2020 Toyota Highlander vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2020 Toyota Highlander presented a somewhat understated exterior design, with subtle changes from its predecessor. The tailgate glass was slightly more slanted, and the body panels featured more pronounced creases, creating a trapezoidal theme that extended to various elements like the tailgate's license plate cutout and the slimmer headlights. The higher trims, Limited and Platinum, boasted projector-beam LED headlights and attractive 20-inch alloy wheels. Despite these enhancements, the Highlander's exterior was often considered more functional than exciting. Inside, Toyota focused on quality fit and finish, with silver-painted accents and a multi-layered dash that housed an 8-inch touchscreen. The interior colour palettes were pleasing, and the Limited trim offered a luxurious three-tone interior. The Highlander's cabin was noted for its padded surfaces and rich textures, rivaling even the Kia Telluride in terms of interior quality.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Palisade, especially in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim, stood out with its distinctive grille pattern, revised lighting, and unique 20-inch alloy wheels. The exterior changes, including standard LED headlights, gave the Palisade a more upscale appearance. The interior of the Calligraphy trim was equally impressive, featuring quilted and stitched premium Nappa leather and a suede headliner, making it feel more luxurious than its price suggested. The Palisade's design drew mixed reactions, but it undeniably exuded a sense of sophistication and luxury, both inside and out.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. Available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, the Highlander offered smooth and quiet performance, akin to the Lexus RX. The eight-speed automatic transmission efficiently utilized the engine's power, though it required a heavy foot for quick acceleration. The Highlander's steering was somewhat loose, and its soft suspension led to a floating sensation at higher speeds. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander provided a comfortable and isolating driving experience, especially on long road trips. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the FWD model rated at 11.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.3 on the highway, while the AWD version achieved slightly different figures. The Highlander hybrid offered even better fuel economy, with a combined rating of 6.7 L/100 km.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade featured a 3.8-litre V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD in Canada. The Palisade offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport, along with a Snow mode and a Lock function for improved traction. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.1 L/100 km combined, and the Palisade's firmer suspension provided excellent body-motion control. While not designed for spirited driving, the Palisade was sure-footed and confidence-inspiring on twisty roads. It was easy to drive in urban and suburban environments, with ample power and agreeable steering and brake modulation. The Palisade also boasted a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds), making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander offered seating for eight or seven with the second-row captain's chairs on Platinum trims. The second-row seats were highly versatile, with generous legroom and easy access to the third row. The Highlander's ergonomics were praised for their ease of ingress and egress, making it suitable for families with varying mobility needs. Standard features included three-zone automatic climate control, with upper trims offering additional amenities like a panoramic moonroof and heated second-row seats. Cargo space was ample, with 453 litres behind the third row, 1,359 litres behind the second, and 2,378 litres with both rows folded. The Highlander also featured practical storage solutions, including shelves integrated into the dash and multiple cupholders.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space and accessibility, particularly in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. The front seats were power-adjustable, with additional features like a heated steering wheel and ventilated seats. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and support, and the third-row seat was more accommodating than most competitors. The Palisade offered generous cargo space, with 509 litres behind the third row, 1,297 litres with the third row folded, and 2,447 litres with the second row also folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience, and the interior boasted plenty of storage options, including a storage tray under the centre console.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander's infotainment system was somewhat outdated, with low-resolution screens and a lack of onboard apps. The 12.3-inch touchscreen on the Platinum trim was limited in its usability, as it always displayed climate and fuel efficiency information. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration were standard. The Highlander Platinum featured a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch instrument cluster display, providing useful information. The semi-automated driving system was effective, and standard features included adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams. The JBL audio system on higher trims offered decent sound quality, and the Highlander came with a one-year trial for Safety Connect.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems, with an 8-inch or 10.25-inch touchscreen display. The 8-inch system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the larger screen required a wired connection. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Blue Link connected services. Additional technology features included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, and a Quiet Mode for rear passengers. The Palisade also offered a head-up display and a surround-view camera system for added convenience.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear emergency braking. The Highlander received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was awarded a 2020 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Palisade also included a rear occupant alert system and active blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems. The Highway Driving Assist system provided smooth and sophisticated adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for families.