Off-roading adventure: 4runner vs palisade – which conquers the trails?

What To Know

  • If you need a spacious and comfortable family SUV with a higher fuel economy and a lower price, the Palisade is the better option.
  • The Hyundai Palisade has a more advanced infotainment system with a larger touchscreen, more features, and a user-friendly interface.
  • Both the Toyota 4Runner and Hyundai Palisade have similar towing capacities, but the 4Runner has a higher payload capacity, making it better suited for towing heavier loads.

When it comes to choosing a vehicle that meets both off-roading and family needs, two standout options emerge: the Toyota 4Runner and the Hyundai Palisade. Both SUVs offer distinct advantages and cater to different lifestyles. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the key differences between the Toyota 4Runner vs Hyundai Palisade to help you make an informed decision.

Off-Road Capabilities

The Toyota 4Runner is renowned for its exceptional off-road prowess. It features a rugged body-on-frame construction, a powerful V6 engine, and an advanced four-wheel-drive system. With its high ground clearance, low-range gearing, and locking differentials, the 4Runner tackles rough terrain with ease.

On the other hand, the Hyundai Palisade is not designed for serious off-roading. It utilizes a unibody construction and a less capable all-wheel-drive system. While it may handle light trails, the Palisade’s primary focus is on on-road comfort and stability.

Interior and Space

The Hyundai Palisade offers a spacious and luxurious interior. It seats up to eight passengers comfortably, with ample legroom and headroom in all rows. The cabin boasts premium materials, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced infotainment features.

In contrast, the Toyota 4Runner has a more utilitarian interior. It seats five passengers with less legroom in the rear seats. The cabin is equipped with durable materials and a basic infotainment system. However, it lacks the same level of comfort and amenities as the Palisade.

Towing and Payload

The Toyota 4Runner has a higher towing capacity than the Hyundai Palisade. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Additionally, the 4Runner has a payload capacity of 1,440 pounds.

The Hyundai Palisade‘s towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, which is on par with the 4Runner. However, its payload capacity is lower at 1,350 pounds.

Safety Features

Both the Toyota 4Runner and Hyundai Palisade are equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. These include airbags, electronic stability control, and advanced driver-assist technologies.

The Palisade has a slight edge in safety ratings. It received a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The 4Runner received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a four-star safety rating from the NHTSA.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is an important consideration for any SUV. The Hyundai Palisade has a slight advantage in this area. It gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with the base engine.

The Toyota 4Runner has a lower fuel economy rating. It gets an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway with the base engine.

Price and Value

The Toyota 4Runner has a higher starting price than the Hyundai Palisade. The base model 4Runner SR5 starts at around $37,000, while the base model Palisade SE starts at around $33,000.

However, the Palisade offers more features and a more refined interior for the price. It also has a lower cost of ownership over time, thanks to its better fuel economy and lower maintenance costs.

Final Thoughts: Which SUV is Right for You?

The Toyota 4Runner and Hyundai Palisade are both excellent SUVs, but they cater to different needs. If you prioritize off-road performance and durability, the 4Runner is the clear choice. If you need a spacious and comfortable family SUV with a higher fuel economy and a lower price, the Palisade is the better option.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which SUV is right for you is to test drive both of them and compare their features and capabilities firsthand.

Q: Which SUV has a better infotainment system?
A: The Hyundai Palisade has a more advanced infotainment system with a larger touchscreen, more features, and a user-friendly interface.

Q: Which SUV is better for towing a boat or trailer?
A: Both the Toyota 4Runner and Hyundai Palisade have similar towing capacities, but the 4Runner has a higher payload capacity, making it better suited for towing heavier loads.

Q: Which SUV is more reliable?
A: Both the Toyota 4Runner and Hyundai Palisade have a good reputation for reliability. However, the 4Runner has a slightly higher reliability rating from J.D. Power and Associates.