2022 Toyota Highlander 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 headliner, making it appear more luxurious than its price suggested. The standard LED headlights added a modern touch, and the overall design drew mixed reactions due to its unconventional styling. Inside, the Palisade impressed with quilted and stitched premium Nappa leather, offering a cabin that felt more upscale compared to other midsize three-row SUVs.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander showcased a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design, with flared fender arches and a distinctive third-row window. The XSE trim, in particular, offered a bold red leather interior, contrasting with a navy blue exterior. This trim also featured unique exterior styling, ambient interior lighting, and a sport-tuned suspension. The Highlander provided ample cabin space and clever storage solutions, making it practical for families. The interior was well-equipped, with trims offering various features like synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and a power liftgate.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a 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. The Palisade achieved a fuel efficiency of 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. Its firmer suspension provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive, though not particularly sporty. The Palisade's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, with a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector for 2021.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with standard AWD in Canada. It offered Sport, Normal, and Eco driving modes, along with Mud/Sand and Rock modes for the AWD system. The Highlander excelled in handling, with a sport-tuned suspension on the XSE trim that reduced body roll while maintaining comfort. It could tow up to 2,268 kilograms, with a max payload of 775 kilograms in the LE trim.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered a spacious and accessible interior, with eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and separate climate controls for the third row. The second-row captain’s chairs provided ample legroom and could slide for passenger and cargo flexibility. The Palisade boasted 509 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 2,447 litres with seats folded. It featured a hands-free Smart Liftgate for convenient access.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander provided up to 2,387 litres of cargo space with the second- and third-row seats folded. It offered 1,370 litres with the second row in use and 453 litres behind the third row. The Highlander had deep cargo pockets and various storage compartments throughout the cabin. The XSE trim included second-row captain’s chairs, creating a centre aisle to the rear seats. While the second row was spacious, the third row was less accommodating for adults.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen requiring a wired connection. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, navigation, and Blue Link connected services. Additional features included wireless charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Bluetooth connectivity and five USB ports. The XSE trim featured a wireless charging pad and additional USB ports. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL stereo system were available. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with hard buttons complementing the touchscreen interface.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping systems. It included a rear occupant alert system and active blind-spot monitoring. The 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 came with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and dynamic radar cruise control. It featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and eight airbags. Upper trims offered additional safety features like parking sensors and a surround-view monitor. The Highlander was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.