[ZX Spectrum 48k]

After watching many reviews it became apparent to me that majority of reviewers don’t prepare properly for a such important imho review. After all we have a bestselling 3rd row SUV from a world’s number one seller brand. And not just refresh, but a new platform since like 2001 K platform!
They say wrong info, wrong trim equipment, one of them even said Toyota offers several gas engines for new non Hybrid Highlander! The amount of misinformation is astonishing. Of course later you realize that most of them don’t know any better and they are just regurgitating whatever is on sticker or booklet. Some said that v6 powertrain and transmission is completely revamped compared to 2019 model. Some say 1.2 inch increase for 2nd row sliding seats traveling distance is in fact increase in leg room for 2nd row (which is incorrect). Some even said that leg room for 3rd row increased by 2.4 inches. Basically they just heard something and are interpreting facts wrong. It seems like their main goal is to just quickly upload review before other reviewers to gain subscribers and hype.
And then you have this blatant stereotype repeated by almost every reviewer that came out of nowhere that supposedly Kia Teluride and Hyundai Palisade have much much more options than Toyota Highlander. Another stereotype is that Kia Telluride rights and Hyundai Palisade are much much cheaper than oh so expensive Toyota Highlander.
They like to use those as a new standard for comparison.
Well long story short I compared options for top trims and In fact these cars have similar options with the only difference being that Kia and Hyundai have Blindspot live view in instrument cluster while Toyota Highlander has Digital rearview mirror That those two don’t have. So here’s that myth busted.
Now let’s see another myth about price. Well that one is true, but in reality difference is not astonishing like reviewers make you believe cringing their faces and bulging their eyes with Oscar nominees performance. In reality between top trims difference is $1530 for Telluride and about $1970 for Palisade. I’m comparing gas models.
That being said, Toyota has advantage in resale value and reliability.
If we add $1600 more then Hybrid has immense advantage in mpg that Korean twins can’t even match as they simply don’t have any hybrid powertrain to offer.
One more thing to note regarding materials quality in cabin. Reviews repeat stereotypes that Korean twins have much much more options and much higher quality materials. Options myth is busted. Now materials quality is beginning to bust too as some reviewers of platinum trim admit that cabin materials quality is slightly better than what Korean twins have. I have yet to see that myself in person. However, it turns out that in reality the only difference is under $2k price difference (which will be zeroed during resale) and roomier 3rd row.
Essentially, lol the only difference is 3rd row space.
Just wanted to caution potential buyers to take reviews with grain of salt.

 

[69887]

I don't think you have driven a Hyundai Palisade, and don't know much about it. You are assuming that the highest trim HL is the same as highest trim Palisade.

Statistical based surveys of reliability show that Hyundai is not far behind Toyota these days, and if the 2017 HL transmission fiasco gets figured in, I don't see how you can say yet that 2020 HL is more reliable than a 2020 Palisade. However, you are correct about resale value.

I do agree that many car reviews are not very accurate. Keep in mind that they basically work for free (unless they get a very large following, and even then very little money), and anyone with a camera can post a review on YouTube, just like anyone can post stuff on Internet forums.

 

[O-b1]

I haven’t had a chance to drive a limited yet, but for the most part I feel the quality of the Hyundai is pretty good. The one I drove had some wind noise, but other then that it seemed like it was well put together.
I feel like the Hyundai could use more power. If I am not super impressed with the Highlander I will likely give the Palisade another look. I really liked the size and space.

 

[ZX Spectrum 48k]

I don't think you have driven a Hyundai Palisade, and don't know much about it. You are assuming that the highest trim HL is the same as highest trim Palisade.

Statistical based surveys of reliability show that Hyundai is not far behind Toyota these days, and if the 2017 HL transmission fiasco gets figured in, I don't see how you can say yet that 2020 HL is more reliable than a 2020 Palisade. However, you are correct about resale value.

I do agree that many car reviews are not very accurate. Keep in mind that they basically work for free (unless they get a very large following, and even then very little money), and anyone with a camera can post a review on YouTube, just like anyone can post stuff on Internet forums.

