Hyundai Palisade 2nd Generation (2026-present) vs Toyota Grand Highlander 1st Generation (2024-present)
2nd Generation · 2026-present Hyundai Palisade | 1st Generation · 2024-present Toyota Grand Highlander | |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability30% weight | 7.4/10 13.28 ODI reports were recorded per 10,000 EWR-produced vehicles. “Engine stall or loss of power” is the most frequently matched narrative (9 reports). | 6.2/10 15.74 ODI reports were recorded per 10,000 EWR-produced vehicles. “Engine stall or loss of power” is the most frequently matched narrative (56 reports). |
| Energy cost15% weight | 7.0/10 EPA estimates $1,800–$3,250 in annual energy cost for the latest configurations. Comparable vehicles average $2,467–$3,822. | 9.4/10 EPA estimates $1,700–$2,800 in annual energy cost for the latest configurations. Comparable vehicles average $2,467–$3,822. |
| Handling10% weight | 6.7/10 The Palisade prioritizes calm, predictable control and an easy steering effort; it grips securely but cannot disguise its mass when direction changes become abrupt. | 6.1/10 The Grand Highlander remains predictable at family-driving speeds, but soft responses, body roll and its large footprint make it the least engaging vehicle in these comparisons. |
| Comfort8% weight | 8.9/10 A smooth ride, generous seating, and extensive climate equipment produce a near-luxury experience across long family trips. | 8.4/10 The ride is smooth and all three rows are adult-friendly, though some lower-cabin materials feel utilitarian. |
| Roominess7% weight | 8.7/10 All three rows can carry adults and the adjustable third row improves the passenger-versus-cargo tradeoff, although storage with every seat occupied is still finite. | 9.2/10 The usable third row and generous cargo capacity directly solve the regular Highlander's packaging weakness. |
| Onboard electronics5% weight | 8.2/10 The feature set is one of the segment's strongest, but early failures in seat-control integration materially reduce confidence in system stability. | 8.6/10 A quick 12.3-inch screen, wireless connectivity, and available low-speed hands-free assistance put it near the front of its 2024 class. |
| Final scoreToo close to call | 7.6/10head-to-head score | 7.5/10head-to-head score |
Reliability and recurring problems
Hyundai Palisade
- Reliability
- 7.4/10
- ODI reports
- 160
- Reports per 10,000 produced
- 13.28
- Severe-event share
- 8.1%
Most frequently matched narratives
- Engine stall or loss of power9
- Infotainment or display blackout8
- Sunroof or window glass shattered8
- Unintended acceleration3
- Seat-belt failure2
Toyota Grand Highlander
- Reliability
- 6.2/10
- ODI reports
- 474
- Reports per 10,000 produced
- 15.74
- Severe-event share
- 2.3%
Most frequently matched narratives
- Engine stall or loss of power56
- Sunroof or window glass shattered31
- Infotainment or display blackout19
- Brake failure or reduced braking15
- Transmission hesitation or failure11
Crash-test coverage and recalls
Hyundai Palisade
- NCAP score
- Not rated
- Latest rated model year
- Not rated
- Recall campaigns
- 3
- Completion rates reported
- 3/3
- Median reported completion
- 92.5%
- Park-it / park-outside campaigns
- 0 / 0
Toyota Grand Highlander
- NCAP score
- 10.0/10
- Latest rated model year
- 2025
- Recall campaigns
- 6
- Completion rates reported
- 5/6
- Median reported completion
- 81.1%
- Park-it / park-outside campaigns
- 0 / 0
Annual energy cost against comparable vehicles
Hyundai Palisade
- Energy-cost score
- 7.0/10
- EPA model year
- 2026
- Estimated annual energy cost
- $1,800–$3,250
- Comparable-class average
- $2,467–$3,822
- Difference from comparable average
- -$1,561–-$358
Toyota Grand Highlander
- Energy-cost score
- 9.4/10
- EPA model year
- 2026
- Estimated annual energy cost
- $1,700–$2,800
- Comparable-class average
- $2,467–$3,822
- Difference from comparable average
- -$1,861–-$758
Handling, comfort, space and onboard electronics
Hyundai Palisade
- Handling
- 6.7/10
- Comfort
- 8.9/10
- Roominess
- 8.7/10
- Onboard electronics
- 8.2/10
Toyota Grand Highlander
- Handling
- 6.1/10
- Comfort
- 8.4/10
- Roominess
- 9.2/10
- Onboard electronics
- 8.6/10
