Fight for Victory: Telluride vs Palisade
Unveiled in the previous year, Toyota has now proclaimed pricing for its fresh three-row sport utility vehicle (SUV) – the 2024 Grand Highlander. Designed as a retort to the beloved Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride, this fully-equipped auto can be purchased with up to three trim packages, three engine choices, as well as four-wheel drive (AWD) options to fit the demands of customers from every walk of life and pocketbook size.
The line-up begins with the XLE grade. The foundation form can be yours for $43,070, and commands a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder powertrain that generates 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Picking the all-wheel drive version increases the cost to $44,670. Sadly, an engine V6 isn’t an option presently.
If you are interested in a hybrid powerplant, the XLE can be purchased with the 245-horsepower 2.5-liter synergistic motor. The Hybrid XLE is accessible with either front-wheel propulsion ($44,670) or all-wheel drive ($46,270).
The XLE, despite its starter classification, is packed full of features and amenities. Buyers will find comfort in the included heated and electric-controlled front seats, cloth lining, wireless charging dock, power controlled back door, spot monitoring equipment, alongside 18-inch wheels. It also includes Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 and additional offers.
Much like the XLE, individuals may opt for the Limited model to be outfitted with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, either FWD or AWD for respective costs of $47,860 and $49,460. Worth noting, the Hybrid Limited variant with its 2.5-liter engine, can only come with a AWD setup at an expense of $51,060.
The Boosted edition of The Limited exists with the Hybrid MAX powertrain. Merging effectiveness and vigor, this electrified engine gives a surge to the Grand Highlander and makes it the most formidable of all the midsize SUVs produced by Toyota. It packs 362 horsepower and accelerates to 60 mph in lethal 6.3 seconds. However, such capability doesn’t come cheap; the Limited Hybrid MAX is computed at a cost of $54,040.
The XLE offers expanded features as optional upgrades, including leather furnishing, heated back seats and steering Wheel, as well as cooling for the front-seat occupants. The interior is further augmented with ambient lighting, plus a 12.3″ infotainment display.
Passengers are also privy to the 11-speaker outstanding JBL Audio system. The mid-grade variant gets 20-inch rims, as well as front and rear parking assistance that comprises automated braking.
Sitting at the top of the Grand Highlander order is the Platinum grade. Just two options are available, both fitted with all-wheel driving as the norm. The 2.4-liter turbocharged motor will cost $53,545. Unfortunately, no hybrid version of the base model is accessible in this market, so if you’re looking for an electrified Platinum, you have to pay out $58,125 for the 362-hp Hybrid MAX.
Platinum editions of the XLE and Limited vehicles come with indulgences not found in other models, such as ventilated second-row seating, a panoramic sunroof, head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, and column-mounted paddle shifters. These are just some of the luxuries that Platinum owners get to enjoy.
“The Grand Highlander is the perfect vehicle for any situation,” said Lisa Materazzo, Group Vice President of Toyota Marketing. “It can take our customers from the school pick-up line to the ultimate long-weekend road trip. We’ve sold over 3.3 million Highlanders in the US and have built a strong customer base.” Materazzo went on to say that the Grand Highlander will be available at Toyota dealerships this summer.
Considering its rivals, how does Hyundai Palisade compare? The SUV offers an appealing starting rate of $35,900 and a variety of trim levels. That said, the vehicle is powered by only one motor – a 3.8-liter V6 with power output of 291 horsepower and combined mileage of 22 MPG with front-wheel drive.
The Kia Telluride (which CarBuzz holds in high regard) is also more cost-effective than the Grand Highlander, with its basic MSRP set at $35,890. Naturally, a variety of trim levels are offered, but the Telluride only comes along with the V6 engine found in the Palisade.