I’ve driven Palisade as we are looking to replace my wife’s Murano. We are in active search for replacement. Hence my impatience with not being able to check it out Highlander in person.
We didn’t like Palisades front grill, and carbon fiber trim in Palisades looked like cheap plastic. I’d rather preferred they went for something else instead of trying to simulate carbon fiber. We liked spacious 3rd row. Price wise they were selling it for $2.5k over msrp, here goes price difference between Highlander and Palisade. And yes in terms of options I’m comparing top trims.
Before driving it, and seeing in person I researched everything on forum and I don’t think their quality is “almost there” like you said. Both Telluride and Palisade is plagued by several TSBs for electronics acting up. What’s worse is that they still have drive shaft vibration issue that is not solved yet.
As a brand Hyundai improved quality no doubt, but with new models it’s far from being almost close to Toyota imho. Taxi drives around the world are mainly choosing Toyota. Any part of the world with extreme weather conditions have huge preference for Toyota as well.

 

[gtg465x]

I do think the Highlander Platinum is very well equipped, but not quite as well as the Telluride and Palisade top trims. Here’s some features the top trim Palisade Limited has which aren’t found in the Highlander Platinum. And keep in mind the top trim Palisade is closer in price to the Highlander Limited than the Platinum.

1) 12.3-inch fully digital cluster (vs 7-inch partially digital in Highlander)
2) Napa leather
3) Blind-Spot View Monitor (displays video from side mirrors in instrument cluster when signaling for a turn)
4) Safe Exit Assist (prevents rear doors from being opened from the inside if a car is approaching)
5) Highway Drive Assist (adjusts cruise control to match changing speed limits and can resume cruise control after coming to a complete stop without user input once traffic begins moving again)
6) Ventilated rear seats
7) 2nd-row power folding seats with cargo-area controls
8) 3rd-row power folding/unfolding/reclining seats with cargo-area controls
9) 3rd-row USB ports
10) 64 color ambient lighting (vs 1 color in Highlander)
11) 8-way power passenger seat (vs 4-way in Highlander)
12) App controlled remote start / lock / unlock
13) Widescreen support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

The only features I can find that the Highlander has over the Palisade are:

1) Digital rear view mirror
2) Hybrid engine option

I’d have a tough time choosing, personally. But luckily I didn’t have to. I was interested in both the Kia Telluride and the 2020 Highlander, but both seem to be selling above MSRP, and meanwhile, a 2019 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring with most of the features of a 2020 Highlander Platinum can be had for $7,000 off the MSRP of $42,000 right now since it’s not a newly redesigned vehicle and the 2020s are about to hit lots. So I ended up buying a 2019 CX-9 Grand Touring for $35,000 instead of a 2020 Highlander Platinum for $47,000+. Price being equal, I would choose the Highlander, but it wasn’t worth $12,000+ more to me. For reference, CX-9 Grand Touring has many features that can only be found in the Highlander Platinum, such as adaptive headlights, rain sensing wipers, heated 2nd row seats, head up display, and 360 camera (although the CX-9’s cameras aren’t as clear as the Highlander Platinum’s).

 

[ancdmd]

I’ve driven Palisade as we are looking to replace my wife’s Murano. We are in active search for replacement. Hence my impatience with not being able to check it out Highlander in person.
We didn’t like Palisades front grill, and carbon fiber trim in Palisades looked like cheap plastic. I’d rather preferred they went for something else instead of trying to simulate carbon fiber. We liked spacious 3rd row. Price wise they were selling it for $2.5k over msrp, here goes price difference between Highlander and Palisade. And yes in terms of options I’m comparing top trims.
Before driving it, and seeing in person I researched everything on forum and I don’t think their quality is “almost there” like you said. Both Telluride and Palisade is plagued by several TSBs for electronics acting up. What’s worse is that they still have drive shaft vibration issue that is not solved yet.
As a brand Hyundai improved quality no doubt, but with new models it’s far from being almost close to Toyota imho. Taxi drives around the world are mainly choosing Toyota. Any part of the world with extreme weather conditions have huge preference for Toyota as well.

Palisade driveshaft vibration issue was with earlier production AWD models only, and has been addressed with a TSB. I agree there are several electronics issues popping up, mostly small stuff though. Wind noise on driver's window seemed to be the most common complaint, which has also been addressed with a TSB. Hopefully HL won't have as many issues with first production models.

