2027 Toyota Highlander vs. Honda Pilot vs. Hyundai Palisade
When comparing the 2027 Toyota Highlander vs. Honda Pilot vs. Hyundai Palisade, the 2027 Toyota Highlander brings a new all-electric option to the three-row SUV segment, giving drivers another choice when comparing today's popular family SUVs. At Sun Toyota of New Port Richey in Holiday, FL, you can explore how the new Highlander compares with the Honda Pilot and Hyundai Palisade in performance, technology, safety, space, and everyday versatility.
The 2027 Toyota Highlander takes a major step forward as the first U.S. three-row battery-electric vehicle from Toyota. It combines seating for up to seven with available AWD, up to 338 combined horsepower, and a manufacturer-estimated range of up to 320 miles on select AWD configurations.
- All-electric power: The 2027 Highlander uses a battery-electric powertrain.
- Three-row versatility: Highlander seats up to seven passengers.
- Strong performance: Available AWD models produce 338 combined horsepower.
- Long-range capability: Select 95.8-kWh AWD models are estimated to travel up to 320 miles.
- Advanced technology: A 14-inch touchscreen and Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 come standard.
2027 Toyota Highlander
- Engine: Battery-Electric Powertrain
- Horsepower: 221 hp FWD / 338 hp AWD
- Torque: 198 lb-ft FWD / 198 lb-ft Front + 125 lb-ft Rear AWD
- Transmission: Single-Speed Electric Drive
- Drivetrain: FWD or AWD
2026 Honda Pilot
- Engine: 3.5L V6
- Horsepower: 285 hp @ 6,100 rpm
- Torque: 262 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm
- Transmission: 10-Speed Automatic
- Drivetrain: FWD or Available i-VTM4 AWD
2027 Hyundai Palisade
- Engine: 3.5L V6
- Horsepower: 287 hp @ 6,400 rpm
- Torque: 260 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm
- Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
- Drivetrain: FWD or Available HTRAC AWD
How the Highlander Compares
The 2027 Toyota Highlander takes a distinctly different approach to the midsize three-row SUV segment. Unlike the gas-powered Pilot and Palisade, the new Highlander is fully electric. It offers up to 338 combined horsepower with AWD and a manufacturer-estimated range of up to 320 miles on select models. The Pilot continues to emphasize V6 power and available all-wheel-drive capability, while the Palisade offers a 3.5-liter V6 and available HTRAC AWD.
The Highlander also brings a new combination of electric efficiency, three-row practicality, and modern technology. It seats up to seven and provides 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 45.6 cubic feet with the third row folded. For shoppers in the St. Petersburg, FL and Brooksville, FL areas who are comparing the Toyota Highlander vs. Honda Pilot vs. Hyundai Palisade, the choice ultimately comes down to the powertrain, features, space, and capability that best fit their needs.
Electric Performance
The 2027 Toyota Highlander is designed around the advantages of an all-electric powertrain. FWD models produce 221 net system horsepower, while AWD models increase output to 338 combined horsepower. AWD models also benefit from the instant torque characteristic of electric motors. The available 95.8-kWh battery provides a manufacturer-estimated 320-mile total driving range on select AWD configurations. The Highlander also features a standard NACS charging port for access to thousands of DC fast-charging stations.
Gas-Powered Capability
The Honda Pilot and Hyundai Palisade remain conventional gas-powered alternatives in this comparison. The 2026 Pilot uses a 285-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, while available i-VTM4 AWD adds traction-focused capability. The gas-powered 2027 Hyundai Palisade uses a 287-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 with available HTRAC AWD. For shoppers who prefer traditional gasoline power, both competitors offer established powertrain configurations.
Three-Row SUV Versatility
All three SUVs are designed to accommodate passengers and cargo across three rows. The 2027 Highlander seats up to seven, with standard second-row captain's chairs or an available bench configuration. Its third row folds flat to create more than 45 cubic feet of rear cargo space. The Palisade offers seating for up to eight, while the Pilot is also designed around flexible three-row family utility. These differences make seating configuration and cargo needs important considerations when comparing the Highlander vs. Pilot vs. Palisade.
Advanced Safety Technology
The 2027 Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, along with features such as Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking. Toyota also offers available technologies including a Panoramic View Monitor and Advanced Park. The Pilot includes Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistance technologies, while the Palisade offers the Hyundai SmartSense safety suite.
Experience the 2027 Toyota Highlander
See how the 2027 Toyota Highlander feels on the road when you visit our Toyota dealership in Holiday, FL.
Connected Interior Technology
The 2027 Toyota Highlander features a technology-focused cabin designed to keep passengers connected. USB charging ports are available throughout all three rows, and an available panoramic roof adds an open feel to the cabin.
Practicality is another focus of the Highlander interior. It offers smart storage throughout the cabin, available heated and ventilated front seats, and available heated second-row seats. The Highlander can also feature vehicle-to-load technology, allowing the vehicle to provide power to compatible external devices when equipped with the required accessories.
Compare the 2027 Toyota Highlander in Holiday, FL
The 2027 Toyota Highlander brings an all-electric powertrain to the three-row SUV segment, giving shoppers a forward-thinking alternative to traditional gas-powered SUVs. Its combination of available AWD, up to 338 combined horsepower, and up to 320 miles of manufacturer-estimated range on select models makes the Highlander an especially compelling choice for drivers seeking a blend of performance, efficiency, and versatility. The Honda Pilot and Hyundai Palisade offer proven gas-powered configurations, but the Highlander stands apart with its fully electric powertrain and modern approach to three-row SUV driving.
The best way to decide which SUV among the 2027 Toyota Highlander vs. Honda Pilot vs. Hyundai Palisade fits your needs is to compare the details that matter most to you. Consider powertrain, seating, cargo space, technology, safety features, and drivetrain availability as you evaluate your options. Plus, you can explore the financing options, offers, and more at Sun Toyota near New Port Richey, FL to help you get into your Highlander for a price that works for you. Our team can also answer questions about features and availability. If you're shopping for a 2027 Toyota Highlander in the Clearwater, FL area, visit Sun Toyota today to experience it in person.
*Vehicle Photos © Evox Images.
FAQs
Is the 2027 Toyota Highlander all-electric? ➤
Yes. The all-new 2027 Toyota Highlander is a battery-electric vehicle and the first three-row BEV from Toyota for the U.S. market. It will be offered in XLE and Limited grades, with FWD or AWD availability depending on configuration.
How much range does the 2027 Toyota Highlander have? ➤
The 2027 Highlander has several battery and drivetrain configurations. Toyota estimates up to 320 miles of total driving range for XLE AWD and Limited AWD models equipped with the 95.8-kWh battery. Actual range will vary based on conditions, driving habits, and other factors.
How does the 2027 Highlander compare with the Honda Pilot? ➤
The biggest difference is the powertrain: the 2027 Highlander is fully electric, while the currently available Pilot uses a 3.5-liter V6. The 2026 Pilot produces 285 horsepower and offers available i-VTM4 AWD, while official U.S. specifications for a 2027 Pilot have not yet been released.
How does the 2027 Highlander compare with the Hyundai Palisade? ➤
The 2027 Highlander is fully electric, while the 2027 Palisade offers a 287-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 gas engine and available HTRAC AWD. Hyundai also offers a 2027 Palisade Hybrid, making powertrain choice an important consideration when comparing these three-row SUVs.