Toyota Land Cruiser vs Hyundai Palisade

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was offered in two trim levels, the base model 1958 and the more upscale Land Cruiser. The 1958 trim, named after the year the model was first sold in the US, featured a retro look with round headlights and basic equipment, priced at $58,195. The Land Cruiser trim, priced at $62,965, presented a modern and upscale appearance with additional color options, a nicer interior, and essential off-roading hardware. The Premium Package added leather, more tech, and increased the price to $71,004. The Land Cruiser's design maximized off-road clearances and visibility, with a utilitarian interior featuring traditional switchgear and dual 12.3-inch digital screens. The Java-colored leather added contrast, and the steering-wheel controls were intuitive compared to those in a Lexus RX.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade underwent significant changes, presenting a more upright and squared-off profile. Its standout feature was the front lighting with rectangular slashes flanking the massive grille. The interior was softened with flowing shapes and simple lines, inspired by Midcentury Modern furniture. The Palisade Calligraphy model boasted high-quality materials, while the off-road-oriented XRT Pro offered durable finishes. The 2026 Palisade was longer and had a stretched wheelbase, accommodating seven or eight passengers. The interior was refined and relaxing, with a focus on comfort and quality materials.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with Toyota’s i-Force Max hybrid system, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. It featured a full-time 4WD system with electronic locking differentials and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. Standard features included Downhill Assist Control and Crawl Control, while the Land Cruiser trim added Multi-Terrain Select modes and a front stabilizer bar disconnect. The EPA rated it at 23 mpg combined, but real-world testing showed 15.7 mpg. The Land Cruiser excelled in urban and off-road settings, with features like a front stabilizer bar disconnect and Multi-Terrain Monitor enhancing its off-road capability. However, it struggled on twisty roads due to its suspension tuning.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 287 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It retained the eight-speed automatic transmission with standard FWD or optional AWD. The Palisade offered a refined driving experience, with a comfortable ride and a suspension that handled road irregularities well. The brakes were upgraded for 2026, improving stopping distances. The Palisade had a 5,000-pound towing capacity, with a factory-installed tow hitch on higher trims. The HTRAC AWD system provided power to the rear wheels when needed, with various driving modes available. The XRT Pro trim enhanced off-road capability with features like all-terrain tires and improved ground clearance.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser offered SofTex artificial leather in the Land Cruiser trim, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Premium Package added real leather and a power sunroof. The front seats were comfortable, but the second-row seats lacked support. The rear window design was less practical, and the center console's cool box reduced storage space. The Land Cruiser provided 46.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 82.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade featured captain’s chairs in the middle row, with a standard second-row bench seat. The third row was accessible but required some maneuvering. Passengers had access to USB-C ports and cupholders, with air vents for all rows. The Palisade allowed for flexible passenger and cargo space, with sliding second- and third-row seats. Heated and ventilated seats were available in higher trims, with Relaxation Mode in Calligraphy models. The Palisade offered 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row forward, expanding to 86.7 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured two 12.3-inch displays with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and connected service plans. The Premium Package added a JBL sound system, wireless charger, head-up display, and digital key technology. The Drive Connect system provided cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant for voice commands.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade, except for the base SE, had a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a second 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment. It included standard navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a head-up display in Calligraphy models. Higher trims featured a Surround View Monitor, integrated dashcams, and an in-car intercom. The Palisade also offered a UV-light cleaning system and a Bose audio system with excellent sound quality.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Premium Package added front cross-traffic alert and Traffic Jam Assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with five stars in side-impact testing but a three-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, and lane keep assist. The Calligraphy trim added evasive steering assist and an upgraded Highway Driving Assist II system. The Palisade had not yet received safety ratings from NHTSA or IIHS, but the previous version performed well.