Overall I was impressed with the Palisade Limited that I test drove. Excellent interior materials quality, drove very nice, was smooth and quiet. Palisade is actually my preference if I wasn't so concerned with cost/resale value, first-year production bugs, and the local hook-up I have for very good pricing on a new HL.

 

[69887]

As a brand Hyundai improved quality no doubt, but with new models it’s far from being almost close to Toyota imho. Taxi drives around the world are mainly choosing Toyota. Any part of the world with extreme weather conditions have huge preference for Toyota as well.

I am just going by stattical surveys done by Consumer Reports as of 2019 with a very large number of responders.

1. Lexus
2. Mazda
3. Toyota
4. Porsche
5. Genesis
6. Hyundai
7. Subaru
8. Dodge
9. Kia
10. Mini
11. Nissan
12. Honda
13. Infiniti
14. Audi
15. Lincoln
16. Ford
17. BMW
18. Buick
19. Chrysler
20. Mitsubishi
21. Mercedes-Benz
22. GMC
23. Tesla
24. Volvo
25. Chevrolet
26. Jeep
27. Volkswagen
28. Acura
29. Alfa Romeo
30. Cadillac

The above is for the brand as a whole, not any one particular model. I have owned a 2009 Hyundai Genesis for 11 years with virtually no problems, but that is just me, and purely anecdotal (not statistically significant).

I agree there are a lot of Toyota Corolla taxis in use around the world. The fact that the Corolla is made (or was made) in a lot of different countries contributes to that, partly due to import tariffs. According to Wikipedia, various Corolla production facilities are located in Japan, USA, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Turkey and Venezuela. Production has previously been carried out in Australia, New Zealand, Philippines and the United Kingdom. I assume some of the above may be various parts of the car (like engines, transmissions, etc), and not all of them are final assembly plants (but not sure).

 

[mobgma]

I do think the Highlander Platinum is very well equipped, but not quite as well as the Telluride and Palisade top trims. Here’s some features the top trim Palisade Limited has which aren’t found in the Highlander Platinum. And keep in mind the top trim Palisade is closer in price to the Highlander Limited than the Platinum.

1) 12.3-inch fully digital cluster (vs 7-inch partially digital in Highlander)
2) Napa leather
3) Blind-Spot View Monitor (displays video from side mirrors in instrument cluster when signaling for a turn)
4) Safe Exit Assist (prevents rear doors from being opened from the inside if a car is approaching)
5) Highway Drive Assist (adjusts cruise control to match changing speed limits and can resume cruise control after coming to a complete stop without user input once traffic begins moving again)
6) Ventilated rear seats
7) 2nd-row power folding seats with cargo-area controls
8) 3rd-row power folding/unfolding/reclining seats with cargo-area controls
9) 3rd-row USB ports
10) 64 color ambient lighting (vs 1 color in Highlander)
11) 8-way power passenger seat (vs 4-way in Highlander)
12) App controlled remote start / lock / unlock
13) Widescreen support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

The only features I can find that the Highlander has over the Palisade are:

1) Digital rear view mirror
2) Hybrid engine option

I’d have a tough time choosing, personally. But luckily I didn’t have to. I was interested in both the Kia Telluride and the 2020 Highlander, but both seem to be selling above MSRP, and meanwhile, a 2019 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring with most of the features of a 2020 Highlander Platinum can be had for $7,000 off the MSRP of $42,000 right now since it’s not a newly redesigned vehicle and the 2020s are about to hit lots. So I ended up buying a 2019 CX-9 Grand Touring for $35,000 instead of a 2020 Highlander Platinum for $47,000+. Price being equal, I would choose the Highlander, but it wasn’t worth $12,000+ more to me. For reference, CX-9 Grand Touring has many features that can only be found in the Highlander Platinum, such as adaptive headlights, rain sensing wipers, heated 2nd row seats, head up display, and 360 camera (although the CX-9’s cameras aren’t as clear as the Highlander Platinum’s).

Very insightful! It is no secret that the highlander is outclassed in every sinlge manner except fuel efficiency due to the hybrid option, resale value, dealer network/dealer accountability and imho NVH (which should not be left out) as NVH comes into play a few years later after the new vehicle feeling is gone. While all those items are nice on the hyundai, they are also more things to go wrong and break or malfunction later on which add up to costly repairs once outside of warranty terms with hyundai/kia debatable reliability. Most people do not consider these and just go off of price versus what you get which to me is irrational when spending my hard earned limited money.

