2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2025 Hyundai Palisade

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner was a nostalgic nod to the past, with its design largely unchanged since 2010. Its boxy shape and flared fenders gave it a rugged, stable appearance, ideal for off-road adventures. The TRD Pro model enhanced this tough persona with underbody skid plates and all-terrain tires, while the tubular roof rack suggested readiness for challenging terrains. Inside, the 4Runner's old-school styling and outdated technology were evident, with an analog instrument panel and a small eight-inch infotainment touchscreen. Despite the hard plastic interior, cushioned panels and grained seat upholstery provided some comfort, though the materials felt more like vinyl than leather.

In contrast, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade stood out with its bold design, especially after the 2023 refresh that introduced a more angular and technical look. The Palisade's exterior was balanced and upscale, offering a design value that belied its sticker price. Inside, even the base SE trim exuded a modern and premium feel, with higher trims like the Calligraphy featuring luxury touches such as premium leather and metal speaker grilles. The Palisade was packed with thoughtful details, including USB ports in the front seatbacks, smartphone storage pockets, and a Leading Vehicle Departure Alert. It was available in seven trim levels, with prices ranging from $37,200 to $54,500, excluding destination charges.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. While these figures were comparable to competitors like the Bronco and Wrangler, the 4Runner's five-speed automatic transmission was a drawback, limiting acceleration and fuel efficiency. The TRD Pro model featured standard four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case, with other trims offering rear-wheel drive and optional four-wheel drive. On-road performance was less impressive, with slow acceleration and a noisy engine. The soft suspension, while beneficial for off-roading, resulted in body roll and a floaty ride on highways.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade, on the other hand, boasted a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Palisade offered a smooth and refined driving experience, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. It averaged 22 mpg in combined driving, though real-world tests showed slightly lower figures. The Palisade's ride was firm at lower speeds but softened at higher speeds, handling speed bumps with ease. The powertrain was satisfying, with smooth shifts and a pleasant engine sound, making it a delight in a segment moving towards turbocharged four-cylinders.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior was straightforward, with large climate-control dials and sturdy handles for off-road stability. Visibility was excellent, and the front seats offered ample space, though the steering wheel's limited telescoping range could be an issue for taller drivers. The second row provided good legroom, but headroom was limited due to the elevated bench. Cargo space was generous, with 47.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 89.7 cubic feet with seats stowed. However, the lack of remote seat releases and a powered liftgate were drawbacks.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade offered three rows of adult-friendly seating, with our test vehicle featuring a seven-passenger setup. The Calligraphy trim included Nappa leather, power-adjustable front seats, and a massaging driver's seat. The second-row captain's chairs were heated and ventilated, with good support and legroom. The third row, though snug, was heated and equipped with USB-C ports and air vents. Storage was thoughtful, with adjustable cupholders and dedicated smartphone trays. The Smart Liftgate provided hands-free access, and cargo space ranged from 18 cubic feet behind the third row to 86.4 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the small eight-inch touchscreen was challenging to use while driving. The TRD Pro model featured a 15-speaker JBL audio system, though road noise often obscured its quality. Additional terrain controls were available, but their pictogram labels required consulting the owner's manual for full understanding.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade's technology, while not the latest, was comprehensive. It featured a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though smartphone connectivity required a cable. The system included Bluetooth support, wireless charging, SiriusXM, and Bluelink+ services. The voice recognition system was impressive, and the Harman Kardon audio system delivered commendable sound. Additional features included a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and surround-view camera system.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with four stars from NHTSA for overall and frontal crash protection, and five stars for side impacts. The IIHS gave it "Good" ratings for moderate overlap and side protection tests, but "Marginal" and "Poor" results in newer tests. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning, though the alerts were often oversensitive.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. These included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and Highway Driving Assist. Higher trims added features like a surround-view camera and Remote Smart Parking Assist. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick from IIHS through 2024, though a Poor rating in a new test affected its 2025 accolade. NHTSA ratings included five stars for frontal impact and four stars for rollover resistance.