (243 horsepower). 

However, the Highlander is more efficient than the Palisade, with an estimated gas mileage of up to 25 combined mpg for the gas-powered model and 36 combined mpg for the Highlander Hybrid. In comparison, the Palisade has an estimated fuel economy of up to 22 combined mpg. 

Highlander vs. Palisade: Towing

Both the gas-powered Highlander and the Palisade can tow up to 5,000 pounds. However, the Highlander Hybrid has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. 

Highlander vs. Palisade: Off-road capabilities

While both SUVs offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system, the Palisade is the better choice for off-road use. This is because, unlike the Highlander, the Palisade has an off-road model with the rugged XRT trim. 

Highlander vs. Palisade: Safety

The 2023 Highlander and 2023 Palisade offer a similar roster of safety and driving assistance features. This includes a blind-spot monitor, a rear parking aid, lane departing warning, brake assist, and a backup camera. 

Highlander vs. Palisade: Passenger and cargo space

The Palisade is slightly bigger than the Highlander, resulting in more interior space. Both SUVs can seat up to eight passengers, but the Palisade has a total passenger volume of 155.3 cu-ft, compared to 141.3 cu-ft for the Highlander. Also, the Palisade provides more storage space, with a maximum cargo capacity of 86.4 cu-ft, compared to 84.3 cu-ft for the Highlander.

Highlander vs. Palisade: Warranty coverage

The Palisade has very generous warranty coverage, with the backing of a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, the Highlander only has a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Highlander vs. Palisade: Price

Which midsize SUV costs more: the 2023 Highlander or the 2023 Palisade? The starting price of the 2023 Palisade ranges from $35,250 MSRP for the SE trim up to $49,200 MSRP for the Calligraphy trim.

For the 2023 Highlander, the price information is not yet available. However, the 2023 Highlander will likely cost slightly more than the 2022 Highlander, which ranges in price from $35,855 MSRP for the L trim up to $49,510 MSRP for the Platinum Hybrid trim. 

2023 Toyota Highlander vs. 2023 Hyundai Palisade: Which midsize SUV is better?

In this 2023 Toyota Highlander vs. 2023 Hyundai Palisade midsize SUV comparison, the 2023 Palisade has most of the advantages. This includes advantages for performance, off-road capabilities, passenger and cargo space, and warranty coverage. Conversely, the 2023 Highlander has the advantage for gas mileage.