2022 Hyundai Palisade vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was anything but boring, standing out among midsize SUVs with its distinctive design. Its wide headlights, long hood, and assertive trapezoidal grille made a statement, while the character line along the side echoed the sporty profile of the Supra. The rear taillights, reminiscent of a Lexus, added to its upscale appearance. The introduction of the XSE trim level brought a more aggressive front end and sportier suspension tuning, although it didn't transform the Highlander into a performance vehicle. The Limited trim, just below the Platinum, offered a luxurious interior with high-quality materials, including tan leather seats and wood details, making it a comfortable choice for families prioritizing luxury over sportiness.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade, on the other hand, presented an elegant and striking exterior design, shedding any past criticisms of Hyundai's designs. Its prominent grille, crisp shoulder lines, and sculpted wheel arches added visual interest, while the continuous strip of glass surfaces created a floating rear roof effect. Inside, the Palisade was equally polished, featuring a horizontally arrayed 12.3-inch touchscreen and high-quality materials throughout. The second row offered either a roomy bench or captain's chairs, and the third row was spacious enough for adults on short rides. The Ultimate Calligraphy model, with its Steel Graphite paint and black interior, exemplified the Palisade's near-luxury fit and finish, making it a worthy flagship for Hyundai.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. While not a performance powerhouse, the Highlander provided smooth and predictable operation, making it a reliable choice for families. Its powertrain was competitive with other midsize SUVs, offering similar horsepower and torque levels. The XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, but the Highlander remained more focused on comfort than performance.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade featured a naturally aspirated 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, with gasoline direct injection and dual variable valve timing, provided a smooth and responsive driving experience without turbo lag. The Palisade's fuel efficiency was moderate, with estimates of 12.3 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 9.6 on the highway. Its four-wheel independent suspension and stabilizer bars contributed to its nimble handling, and it could tow up to 2,267 kilograms with trailer brakes. The Palisade's performance was well-suited for family use, offering a balance of power and comfort.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered a practical interior with ample storage options, including shelves ahead of the front seats and a wireless charging pad in the centre console. Second-row passengers enjoyed reclining captain's chairs with adjustable legroom, while the third row provided just enough space for adults on short trips. Cargo space behind the third row measured 453 litres, expanding to 1,150 litres with the third row folded and 2,245 litres with both rows down. However, the placement of rear-seat climate control vents on the ceiling was a minor inconvenience.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space and functionality, with comfortable seating in all three rows and ample storage options. The third row offered easy access and cupholders, while the second-row captain's chairs provided comfort and convenience. Luggage space behind the third row was 509 litres, expanding to 1,297 litres with the third row folded and 2,447 litres with both rows down. The Palisade's shift-by-wire gear selector and logically arranged controls enhanced usability. Standard features like a sunroof, heated seats, and a hands-free liftgate added to its appeal, especially in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch display available on the Platinum trim. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, its navigation struggled with points of interest. Standard features included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity. The JBL audio system, available from the Limited grade, provided decent sound quality, but the larger screen's limited app display raised questions about its value.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased Hyundai's technological prowess with a 1920 x 720 colour touchscreen and a 630-watt Harman Kardon audio system on higher trims. The infotainment system included wired Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and multiple USB ports throughout the cabin. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added a Qi wireless charging pad, a head-up display, and Hyundai's Blue Link connected car system. The digital instrument cluster on higher trims integrated with turn signals and blind-spot cameras, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, featuring automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, intersection support, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more. Blind spot monitoring was standard, and the Highlander received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade boasted an extensive list of passive and active safety features, including seven airbags, anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, and advanced driver assistance systems like blind-spot collision avoidance and forward collision-avoidance assist. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, solidifying its reputation as a safe family vehicle.