Shopping for cars similar to Toyota Highlander usually means you want three rows, standard all-wheel drive and strong resale value in one vehicle. Few SUVs do all three as well as the Highlander, but plenty come close in one or two areas. Below are 8 Toyota Highlander alternatives, sorted from the closest match to the more specialized picks, with seats, engines, towing and starting prices side by side.
Quick Answer: The Best Cars Similar to Toyota Highlander
- Closest overall match: Honda Pilot. Similar size, a smooth V6 and a 5,000-lb tow rating.
- Best for towing: Nissan Pathfinder. Up to 6,000 lb of towing.
- Best for value with a third row: Kia Telluride. Boxy style, a new hybrid and lots of features for the money.
- Best hybrid family SUV: Hyundai Palisade. A near-luxury cabin and a new hybrid.
- Best for power and space: Ford Explorer. Rear-drive layout, turbo power and a third row.
- Best budget pick: Kia Sorento. Starts at about $33,900.
What Makes the Toyota Highlander Different?
To find a true match, it helps to know what you are matching. The Highlander is Toyota’s midsize three-row SUV. For 2026 all-wheel drive is standard, the lineup starts at the XLE, and buyers choose between a 265-hp turbo-four and a 243-hp hybrid.
| 2026 Toyota Highlander | Spec |
|---|---|
| Seats | 7 or 8 |
| Engines | 2.4L turbo-4 (265 hp) or 2.5L hybrid (243 hp) |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Max towing | 5,000 lb |
| Best EPA combined | Up to 35 mpg |
| Starting price | About $45,300 (XLE) |
The gas Highlander tows 5,000 lb, and the hybrid gets up to about 35 mpg combined.
Toyota Highlander Competitors Compared
This table puts the main Toyota Highlander competitors next to each other. Prices are rounded starting MSRPs and some brands list the destination fee separately, so check the final number on the brand’s site.
| SUV | Seats | Base engine | Max towing | Starting price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Highlander (2026) | 7-8 | 2.4L turbo-4, 265 hp | 5,000 lb | About $45,300 | Reliability and resale |
| Honda Pilot (2026) | 7-8 | 3.5L V6, 285 hp | 5,000 lb | About $43,700 | Practical family use |
| Kia Telluride (2027) | 7-8 | 2.5L turbo-4, 274 hp | 5,500 lb | About $40,700 | Value with a third row |
| Hyundai Palisade (2026) | 7-8 | 3.5L V6, 287 hp | 5,000 lb | About $40,400 | Hybrid family SUV |
| Ford Explorer (2026) | 6-7 | 2.3L turbo-4, 300 hp | 5,600 lb | About $40,000 | Power and space |
| Chevy Traverse (2026) | 7-8 | 2.5L turbo-4, 328 hp | 5,000 lb | About $44,800 | Cargo room |
| Hyundai Santa Fe (2026) | 6-7 | 2.5L turbo-4, 277 hp | 4,500 lb | About $36,600 | Hybrid efficiency |
| Kia Sorento (2026) | 6-7 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 191 hp | 3,500 lb | About $33,900 | Powertrain choice |
| Nissan Pathfinder (2026) | 7-8 | 3.5L V6, 284 hp | 6,000 lb | About $39,000 | Three-row towing |
8 SUVs Similar to Toyota Highlander
Each of these cars similar to Toyota Highlander gets a short profile: why it belongs on your shopping list, where it differs and who it suits. The list starts with the SUVs that come closest to the Highlander.
1. Honda Pilot
- Engines: 3.5L V6, 285 hp
- Max towing: 5,000 lb
- Fuel economy: Up to 22 mpg combined
- Seats: 7 or 8
- Starting price: About $43,700
The Pilot has 48.5 cubic feet behind the second row, one of the biggest figures in its class, and the TrailSport trim has 8.3 inches of ground clearance and all-terrain tires. For 2026 every Pilot gets a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster. Like the Highlander, it has a third row and tows 5,000 lb or more.
Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot: the Pilot starts about $1,600 lower and has 48.5 cubic feet behind the second row, while the Highlander gets 13 mpg more (up to 35 mpg combined) and offers a fuel-saving hybrid.
Best for: families who need space first and light trail use second.
