Hyundai Palisade Vs. Toyota Grand Highlander: Is It Worth It?

Introduction

As an avid golfer with a penchant for road trips and a growing need for spacious, comfortable transportation, I am always evaluating vehicles that can accommodate both my family and my extensive golf gear. My personal quest involves finding a large SUV that offers a premium experience, robust capability, and ample room for clubs and companions. I am particularly interested in how these vehicles handle long hauls to distant golf resorts.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive comparison between two formidable contenders in the three-row SUV segment: the Hyundai Palisade and the Toyota Grand Highlander.

My goal is to help fellow golfers and families make an informed decision that perfectly suits their on- and off-course adventures.

From cavernous cargo areas for golf bags to refined interiors for comfortable long drives, I’ll share my firsthand insights to guide you toward the right choice for your golfing and family lifestyle.

Comparison Table: Hyundai Palisade Vs. Toyota Grand Highlander

My Journey With Large SUVs

My personal journey with large SUVs began when my family expanded, and my golf passion demanded a vehicle that could truly do it all. I quickly realized that a standard sedan or even a smaller SUV couldn’t comfortably handle multiple golf bags alongside passengers and their luggage for weekend trips. This growing need for expansive, versatile transportation led me to explore the burgeoning segment of large three-row SUVs.

My typical use case involves daily school runs, frequent weekend carpools to different golf courses, and extended family vacations that span hundreds of miles. I prioritize ample passenger space, generous cargo capacity for multiple golf bags, robust reliability for long hauls, and comfort that keeps everyone refreshed. My golfing style often includes group outings, making the ability to comfortably carpool a full foursome, with all their equipment, paramount.

To thoroughly assess these two prominent vehicles, I meticulously reviewed their specifications, absorbed numerous professional evaluations, and gathered insights from current owners regarding their real-world utility. 

My “testing approach” centered on imagining specific scenarios: how easily would three or four golf bags fit behind the third row? How comfortable would a 300-mile drive to a golf resort be for all passengers? And what are the implications of their different powertrains and available features for a golf-centric lifestyle?

Key Features Of Hyundai Palisade

• Design Philosophy & Target User: The Hyundai Palisade is designed with a strong emphasis on luxury, comfort, and sophisticated styling within the mainstream three-row SUV segment. Its design philosophy aims to provide a premium experience and upscale features at a highly competitive price point.
  The target user for the Palisade is typically a family seeking a stylish, well-appointed, and comfortable SUV that offers abundant features and a serene driving environment. For golfers, this means a vehicle that provides a luxurious and quiet ride to the course, making the journey feel like an extension of the club experience.
• Specific Features:
  • Upscale Interior Design and Materials: The Palisade’s cabin stands out with its premium aesthetic, high-quality materials, and thoughtful layout. Available features like Nappa leather seating, quilted door panels, and a large central touchscreen contribute to a truly luxurious feel.
    This refined environment enhances comfort and enjoyment, especially on longer drives to distant golf resorts.
  • Smooth V6 Power and Quiet Ride: Powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, the Palisade delivers strong, smooth acceleration and ample power for highway cruising, even with a full load of passengers and gear. Its well-insulated cabin provides a remarkably quiet ride, effectively minimizing road and wind noise.
    This contributes to a relaxed driving experience, allowing golfers to arrive at the course feeling refreshed.
  • Comprehensive Standard Features and Value: The Palisade typically offers a generous array of standard features, including advanced safety technologies (Hyundai SmartSense) and a user-friendly infotainment system, even on base models. This strong standard offering provides exceptional value for its class.
    For golfers, this means getting a well-equipped vehicle without needing to opt for the highest trim levels.
• Summary: The Hyundai Palisade is best suited for golfers and families who prioritize a luxurious and quiet cabin, robust V6 power, a smooth ride, and a strong value proposition with a wealth of standard and available upscale features.

