2021 Toyota Highlander vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

Comparing the 2021 Hyundai Palisade and the 2021 Toyota Highlander, one was immediately struck by the distinctive styling approaches taken by these automakers. The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy trim was designed to stand out. It featured a unique grille pattern, revised exterior lighting with puddle lamps on either side, additional lower body trim, and exclusive 20-inch wheels. Hyundai also upgraded the interior detailing, providing a simulated suede headliner. Visually, these elements differentiated the Calligraphy from other Palisade variants, giving it a sense of luxury and distinction.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander aimed to avoid any accusations of being 'boring,' showcasing a bold and unique design. Its front end was less exaggerated than the styling of a bullet-train-inspired Sienna minivan but still made a strong statement with wide headlights, a long hood, and a bold trapezoidal grille. The side profile was accentuated by a character line reminiscent of the Supra sports car, while the rear taillights bore a resemblance to Lexus models.

Inside, the Palisade Calligraphy radiated opulence. Our test model featured a Beige over Navy Blue color scheme, decorated with light, striated simulated wood trim. The quilted Nappa leather and suede headliner further enhanced its upscale appeal, making it seem like an excellent value for its sticker price. Meanwhile, the Highlander Limited trim exuded elegance and quality craftsmanship. The interior boasted near-flawless fit and finish, tan leather seats, and dark brown trim with impressive-looking wood details, even if they weren’t genuine.

Overall, while both SUVs had their unique appeal, the Palisade Calligraphy appeared more extravagant and luxurious compared to the sophisticated yet slightly sporty Highlander Limited.

The performance stats of the 2021 Hyundai Palisade and the 2021 Toyota Highlander were similar in many ways, yet each had some differentiating points.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade came with a powerful and quiet 3.8-liter V6 engine, generating 291 horsepower. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and offered in either FWD or optional AWD, drivers had the choice between multiple driving modes including Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport. For AWD models, additional features included Snow mode and a Lock function for improved traction. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 21 mpg for the AWD version, lining up closely with the 21.1 mpg our test vehicle averaged. Hyundai tuned the Palisade to offer a firmer and more communicative driving experience compared to its platform-mate, the Kia Telluride. It had excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive even on undulating pavement. With 5,000 pounds of towing capacity, it was ready for various hauling needs.

On the other hand, the 2021 Toyota Highlander featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263-pound feet of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. It was available in FWD and AWD. Though not a contender for performance enthusiasts, the Highlander’s powertrain was deemed acceptable for everyday driving needs. The suspension provided a comfortable ride, making it a reliable choice for family-oriented drivers. The XSE trim targeted customers seeking a sportier feel, with suspension enhancements like higher-rated springs and retuned shock absorbers, adding a bit of driving excitement while remaining tailored to a family focus.

In summary, the Palisade offered a slight edge in terms of towing capacity and driving engagement, whereas the Highlander leaned towards comfort and consistency.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade and the 2021 Toyota Highlander both excelled in making optimal use of their interior spaces but differed in cargo capacity and overall layout.

Inside the Palisade, Hyundai’s design provided a spacious and luxurious setup. The driver and front passenger enjoyed eight-way power-adjustable seats, with the driver benefiting from an additional thigh support cushion and heated steering wheel. Both the front and second-row captain’s chairs were heated and ventilated, featuring good support for long drives. The third-row passengers were not left out, as they had separate climate controls and rear side-window sunshades. Hyundai ingeniously included ample in-cabin storage, such as the front center console and door panels. For cargo capacity, the Palisade offered 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a generous 86.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander also made efforts to maximize interior comfort and functional storage. The shelves at the front of the vehicle ahead of the seats were practical for holding large cell phones, while a small pass-through facilitated easy charging. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom, with the ability to slide seats forward and backward. However, third-row seating was cramped for adults unless the second-row passengers made some sacrifices. Cargo space in the Highlander measured 16 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and a maximum of 84.3 cubic feet with both rows stowed.

Overall, the Palisade had an edge in cargo capacity, while both vehicles offered great usability and comfort.

Technological offerings in both the 2021 Hyundai Palisade and the 2021 Toyota Highlander were geared towards modern needs, yet they had different levels of sophistication.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade came with two infotainment options: an 8-inch touchscreen or a 10.25-inch touchscreen display. Both systems supported dual Bluetooth pairing, with the 8-inch system offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—the larger screen required a wired connection. High-tech features in the Calligraphy trim included SiriusXM radio, navigation, Blue Link connected services, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. Additional technologies such as wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, a Quiet Mode, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system elevated the driving experience.

Conversely, the 2021 Toyota Highlander provided either an 8-inch touchscreen or an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen standard on the Platinum trim. Both infotainment systems were intuitive and user-friendly. While navigation required an additional cost, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The 12.3-inch touchscreen in the Limited and Platinum trims boasted impressive visuals but sometimes limited full-width usage to specific apps only. A JBL audio system provided good sound quality but didn’t reach audiophile levels.

Evidently, the Palisade was equipped with more comprehensive and user-centric technological features, providing superior value and convenience.

Both the 2021 Hyundai Palisade and the 2021 Toyota Highlander shone brightly in the safety arena, packing an array of advanced features and earning top ratings from safety organizations.

The Palisade came standard with safety technologies like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Rear occupant alert systems, active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, and a Blind View Monitor were also available. Notably, the Palisade's Highway Drive Assist offered sophisticated lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control but was not intended for hands-free driving. The Hyundai Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, reinforcing its status as a family-friendly SUV.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander received significant safety upgrades with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), which featured automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, intersection support, road-sign assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-tracing assist, and automatic high beams. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star rating, and the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+.

Both vehicles offered top-notch safety equipment, but the Highlander benefitted from Toyota’s latest TSS 2.5+ suite of technologies, which included some advanced features not seen in the Palisade.