2. Kia Telluride
- Engines: 2.5L turbo-4 (274 hp) or 2.5L turbo hybrid (329 hp)
- Max towing: 5,500 lb
- Seats: 7 or 8
- Starting price: About $40,700
The redesigned 2027 Telluride drops the old V6 for a turbo-four and adds the model’s first hybrid. It keeps the upright, boxy look, and the X-Pro trims add all-terrain tires and a 5,500-lb tow rating. As with the Highlander, it has a third row, offers a hybrid and tows 5,000 lb or more.
Toyota Highlander vs Kia Telluride: pick the Telluride if you want a vehicle that tows 500 lb more (up to 5,500 lb) and starts about $4,500 lower. The Highlander is the better choice because it has three rows.
Best for: value-focused families who want a rugged look.
3. Hyundai Palisade
- Engines: 3.5L V6 (287 hp) or 2.5L turbo hybrid (329 hp)
- Max towing: 5,000 lb
- Seats: 7 or 8
- Starting price: About $40,400
The all-new 2026 Palisade is bigger than before and now offers a hybrid that Hyundai says can top 30 mpg on the highway. The new XRT Pro trim adds off-road upgrades, and upper trims feel close to luxury. It matches the Highlander because it has a third row, offers a hybrid and tows 5,000 lb or more.
Toyota Highlander vs Hyundai Palisade: the Palisade starts about $4,800 lower and offers more power (up to 329 hp). The Highlander has strong resale value.
Best for: families who want a near-luxury cabin and a hybrid option.
4. Ford Explorer
- Engines: 2.3L turbo-4 (300 hp) or 3.0L twin-turbo V6 (400 hp)
- Max towing: 5,600 lb
- Fuel economy: Up to 24 mpg combined
- Seats: 6 or 7
- Starting price: About $40,000
The Explorer rides on a rear-wheel-drive platform and offers strong turbo engines, including a 400-hp V6 in the ST. The Tremor trim adds off-road upgrades, and every model has three rows. Like the Highlander, it has a third row and tows 5,000 lb or more.
Toyota Highlander vs Ford Explorer: the Explorer tows 600 lb more (up to 5,600 lb) and starts about $5,200 lower. The Highlander gets 11 mpg more (up to 35 mpg combined) and offers a fuel-saving hybrid.
Best for: buyers who want strong power and a third row.
5. Chevy Traverse
- Engines: 2.5L turbo-4, 328 hp
- Max towing: 5,000 lb
- Fuel economy: Up to 21 mpg combined
- Seats: 7 or 8
- Starting price: About $44,800
The Traverse offers 97.6 cubic feet of total cargo space and a 328-hp turbo-four. The Z71 trim adds a lifted suspension and a twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system for snow and dirt roads. As with the Highlander, it has a third row and tows 5,000 lb or more.
Toyota Highlander vs Chevy Traverse: the Traverse offers more power (up to 328 hp) and has 97.6 cubic feet of total cargo space, while the Highlander gets 14 mpg more (up to 35 mpg combined) and offers a fuel-saving hybrid.
Best for: road-trip families who pack a lot of gear.
6. Hyundai Santa Fe
- Engines: 2.5L turbo-4 (277 hp) or hybrid (231 hp)
- Max towing: 4,500 lb
- Fuel economy: Up to 34 mpg combined
- Seats: 6 or 7
- Starting price: About $36,600
The boxy Santa Fe offers a small third row in a midsize footprint and a hybrid that gets up to about 34 mpg combined. For 2026 an eight-speed automatic replaces the dual-clutch, and the XRT gets Mud, Snow and Sand modes. As with the Highlander, it has a third row and offers a hybrid.
Toyota Highlander vs Hyundai Santa Fe: pick the Santa Fe if you want a vehicle that starts about $8,600 lower. The Highlander is the better choice because it tows 500 lb more (up to 5,000 lb).
Best for: families who need an occasional third row and good mpg.
7. Kia Sorento
- Engines: 2.5L (191 hp), 2.5L turbo (281 hp), hybrid (227 hp) or plug-in hybrid (261 hp)
- Max towing: 3,500 lb
- Fuel economy: Up to 34 mpg combined
- Seats: 6 or 7
- Starting price: About $33,900
The Sorento offers four powertrains, from a basic 2.5L to a plug-in hybrid, and a third row for kids in a size that is easy to park. It starts below most three-row rivals. As with the Highlander, it has a third row and offers a hybrid.