In Canada, warranty is only 3 years or 60,000 KMs on electrical components so that is asking for trouble with Hyundai/ Kia. In Canada, warranty is 5 years or 100,000 KMs on powertrain, transmission and AWD components. I would more strongly consider Hyundai/Kia in my purchase if they offered the same 5 year or 100,000 KM's for electrical components.

My last 2 cents are only my opinion from test driving. road noise is high on the pallisade to me. the vehicle in my opinion is not designed for Canadian cold, clammy, wet and slushy environments. The headlights are so low, they were completely covered in less than a 5 minute test drive and had ZERO light output. While I realize this happens to all vehicles, it happened VERY quickly in the pallisade.

 

[Penzfan]

Go to NADA and check out the current resale values for a loaded 2009 Santa Fe and a loaded 2009 Highlander. To say Toyotas hold their value is an understatement...

 

[mobgma]

Go to NADA and check out the current resale values for a loaded 2009 Santa Fe and a loaded 2009 Highlander. To say Toyotas hold their value is an understatement...

Not true in Canada. 2009 highlander worth at least 30% more for the exact same feature set and mileage. Santa Fe worth $4K to $10K CDN. Highlanders worth $8K-$18K.

The difference is massive here in Canada. Not even close.

 

[Penzfan]

Not true in Canada. 2009 highlander worth at least 30% more for the exact same feature set and mileage. Santa Fe worth $4K to $10K CDN. Highlanders worth $8K-$18K.

The difference is massive here in Canada. Not even close.

Thats my point friend. Toyota resale blows the doors off most other brands. Including Kia...lol

 

[got-rice]

I also take forum posts with a grain of salt too. Everyone has the right to like what they like. I think H&K made some impressive offerings too. But like I said, Toyota owners will always find a reason to like what they like, for whatever reason (stupid or not) and that's fine. I just hope you're not insecure about the Highlander not being worshiped by the press...they have every right to like something else over what you like. The thing that the media isn't hung up so much on is the past.

And I still think in the long run 4Runner>Highlander. I am helping a friend look at used ones now, and comparatively, 4Runners are harder to find 'cheap', while Highlanders are residuals are less. They're not bad obviously, but 4Runners still command more than HLs. As an enthusiast, I can see why the 4Runner is more loved, but the HL is treated just like any Camry.

 

[69887]

In Canada, warranty is only 3 years or 60,000 KMs on electrical components so that is asking for trouble with Hyundai/ Kia. In Canada, warranty is 5 years or 100,000 KMs on powertrain, transmission and AWD components. I would more strongly consider Hyundai/Kia in my purchase if they offered the same 5 year or 100,000 KM's for electrical components.

I am sure you realize that both Hyundai and Kia in the USA offer a 5 year - 60K mile new car warranty (basically on everything except wear items), and a 10 year - 100K warranty on the powertrain (engine and transmission). The powertrain warranty is only available to the original purchaser, unless the used car is sold as a CPO.

 

[JimTurkey]

I also take forum posts with a grain of salt too. Everyone has the right to like what they like. I think H&K made some impressive offerings too. But like I said, Toyota owners will always find a reason to like what they like, for whatever reason (stupid or not) and that's fine. I just hope you're not insecure about the Highlander not being worshiped by the press...they have every right to like something else over what you like. The thing that the media isn't hung up so much on is the past.

And I still think in the long run 4Runner>Highlander. I am helping a friend look at used ones now, and comparatively, 4Runners are harder to find 'cheap', while Highlanders are residuals are less. They're not bad obviously, but 4Runners still command more than HLs. As an enthusiast, I can see why the 4Runner is more loved, but the HL is treated just like any Camry.

I’ve had an ‘04 4Runner and absolutely love it. The look is perfect for my tastes. The size is what I’m looking for. I only wish they drove a little more Highlander-like. I want something a little smoother driving.


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[got-rice]

I’ve had an ‘04 4Runner and absolutely love it. The look is perfect for my tastes. The size is what I’m looking for. I only wish they drove a little more Highlander-like. I want something a little smoother driving.

