2024 Palisade vs. 2024 Toyota Highlander: Which SUV Reigns Supreme?

SUVs have steadily grown in popularity due to their versatility, spacious interior, and capable performance. Among the top choices in the market today are the 2024 Hyundai Palisade and the 2024 Toyota Highlander. We at Hyundai of Auburn recognize that a new vehicle is a major investment. To help you make the right choice, we created this detailed comparison between these two SUVs.

New 2024 Hyundai Palisade For Sale

Design and Exterior Features

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade flaunts a bold, distinctive look with a wide, tall stance and oversized cascading grille. Sculpted body panels exude premium vibes while LED headlights and taillights lend a modern touch. The available 18- to 20-inch alloy wheels give it a sporty appearance, and convenient luxuries such as a power liftgate and panoramic sunroof add to its appeal.

In comparison, the 2024 Toyota Highlander has a more understated presence. Its trapezoid grille and angular headlamps create a sculpted shape. Elegant but unassuming, the Highlander embraces a classic SUV-type style. Like the Palisade , the Highlander offers LED lighting, a power liftgate, a panoramic moonroof, and 18- to 20-inch wheels.

When it comes to exterior color options, the Highlander is available in nine colors, while the Palisade comes in seven hues. Both have multiple available wheel designs to satisfy different tastes. Ultimately, which vehicle is the better choice in this category depends on your personal preference.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The Palisade is available in six trims, with the base SE coming in with a starting MSRP of $36,650. The other trim levels are SEL ($39,400), XRT ($41,800), Limited ($47,950), and Calligraphy ($50,350). The new top-of-the-line Calligraphy Night starts at $53,850.

The Highlander has five trims. The entry-level LE has a starting MSRP of $39,270. This is followed by the XLE ($42,420), XSE ($44,015), Limited ($46,525), and Platinum ($49,725). All trims have higher-priced hybrid variants. There are also hybrid Nightshade editions with exclusive styling that cost a bit more.

Similarly equipped, the Palisade offers greater bang for your buck. Its lower base price and generous standard features outshine the Highlander’s base 8-inch display. However, the Highlander’s hybrid model provides long-term fuel savings.

Both boast robust warranties, but the Palisade’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is industry-leading. Coupled with a lower starting MSRP, it’s the better choice if you prioritize affordability. We also have special offers and incentives for various new Hyundai Palisade models. These include attractive APRs, low down payments, and great lease deals.

Performance and Handling

The 2024 Palisade houses a 3.8L V-6 engine churning out 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. This is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2024 Highlander has two engine options. The 2.4L four-cylinder turbocharged engine is also paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The other option is a hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with electric motors for a 243 hp system output. This is paired with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.

Both vehicles can be front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive. In terms of fuel economy, the Palisade’s FWD model receives EPA estimates of 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, for a combined rating of 22 mpg. The Highlander fares better because of its hybrid powertrain, with its highest EPA estimated ratings being 36/35/36 mpg (city/highway/combined).

The Palisade exudes luxury with its quiet cockpit, controlled handling, and refined movements. Meanwhile, the Highlander is sportier, nimbler, and tighter in the corners.

Interior Comfort and Technology

The Palisade’s premium interior features clean lines and rich materials, such as available Nappa leather and wood-grain accents. Up front, the modern dash seamlessly integrates a large 12.3-inch touch screen. Customizable digital gauges grace the 12.3-inch instrument panel on upper trims, while a functional 4.2-inch display is present in the SE, SEL, and XRT models. You’ll find premium audio, wireless device charging, and numerous USB ports at your service.

Ergonomic seats offer available heating, ventilation, and an indulgent massage function. You can choose bench seating for the second row to increase the vehicle’s capacity to eight passengers or upgrade to captain’s chairs for walk-through access. Dual-zone automatic climate control and heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning vents in the second and third rows ensure a comfortable ride. The versatile layout provides 18 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row or an impressive 86.4 cubic feet when the rear rows are folded flat.

Toyota emphasizes simplicity, starting with an intuitive control layout that places technology within easy reach. The dashboard houses either an 8- or 12.3-inch touch-screen infotainment system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, while an 11-speaker JBL audio upgrade is available. Seating for eight comes standard, but you can opt for second-row captain’s chairs — sacrificing one seat but gaining easier third-row access.

The Highlander makes use of quality materials to ensure lasting comfort and provides numerous bins and cubbies to help you stay organized. And when it’s time to load up for a road trip, you can enjoy 16 cubic feet behind the third row or a maximum of 84.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Both SUVs prioritize modern technology. Each offers connected services such as 4G Wi-Fi and wireless charging pads. Luxury upgrades, such as a head-up display, are also available. Despite these similarities, the 2024 Hyundai Palisade has the advantage here because of its roomier cabin and larger standard touch-screen display across all trims.

Safety and Reliability

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade and Toyota Highlander boast an arsenal of protective tech. The Palisade surrounds you with standard driver aids such as forward collision avoidance assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Deluxe trims amp up the peace of mind with surround-view cameras and remote smart parking assist.

Toyota pulls no punches either. Every Highlander comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which includes a pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, and lane-tracing assist. Options such as 360-degree cameras double down on protection. Both vehicles received a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Make Your Choice at Hyundai of Auburn

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade and Toyota Highlander are both excellent options for a spacious SUV with numerous tech and safety features. However, the Palisade stands out with its lower price, more spacious interiors, and a more extensive list of entry-level standard features. To schedule a test drive, learn more about this vehicle, or explore our available inventory, contact us at Hyundai of Auburn. If you’re in or near Auburn, Alabama, we also invite you to visit our dealership to experience the Palisade’s features firsthand.

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