What is better than the Toyota Highlander?

[DelAdriana]

Several SUVs surpass the Toyota Highlander in key areas: the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade offer more premium interiors and spacious third rows, the Mazda CX-70 delivers sportier handling, and the Volvo XC90 PHEV combines efficiency with top safety ratings. Your choice depends on prioritizing luxury, performance, or practicality.

For buyers seeking a more upscale cabin and family-friendly space, the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade are top contenders. Industry reviews consistently rank their interior materials and infotainment systems above the Highlander. The Palisade provides 45.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, and both models offer more adult-friendly legroom in the back seats compared to the Highlander's 27.7 inches.

If driving engagement is a priority, the Mazda CX-70 stands out. It features a standard turbocharged engine producing 280 horsepower, paired with precise steering and a tuned suspension for a noticeably more dynamic feel. Market data indicates that drivers who test both often find the Highlander's driving experience less engaging.

Efficiency and safety are where the Volvo XC90 Recharge plug-in hybrid excels. It achieves an EPA-estimated 58 MPGe combined and can drive on electric power for about 35 miles. More importantly, it has secured the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, a benchmark for crash protection that exceeds the Highlander's strong safety scores.

The need for maximum passenger and cargo space leads to models like the Chevrolet Traverse and Honda Pilot. The Traverse offers up to 98.2 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume and over 33 inches of third-row legroom, figures that are hard to match in the three-row SUV segment.

For off-road capability, the Jeep Grand Cherokee with available 4x4 systems provides superior ground clearance, approach angles, and terrain management modes compared to the Highlander's all-wheel-drive system. It's a proven choice for light to moderate trails.

Those desiring a premium badge might consider the Lexus RX. While similar in size to the Grand Highlander, it focuses on a quieter, more refined ride and higher-grade interior finishes, though it typically sacrifices some third-row space.

The table below summarizes how key alternatives compare on specific metrics:

Model	Starting Price (MSRP)	Fuel Efficiency (Combined)	IIHS Safety Rating	Third-Row Legroom	Key Strength
Kia Telluride	~$37,000	23 MPG	Top Safety Pick	31.4 in.	Premium interior & value
Hyundai Palisade	~$38,000	23 MPG	Top Safety Pick	31.4 in.	Feature-rich, spacious
Mazda CX-70	~$42,000	25 MPG	Top Safety Pick	29.9 in.	Sporty handling
Volvo XC90 Recharge	~$73,000	58 MPGe	Top Safety Pick+	31.9 in.	Safety, PHEV efficiency
Chevrolet Traverse	~$36,000	22 MPG	Top Safety Pick	33.5 in.	Max cargo space
Honda Pilot	~$40,000	23 MPG	Top Safety Pick	32.5 in.	Reliable, spacious
Jeep Grand Cherokee	~$41,000	23 MPG	Top Safety Pick	30.5 in.	Off-road capability
Lexus RX 350	~$49,000	25 MPG	Top Safety Pick+	29.3 in.	Ride refinement, luxury

Ultimately, "better" is defined by your specific needs. The Highlander remains a competent all-rounder, but these alternatives each excel in distinct areas, from plush cabins to adventurous capability.

[TylerRose]

As a mom of three, my minivan days are over, but space is non-negotiable. We swapped our Highlander for a Hyundai Palisade last year. The difference is real—the third row is actually usable for my teenagers on longer trips, and they stop complaining about being cramped. The ventilated seats and easy-to-clean interior were the clinchers. For a family hauling kids and gear, the Palisade or its twin, the Kia Telluride, just feel more thoughtfully designed for daily chaos than the Highlander did.

[McTimothy]

I’ve always found midsize SUVs to be soulless appliances, and the Highlander confirmed that. Then I drove the Mazda CX-70. It’s a revelation. The steering communicates what the front wheels are doing, the body stays flat in corners, and the turbo engine has actual punch when you need it. It trades a bit of rear seat space for that driver connection, but for me, it’s worth it. If you enjoy driving, not just commuting, the CX-70 makes the Highlander feel numb and disconnected in comparison.

[LeCameron]

My primary concerns are safety and reducing my carbon footprint without going fully electric. The Volvo XC90 Recharge was the perfect solution. Its plug-in hybrid system lets me run most local errands on electricity, saving significantly on fuel. More crucially, Volvo’s safety reputation is backed by data—the XC90 consistently aces crash tests. While the Highlander is safe, the XC90’s combination of advanced driver aids, robust construction, and efficient powertrain offers a more comprehensive package for the eco-conscious safety prioritizer.

[VioletAnn]

The Highlander is fine for paved roads, but my weekends involve forest service roads and muddy trailheads. For that, I needed the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Its available Quadra-Drive II 4x4 system and adjustable air suspension provide ground clearance and traction the Highlander can’t match. I’ve confidently navigated rutted tracks to camping spots that would have bottomed out a standard SUV. If your definition of “utility” includes leaving the pavement, the Grand Cherokee’s off-road engineering is a far better tool for the job than the Highlander’s car-based platform. It’s a capable adventure vehicle first, a family transporter second.

[OwenDella]

The Highlander is fine for paved roads, but my weekends involve forest service roads and muddy trailheads. For that, I needed the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Its available Quadra-Drive II 4x4 system and adjustable air suspension provide ground clearance and traction the Highlander can’t match. I’ve confidently navigated rutted tracks to camping spots that would have bottomed out a standard SUV. If your definition of “utility” includes leaving the pavement, the Grand Cherokee’s off-road engineering is a far better tool for the job than the Highlander’s car-based platform. It’s a capable adventure vehicle first, a family transporter second.