Hyundai Palisade vs Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander relies on a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque across its current lineup.

The Hyundai Palisade counters with a 3.5-liter V6 delivering 287 horsepower for buyers who want a familiar naturally aspirated feel, plus a 2.5-liter turbo hybrid option that raises combined output to 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. That extra muscle matters for parents hauling sports gear, camping trailers, or a full third row on long drives up I-64.

HTRAC all-wheel drive, available on the Palisade, pairs with Terrain Mode Select for mud, sand, and snow settings, giving Hampton Roads drivers extra grip during coastal storms and rainy commutes.

Both SUVs offer towing packages suited for small boats or campers, but the Palisade's electronic limited-slip differential on the XRT Pro trim adds grip the Highlander lineup lacks.

Behind the third row, the Palisade offers 19.1 cubic feet of cargo space, giving parents room for strollers, luggage, or weekly grocery runs without folding a single seat. The Highlander offers 16.0 cubic feet in the same spot, a gap that adds up quickly for families juggling car seats, sports bags, and beach gear.

Seating flexibility is another area where the Palisade shines. Buyers can choose:

• Second-row captain's chairs with heating and ventilation on upper trims
• An eight-passenger bench configuration for larger families or carpools
• 60/40 split fold-flat third-row seats, with power folding available on Limited and Calligraphy trims

This kind of flexibility makes the Palisade a practical minivan alternative for parents who want three-row space along with SUV capability and curb appeal.

Getting kids, grandparents, or friends into the third row is easier in the Palisade thanks to the Tilting Walk-In feature, which becomes fully powered on the Calligraphy trim. Pair that with the one-touch second-row seat slide, and loading passengers curbside near a Chesapeake soccer field or a Virginia Beach boardwalk stop becomes quick and easy.

Inside, the Palisade layers on comfort with a 14-speaker Bose premium audio system, a dual-pane sunroof, ambient lighting with 64 color options, and a Rear Seat Quiet Mode that keeps sleeping passengers undisturbed on the ride home from Norfolk. These touches give drivers replacing an older large SUV or minivan a genuine step up in everyday comfort.