2025 Hyundai Palisade vs. 2025 Toyota Highlander: Which SUV Is Right for You?

If you’re shopping for a reliable and roomy SUV, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and 2025 Toyota Highlander are both great choices. They each offer three rows of seats, family-friendly features, and strong performance. But when you look closely, the Hyundai Palisade stands out in ways that really matter.

At Chris Crain Hyundai, we’ve compared both SUVs to help you decide which one is best for your lifestyle.

Performance

Hyundai Palisade
The 2025 Palisade comes with a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that makes driving smooth and powerful. Whether you’re on the highway or towing up to 5,000 lbs, the Palisade handles it with ease.

Toyota Highlander
The Highlander now has a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It has good torque, but some drivers may miss the old V6. It can also tow up to 5,000 lbs, but the engine doesn’t feel quite as strong or smooth as the Palisade’s.

✅ Winner: Hyundai Palisade – More horsepower and smoother driving experience.

Off-Road Capability

Hyundai Palisade
With HTRAC All-Wheel Drive and selectable drive modes like Snow, Mud, and Sand, the Palisade is ready for all types of terrain. It’s perfect for weekend getaways or unpredictable weather.

Toyota Highlander
The Highlander has an all-wheel drive option too, but it doesn’t offer as many specific terrain modes. It performs well in bad weather but isn’t as versatile when roads get tough.

✅ Winner: Hyundai Palisade – More options for different road conditions.

Technology Features

Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade includes a large 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB-C charging ports in every row, and Hyundai Digital Key 2 that lets you unlock and start your car with your phone. These features come standard or are widely available in most trims.

Toyota Highlander
The Highlander also offers a 12.3-inch touchscreen, but it’s only available on higher trims. While it has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it doesn’t offer some of the smart extras the Palisade has, like the digital key or as many USB ports.

✅ Winner: Hyundai Palisade – More tech features and better value at every trim level.

Interior Space & Comfort

Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade’s interior feels upscale, especially with available quilted Nappa leather, heated and ventilated seats (front and rear), and a quiet, comfortable cabin. It also gives more headroom and legroom in the second and third rows, making it ideal for families and taller passengers.

Toyota Highlander
The Highlander is comfortable, but the third row is tighter and best suited for kids. The materials feel solid, but not as refined as the Palisade’s. It also has less passenger and cargo space overall.

✅ Winner: Hyundai Palisade – More space, better materials, and added comfort.

Safety Features

Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade includes Hyundai SmartSense, which comes with:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Blind-Spot View Monitor
• Highway Driving Assist
• Safe Exit Assist

Most of these come standard, giving you great protection without needing to upgrade.

Toyota Highlander
Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 package is also solid, with many of the same basic safety systems. However, advanced features like the Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist are not always available or are only on higher trims.

✅ Winner: Hyundai Palisade – More advanced safety comes standard.

Our Choice: The 2025 Hyundai Palisade

While both SUVs offer good features, the Hyundai Palisade simply gives you more—more power, more space, more technology, and more safety for the money. It’s built for comfort and adventure, making it a great fit for families, commuters, and road-trippers alike.

📍 Visit Chris Crain Hyundai in Conway to test drive the 2025 Palisade and see for yourself why it’s our top pick.

🎉 Explore current offers, ask about financing, and take home the SUV that’s built for your lifestyle.

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