The Toyota Prado and the Hyundai Palisade both have room for the large family load.
But size is just one part of mastering this complex puzzle.
Let's see which of these two big SUVs better delivers on the modern family needs.
Yes, the top selling Prado is a proper off-roader that can tackle the Simpson
while the all-new Palisade cannot. But the vast majority of large three-row SUVs spend most of
their time doing people-mover duty, which is what we're focusing on here. So this is not a
hardcore off-road shoot-out, but an on-road comparer between two all-wheel drive diesel
flagships of their respective ranges. For years, the trusty Toyota Prado has been the go-to vehicle
for large adventurous families who at least see themselves heading off road or lugging a load.
With over 10 million sales globally, it is a force to be reckoned with. On test,
here is the top-spec Kakadu variant that brings all the bells and whistles Toyota has to offer.
Hyundai breaks new ground with the car-based Palisade, which is available with seven or
eight seats. And while its abilities are suburban-focused, it's betting for the same
buyer and brings a modern approach to the table based on a rugged separate chassis and fitted with
low range gearing and a degree of diff-lock the top shelf Prado is also about $12,000
pricier than it's opposite number at Hyundai. So you'd expect some hero moves from the Toyota.
The Prado is big and boxy and has a rugged presence, it does present as a little old
school though. The Palisade looks more refined and modern, it's more of a suburban beast than
a rugged off-roader. The Prado is a little longer and taller and weighs significantly
more than the Palisade, which is the wider of the two. Four-cylinder turbo diesel engine are common
to both, a 2.8 litre in the Toyota, and a 2.2 in the Hyundai. Both vehicles send power to all four
wheels via a dual-range six-speed in the Toyota and an eight-speed auto in the Hyundai. Straight
out of the box, the Prado is fighting fit to head-off the tarmac, the Palisade is not. The more
powerful Toyota hits peak performance early in the revs than the Hyundai and will tow more too. The
Prado Kakadu might be the top-spec variant, but it's still behind the eight ball where
design flare and finesse are concerned. Fit and finish still feels of a good quality, but things
like a hand-operated park brake and plenty of hard plastics are telling of its aged design.
The Prado's tech interface looks basic, but it's pragmatic and practical, and it works well.
The 9-inch colour touch screen is home to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation,
digital radio, and a premium JBL 14-speaker sound system. The basics done well. You'll have to share
one USB charge outlet though. For a car of this size, in cabin storage is disappointing. There
is just not enough, apart from this clever cooler box which is great for keeping the
family road trip snacks fresh. The Palisade has such a different vibe inside. It feels plush
and thoroughly modern compared to the Prado. Heated and ventilated electric-adjust seats,
a heated steering wheel, and soft Nappa leather make for a premium ambience. The 10.25-inch
touch screen blends seamlessly with this dash, and it really sets the tone for the interior.
It's modern and sophisticated. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital radio, satellite navigation,
live traffic updates, you'll also find dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and push button
start, and an electric park brake are standard, and head-up display at Highlander level.
The Hyundai shames the Toyota with its ample and thoughtful storage solutions. You've got
a lidded armrest here, two cup holders with a retractable top, and you've got more storage
under here. Safety technology is well sorted in both vehicles, the Hyundai going one better
with the addition of rearward AEB. While overall amenity in both vehicles is of a similar level,
the Hyundai's fit, finish, and execution trumps the Toyota's. There is plenty of room
in the Toyota head, leg, and shoulder. You will comfortably seat three people. Climate control,
an armrest with cup holders, back of seat pockets make for a comfortable space,
but there's no USB points here. Similarly, the second row of the Hyundai has plenty of room for
three passengers. Heated and ventilated seats and armrests with cup holders, back of seat pockets,
roof-mounted air vents, and two USB points better the amenity than in the Prado. Third rows provide
good space for kids. The Hyundai again offering better amenity with two USB charge points.
Both vehicles feature two ISOfix positions and five child-seat anchor points. Both vehicles
have large cargo spaces, but done differently. The Prado has an optional split tailgate that
hinges on the right, which means the spare wheel replaces the sub-fuel tank underneath.
Whereas the Hyundai has a more traditional top-hinged tailgate. Folding seats that are 40,
20, 40 in the second row, and 50, 50 in the third rows allow for more versatile load space.
Bag hooks and anchor points in common. And the Prado has a handy 220 volt power point.
When you first jumped behind the wheel of the Prado, it does feel big,
and it feels weighty. But it carries itself pretty nicely on the road, to be honest.
The Prado feels like a gutsy turbo diesel. It's weighty in hand, and power is quick
to kick-in when you plant your foot. Grunt that will come in handy if you're towing.
The Prado Kakadu brings adaptive suspension damping and low-range gearing, multi-terrain drive
modes, five-mode crawl control, KDSS detachable roll bars, and a re-locking diff to the table,
a key point of difference from the Palisade. Central to the Prado's build is its rugged
lighter frame chassis, great for off-roading, but that brings some compromises around town.
The cabin is pretty quiet and ride comfort is really good, but it just lacks that certain sense
of refinement and finesse. On more practical matters like outward vision, it is great.
On the move, it's no surprise that the uni-body Palisade feels much more car-like than the Prado.
And it certainly doesn't feel its size. The turbo diesel carries the Palisade with ease, and it's
fairly quiet too. The Palisade really does stand out for its ride comfort and ease of handling.
It not only feels smaller than the Prado, but it handles as such as well. A car-based Monocoque
Chassis and a local suspension tune, really do set the tone for the Palisades on road manners.
The Palisade is made for suburban life with an emphasis on ride comfort, and it has the edge over
the Prado in this regard. The Hyundai Palisade is quiet and comfortable and delivers refinement
above its price point. On par with the Toyota, the Hyundai has good outward vision. Thanks
to large windows all around. Claim-combined fuel consumption favours the smaller capacity
engine of the Hyundai. Both vehicles are covered by identical warranty periods,
but service intervals will see your Toyota at the garage more frequently.
The Toyota Prado is easy to park, but the screen resolution is a little dull.
Front and rear parking sensor and a 360-degree camera are welcome inclusions. Equally so,
the Palisade has a large glass house, and it's easy to park. Its camera, however is crystal
clear. The Hyundai Palisade and Toyota Prado have unique ways of catering to the family SUV market.
On one hand, we have a rugged proven history of durability and go anyway capability.
And on the other, a smart, sophisticated, and comfortable SUV offering series of bang for buck.
Choosing your vehicle will depend on how adventurous you wanna get. But if off-road
tricks are not on your agenda, the cheaper and slicker new Palisade is a clear winner.