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The 2023 Toyota Highlander is a long-running SUV from a trusted automaker. However, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade is a direct competitor for three main reasons. It offers similar performance to the Toyota Highlander 2023, and the 2023 Palisade competes with it in other ways that matter to SUV buyers. In addition, the Hyundai Palisade 2023 has stellar reviews, much like the Toyota SUV. 

Here are three ways the two SUVs are direct competitors.

The Palisade 2023 offers similar performance to the Toyota SUV

2023 Toyota Highlander
2023 Toyota Highlander | via Toyota

The 2023 Palisade is one of the most recent SUVs, but it’s already commanding trust from buyers. This is partly due to its impressive performance from a 3.8-liter V6 with a maximum output of 291 horsepower, according to Car and Driver. The Hyundai Palisade 2023 uses an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base model accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 7.2 seconds, while the XRT trim does so in 6.4 seconds. 

Less powerfully, the Toyota Highlander accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 7.5 seconds. The SUV uses a 265 horsepower 2.4-liter engine along with an eight-speed transmission. There is also a turbocharged version that goes from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. One thing the Toyota Highlander has over the 2023 Palisade is that it offers a hybrid powertrain, whereas Hyundai has confirmed its SUV will not include one for the foreseeable future. 

The 2023 Palisade interior is comparable

2023 Hyundai Palisade interior
2023 Hyundai Palisade | via Hyundai

The Hyundai Palisade interior is arguably better than the new Highlander’s cabin. Both SUVs have room for up to eight passengers, but the Palisade has more space overall. In addition, the Hyundai SUV suppresses road noise, allowing for a much more peaceful ride. Both SUVs offer rear captain’s chairs instead of bench seats, but this change lowers the number of passengers. 

The Hyundai SUV also comes out on top regarding interior technology. The Palisade has a 12-inch display in the battle of touchscreens, while the Toyota Highlander 2023 has a standard 8.0-inch. However, Toyota SUV buyers can get a 12.3-inch screen on some trims of the new Highlander. Though the Palisade has better standard technology, the Highlander might be better regarding extras. 

The Hyundai Palisade Price compares to the new Highlander

2023 Hyundai Palisade
2023 Hyundai Palisade | via Hyundai

Though not by much, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade has a lower starting price tag than the 2023 Toyota Highlander. The Hyundai SUV costs $35,900, while the 2023 Highlander costs $36,420. Of course, both SUVs have much more expensive offerings, with the Highlander getting up to almost $50,000 for the more luxurious models. It should be noted that this is Hyundai’s most expensive SUV. 

Of course, both SUVs are excellent and bring something unique to the market. However, despite the Palisade being so much newer, many people will choose between these two SUVs because they’re similar. The Highlander may be more tried and true, but this Hyundai SUV is also a great choice for a three-row vehicle. 

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