2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy stood out with its unique grille pattern, revised lighting, and distinctive 20-inch wheels. It featured upgraded interior detailing, including a simulated suede headliner, making it appear more luxurious than its price suggested. The Limited trim adopted a similar exterior look to the SEL with option packages, with standard LED headlights as a notable change. The Calligraphy trim drew attention, though opinions on its unconventional styling varied. Inside, the Palisade impressed with a Beige over Navy Blue color scheme, premium Nappa leather, and a suede headliner, offering a cabin that rivaled more expensive SUVs.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid initially presented a bold design with a blunt nose and floating roof effect, but over time, its styling became familiar. The SUV's swollen haunches and flared panels added visual weight, especially with 20-inch wheels available on higher trims. The Highlander Hybrid was offered in LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims, with a hybrid powertrain option costing an additional $1,400. Our test vehicle, a Highlander Hybrid Limited with AWD, featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen and other premium options, totaling $50,008. While the interior offered a two-tone look with leather upholstery, the dashboard's asymmetrical design and reflective screen detracted from its appeal.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered front-wheel drive, with an optional all-wheel-drive system. Drivers could select from Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport modes, with AWD models adding Snow mode and a Lock function. The Palisade AWD achieved an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined, and our test vehicle averaged 21.1 mpg. The Palisade's firmer suspension provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive, though not particularly fun. It offered a 5,000-pound towing capacity with a new seven-pin trailer connector.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 243 horsepower with an EPA rating of 36 mpg combined. AWD was optional, with front-wheel drive as standard. The hybrid used an "E-CVT" for transmission. Our test vehicle averaged 31.7 mpg, slightly below expectations. While efficient, the Highlander Hybrid lacked driving excitement, with adequate power but a strained engine sound during acceleration. The steering felt lifeless, and the ride was prone to unwanted body movement. On smooth roads, it handled well, but bumps and dips revealed its limitations. Around town, the electric motor torque and EV Mode were highlights.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space and accessibility. It featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain’s chairs provided ample legroom and slid for flexibility. The third-row seat was more accommodating than most competitors. The Palisade offered 18 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 86.4 cubic feet with seats folded. A hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited offered comfortable front seats with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. The second-row bench seat increased capacity to eight but felt narrow. The third-row seat was uncomfortable, with limited headroom and legroom. Storage was less generous than before, with a smaller dashboard shelf and a wireless charger blocking access to the center storage. Cargo space measured 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded. A shallow storage tray under the cargo floor was available.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Both allowed dual Bluetooth pairing, but only the 8-inch offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Calligraphy trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, navigation, and Blue Link services. Features like wireless charging, Driver Talk intercom, and a head-up display enhanced convenience.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The test vehicle featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with an 11-speaker JBL audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and shortcut buttons. Driver Easy Speak projected the driver’s voice to rear passengers, and a video rearview mirror provided a clear view behind the vehicle.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping systems. A rear occupant alert system and Blind View Monitor enhanced safety. Highway Drive Assist offered sophisticated adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, adding intersection support and emergency steering assistance. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available from the LE trim. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance had room for improvement. The Highlander received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was expected to achieve a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS.