Compare Hyundai Palisade and Toyota Highlander in Salem New Hampshire and Methuen MA

Compare Performance

With the Hyundai Palisade, you'll find many advantages. This includes two standout engines: a standard 3.5-liter V6 producing 287 horsepower and a 2.5-liter turbo hybrid generating a combined 329 horsepower, which gives it a significant power advantage over the Highlander's single gas engine option. The Palisade Hybrid, one of many Hyundai hybrid options, also offers up to 4,000 pounds of towing, while the gas version can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

With the Highlander, you'll find a 2.4‑liter turbo engine making 265 horsepower with similar towing numbers for gas engines, while Highlander Hybrid options produce 243 horsepower and 3,500 pounds of towing.

Shoppers wanting more power, a stronger hybrid option, and equal or superior towing capability will appreciate that Hyundai delivers V6 smoothness plus hybrid muscle where Toyota leans on a smaller turbo‑four.

Compare Interiors

The Palisade is acclaimed for its luxurious interior, featuring available Nappa leather, premium trims, and seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on the setup. It provides a spacious cabin with up to 161.9 cubic feet of passenger space and a maximum cargo capacity of 86.7 cubic feet. Its third row offers 32.1 inches of legroom, beating the Highlander's more compact third‑row accommodations.

The Highlander, on the other hand, can also seat seven or eight, but has less cargo space with only 84.3 cubic feet and a more constrained third row with only 28 inches of legroom.

With the Palisade, you get more room, comfort, and an interior that feels closer to a luxury SUV.

Compare Technology and Safety

The 2026 Palisade earned the IIHS 2025 Top Safety Pick honors, supported by an extensive suite of SmartSense features including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind‑Spot Collision Warning, Safe Exit Assist, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and 10 airbags including third‑row protection. You'll also find advanced features like integrated dual dash cams, rear occupant alert, third‑row pretensioners, and surround‑view monitoring.

With the Highlander, there are features like the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite with adaptive cruise control, lane‑centering, automatic emergency braking, blind‑spot monitoring, and available 360-degree camera systems.

Both models offer strong safety and onboard technology, but Hyundai goes further, adding more airbags, newly enhanced second‑row protection, advanced monitoring features, and an independent TOP Safety Pick award.

Compare Costs

With the Palisade, you'll find starting MSRP around #38,935, with Palisade Hybrid models starting at around $43,660. For the Highlander, the average starting price is around $45,270, with its hybrid models priced in the $47,000 range. Even before factoring in the Palisade and its stronger powertrains and larger interior, Hyundai offers more vehicle for less money.

Compare Ownership Costs

With three-year depreciation costs, the Highlander does hold its value slightly better, but not by much, as the Palisade remains a standout on the market as a pre-owned vehicle, and offers more value when purchasing or leasing as a new vehicle.