The Toyota Highlander has long been a favorite for families needing a reliable and feature-rich SUV. It’s a solid choice, but it’s not the only option in the crowded midsize SUV market. If you’re exploring vehicles comparable to the Toyota Highlander, you’re in the right place. We’ve compiled a list of excellent alternatives that offer similar features, or even surpass the Highlander in certain areas, ensuring you find the perfect SUV for your needs.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Kicking off our list of cars comparable to the Toyota Highlander is the Jeep Grand Cherokee. While Jeep is renowned for its rugged off-road capabilities, the Grand Cherokee delivers a surprising level of refinement. It masterfully blends off-road prowess with on-road comfort, providing a luxurious driving experience without sacrificing its adventurous spirit.
Key features of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, according to jeep.com, include:
- Available in two-row and three-row configurations to suit different family sizes.
- Generous cargo space for luggage, groceries, and gear.
- Advanced driver-assistance features for enhanced safety and convenience.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee starts at $40,130, offering a blend of luxury and capability for those who crave adventure.
Alt text: Sleek silver Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV parked on a paved road with trees in the background, showcasing its refined design.
Kia Telluride
Next on our list of Toyota Highlander competitors is the Kia Telluride. The Telluride stands out with its exceptionally spacious cabin, offering ample room for both passengers and cargo. Combined with user-friendly and modern technology, it provides a compelling package. While its engine might not be the most powerful in its class, the Telluride compensates with outstanding value and practicality, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking quality and space.
As highlighted on kia.com, the Kia Telluride boasts features like:
- Seating for up to eight passengers, ideal for large families.
- Automatic climate control for optimal passenger comfort.
- Top-tier safety ratings, providing peace of mind for families.
Starting at $35,990, the Kia Telluride provides a wealth of features and comfort at a price point many buyers will find appealing.
Alt text: Dark blue Kia Telluride SUV driving on a highway with blurred motion, emphasizing its spaciousness and modern design.
Honda Passport
If you’re seeking a practical and robust alternative to the Toyota Highlander, the Honda Passport is a strong contender. The Honda Passport is built for both daily commutes and weekend getaways, delivering surprising power and capability in a package that’s both rugged and refined.
According to automobiles.honda.com, notable features of the Honda Passport include:
- Intelligent traction management system for confident driving in various conditions.
- Towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds on certain models, suitable for hauling trailers or boats.
- Rugged exterior styling that conveys its adventurous nature.
The Honda Passport starts at $41,100 and is a versatile SUV ready for diverse needs, from urban driving to outdoor adventures.
Alt text: Red Honda Passport SUV parked on a scenic overlook with mountains in the distance, highlighting its outdoor-ready and rugged aesthetic.
Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse may appear like a large, imposing SUV, but it’s surprisingly agile and quick. Powered by a potent V-6 engine, this SUV can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds. Beyond its performance, the Traverse offers a roomy interior and user-friendly technology, making it a well-rounded option for families.
chevrolet.com lists these features for the Traverse:
- Maximum available towing capacity of 5,000 pounds for recreational needs.
- Chevy Safety Assist suite of advanced safety technologies.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility for seamless smartphone integration.
With a starting price of $34,520, the Chevrolet Traverse offers considerable value, especially considering its size and performance.
Alt text: White Chevrolet Traverse SUV shown from a front angle on a city street, emphasizing its size and family-friendly design.
Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade is an exceptional choice if you prioritize a family-oriented SUV with generous space and practical features tailored for the demands of daily family life. While not designed for serious off-roading, the Palisade excels as a comfortable and feature-rich family vehicle, delivering excellent value for its price.
Key features of the Hyundai Palisade, as detailed on hyundaiusa.com, include:
- Impressive fuel efficiency, achieving up to 26 MPG on the highway.
- A robust 291 horsepower engine for confident performance.
- Available HTRAC All-Wheel Drive for enhanced traction and control in varying weather conditions.
Starting at $36,400, the Hyundai Palisade is competitively priced, offering a compelling blend of features and space for families.
Alt text: Beige Hyundai Palisade SUV parked in front of a modern house, showcasing its sophisticated styling and family appeal.
Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is a large SUV that surprises drivers with its agile handling, especially for its size. It effectively bridges the gap between a traditional SUV and a minivan, offering minivan-like space without the minivan aesthetic. This makes it an ideal choice for families who need ample passenger and cargo room but prefer the look and feel of an SUV.
automobiles.honda.com highlights these features of the Honda Pilot:
- Seating for up to 8 passengers, accommodating large families or groups.
- Available All-Wheel Drive system for enhanced all-weather capability.
- Towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, useful for recreational towing needs.
The Honda Pilot starts at $37,090, presenting itself as a versatile and spacious SUV that cleverly disguises its minivan-like practicality.
Alt text: Gray Honda Pilot SUV driving on a winding road through a forest, illustrating its handling and spacious interior for family trips.
Hyundai Santa Fe
Last but certainly not least on our list of Toyota Highlander comparable SUVs is the Hyundai Santa Fe. The Santa Fe distinguishes itself with its upscale and stylish design, all while maintaining an accessible price point. Despite its size, it remains easy to handle and maneuver, making it a practical and attractive option for a wide range of buyers.
According to hyundaiusa.com, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers:
- Excellent fuel economy, achieving up to 28 MPG on the highway.
- Up to 281 horsepower for responsive performance.
- Available HTRAC All-Wheel Drive for added confidence in various driving conditions.
Starting at $28,750, the Hyundai Santa Fe provides exceptional value, combining style, features, and practicality in a well-rounded SUV package.
Alt text: Silver Hyundai Santa Fe SUV parked on a driveway in front of a suburban home, emphasizing its stylish design and family-friendly appeal.
Final Verdict
Choosing the right SUV involves considering various factors, from budget and features to space and driving dynamics. The Toyota Highlander is a strong contender, but as we’ve seen, there’s a diverse range of cars comparable to the Toyota Highlander that might be an even better fit for your specific needs. Whether you prioritize off-road capability, passenger space, value, or a blend of these qualities, exploring these alternatives will ensure you make an informed decision and drive away in the SUV that perfectly aligns with your lifestyle.
