Compare Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, 2025. Find out the major differences in space, performance, fuel economy, and features to find the perfect midsize SUV to fit your family.
The Toyota Highlander is a midsize crossover SUV and one of the most popular Toyota family vehicles. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Overview
- Type: Midsize SUV (3 row crossover)
- First Introduced: 2000
- 4th generation: 4th generation (2020, 2023)
- Seating: 8 passengers (trim and configuration dependent)
Key Features
- Engines (2025 model):
o 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder (instead of older V6)
o Hybrid alternative (2.5L 4 cylinders with electric motors)
- Drivetrain: standard, front-wheel, optional, All-wheel drive.
- Fuel Economy:
o Turbo engine: ~24–25 MPG combined
o Hybrid: ~35 MPG combined
- Technology:
12.3-inch touchscreen (available)
o Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
o Toyota Safety Sense (cruise, lane keep assist, etc.)
Cargo Space: ~16 cu. ft. behind 3rd row, to a maximum of ~84 cu. ft. when folded.
Strengths
- Comfortable ride
- Good reputation of reliability.
- Very good hybrid economy.
- Lots of safety technology and family-friendly.
Considerations
- The turbo motor is weaker than the older V6.
- Third row is kid friendly (snug on adults)
- Some competitors can carry more towing capacity or off-road capacity.
Highlander vs Competitors Model Overview 2025.
Toyota Highlander (2025)
- Engine: 2.4 L, turbo-4, 265 hp, 310 lb-ft: 8-speed automatic and optional AWD.
- Fuel Economy: approx 24 25 MPG combined.
- Cargo/capacity: ~16 cu ft behind the 3rd row, max. of 84 cu ft when the seats are folded. Seats up to 7. Towing capacity about 5,000 lbs.
- Pros: Smooth ride, legendary power, family content and security. Pricing starts around $41,270.
Honda Pilot (2025)
- Powertrain: 3.5 L V6 with 285 hp, with 10-speed automatic. AWD optional on select trims.
- Space: Seats up to 8. Cargo volume 111.8 cu ft. Passenger volume significantly greater 154.9 cu ft.
Notable: Bigger, stronger, bigger space, and more performance oriented tech compared with Highlander.
Hyundai Palisade (2025-26)
- Powertrain: 287 hp V6 on 8-speed auto; North American hybrid option showing up with an estimated 334 hp.
- Interior and technology: 12.3-inch touchscreen, digital cluster (standard); premium audio (upgradeable). Good second-row legroom in comparison with others.
- Cargo: About 21 cu ft behind the 3rd row; max. about 87 cu ft.
Kia Telluride (2025)
- Powertrain: 3.8 L V6 generating ~291 hp.
- Features & Awards: Upscale interior with excellent standard tech, including leatherette seats, premium sound and head-up display, in-car intercom and has won several industry accolades.
- Cargo & Warranty: 21 cu ft or so behind the 3rd row. Has long 10-year powertrain warranty.
| Model | Powertrain / Performance | Seating & Space | Highlights |
| Highlander | 2.4 L turbo, 265 hp, ~24 MPG | 7 seats, ~84 cu ft max | Reliable, efficient, smooth ride |
| Pilot | 3.5 L V6, 285 hp | 8 seats, ~112 cu ft max | Most spacious and powerful of the four |
| Palisade | 287 hp V6; hybrid coming soon | 7–8 seats, ~87 cu ft max | Tech-rich, roomy, hybrid soon |
| Telluride | ~291 hp V6 | Similar space to Palisade | Upscale feel, award-winning, long warranty |
Professional & End-User Resolutions.
- Edmunds Ratings: Telluride has been rated higher than Highlander in driving, cabin comfort, and value. Highlander was better in fuel economy.
- Edmunds Best Family SUVs: Telluride with its upscale interior and third-row space; Grand Highlander (larger version of the Highlander) has been praised as an efficient (and hybrid) car.
- Consumer Insight: A Highlander owner on Reddit said, this new turbo appears fairly smooth and has some pep to it… Both are about the same mpg.”
- Shopping Hack: There are currently attractive financing/lease promotions on all brands (Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisades, etc.) through mid-year.
Recommendation Guidance
- Fuel Economy and Reliability Priority? → Highlander.
- Must have lots of room and power? → Pilot.
- Love Tech & Comfort (and hybrid in the future)? → Palisade.
- Feel and Value Upscale? → Telluride.
Conclusion
Certainly, Toyota Highlander is different as it is fuel efficient and reliable as well as they have a hybrid version of a car and Toyota Highlander car is the one supposed to be driven by the family that would require long term dependability as well as savings at the gas pump. But when you need more interior room and power, the Honda Pilot is the more powerful option. If you desire luxury features and high-tech functionality, the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride have similar cabin levels and spacious seats, with the Telluride having the best warranty in the industry. In the end, it comes down to what is most important to you between efficiency, space, or comfort.
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