2021 Toyota Highlander vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade
If your family is in the market for a new SUV, you have probably started weighing the pros and cons of a few different models but are having trouble finding the one that best suits your wants and needs. That is why we had our team at Pearson Toyota create this comparison review. They quickly narrowed down the three-row SUV segment to two of the top models, the 2021 Toyota Highlander and the 2021 Hyundai Palisade. Keep reading below to see just how these models compare and contrast and which one we think you should be driving home to your family!
2021 Toyota Highlander Power & Handling
In the 2021 model year, each Highlander model is powered with the same engine. Lift up the hood and you will find a 3.5-liter V6 engine creating up to 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. Toyota pairs this engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission and power is sent to the front-wheels as standard. Drivers can opt for the available all-wheel drive configuration. If you have extra gear to take along for the ride, the Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds!
2021 Hyundai Palisade Power & Handling
Each Hyundai Palisade model is also powered by the same engine in the 2021 model year. This 3.8-liter V8 engine generates up to 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and while front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is available. The Palisade also boasts a 5,000 pound towing capacity.
2021 Toyota Highlander Features & Design
There are six Highlander trim levels offered in the 2021 model year. The base L trim level is outfitted with features like LED headlights, an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat, tri-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration as well as Amazon Alexa integration, and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite of safety features. The upper trim levels add a power tailgate with height adjustment, LED fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, simulated leather upholstery, a power moonroof, heated front seats, a twin-tip exhaust system, sport-tuned suspension and steering, a hands-free tailgate operation, heated and ventilated front seats, a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and a panoramic sunroof.
2021 Hyundai Palisade Features & Design
There are only four trim levels offered in the Palisade lineup in the 2021 model year. The base trim comes outfitted with features like cloth upholstery, rear parking sensors, LED headlights, an 8-inch touchscreen, and heated side mirrors. The upper trims add more features like heated front seats, keyless entry and ignition, automatic dual-zone climate control, a power moonroof, second-row captain's chairs, a dual-pane sunroof, a head-up display, a Harman Kardon sound system, as 12.3-inch digital driver information display, and a perforated leather-covered steering wheel.
Conclusion:
While both the 2021 Toyota Highlander and the 2021 Hyundai Palisade have a lot to offer, the Highlander is the far better choice in our eyes! The Palisade's engine just doesn't cut it for us and the lack of trim levels and features does not impress. With six trim levels and a more powerful engine, the Highlander can meet all your family's needs. Come on down to Pearson Toyota today to check out the Highlander models we currently have in stock with one of our sales associates!
