2027 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade underwent significant design changes, presenting a more upright and squared-off profile. Its standout feature was the front lighting, with rectangular slashes flanking a massive grille, giving it a bold and distinctive appearance. Inside, the Palisade embraced a Midcentury Modern aesthetic with flowing shapes and simple lines, creating a refined and relaxing environment. The interior materials were of high quality, with the top-spec Calligraphy model offering a luxurious feel, while the off-road-oriented XRT Pro maintained durability with high-quality materials. The Palisade grew in size, offering seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on the configuration.

In contrast, the 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser offered two distinct versions: the basic Land Cruiser 1958 and a higher trim level. The 1958 featured round headlights and cloth seats, while the higher trim boasted rectangular lamps and artificial leather upholstery. The higher trim also offered more color options and features. Starting at $59,775, the 1958 catered to those seeking a functional vehicle, while the upmarket version, priced from $64,620, targeted buyers desiring more luxury. The test vehicle, equipped with various options, emphasized function over form, with a focus on off-roading capabilities. The cabin, though not as upscale as the Lexus GX, featured soft leather upholstery and generous padding, exuding quality despite a few minor flaws.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 287 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Although slightly less powerful than its predecessor, the Palisade's engine was sufficient for moving the large SUV and its passengers. The eight-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, and the ride was comfortable yet controlled. The Palisade's suspension offered good isolation from road imperfections, and the brakes were improved for shorter stopping distances. With a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, the Palisade was versatile for various recreational activities. The HTRAC AWD system provided flexibility with different driving modes, enhancing off-road capabilities, especially in the XRT Pro trim with its additional off-road features.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser featured the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD offered a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. The Land Cruiser's fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg combined, though real-world testing showed slightly lower figures. Off-road capabilities were enhanced with features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select modes. The Land Cruiser handled various terrains with ease, though it exhibited some body roll and drivetrain clunks during daily driving. Despite these quirks, it remained a capable off-roader with a rugged feel.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade offered a spacious interior with options for captain’s chairs or a second-row bench seat. While accessing the third row required some maneuvering, it was suitable for occasional adult use. Passengers had access to USB-C ports, cupholders, and air vents throughout the cabin. The Palisade's interior was designed for comfort, with heated and ventilated seats available in higher trims. Cargo space was ample, with a maximum of 86.7 cubic feet available, though slightly behind some competitors.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser provided comfortable seating for up to five people, with power-adjustable front seats and genuine leather available in higher trims. Storage options were limited, with a small center console cool box and cupholders unable to accommodate larger bottles. The cargo area offered 46.2 cubic feet of space, expanding to 82.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, the high liftover height and lack of a flat loading surface made it challenging to load bulky items.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Calligraphy model included a head-up display and integrated dashcams. The Palisade's tech offerings included a Surround View Monitor, in-car intercom, and a UV-light cleaning system. The Bose audio system provided excellent sound quality, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser came with a 7-inch digital driver display and an 8-inch touchscreen in the 1958 model, while the higher trim offered 12.3-inch displays. The infotainment system included wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Premium Package added a JBL audio system, digital rearview mirror, and head-up display. The Intelligent Assistant worked well, though it occasionally misinterpreted commands. The system was user-friendly, though the lack of a home screen was a minor drawback.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning. While safety ratings were not available at press time, the previous model performed well. The Calligraphy model added evasive steering assist and an upgraded Highway Driving Assist II system. In testing, the safety systems were generally effective, though not infallible.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Proactive Driving Assist provided additional safety, though it could be overly aggressive. The Premium Package added lane-change assist and Traffic Jam Assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and mixed ratings from IIHS, with some areas for improvement.