Which SUV is better than the Highlander?

[McAriel]

Several SUVs outperform the Toyota Highlander in specific areas like luxury, third-row space, or driving dynamics. Key alternatives include the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade for premium features, the Honda Pilot for family space and utility, the Acura MDX for performance, and the Mazda CX-90 for driving engagement. The best choice depends entirely on your top priority, as the Highlander remains a strong, reliable benchmark in the midsize SUV segment.

For buyers prioritizing a luxury feel and value, the Kia Telluride and its sibling, the Hyundai Palisade, are consistently top-rated. They offer more upscale interior materials, intuitive technology interfaces, and generally more standard features for the price than the Highlander. Their third-row seats are also more accommodating for adults, a common pain point in this class.

If maximum passenger and cargo space is non-negotiable, the Honda Pilot and Chevrolet Traverse are superior. The Pilot provides a more robust build quality and a notably more comfortable third-row experience. Market data indicates that models like the Traverse often lead in total cargo volume behind the third row, a critical factor for large families or frequent travelers.

Drivers seeking a more engaging and powerful experience should consider the Acura MDX. It features a higher-horsepower V6 engine (290 hp vs. the standard Highlander's 265 hp) and a sportier, more refined suspension tuning. The MDX delivers a premium driving feel that the comfort-oriented Highlander does not match, though it comes at a higher price point.

For towing and safety, the Chevrolet Traverse stands out. It offers a best-in-class maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, surpassing the Highlander's capability. Furthermore, it has consistently earned top safety ratings from the IIHS, including the Top Safety Pick+ award for recent model years, which underscores its advanced safety credentials.

Regarding fuel efficiency and driving refinement, the Mazda CX-90 presents a compelling alternative. While the Highlander Hybrid excels in fuel economy, the standard gasoline Highlander does not. The CX-90, particularly in its inline-six turbo form, offers a smoother, more powerful driving character. It's important to correct a common misconception: the CX-90's base engine does not offer "superior fuel economy." The EPA rates the 2024 CX-90 (Turbo) at 24 city/28 highway MPG, while the 2024 Highlander (gas) achieves 21/29 MPG—a mixed result. The CX-90's advantage is its rear-wheel-drive-based platform and premium interior ambiance.

Consideration	Toyota Highlander Strength	Superior Alternative & Key Advantage
Luxury & Value	Reliable, well-equipped	Kia Telluride: More premium interior & features per dollar
Third-Row & Cargo Space	Adequate for class	Honda Pilot: More spacious, comfortable 3rd row & cargo area
Performance & Driving	Comfortable, efficient hybrid	Acura MDX: More powerful, sportier handling
Towing Capacity	Up to 5,000 lbs (V6)	Chevy Traverse: Up to 5,000 lbs, often with more power
Driving Engagement	Predictable, comfortable	Mazda CX-90: More refined, rear-biased driving dynamics

Ultimately, the "better" SUV is defined by your needs. The Telluride/Palisade wins on features and luxury feel. The Pilot/Traverse are the space champions. The MDX caters to driving enthusiasts, and the CX-90 offers a unique blend of polish and driving pleasure. The Highlander's hybrid efficiency remains a top-tier asset, but for specific demands, these alternatives provide compelling upgrades.

[Stanley]

As a mom of three kids who are all in sports, my minivan days are over, but I need just as much space. We test-drove the Highlander, and it was fine. Then we tried the Honda Pilot. It was a game-changer. The third row is actually usable for my teenagers—they don't complain about their knees being squished. The cargo area behind that third row is deeper, so all the soccer gear, band instruments, and grocery bags fit without playing Tetris. For a family that lives in their car, the extra real space the Pilot offers makes daily life noticeably easier. The Highlander is a great car, but for pure, functional family hauling, the Pilot just does it better.

[ReidAnn]

I’ve owned sedans my whole life and wanted an SUV that didn’t feel like a compromise. The Highlander drove exactly as I feared: safe, soft, and disconnected. On a whim, I took the Acura MDX for a spin. The difference was immediate. The steering has actual feedback. The 3.5-liter V6 pulls harder and sounds smoother when you accelerate. It handles corners with a level of composure and confidence that the Highlander can’t touch. You sit lower, feel more connected to the road, and it just feels like a proper driver’s car, albeit a spacious one. If you enjoy driving and think an SUV means giving that up, the MDX proves you wrong. It’s the performance-oriented choice in this practical category.

[VonEzra]

Shopping for a three-row SUV, I expected to pay a luxury premium for a nice interior. The Toyota Highlander’s cabin is perfectly good—durable, sensible. Then I sat in a Kia Telluride. The difference in perceived quality was startling. You’re greeted with soft-touch materials, real metal accents, and beautifully detailed buttons. The seats are more supportive and plush. The panoramic screens are crisp and intuitive. It feels like you’ve stepped into a vehicle costing $15,000 more. For the same money, the Telluride (and the nearly identical Hyundai Palisade) delivers a sense of occasion and daily comfort that makes the Highlander feel utilitarian. If your priority is cabin ambiance and tech elegance, these twins are the clear winners.

[GriffinMarie]

Let’s talk numbers and peace of mind, because that’s what matters long-term. The Highlander is famous for reliability, but value isn’t just about resale. Take the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Its starting price is significantly lower, and it comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty—that’s coverage you can’t get from Toyota, Honda, or Kia. For the upfront cost of a Highlander, you could get a fully loaded Outlander PHEV, plug in at home for most daily trips, and save on fuel. The Chevrolet Traverse also makes a strong case with its potent V6 and massive cargo hold, often available with attractive incentives. The Highlander is the safe, known quantity, but if you’re budget-conscious or want maximum warranty coverage, alternatives like these offer a different, and often more compelling, kind of smart buy.