2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2023 Hyundai Palisade

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from Toyota's Tacoma pickup, featuring a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia that gave it a rugged appearance. However, the design introduced some softness with a character line swooping 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 like the Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid's asymmetrical dash was interrupted by a metallic styling element, creating a helpful storage tray. The infotainment touchscreen was mounted high, reducing driver distraction. The Bronze Edition featured 18-inch bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric upholstery, which attracted dirt and stains, raising durability concerns. Other trims offered more conventional materials, but genuine leather was only available in the top trims.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai's largest SUV, received a styling update for 2023, enhancing its commanding presence. The new front fascia, squared-off grille, and LED lighting gave it a stronger look. Body-colour mirrors with features like heated and powered functions were standard, and the Ultimate Calligraphy trim boasted premium rear accent lighting and a unique grille. In Canada, 20-inch alloy wheels were standard, with the Ultimate Calligraphy trim featuring a premium multi-spoke design. A new colour, Robust Emerald, was available for the Ultimate Calligraphy models. Inside, the Ultimate Calligraphy trim featured premium Nappa leather, a dual-pane sunroof, and horizontal quilting reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz. The Palisade offered various seating configurations, with captain's chairs available in higher trims, accommodating up to eight passengers.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive (AWD) in Canada. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick but tepid response from a standstill, with the gasoline engine supplying more power as needed. The CVT's uninspired drone was noticeable during acceleration, especially uphill. Braking was traditional, with a soft pedal feel and seamless transition from regenerative to physical brakes. The ride quality was soft, with the suspension smoothing over bumps, and the cabin remained quiet on the highway.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade came with a 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This made it more powerful than several competitors, including the Mazda CX-9 and Volkswagen Atlas. The eight-speed automatic transmission could be manipulated with paddle shifters, and AWD was standard in Canada. The HTRAC AWD system performed well during off-road tests. The Palisade offered a comfortable ride, with a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds) and a dedicated Tow Mode. Fuel economy was 12.6 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 9.5 on the highway, and 11.2 combined.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's front seats were well-cushioned, with plenty of adjustments for drivers of all sizes. However, the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage options included a deep tray under the infotainment screen, a small shelf, and a large centre armrest bin. The second-row seats were spacious, with sliding and reclining captain's chairs. A second-row bench was available, increasing passenger capacity to eight. 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 2023 Hyundai Palisade offered ample space for seven or eight passengers, with generous legroom in all rows. Passenger volume measured 4,397 litres. The second-row seats featured a one-touch slide for easy third-row access, and ingress/egress handles facilitated entry. Cargo space was 509 litres behind the third row, 1,297 litres behind the second row, and 2,447 litres with all but the front-row seats folded. A hands-free smart liftgate was standard on all but the base trim. The Palisade featured HVAC vents in all rows, cupholders for each passenger, and a well-organized centre console.

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

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade boasted a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and SiriusXM. A 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was standard on higher trims. Up to two devices could connect via Bluetooth, and up to seven USB ports were available. A wireless charger was standard on the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. The Palisade featured a digital instrument cluster, in-car intercom, and remote accessibility via Hyundai's Bluelink system.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert. The systems generally worked well but required some fine-tuning.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Hyundai's Smart Sense suite was standard, with features like forward collision avoidance, driver attention warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot collision avoidance and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance were newly standard. Highway Driving Assist I and II were available on higher trims, along with a digital rearview mirror and safe exit warning.