Toyota Highlander: Top Competitors & Alternatives for 2024
Aaron Turpen is an automotive writer and reviewer living in Wyoming, USA. A life-long off-road and mechanical enthusiast, Aaron has had a varied career in vehicles. Aaron grew up with home mechanics and maintenance on tractors, trucks, and cars as well as small engines and devices. At any one time, he’s worked as an automotive disassembler (aka “junk yard parts puller”), shade tree mechanic, over-the-road truck driver, and more. Aaron’s interests include family-oriented vehicles, off-roading, and anything fun involving tires and steering. With most of his life having been in rural America, Aaron understands pickup trucks and SUVs, winter weather hazards, and what life is like where phrases like “Just down the road” mean “within 100 miles.” Aaron’s automotive writing career has included outlets such as Carfax, CarTalk, NewAtlas.com, and many others. He’s appeared on NPR’s All Things Considered, on various YouTube channels, and on several podcasts. Aaron also operates a couple automotive sites: EVmeme.com and Drivemodeshow.com
The Toyota Highlander continues to be a popular choice in the midsize SUV segment thanks to its reputation for reliability, contemporary design, and versatile interior.
However, the Highlander faces stiff competition from models like the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, and Kia Telluride.
These competitors often offer better on-road feedback, larger third rows, and in some cases, better warranties or lower starting prices.
Table of Contents
Toyota Highlander Top Competitors Comparison Summary
Chevrolet Traverse: Known for its generous passenger space across all three rows and a much larger overall interior compared to the Highlander. It features a smooth V6 and a well-tuned nine-speed automatic transmission but falls short in fuel economy.
Honda Pilot: Praised for its versatile interior design, smooth ride quality, and excellent all-weather driving capabilities. It offers a roomier third row than the Highlander and smart storage solutions, though access to the third row and cargo space can be limiting.
Hyundai Palisade: Entered the market with a large interior, plenty of technology features, and an adult-usable third row. It drives like a smaller vehicle with good visibility and maneuverability, though its fuel economy and lack of a hybrid option may deter some buyers.
Kia Telluride: Launched as a benchmark for the three-row crossover-SUV class with an impressive list of standard features, the largest interior in its class, and great styling. It boasts impressive fuel economy and an excellent warranty, though interior storage is not as well-designed as some rivals.
1. Chevrolet Traverse vs Toyota Highlander
Design and Performance: Both offer contemporary designs, but the Traverse was refreshed for a bolder look. The Highlander's 3.5-liter V6 is matched by the Traverse's smooth V6 and well-tuned nine-speed automatic transmission.
Interior Space: The Traverse boasts more generous passenger space in all three rows and a larger overall interior compared to the Highlander.
Fuel Efficiency: The Highlander has an edge with its hybrid option, offering up to 36 mpg, whereas the Traverse falls short in fuel economy for the class.
Overall Value: While both have similar warranties, the Traverse's larger interior might appeal to families needing more space, but the Highlander's fuel efficiency and reliability could sway buyers.
Current Chevrolet Traverse Deals & Incentives
| Year | Make | Model | Cash Incentives (up to) | Best Avail. APR | Lease Offers | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Chevrolet | Traverse | ||||
| 2023 | Chevrolet | Traverse | $750 | 1.90% | $369/month for 36 months, $4,449 due at signing | 4/30/24 |
You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Chevrolet deals.
2. Honda Pilot vs Toyota Highlander
Design and Performance: Both vehicles offer smooth ride quality, but the Pilot is known for its all-weather driving capabilities thanks to its AWD options.
Interior Space: The Pilot features a roomier third row than the Highlander and smart storage solutions, though the Highlander's hybrid option offers better fuel efficiency.
Fuel Efficiency: The Highlander's hybrid model significantly outperforms the Pilot in fuel economy.
Overall Value: The Pilot and Highlander are closely matched in price, but the Pilot's interior versatility and the Highlander's fuel efficiency make them appeal to slightly different buyers.
Current Honda Pilot Deals & Incentives
| Year | Make | Model | Cash Incentives (up to) | Best Avail. APR | Lease Offers | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Honda | Pilot | ||||
| 2024 | Honda | Pilot | 3.90% | $409/month for 36 months, $4,699 due at signing | 4/30/24 |
You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Honda deals.
3. Hyundai Palisade vs Toyota Highlander
Design and Performance: The Palisade offers a large interior with an adult-usable third row and drives like a smaller vehicle. The Highlander is praised for its smooth highway ride and fuel-efficient hybrid option.
Interior Space: The Palisade's interior is competitive with the Highlander's, offering plenty of technology features and space.
Fuel Efficiency: The Highlander's hybrid option gives it a significant advantage over the Palisade, which lacks a hybrid model and has a slightly lower real-world fuel economy.
Overall Value: The Palisade's warranty surpasses the Highlander's, making it a strong contender for those prioritizing long-term coverage and interior space over fuel efficiency.
Current Hyundai Palisade Deals & Incentives
| Year | Make | Model | Cash Incentives (up to) | Best Avail. APR | Lease Offers | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Hyundai | Palisade | ||||
| 2024 | Hyundai | Palisade | $1,250 | 3.99% | $379/month for 36 months, $3,999 due at signing | 4/30/24 |
You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Hyundai deals.
4. Kia Telluride vs Toyota Highlander
Design and Performance: The Telluride sets a high bar with its impressive list of standard features, large interior, and great styling. The Highlander, however, offers a reliable and fuel-efficient hybrid option.
Interior Space: The Telluride boasts the largest interior in this comparison, with seating for adults even in the third row, whereas the Highlander's third row is more suited for children.
Fuel Efficiency: The Highlander's hybrid model is unmatched by the Telluride in terms of fuel economy, despite the Telluride's impressive performance.
Overall Value: The Telluride's warranty and value proposition make it a top pick, but the Highlander's fuel efficiency and reliability are strong selling points for eco-conscious buyers.
Current Kia Telluride Deals & Incentives
| Year | Make | Model | Cash Incentives (up to) | Best Avail. APR | Lease Offers | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Kia | Telluride | $419/month for 36 months, $3,999 due at signing | 4/30/24 |
You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Kia deals.