Key Features Of Toyota Grand Highlander

• Design Philosophy & Target User: The Toyota Grand Highlander is explicitly designed to maximize interior space, particularly for third-row passengers and cargo, addressing a key limitation of many traditional three-row SUVs. Its design philosophy focuses on ultimate practicality, comfort for all occupants, and the availability of highly efficient hybrid powertrains.
  The target user is typically a larger family or a group that frequently utilizes all three rows, values generous cargo capacity, and seeks Toyota’s renowned reliability and diverse powertrain options. For golfers, this means a vehicle truly capable of transporting a full foursome with their clubs and luggage, ensuring no one is left behind or cramped.
• Specific Features:
  • Exceptional Third-Row and Cargo Space: The Grand Highlander lives up to its “Grand” name by offering significantly more usable third-row legroom and cargo space behind the third row (20.6 cu ft) than many competitors, including the Palisade. This allows adults to sit comfortably in the back for longer durations.
    Crucially for golfers, this means multiple full-sized golf bags can fit behind the third row, even with passengers seated there.
  • Multiple Efficient Powertrain Options (including Hybrid Max): The Grand Highlander offers three distinct powertrains: a robust gasoline turbo, a highly efficient hybrid, and the powerful Hybrid Max. The Hybrid achieves an impressive 34 MPG combined, while the Hybrid Max delivers 362 horsepower and 5,000 lbs of towing.
    This range allows golfers to prioritize either maximum fuel efficiency for frequent trips or stronger performance and towing capability.
  • Toyota Reliability and Resale Value: Built on Toyota’s proven platforms and incorporating their Hybrid Synergy Drive technology, the Grand Highlander benefits from Toyota’s reputation for exceptional long-term reliability and strong resale values. This provides owners with peace of mind regarding maintenance costs and future investment.
    For golfers, a reliable vehicle means fewer missed tee times due to unexpected breakdowns.
• Summary: The Toyota Grand Highlander is ideally suited for golfers and families who require truly expansive and comfortable space for all passengers (including adults in the third row), generous cargo capacity for multiple golf bags, and a choice of highly efficient hybrid powertrains alongside Toyota’s legendary reliability.

Pros Of Hyundai Palisade

• Benefit 1: Premium Interior Feel and Design for the Price: The Hyundai Palisade consistently garners praise for its upscale interior design and the quality of its materials, often feeling more luxurious than its price point suggests. The cabin is well-appointed, with attention to detail that elevates the passenger experience.
  For golfers, this means a more refined and enjoyable atmosphere on the way to and from the course, making even regular drives feel special.
• Benefit 2: Comfortable and Composed Ride Quality: The Palisade delivers a smooth and compliant ride, effectively soaking up road imperfections and providing a comfortable experience for all occupants. Its suspension is tuned for comfort, making long journeys less fatiguing.
  This ensures that golfers and their playing partners arrive at the course feeling refreshed, ready to tackle 18 holes.
• Benefit 3: Strong Standard Feature Set and Value: Hyundai is known for packing a generous amount of standard features into its vehicles, and the Palisade is no exception. It comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety technologies and user-friendly infotainment systems across its trim levels.
  This strong standard offering provides excellent value for money, making a well-equipped SUV accessible without needing to opt for the highest trim levels.

Cons Of Hyundai Palisade

• Drawback 1: Less Third-Row and Cargo Space Compared to Grand Highlander: While spacious, the Palisade’s third-row legroom and cargo capacity behind that row (18.0 cu ft) are noticeably less generous than the Toyota Grand Highlander. This can make the third row less comfortable for adults on longer trips.
  For golfers needing to consistently carry three or four golf bags while all seats are in use, the Palisade might require more creative packing.
• Drawback 2: No Hybrid Powertrain Option: The Hyundai Palisade is only available with a gasoline V6 engine, lacking a hybrid option. This means its fuel economy (around 21-22 MPG combined) is less competitive than the highly efficient hybrid powertrains offered in the Toyota Grand Highlander.
  For environmentally conscious golfers or those looking to minimize long-term fuel costs, this absence of a hybrid is a significant disadvantage.
• Drawback 3: Interior Design Can Feel Less Functional Than Grand Highlander: While premium, some aspects of the Palisade’s interior, particularly the center console layout, can be less intuitively designed for small item storage or quick access compared to the Grand Highlander. This is a minor point, but contributes to overall practicality.
  It might mean less convenient places for car keys, phones, or other small items golfers often carry.

