2026 Hyundai Palisade vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander near Wausau, WI
2026 Hyundai Palisade vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
When families compare 2026 Hyundai Palisade vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander, the conversation quickly moves from size and seating to technology, refinement, and confidence in daily life. The all-new 2026 Hyundai Palisade arrives with a reengineered platform, a first-ever hybrid option, and thoughtful amenities that raise the bar for comfort and safety. From available first- and second-row Relaxation seats and a power-folding, sliding, and power-reclining third row to HTRAC® AWD with Tow Mode and new Mud, Sand, and Snow terrain settings, it is built for the realities of the Upper Midwest. Our team at Stevens Point Auto Center welcomes shoppers near Wausau, WI who want more than the basics in a three-row SUV. The Palisade brings an available built-in dual-camera Dash Cam, UV-C sterilization compartment, and next-generation Bluelink® connectivity with OTA capabilities to keep the vehicle’s software current. Meanwhile, the Grand Highlander continues Toyota’s strengths in space, powertrain choice, and Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0, but it doesn’t match Palisade’s unique convenience and cabin innovations. We are confident families will feel the difference the moment they step in and set off, especially for winter commuting near Wausau, WI or weekend road trips that start near Wausau, WI.
| Feature | 2026 Hyundai Palisade | 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid powertrain available | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in dual-camera Dash Cam | Yes | No |
| UV-C sterilization compartment available | Yes | No |
| First- and second-row Relaxation seats with leg support available | Yes | No |
| Power-folding, sliding, and power-reclining third-row seats available | Yes | No |
| XRT PRO model with eLSD and recovery hooks | Yes | No |
| Advanced Rear Occupant Alert with motion detection | Yes | No |
| Available 14-speaker premium audio | Yes | No |
| HTRAC® AWD with Tow Mode and Mud/Sand/Snow Terrain Modes | Yes | No |
Exterior - Hyundai Dealer serving Wausau, WI
Palisade’s bold redesign is purposeful. The vertical LED DRL signature with a horizontal center positioning light anchors a proud, wide stance and highlights a new grille framed by active airflow shutters. A more upright A-pillar and horizontal hood line contribute to a confident silhouette, and yet the drag coefficient targets a remarkably low 0.31 Cd. Proportions grow in key dimensions, and large alloy wheels—up to 21 inches—fill the arches for a planted presence. The deeper greenhouse and forward-raked D-pillars increase light and visibility for the third row, while the vertical rear lamp signature and integrated roof rails deliver an unmistakable rear view. For those who head off the beaten path, the first-ever Palisade XRT PRO amplifies form and function with unique fascias, exposed canyon red recovery hooks, and XRT PRO-exclusive 18-inch wheels shod in all-terrain tires. The Toyota Grand Highlander maintains a clean, modern look with available 20-inch wheels and a panoramic roof, but its styling and hardware don’t communicate the same degree of purpose-built capability. Shoppers from Plover and Wisconsin Rapids will appreciate how Palisade’s exterior cues honestly reflect the composure and utility packed beneath the sheet metal.
Interior - 2026 Hyundai Palisade near Wausau, WI
The cabin of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade is designed to feel premium and intuitive from the first touch. A panoramic curved display integrates dual 12.3-inch screens, while the center console’s double-door design, open tray, and physical controls make daily operation effortless. Available Relaxation seats in the first and second rows add extra recline and deployable upper-leg support for fatigue reduction on long drives, a luxury detail the Toyota lacks. Eight-passenger seating is standard, and the third row can be power-folded, power-slid, and power-reclined, with available heating to keep everyone comfortable during deep winter near Wausau, WI. A wireless charging pad with an integrated cooling fan delivers up to 15W alongside 100-watt-capable USB-C ports accessible in every row. An available Bose® 14-speaker surround audio system immerses all three rows, while the full-display digital center rearview mirror helps the driver see past passengers or cargo. Palisade’s Advanced Rear Occupant Alert, discreetly mounted in the headliner, can detect movement after you lock the doors, sounding the horn and sending a Bluelink alert if necessary. In everyday use, these technologies, materials, and thoughtful storage solutions provide the calm, upscale environment we know families want.
