When searching for the perfect 3-row SUV, you want more than just space - you want versatility, comfort, technology, and long-term peace of mind. At Loving Toyota, we're making the decision easier by comparing two top contenders in the segment: the 2025 Toyota Highlander and the 2025 Hyundai Palisade. Both SUVs deliver solid performance and modern features, but the Highlander's advanced hybrid options, safety tech, and ownership perks give it a clear edge.
2025 Toyota Highlander & Hyundai Palisade Pricing & Trims
Starting at $39,820, the 2025 Toyota Highlander offers a selection of 10 trim levels, including five gas-powered and five hybrid models. This gives drivers the flexibility to prioritize efficiency, performance, or upscale comfort.
In contrast, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade starts at a slightly lower MSRP and offers seven trims. While the Palisade covers a range of luxury and utility, it does not offer a hybrid powertrain, something Highlander buyers can take advantage of for enhanced fuel savings.
Performance Capabilities
The Highlander features a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 265 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque, giving it strong acceleration and up to 25 EPA-estimated combined MPG. For even greater efficiency, the Highlander Hybrid achieves up to 35 MPG combined, making it one of the most fuel-efficient 3-row SUVs available.
The Palisade has a 291-horsepower V6 engine, which offers more horsepower on paper but at the cost of lower fuel economy, up to 26 MPG highway with no hybrid option available.
Both SUVs offer up to 5,000 lbs. of towing capacity and available AWD systems, making them capable of handling road trips, trailers, and winter roads. But the Highlander enhances control with:
Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD
Multi-Terrain Select (Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, Snow, Normal)
Three Drive Modes: Eco, Normal, Sport
Meanwhile, the Palisade offers HTRAC AWD and a variety of driving modes, but lacks the advanced torque distribution and terrain-specific traction settings found in the Highlander.
Interior & Technology
Step inside either SUV and you'll find premium materials, spacious seating for up to 8, and plenty of tech. But Highlander takes luxury a step further with features like:
Available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
Panoramic View Monitor
Hands-Free Power Liftgate
Available Rain-Sensing Wipers
The Palisade features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and a driver's ergo motion seat. Features like wireless charging, Harman Kardon® audio, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability are also available, but many of them are reserved for the highest trims.
Safety Features
Toyota and Hyundai both offer extensive safety suites, but the Highlander edges out with Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+, which includes:
Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
Lane Tracing Assist & Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
Road Sign Assist & Automatic High Beams
Palisade counters with Hyundai SmartSense feature highlights like Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control and Blind-Spot View Monitor. However, Toyota's suite comes standard across all Highlander trims and offers proven reliability.
Value & Maintenance Programs
Both automakers include complimentary maintenance programs, but Toyota adds extra peace of mind:
ToyotaCare: No-cost maintenance for 2 years/25,000 miles
24-hour Roadside Assistance for 2 years, unlimited mileage
2025 Toyota Highlander Design vs Hyundai Palisade Style
The Highlander, available in eight eye-catching colors, also features premium styling upgrades like 20-inch alloy wheels and unique Nightshade hybrid editions. Hyundai offers a unique design, but lacks the hybrid aesthetic and fuel-efficient trims that Highlander drivers can enjoy.
Ready to Test Drive the 2025 Toyota Highlander? Visit Us Today at Loving Toyota!
If you're looking for a powerful, stylish 3-row SUV that delivers gas and hybrid options, advanced AWD capability, and standard safety tech, the 2025 Toyota Highlander rises above the competition. While the Hyundai Palisade is a strong competitor in comfort and design, it can't match the Highlander's fuel economy, long-term value, or trim flexibility.
Stop by Loving Toyota at 1807 South Medford Drive today to experience the 2025 Toyota Highlander in person, or give us a call at (936) 699-1000 to schedule your test drive. Whether you're visiting from Nacogdoches, Jasper, or Rusk, our friendly team is ready to help you explore our full lineup of new Toyota inventory. We'll guide you through our competitive financing options and easy trade-in process, making it easy to drive home in your next Toyota.