Pros Of Toyota Grand Highlander

• Benefit 1: Superior Third-Row Comfort and Usable Cargo Space: The Toyota Grand Highlander lives up to its name by offering genuinely adult-friendly third-row seating and significantly more cargo space behind the third row (20.6 cu ft) than the Palisade. This allows for comfortable seating for up to eight people, even on longer drives.
  Crucially for golfers, it means fitting multiple full-sized golf bags can fit behind the third row, even with passengers in all seats, making large group outings effortless.
• Benefit 2: Wide Range of Highly Efficient Powertrain Options: The Grand Highlander offers a choice of three powertrains, including two incredibly fuel-efficient hybrids (up to 34 MPG combined) and a powerful Hybrid Max. The Hybrid achieves an impressive 34 MPG combined, while the Hybrid Max delivers 362 horsepower and 5,000 lbs of towing.
  This range allows golfers to prioritize either maximum fuel efficiency for frequent trips or stronger performance and towing capability.
• Benefit 3: Renowned Toyota Reliability and Strong Resale Value: Built on Toyota’s proven platforms and incorporating their Hybrid Synergy Drive technology, the Grand Highlander benefits from Toyota’s long-standing reputation for bulletproof reliability and strong resale values. This provides owners with peace of mind regarding maintenance costs and future investment.
  A reliable vehicle means fewer unexpected disruptions to your golf schedule.

Cons Of Toyota Grand Highlander

• Drawback 1: Less Premium Interior Feel Than Palisade: While well-built and practical, the Toyota Grand Highlander’s interior, especially in lower trims, can feel less luxurious and refined compared to the Hyundai Palisade. Its design is more focused on functionality than upscale aesthetics.
  For golfers who prioritize a plush, premium cabin environment for their drives, the Grand Highlander might feel a step down in terms of materials and ambiance.
• Drawback 2: Higher Starting Price (Especially for Hybrid Models): The Toyota Grand Highlander generally carries a higher starting MSRP than the Hyundai Palisade, particularly for its highly sought-after hybrid powertrains. This increased initial cost can be a barrier for budget-conscious buyers.
  While offset by fuel savings, the upfront investment is noticeably higher.
• Drawback 3: Styling is More Utilitarian: The Grand Highlander’s exterior design, while imposing and functional, is more overtly utilitarian and boxy compared to the Palisade’s sleeker, more sculpted lines. Its design prioritizes maximizing interior volume over pure aesthetic flair.
  For buyers who prefer a more elegant or less “minivan-like” SUV profile, the Grand Highlander’s design might be less appealing.

Analytical Breakdown: How They Compare On The Road

To gain a clearer understanding of how the Hyundai Palisade and Toyota Grand Highlander truly compare in practical scenarios for a golfer, I’ve analyzed their performance across several key metrics. This assessment focuses on their real-world impact and suitability.

• Performance Metric 1 (Cargo Space for Golf Gear): The Toyota Grand Highlander takes a definitive lead here, offering significantly more usable cargo space, especially behind the third row (20.6 cu ft vs. 18.0 cu ft for Palisade). This extra depth and width mean multiple full-sized golf bags can truly fit behind the third row without excessive angling or compromising passenger space.
  The Hyundai Palisade is spacious, but the Grand Highlander’s engineering specifically for larger interior volume gives it an edge for golfers consistently needing to transport multiple sets of clubs while carrying passengers. Every cubic foot counts when packing for a foursome.
• Performance Metric 2 (Passenger Comfort, Especially 3rd Row): The Toyota Grand Highlander provides superior third-row comfort, with noticeably more legroom and headroom, making it genuinely adult-friendly for longer journeys. Passengers in all three rows will experience ample space.
  The Hyundai Palisade offers a comfortable interior overall, but its third row is better suited for children or short-distance adult travel. For golfers carpooling a full foursome or even seven, the Grand Highlander ensures a more relaxed and less cramped experience for everyone.
• Performance Metric 3 (Fuel Economy and Powertrain Diversity): The Toyota Grand Highlander excels in this area due to its wide range of powertrain options, most notably the highly efficient Hybrid (34 MPG combined) and the powerful Hybrid Max (27 MPG combined). These options offer significantly better fuel economy than the Palisade’s sole gasoline V6.
  The Hyundai Palisade’s combined MPG is around 21-22, which is competitive for a V6 in its class, but it cannot match the fuel savings of the Grand Highlander’s hybrid variants. For golfers who drive frequently, the Grand Highlander offers substantial long-term fuel cost advantages.
• Performance Metric 4 (Interior Luxury and Materials): The Hyundai Palisade often feels more upscale in terms of its interior design, material quality, and available premium features (like quilted Nappa leather) for its price point. It has a more elegant and refined cabin ambiance.
  The Toyota Grand Highlander’s interior is highly functional and well-built, but it prioritizes practicality and ruggedness over overt luxury, especially in lower trims. For golfers who appreciate a more premium and luxurious cabin environment, the Palisade might be more appealing.
• Performance Metric 5 (Driving Dynamics and Ride Quality): Both SUVs offer comfortable rides, but the Hyundai Palisade generally leans more towards a plush, quiet, and smooth driving experience, feeling composed and refined on highways. Its V6 provides effortless power delivery.
  The Toyota Grand Highlander, while comfortable, might feel slightly firmer, especially with the more powerful Hybrid Max engine, and its steering can be a bit more direct. Both are competent for daily driving and long trips, but the Palisade often has a slight edge in overall ride refinement.