Definitely, the 4Runner hasn't changed in character, and that was why the Highlander was born, so that the 4Runner wouldn't become a mall crawler like the Nissan Pathfinder.

 

[mobgma]

I also take forum posts with a grain of salt too. Everyone has the right to like what they like. I think H&K made some impressive offerings too. But like I said, Toyota owners will always find a reason to like what they like, for whatever reason (stupid or not) and that's fine. I just hope you're not insecure about the Highlander not being worshiped by the press...they have every right to like something else over what you like. The thing that the media isn't hung up so much on is the past.

And I still think in the long run 4Runner>Highlander. I am helping a friend look at used ones now, and comparatively, 4Runners are harder to find 'cheap', while Highlanders are residuals are less. They're not bad obviously, but 4Runners still command more than HLs. As an enthusiast, I can see why the 4Runner is more loved, but the HL is treated just like any Camry.

the "media" have simply turned into a bunch of tech junkies looking for new tech every 6 months and at every car show and unveiling now. thats all car reviews are now imo. and slowly people are buying into this. what vehicle has the most tech for the least amount of money...

 

[mobgma]

I am sure you realize that both Hyundai and Kia in the USA offer a 5 year - 60K mile new car warranty (basically on everything except wear items), and a 10 year - 100K warranty on the powertrain (engine and transmission). The powertrain warranty is only available to the original purchaser, unless the used car is sold as a CPO.

In Canada it is totally different. As per usual, we get shit warranties and have no lemon laws here either really (at least in the province of Alberta anyways). In any case if H&K won't back their product in the same manner that USA does, I simply will never buy one. I do have an automatic bias towards Toyota (except they piss me off when they strip vehicles of features that you guys get. If all the car manufacturers offered the same exact warranty, I would still choose Toyota. Dammit... WHY?

 

[got-rice]

the "media" have simply turned into a bunch of tech junkies looking for new tech every 6 months and at every car show and unveiling now. thats all car reviews are now imo. and slowly people are buying into this. what vehicle has the most tech for the least amount of money...

I don't think everyone is. Most regular folks don't read C&D or MT magazine, or maybe Autoblog or Jalopnik online now, since its mostly car enthusiasts that would care. Regular folks are still reading Consumer Reports and the things that matter to them are reliability and total cost of ownership, not fun to drive, handling and Nurburgring lap times.

That's why Toyota still sells more than everyone and not Mazda, which we all know is a favorite brand of auto journalists. Yes, most of them are enthusiasts, because I doubt someone who isn't into them would want to review them, and yes, they pick what makes them most excited. Obviously, the Highlander and most vehicles in the segment don't do that. At the end of the day, the consumers see a new Toyota, and the dealers have a hot product to sell.

 

[69887]

In Canada it is totally different. As per usual, we get shit warranties and have no lemon laws here either really (at least in the province of Alberta anyways). In any case if H&K won't back their product in the same manner that USA does, I simply will never buy one. I do have an automatic bias towards Toyota (except they piss me off when they strip vehicles of features that you guys get. If all the car manufacturers offered the same exact warranty, I would still choose Toyota. Dammit... WHY?

The Hyundai and Kia warranties are "competitive" with other manufacturers in Canada. Warranties are actually not determined by Hyundai Motor in Korea, but by each local marketing group. Part of this is due to regulations governing warranty terms, and other the local competitive market.

When Hyundai first entered the USA market more than 30 years ago, their reliability was poor. They came up with the warranty to offset that, and they have stuck with it. Not sure what the history of Hyundai in Canada is, but I don't think the USA warranty is offered by Hyundai anywhere else in the world, not even Korea.

But one can always buy an extended warranty from the automaker, so it just comes down to total price. Warranties of Lexus cars are longer than Toyota, even though many of them are nearly the same. The extra warranty is built into the higher price of the Lexus.

 

[JimTurkey]

Definitely, the 4Runner hasn't changed in character, and that was why the Highlander was born, so that the 4Runner wouldn't become a mall crawler like the Nissan Pathfinder.

I feel like I’ve grown out of the 4Runner segment but haven’t yet reached the Highlander market either. I need something like a 4Lander. What car is that?


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