2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy stood out with its unique grille pattern, revised lighting, and additional lower body trim. It featured distinctive 20-inch wheels and an upgraded interior with a simulated suede headliner. Previously, some of these features were standard on the Limited trim, which now shared its exterior look with the Palisade SEL. The Calligraphy trim gave the vehicle a more luxurious appearance, drawing attention with its unconventional styling. Inside, the Palisade Calligraphy impressed with its Beige over Navy Blue color scheme, premium Nappa leather, and simulated wood trim, offering a cabin that felt more expensive than its price suggested.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma pickup, giving it a rugged appearance with a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia. However, its design introduced some softness with a character line over the rear wheel arch, creating a somewhat disjointed look. The interior featured an asymmetrical dash with a metallic styling element and a high-mounted infotainment touchscreen. The Bronze Edition test vehicle had light grey fabric upholstery with a triangle motif, which seemed less durable for families. The Softex synthetic leather felt more like vinyl, and genuine leather was only available on higher trims. The third row had more hard plastics, making it less comfortable for passengers.

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 choose 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 provided excellent body-motion control and a firmer suspension, making it enjoyable to drive without encouraging aggressive behavior. It offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with a new seven-pin trailer connector.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 243 horsepower, paired with a CVT and standard front-wheel drive. An optional AWD system used an electric motor for the rear axle. It reached 60 mph in just over 8 seconds. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick but tepid response, with the gasoline engine supplying more power. The CVT created an uninspired drone under heavy acceleration. The Highlander Hybrid offered a soft ride quality, with a quiet cabin on the highway, making it comfortable for family trips.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered a spacious interior with eight-way power-adjustable front seats and heated steering. The second-row captain’s chairs provided ample legroom and support, sliding for passenger and cargo needs. The third-row seat was more accommodating than most in its class. The Palisade had 18 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 86.4 cubic feet with seats folded. It featured a hands-free Smart Liftgate for easy access.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid had well-cushioned front seats with plenty of adjustments. The second-row seats were spacious, with sliding and reclining capabilities. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space measured 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded. The Highlander offered ample storage options, including trays and large door pockets.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Both allowed pairing of two smartphones via Bluetooth, with the smaller screen offering 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, a Driver Talk intercom, and a head-up display enhanced convenience.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option for higher trims. The system was responsive, with physical shortcut buttons and climate controls. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa were standard, with wireless charging on XLE trims and above. Navigation and a JBL audio system were available on higher trims.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping systems. It featured a rear occupant alert system and a Blind View Monitor on higher trims. Highway Drive Assist provided smooth adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a five-star NHTSA rating and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. It included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The Platinum trim offered a surround-view camera and adaptive headlights. The safety systems generally worked well but needed some fine-tuning.