2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy stood out with its distinctive grille pattern, revised exterior lighting, and unique 20-inch alloy wheels. It featured upgraded interior detailing and a simulated suede interior headliner, giving it a luxurious feel. The standard LED headlights added a modern touch to the Palisade's appearance. While the styling was unconventional and opinions varied, the Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy exuded an air of sophistication that belied its price. Inside, the premium Nappa leather and suede headliner made the cabin feel upscale, offering a level of luxury that was impressive for its class.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma pickup, with a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia that gave it a rugged look. However, the design introduced some softness with a character line over the rear wheel arch, which added unnecessary visual weight. The rear echoed the trapezoidal grille, but the overall design felt disjointed compared to more cohesive competitors. Inside, the asymmetrical dash and metallic styling element added interest, while the infotainment touchscreen was positioned for easy visibility. The Bronze Edition featured unique bronze alloy wheels and door sills, but the light grey fabric upholstery was prone to dirt and stains, and the Softex synthetic leather felt more like vinyl.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a robust 3.8-litre V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD in Canada. It offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, Snow, and a Lock function for improved traction. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The Palisade's suspension provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive without sacrificing comfort. It had a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds) and featured a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, delivering 243 horsepower. It used a CVT and standard AWD, with an electric motor powering the rear axle. The Highlander Hybrid accelerated to 100 kilometres per hour in just over eight seconds. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick but tepid response from a standstill, with the gasoline engine supplying more power as needed. The ride quality was soft, and the cabin remained quiet on the highway. However, the engine's drone during acceleration was off-putting, especially on inclines.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered a spacious and accessible interior, with eight-way power-adjustable front seats and heated and ventilated front and second-row seats. The third-row passengers had separate climate controls and sunshades. The Palisade provided ample in-cabin storage and a hands-free Smart Liftgate. Cargo space measured 509 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,297 litres with the seats folded, and 2,447 litres with the second row stowed.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's front seats were comfortable, with plenty of adjustments. Storage options included a deep tray under the infotainment screen and a large centre armrest bin. The second-row seats were spacious, with sliding and reclining captain’s chairs. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space was 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seats folded, and 2,387 litres with the second row stowed.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Both allowed pairing of two smartphones via Bluetooth, but only the 8-inch system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, wireless charging, and a Driver Talk intercom system. A head-up display and surround-view camera system were also available.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option for top trims. The system was responsive, with physical shortcut buttons and climate control knobs. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging available on higher trims. Navigation and an 11-speaker JBL audio system were standard on Limited and Platinum trims.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. It featured a rear occupant alert system and active blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems. Highway Driving Assist provided adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. A surround-view camera system and head-up display were available on the Platinum trim. The safety systems generally worked well but required some fine-tuning.