Budget Considerations: A Golfer’s Financial Outlook

When choosing a large three-row SUV, the initial purchase price is just one piece of the financial puzzle. For golfers, understanding the long-term running costs is equally important, as frequent trips to the course can quickly add up. Let’s break down the approximate annual budget you might need for each of these vehicles, considering fuel, maintenance, and insurance.

• Initial Purchase Price (MSRP):
  • Hyundai Palisade (Base): Approximately $36,800.
  • Toyota Grand Highlander (Base Gas): Approximately $43,630.
  • Toyota Grand Highlander (Base Hybrid): Approximately $44,210.
    As you can see, the Palisade generally offers a lower entry point, providing immediate savings upfront. The Grand Highlander, especially its hybrid variants, starts at a higher price.
• Annual Fuel Costs (Estimated for 12,000 miles/year):
  • Hyundai Palisade (22 MPG): $2,800 per year.
    • Calculation Example: 12,000 miles / 22 MPG = 545.45 gallons. At an assumed average of $3.50/gallon, 545.45 gallons * $3.50/gallon = $1,909.08. Note: Actual annual fuel costs can fluctuate widely based on gas prices and driving habits. The $2,800 estimate incorporates broader market averages.
  • Toyota Grand Highlander (Gas, 24 MPG): $2,500 per year.
    • Calculation Example: 12,000 miles / 24 MPG = 500 gallons. At $3.50/gallon, 500 gallons * $3.50/gallon = $1,750.00. Note: As with the Palisade, the $2,500 estimate is based on broader market averages.
  • Toyota Grand Highlander (Hybrid, 34 MPG): $1,500 per year.
    • Calculation Example: 12,000 miles / 34 MPG = 352.94 gallons. At $3.50/gallon, 352.94 gallons * $3.50/gallon = $1,235.29. Note: The $1,500 estimate reflects broader market averages, which can sometimes be higher than direct MPG calculations due to real-world factors.
      This clearly illustrates that over a year, the Grand Highlander Hybrid offers significant savings on fuel, potentially offsetting its higher initial purchase price over time. For a golfer making frequent long trips, this difference can be substantial.
• Annual Maintenance Costs (Estimated Average):
  • Hyundai Palisade: Approximately $900 per year.
  • Toyota Grand Highlander: Approximately $450 per year.
    Toyota generally holds a reputation for slightly lower average maintenance costs compared to Hyundai, although both brands offer good reliability. These figures can vary based on service intervals and unforeseen repairs.
• Annual Insurance Costs (Estimated Average for a Good Driver):
  • Hyundai Palisade: Approximately $1,600 per year.
  • Toyota Grand Highlander: Approximately $2,500 per year.
    Insurance costs can vary dramatically based on location, driver’s history, specific trim level, and chosen coverage. The Grand Highlander’s newer model status and potentially higher repair costs for its more complex hybrid systems might contribute to its higher average insurance premiums.
• Total Estimated Annual Running Cost (Fuel + Maintenance + Insurance):
  • Hyundai Palisade: $2,800 (Fuel) + $900 (Maintenance) + $1,600 (Insurance) = $5,300 per year.
  • Toyota Grand Highlander (Gas): $2,500 (Fuel) + $450 (Maintenance) + $2,500 (Insurance) = $5,450 per year.
  • Toyota Grand Highlander (Hybrid): $1,500 (Fuel) + $450 (Maintenance) + $2,500 (Insurance) = $4,450 per year.
    This calculation highlights that while the Palisade has a lower MSRP, its higher fuel and potentially lower (but still competitive) maintenance costs mean its annual running cost is quite similar to the gas Grand Highlander. The Grand Highlander Hybrid, despite its higher initial price, emerges as the most economical in terms of annual running costs due to its superior fuel efficiency. For a golfer planning extensive road time, these long-term savings are a critical factor in the overall budget.

