The 2023 Toyota Highlander Barely Beats Hyundai Palisade
Uh oh, the midsize SUV competition is heating up as the Hyundai Palisade tries catching the Toyota Highlander. Critics keep ranking the 2023 Hyundai Palisade very close to the 2023 Toyota Highlander, even though it might have a lower reliability ranking.
Is the 2023 Hyundai Palisade better than the 2023 Toyota Highlander?
The 2023 Hyundai Palisade and 2023 Toyota Highlander don’t exactly compare apples to apples. Each SUV has unique advantages to consider and serves different needs. For example, the Highlander has a reliable reputation, but the Palisade has more leg space in each row.
According to Edmunds, the Palisade beat the Highlander by a hair, but the Highlander Hybrid actually ranks a few points ahead. The Palisade doesn’t offer a hybrid engine and is a bit thirsty.
The Highlander gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and up to 29 mpg on the highway. The Highlander Hybrid boosts these figures to 36 mpg in the city and up to 35 mpg on the highway.
The Pasliade rings in with an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and up to 26 mpg in the city. So, the Highlander is the greener choice.
But the Palisade is slightly sportier. It can reach 60 mph in about 7.1 seconds, while the Highlander gets there in 7.7 seconds. Plus, it has more confident brakes, smooth transmission shifts, and more responsive handling.
Is the Highlander bigger than the Palisade?
The 2023 Toyota Highlander and the 2023 Hyundai Palisade are similar in length, but the Palisade is slightly wider. It offers 13.5 more cubic feet of passenger space than the Highlander.
With the Highlander, you get 16 cubic feet of cargo space in the rear and up to 84.3 cubes in total. The Palisade provides 18 cubic feet of passenger space behind the third row and up to 86.4 cubes overall.
But small item storage is more abundant in the Highlander. It provides more trays and cubbies than the Palisade.
When properly equipped, the Palisade can tow up to 5,000 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,570 lbs. The Highlander can tow up to 5,000 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,715 lbs.
While the Palisade is a bit longer, it could also be more comfortable. It has a longer wheelbase, contributing to a smoother ride. Plus, it has a quieter interior and superior seat comfort. More drivers said they would buy the Pasliade again than the Highlander.
Is the Palisade more reliable than the Highlander?
The 2023 Hyundai Palisade and 2023 Toyota Highlander are both solid options n the three-row vehicle segment. Both of these family haulers should last for years.
However, J.D.Power gave the Pasliade a predicted reliability ranking of 86 out of 100, while the Highlander earned an 81. Both of these scores are above average.
The average Palisade model is expected to last between 200,000 to 300,000 miles, while the Highlander is projected to reach 300,000 miles. So, the Highlander does have a slightly higher reliability ranking.
While the Palisade offers more space and comfort, the Highlander is greener and a little more reliable. The Plasiade keeps improving, though, and could catch the Highlander soon.
