Hyundai Palisade 79·Toyota Highlander 78on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota Highlander about $431 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota Highlander is the cheaper one to own — roughly $431 less over five years, helped by better fuel economy. The Hyundai Palisade counters with more cargo room (19.1 vs 16 cu ft) and seating for 8.
Go with the Toyota Highlander for the better long-term value; consider the Hyundai Palisade if you prioritize more cargo space and more passenger space.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Hyundai Palisade vs. Toyota Highlander
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Hyundai Palisade versus 2026 Toyota Highlander.
Metric
Hyundai Palisade
Toyota Highlander
MotiveGrid Score
79
78
Cost of Ownership
72
73
Powertrain
48
70
Driver Assistance
32
43
Livability
71
46
Safety
100
93
5-Year Cost to Own
$58,021
$57,590
Depreciation (5-yr)
$20,112
$19,174
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$16,036
$14,034
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,790
$12,325
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,915
$1,790
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$2,150
Financing (5-yr)
$5,933
$6,901
Registration (5-yr)
$1,085
$1,215
Starting Price
$39,435
$45,870
Horsepower
287 hp
265 hp
MPG (combined)
21 mpg
24 mpg
Cargo volume
19.1 cu ft
16 cu ft
Seating
8
7
Towing capacity
—
5,000 lbs
Drivetrain
FWD
AWD
Gas
2026$39,435
MSRP
$39,435
Mo · 5yr
$967
$58,021 / 5 years
Best for families
Gas
2026$45,870
MSRP
$45,870
Mo · 5yr
$960
$57,590 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Hyundai Palisade scores higher overall.
Hyundai Palisade
0
/ 100
Toyota Highlander
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Palisade
72
Highlander
73
Winner: Highlander
$431 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Palisade
48
Highlander
70
Winner: Highlander
+22 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Palisade
32
Highlander
43
Winner: Highlander
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Palisade
71
Highlander
46
Winner: Palisade
+25 pts
Roomy cabin and cargo▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Too close to call — these two vehicles are within $431 of each other over 5 years. The cost difference is small enough that your priorities should drive the decision.
Hyundai Palisade wins on best for families; Toyota Highlander wins on best for long-term savings.
Daily commuter
Toyota Highlander
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota Highlander
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Hyundai Palisade
Better safety rating with slightly more cargo room and a 6th seat
Highway driver
Toyota Highlander
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Toyota Highlander
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Hyundai Palisade
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$967
$58,021 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$967/mo
Toyota Highlander
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$960
$57,590 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$960/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Toyota Highlander would need 15.1 years to recoup its $6,435 price premium ($425/yr in savings) — longer than most people own a car. Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Toyota Highlander comes out about $431 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.