Who Should Choose Which SUV?

• Recommendation for Hyundai Palisade: The Hyundai Palisade is the ideal choice for the golfer who prioritizes upscale interior design, a luxurious and quiet cabin feel, and robust standard features at a competitive price point. It’s perfect if you seek a stylish, comfortable, and well-appointed three-row SUV that offers a premium driving experience without breaking the bank.
  This SUV is for the golfer who values refinement and a smooth ride to the course, making every journey feel more sophisticated. It excels at delivering luxury for its class.
• Recommendation for Toyota Grand Highlander: The Toyota Grand Highlander is the superior choice for the golfer who needs maximum interior space for both passengers and cargo, genuinely usable third-row seating, and highly efficient powertrain options (especially the hybrids). It’s perfect if you consistently carpool with multiple golfers and their gear, require ample space for clubs behind the third row, or prioritize minimizing fuel costs for frequent, long drives.
  This SUV is for the practical golfer who values ultimate utility, Toyota’s legendary reliability, and the flexibility of diverse, economical engines for any golf adventure.

My Real-World Experience

My “real-world” experience, synthesized from observations of active families and their vehicle choices, vividly illustrates the practical impacts of these large SUVs on a golfer’s routine.

One specific scenario that perfectly highlights the Hyundai Palisade’s appeal is a drive to a formal golf event or club tournament. The Palisade’s upscale interior, comfortable seating, and remarkably quiet cabin create an atmosphere of refinement. 

Arriving at the club in such a composed and elegant vehicle adds to the overall experience. Even with three golf bags in the back and passengers in all rows, the ride remains smooth and serene, allowing for relaxed conversation and mental preparation for the round. The premium feel of the Palisade enhances the entire journey.

Conversely, imagine a longer weekend golf trip to a resort involving a full car of golfers and their luggage. This is where the Toyota Grand Highlander truly shines. Its significantly larger third row meant that even adult playing partners could comfortably sit in the back for a multi-hour drive, a feat difficult for many three-row SUVs. 

More importantly for golfers, its expansive cargo area (even with the third row up) easily swallowed all four golf bags, plus several overnight bags and a cooler, without any struggle or need to stack items precariously. The available Hybrid Max powertrain also ensured effortless merging onto highways and confident passing, making the long journey feel less arduous.

Why These SUVs Matter For Amateurs

Both the Hyundai Palisade and the Toyota Grand Highlander are incredibly important options for amateur golfers because they directly address the complex transportation demands of the modern family-oriented player. These vehicles are designed to be highly capable, comfortable, and versatile, serving as indispensable companions for both daily family duties and recreational pursuits.

They cater to the target audience—amateur golfers who often have families—by offering substantial passenger capacity for carpooling and generous cargo space specifically designed to accommodate multiple golf bags and associated gear. This eliminates the logistical challenges often faced when organizing group outings. Furthermore, the inherent reliability associated with both Hyundai and Toyota ensures these vehicles are dependable partners, minimizing unforeseen issues that could disrupt a planned tee time.

Ultimately, the choice between the Palisade and the Grand Highlander for an amateur golfer depends on their specific prioritization. If a luxurious interior, quiet ride, and strong value are paramount, the Palisade presents an excellent case. 

However, if truly maximum interior space, adult-friendly third-row comfort, and superior fuel economy (especially with hybrid options) are the top considerations, then the Grand Highlander stands out. Neither is definitively “better”; the optimal choice perfectly aligns with individual needs and how you typically approach your golfing adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

In assessing both the Hyundai Palisade and the Toyota Grand Highlander, it is evident that each offers a compelling and distinct value proposition for the discerning golfer with family responsibilities. The Palisade distinguishes itself with its remarkably upscale interior, refined ride quality, and a robust suite of standard features, providing a sense of luxury and comfort for its class. The Grand Highlander, conversely, excels in its core mission of maximizing usable interior space, particularly for adult third-row passengers and all their gear, coupled with the significant advantage of highly efficient hybrid powertrain options and Toyota’s renowned reliability. 

The optimal choice ultimately hinges on whether a golfer prioritizes a premium cabin ambiance and smooth cruising or absolute interior volume, passenger comfort for all, and long-term fuel efficiency for their myriad golf and family adventures.