Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Hyundai Palisade

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was priced at just over $50,000 for the base Hybrid LE, with the Limited trim reaching $61,800 in Canada. It featured minimal appearance changes, with a new Cypress Green paint colour. The design was considered over-styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety both inside and out. The interior was criticized for its mismatched textures, reflections, and a lack of quality in primary controls. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid was noted for its quiet ride on the road.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Palisade stood out with its distinctive styling, available in Urban and Ultimate Calligraphy trims in Canada. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim, priced at $61,031, offered a luxurious feel with features like an artificial suede headliner and quality upholstery. The interior was praised for its sophistication, with metal speaker grilles and a striped dashboard. The Palisade's design and interior quality made it feel like a luxury SUV, appealing to those who appreciated its unique look.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. It offered standard AWD and a towing capacity of 1,588 kilograms. However, the gas engine's torque was limited, affecting high-speed passing power. The Highlander Hybrid's driving modes included Eco, Normal, and Sport, with a Trail mode for light off-road use. Fuel economy was a focus, but real-world consumption was higher than expected at 8.2 L/100 km. The driving experience was described as uninspiring, with soft suspension and a CVT that lacked engagement.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade featured a 3.8-litre V6 engine with 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms and several driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Smart, and Snow. The Palisade's V6 engine provided satisfying acceleration, and the AWD system distributed power effectively. Fuel consumption was higher than expected at 15.0 L/100 km in Comfort mode. The Palisade's suspension offered a firmer ride, with excellent handling on mountain and canyon roads. Overall, driving the Palisade was a pleasurable experience.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid accommodated seven or eight passengers, with most models featuring second-row captain’s chairs. The interior included three-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, with additional features in the Platinum package. The third-row seat was best for occasional use, with limited comfort and accessibility. Cargo space was 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,387 litres with the second-row seats folded. Storage areas were unlined, and the centre console design was criticized for its complexity.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade offered artificial leather upholstery in the Urban trim and premium Nappa leather in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. It featured heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a dual-panel sunroof. The Palisade's interior was comfortable, with configurable storage options and a spacious third row. Cargo space was 509 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,447 litres with the second-row seats folded. The hands-free power tailgate was convenient but could be turned off if not needed.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The Limited trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a JBL sound system. The Drive Connect service plan offered additional features like a cloud-based navigation system. The technology was generally easy to use, though the graphics could be improved for better visibility.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and touchscreen infotainment system with navigation. It supported Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and required a cable for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included wireless charging. Hyundai's Bluelink connected services offered remote engine starting and emergency assistance. The Harman Kardon sound system provided excellent audio quality, and additional technologies included a digital rearview mirror and a semi-autonomous remote parking system.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with additional features in the Limited and Platinum trims. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade featured a comprehensive suite of driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. Highway Driving Assist was standard, offering adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA crash tests were incomplete.