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The 2020 Hyundai Palisade defeats the redesigned Toyota Highlander in a head-to-head comparison, winning 10 categories to the Highlander's four, with particular strengths in interior quality, cargo space, and overall value.
When purchasing a family-friendly 3-row SUV, the choice often comes down to proven reliability versus standout features. In a direct comparison between two top-trim models—the 2020 Hyundai Palisade Limited and the 2020 Toyota Highlander Platinum—the Palisade emerged as the clear winner. Based on our assessment experience evaluating 18 distinct categories, the Palisade's superior cabin materials, more spacious interior, and lower as-tested price make it the more compelling choice for most shoppers, despite the Highlander's strong reputation.
Neither SUV holds a decisive advantage in driving dynamics, resulting in a performance stalemate. Both vehicles are powered by naturally aspirated V-6 engines paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions and all-wheel drive. Key performance metrics like 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) acceleration and braking were judged as ties. The Highlander gained a slight edge in ride quality, with more generous shock absorption over rough pavement, and in noise abatement, with a quieter cabin at highway speeds. However, steering feel and handling were unremarkable in both, leading to another tie and placing them behind more athletic rivals like the Mazda CX-9.
The Hyundai Palisade establishes a significant lead with a more luxurious cabin and more user-friendly technology.
When it comes to interior quality, the Palisade Limited feels a class above. It features Nappa leather upholstery and a suedelike headliner, presenting a finish that rivals luxury brands. The Highlander Platinum, while well-appointed, includes more cheap plastics and less consistent build quality.
The technology battle also goes to Hyundai. Although the Highlander’s 12.3-inch touchscreen is larger, Toyota limits smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) to only a portion of the display. The Palisade’s 10.25-inch screen uses its full area for these features. Furthermore, the Palisade offers more USB ports (seven vs. five), including two in the third row, and provides a more configurable digital gauge cluster.
| Feature | Hyundai Palisade Limited | Toyota Highlander Platinum |
|---|---|---|
| Touchscreen Size | 10.25-inch | 12.3-inch |
| Apple CarPlay/Android Auto | Uses full screen | Limited to ~8-inch portion |
| USB Ports | 7 | 5 |
| Interior Materials | Premium Nappa leather, suedelike headliner | Good quality leather, more hard plastics |
The Palisade is the more practical choice for families, offering greater space and easier car-seat installation.
The Palisade wins decisively in seating and cargo categories. Its second-row captain's chairs are heated and ventilated, more comfortable, and easier to adjust than the Highlander’s. Access to the third row is also simpler in the Palisade, thanks to wide aisles and intuitive power-sliding second-row seats. Once in the wayback, passengers will find more headroom and a better seating position.
Cargo space is another clear win for Hyundai. Our measurements found 22.9 cubic feet behind the Palisade's second row versus 18.7 cubic feet in the Highlander. For car seats, the Palisade offers a third row with dedicated LATCH anchors, a feature the Highlander lacks.
The Hyundai Palisade delivers significantly more content and quality for a lower price, making it the value champion.
The as-tested price for our Palisade Limited was $47,950, compared to $51,112 for the Highlander Platinum—a difference of over $3,100. For that lower price, you get a more luxurious interior, more standard features, and Hyundai’s excellent warranty. While the Highlander has better EPA-estimated fuel economy, the fuel cost savings would take decades to offset the Palisade's price advantage.
For families prioritizing space, comfort, and technology, the Hyundai Palisade is the superior choice. It outperforms the Toyota Highlander in critical areas that matter most on a daily basis. The Highlander remains a competent SUV with a well-earned reputation for reliability, but the Palisade’s overall package is simply more compelling and offers greater value for the money.
