2026 Hyundai Palisade vs Toyota Highlander
2026 Hyundai Palisade vs Toyota Highlander
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade and the 2026 Toyota Highlander are two of the most popular three-row midsize SUVs, and families near Orlando, FL cross-shop them all the time. At Headquarter Hyundai, we compare them on performance, safety, technology, interior space, and styling so you can pick the right SUV for your family.
This year the Palisade is fully redesigned, and it arrives bigger, more powerful, and more advanced. It offers a 287-horsepower V6, an all-new hybrid with 329 combined horsepower, seating for up to eight, more maximum cargo space than the Highlander, and a standard dual 12.3-inch curved display. Backed by Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, the new Palisade makes a strong impression for Central Florida families.
2026 Hyundai Palisade vs Toyota Highlander Performance
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The redesigned 2026 Hyundai Palisade comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic and available HTRAC all wheel drive. New for 2026, an available hybrid combines a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with two electric motors for 329 combined horsepower, and the Palisade can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
The 2026 Toyota Highlander uses a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder rated at 265 horsepower, or a 243-horsepower hybrid, and it now makes all wheel drive standard across the lineup. The Highlander is capable and efficient, but the Palisade counters with a smooth V6, a significantly more powerful hybrid, and the same 5,000-pound maximum towing on its gas model.
2026 Hyundai Palisade
- 3.5-liter V6: 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft
- New available Hybrid: 329 combined horsepower
- 8-speed automatic transmission
- Front-wheel drive with available HTRAC all wheel drive
- Up to 5,000 pounds of towing (gas)
2026 Toyota Highlander
- 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder: 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft
- Available Hybrid: 243 combined horsepower
- 8-speed automatic (eCVT on Hybrid)
- All wheel drive standard for 2026
- Up to 5,000 pounds of towing (gas)
2026 Hyundai Palisade vs Toyota Highlander Safety
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The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is built around family safety, with the Hyundai SmartSense suite standard. It includes forward collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, and safe exit assist to help protect everyone on board during busy Orlando commutes and long road trips.
The 2026 Toyota Highlander comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ as standard, so both SUVs offer a strong roster of driver aids. Where the Palisade pulls ahead is coverage, because Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is double the Highlander’s 5-year/60,000-mile protection.
2026 Hyundai Palisade
- Standard Hyundai SmartSense suite
- Forward collision-avoidance assist
- Blind-spot collision-avoidance assist
- Lane keeping and safe exit assist
- 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
2026 Toyota Highlander
- Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+
- Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
- Lane departure alert with steering assist
- Full-speed dynamic radar cruise control
- 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty
2026 Hyundai Palisade vs Toyota Highlander Technology
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Technology is a highlight of the redesigned 2026 Hyundai Palisade. It comes standard with a dual 12.3-inch curved display that pairs a 12.3-inch touchscreen with a 12.3-inch digital cluster, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and available features like a premium audio system and multiple USB-C ports throughout the cabin.
The 2026 Toyota Highlander offers a standard 8-inch touchscreen with an available 12.3-inch display and available digital gauges. Both are user-friendly, but the Palisade makes the larger, dual-screen setup standard, so every new Palisade gets its premium technology presentation.
2026 Hyundai Palisade
- Standard dual 12.3-inch curved display
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Available premium audio system
- Multiple USB-C charging ports
2026 Toyota Highlander
- Standard 8-inch touchscreen
- Available 12.3-inch touchscreen
- Available 12.3-inch digital cluster
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Available premium audio system
2026 Hyundai Palisade vs Toyota Highlander Interior
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The redesigned 2026 Hyundai Palisade is roomy and upscale, seating up to eight passengers or seven with available second-row captain’s chairs. It also leads this comparison on cargo, with 19.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and up to 86.7 cubic feet of maximum space for gear.
The 2026 Toyota Highlander seats seven or eight and offers up to 84.3 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, a little less than the Palisade. Both deliver flexible family-friendly interiors, but the new Palisade’s added room and premium materials give it a more spacious, elevated feel.
2026 Hyundai Palisade
- Seating for seven or eight
- 19.1 cu ft behind the third row
- 46.3 cu ft behind the second row
- Up to 86.7 cu ft of maximum cargo space
- Available second-row captain’s chairs
2026 Toyota Highlander
- Seating for seven or eight
- 16.0 cu ft behind the third row
- 48.4 cu ft behind the second row
- Up to 84.3 cu ft of maximum cargo space
- Available second-row captain’s chairs
2026 Hyundai Palisade vs Toyota Highlander Exterior
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The 2026 Hyundai Palisade wears an all-new, upscale design with a bold grille, distinctive vertical LED lighting, and clean, confident proportions that give it real presence. A rugged available XRT Pro model adds off-road-inspired styling for buyers who want a more adventurous look.
The 2026 Toyota Highlander carries a more familiar, understated design. Both are handsome three-row SUVs, so the choice comes down to whether you prefer the Palisade’s fresh, premium styling or the Highlander’s proven, low-key look.
2026 Hyundai Palisade
- All-new, upscale exterior design
- Distinctive vertical LED lighting
- Available rugged XRT Pro styling
- Confident, modern proportions
- Available roof rails
2026 Toyota Highlander
- Familiar, understated styling
- Available LED headlights
- Available roof rails
- Proven three-row SUV design
- Available alloy wheel designs
Why Buy From Headquarter Hyundai near Orlando, FL?
At Headquarter Hyundai near Orlando, FL, we would love to introduce your family to the all-new 2026 Palisade. Our team can compare the gas and hybrid models with you, walk through the available trims and seating options, and set up a test drive so you can experience its space and technology firsthand.
We also make ownership easy with competitive financing, a straightforward buying process, and the peace of mind of Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Visit us or reach out today and see why Central Florida families choose Headquarter Hyundai.