Hyundai Palisade vs Toyota Grand Highlander Mechanical Specs
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade’s chassis tuning demonstrates a premium approach to family comfort and control. Extensive use of Advanced High Strength Steel, strategic sound-deadening, and laminated windshield and front side glass deliver an impressively quiet ride. Hyundai’s HTRAC® AWD pairs with driver-selectable Terrain modes—Mud, Sand, and Snow—to optimize traction for changing Wisconsin conditions, while Tow Mode reduces shift frequency and holds lower gears when trailering. The Palisade XRT PRO further adds an electronic rear limited-slip differential for better traction when surfaces get uneven, plus increased ground clearance and improved approach, departure, and breakover angles. The Grand Highlander offers available AWD and Multi-Terrain Select, but it does not match the Palisade’s specific eLSD hardware, recovery hooks, or robust, fascia-integrated OEM tow hitch availability on upper trims. For owners who regularly face slush-covered two-lanes, gravel driveways, boat launches, and rough trailheads, the Palisade delivers reassuring control and flexibility without compromising everyday comfort. Our team at Stevens Point Auto Center encourages you to feel how these mechanical details translate into calm confidence on test drives, whether you commute on plowed four-lanes or venture onto unmaintained roads after a storm.
Powertrain - Hyundai Dealership near Wausau, WI
Palisade buyers can choose between a newly developed 3.5-liter V6 and the first-ever Palisade Hybrid. The V6 targets up to 287 hp and 260 lb-ft, paired to an 8-speed automatic with a two-chamber torque converter for smooth, linear response. It aims for a robust 5,000-pound max towing capacity when properly equipped. The hybrid combines a 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder and two transmission-mounted electric motors for up to an estimated 329 system horsepower and up to 339 lb-ft, with an internally targeted driving range up to 619 miles and an estimated max tow rating of 4,000 pounds. Whether you want the refined surge of the V6 or the effortless torque and range of the hybrid, both powertrains were engineered to be exceptionally quiet. The Toyota Grand Highlander counters with Gas, Hybrid, and Hybrid MAX options, and it lists up to 5,000 pounds of towing. Where the Palisade distinguishes itself is how seamlessly the hybrid’s Stay Mode supports extended accessory use while parked and how Tow Mode integrates with HTRAC® AWD for predictable behavior under load. For family road trips, long commutes, and trailer duty alike, the Palisade powertrain lineup is a confident match for life’s shifting demands.
Safety - Hyundai Palisade vs Toyota Grand Highlander
Hyundai SmartSense equips the 2026 Palisade with a deep suite of driver assistance, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Lane Following Assist, Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist-Reverse, and Remote Smart Parking Assist. Palisade now applies ten airbags, including a center-front and a third-row curtain, and adds third-row seatbelt pretensioners with load limiters—rare coverage in this class. A first-for-Hyundai built-in dual-camera Dash Cam can record while driving and when parked, triggered by sensors. An Advanced Rear Occupant Alert watches for movement after you exit, sounding the horn and sending a Bluelink® alert if needed. Available tech like a full-display digital center rearview mirror, Surround View Monitor with forward ground view, and Blind-Spot View Monitor improve driver awareness. Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0 is a strong suite on Grand Highlander, and Toyota’s Panoramic View Monitor and Traffic Jam Assist are helpful on busy days. Still, the Palisade’s integrated Dash Cam, motion-detecting rear-seat monitoring, and third-row pretensioners underscore Hyundai’s commitment to pragmatic family safety. Families comparing 2026 Hyundai Palisade vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander near Wausau, WI will recognize the difference those details make.
Request more 2026 Hyundai Palisade vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander near Wausau, WI information
Our recommendation is clear: if you are weighing 2026 Hyundai Palisade vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander, the Palisade’s blend of upscale comfort, innovative safety, winter-ready capability, and family-focused convenience is the better long-term fit for Central Wisconsin life. The available Relaxation seats, power-operated third row, built-in Dash Cam, UV-C sterilization compartment, HTRAC® AWD with Terrain modes, and the adventure-ready XRT PRO model represent meaningful advantages you will use every week. Add in the refined V6 and the powerful new hybrid—plus next-gen Bluelink® features and wireless OTA updates—and you have an SUV that is built to grow smarter with you. We are proud to help you explore configurations, demonstrate the technology, and tailor test drives to your routine at Stevens Point Auto Center. As you plan your family’s next vehicle, our knowledgeable team is here to answer questions, set up side-by-side feature walkthroughs, and make your ownership transition seamless. Visit us to see why so many local drivers choose our team for trusted guidance and long-term support.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. Excludes options; taxes; title; registration; delivery, processing and handling fee; dealer charges. Dealer sets actual selling price. While great effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this site, errors do occur so please verify information with a customer service rep. This is easily done by calling us at 715-344-4100 or by visiting us at the dealership. For more information on America’s Best Warranty, click here.
*Any MPG listed is based on model year EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition (hybrid only) and other factors.