Toyota Highlander vs Kia Sorento: the Sorento starts about $11,400 lower. The Highlander tows 1,500 lb more (up to 5,000 lb).
Best for: buyers who want a small third row and lots of powertrain choice.
8. Nissan Pathfinder
- Engines: 3.5L V6, 284 hp (295 hp in Rock Creek)
- Max towing: 6,000 lb
- Fuel economy: Up to 23 mpg combined
- Seats: 7 or 8
- Starting price: About $39,000
The Pathfinder tows 6,000 lb, more than most three-row crossovers, and the Rock Creek trim adds a tuned suspension and all-terrain tires. For 2026 it gets new front and rear styling and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen. It matches the Highlander because it has a third row and tows 5,000 lb or more.
Toyota Highlander vs Nissan Pathfinder: the Pathfinder tows 1,000 lb more (up to 6,000 lb) and starts about $6,200 lower, while the Highlander gets 12 mpg more (up to 35 mpg combined) and offers a fuel-saving hybrid.
Best for: families who tow a camper or boat.
Which Toyota Highlander Alternative Fits Your Needs?
| If you need… | Look at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| More towing | Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Explorer, Kia Telluride | Up to 6,000 lb, compared with 5,000 lb for the Highlander |
| A plug-in hybrid | Kia Sorento | Short trips on electricity, with gas for longer drives |
| The lowest price | Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe | From about $33,900 |
How to Choose a Car Similar to the Toyota Highlander
Start with how you actually use your SUV. Most buyers who compare SUVs similar to Toyota Highlander care about a few numbers more than the rest, so check these first.
- Towing: The Highlander tows up to 5,000 lb. Check the rating for the exact engine and package you plan to buy, since many SUVs only reach their top number with an optional tow package.
- All-wheel drive and ground clearance: All-wheel drive helps in snow and on dirt roads. For rougher trails, look for extra ground clearance and all-terrain tires.
- Passengers and cargo: Bring your child seats and gear to the test drive to see what fits.
- Running costs: Compare EPA fuel ratings, insurance quotes and expected resale value, not just the sticker price.
When you shortlist cars similar to Toyota Highlander, test-drive at least two of them back to back on the same roads. Ride comfort, seat comfort and cabin noise are hard to judge from a spec sheet, and they often decide which one feels right.
Which Car Is Most Similar to the Toyota Highlander?
The Honda Pilot is the car most similar to the Toyota Highlander overall, because it has a similar size, a smooth V6, a 5,000-lb tow rating and more cargo space. The Nissan Pathfinder is the pick for towing, the Kia Telluride is the pick for value with a third row and the Hyundai Palisade is the pick for a hybrid family SUV. Compare the towing, seats and prices of these cars similar to Toyota Highlander in the tables above, then test-drive your top two before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Comparable to a Toyota Highlander?
The Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Ford Explorer and Chevy Traverse are the most comparable models. Each has three rows and seats six or more, and most tow 5,000 lb.
What Are the Main Toyota Highlander Competitors?
The main Toyota Highlander competitors in the midsize SUV class are the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Ford Explorer, Chevy Traverse, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and Nissan Pathfinder.
Is the Honda Pilot Better Than the Toyota Highlander?
It depends on what you need. The Pilot is the better pick if you want a vehicle that starts about $1,600 lower and has 48.5 cubic feet behind the second row. The Highlander is better because it gets 13 mpg more (up to 35 mpg combined) and offers a fuel-saving hybrid.
Which SUV Tows More Than the Toyota Highlander?
The Nissan Pathfinder (up to 6,000 lb), Ford Explorer (up to 5,600 lb) and Kia Telluride (up to 5,500 lb) all tow more than the Highlander’s 5,000 lb.
Is There a Hybrid Similar to the Toyota Highlander?
Yes. The Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento all offer a hybrid version.
What Is the Cheapest Car Similar to the Toyota Highlander?
The Kia Sorento is the cheapest pick on this list, starting at about $33,900. That is about $11,400 less than the Highlander.