The Toyota Highlander is a top player in the large SUVs segment. It is well-rounded and powerful, with a spacious three-row interior that comfortably accommodates seven adults. The car delivers a smooth ride with a powerful engine. Also, the okay gas mileage and Toyota’s top-grade reliability make this car excellent for family road trips. We’d like to explore top SUVs similar to Toyota Highlander with these great properties and even more. So, if you are in the market for a three-row family car, you are in the right place!
The Best Full-Sized SUVs similar to Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is a superb family vehicle, but other impressive options exist. In this post, we have outlined and reviewed the top SUVs similar to Toyota Highlander, each with a slightly different but effective recipe. Let’s dive in…
1. Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is first on our list of SUVs similar to Toyota Highlander. Ford’s Explorer is a practical car with a comfortable seven-seater interior featuring the right features and materials. An 8.0-inch screen is the standard infotainment screen offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Higher-end trims feature a more intuitive 10.1-inch vertically-oriented screen.
A turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine powers the base models. However, power-loving buyers prefer the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 that delivers up to 400 horsepower. The i4 generates up to 300 horsepower and accelerates from zero to 60 mph in six seconds. Both trims feature a ten-speed automatic transmission with an RWD driveline as standard. Moreover, you can opt for an AWD for more bucks.
The 2024 Ford Explorers can tow up to 5,600 pounds when properly equipped. As the EPA estimates, the four-cylinder Explorer has a gas mileage of 21 and 28 MPG for city and highway driving, respectively. Meanwhile, the V6 is rated at 18 MPG in the city and 26 on the highway. The car has tangible cargo space and offers some new-day safety tech to make it one of the best family cars.
The 2024 Ford Explorer starts at $38,455 and goes up to $57,310, depending on the trim you prefer.
2. Hyundai Palisade
Among other impressive features, the Palisade offers the best Warranty package on our list. It is among affordable SUVs with impressive interiors. The interior boasts near-luxury features like quilted leather upholstery, fancier trim, and second-row captain’s chairs. The dash has a 12.0-inch infotainment display with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, in-dash navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Under the hood, you will find a powerful 3.8-liter V6 gasoline engine that pairs standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine generates up to 291 horsepower and provides decent acceleration. While the Palisade’s transmission shifts automatically, it can be manually shifted with paddles behind the steering wheel for drivers seeking more involvement.
This car has attained lots of impressive figures in various tests. The car can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 6.4 seconds. It brakes from 70 mph to stop at about 161 feet. It also boasts a maximum tow rate of 5,000 pounds. Lastly, it has a gas mileage of 19 MPG in the city and 26 on the highway.
You can get a new 2024 Hyundai Palisade for between $38,045 and $55,245. You also get to choose between the AWD and FWD configurations. Palisade is equipped with Hyundai’s Blue Link app service, so you can lock, unlock, and start your car remotely via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
3. Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent is a large SUV with a spacious interior accommodating eight adults. You get a seven-seater interior if you want the Captain’s chair instead of a bench on the second row. The car offers good cargo space regardless. The cabin boasts near-luxury and safety tech features. One of them is an 11.6-inch infotainment screen offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and tri-zone automatic climate control.
Under the hood, the Ascent sports a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers up to 260 horsepower. It pairs with a CVT automatic transmission and a standard AWD driveline to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. The gear can be controlled by paddle shifters located behind the steering wheel. This setup, coupled with the suspension, facilitates the Ascent’s remarkable driving dynamics.
Regarding performance, the maximum towing capacity is at 5,000 pounds. The Ascent is estimated to perform with a gas mileage of about 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. This car has standard safety features: forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The starting price of a new 2024 Subaru Ascent is $35,740. Depending on the trim and optional features, it can cost up to $49,790.
4. Jeep Grand Cherokee L
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a newer large SUV series offering a three-row interior. This combines a sleek and comfortable interior with a rugged off-road performance. Like most SUVs similar to Toyota Highlander, the new Cherokee L is a seven-seater packed with top-quality materials and tools.
The 2024 models feature astonishing upgrades such as a power-operated rear liftgate, automatic high-beam headlamps, remote start, interior ambient lighting, driver memory settings, leather upholstery, and heated second-row seats. Also, the 10.1-inch standard infotainment system offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Larger screens and accessibility features are optional for the higher-end trims.
Performance is never in question when it comes to Jeeps. This one runs on a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces up to 290 horsepower. Drivers seeking more power will favor the 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 357 horsepower. The V6 has a maximum towing cap of 6200 pounds and goes from zero to 60 mph in 8 seconds. Meanwhile, the V8 tows 7,200 pounds and accelerates to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds.
The standard transmission for both powertrains is an eight-speed automatic. Whereas buyers get to choose between an AWD and RWD driveline. The average gas mileage is about 18 MPG across models and driving conditions.
Lastly, depending on your drivetrain configuration, the price for a new 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L ranges between $41,830 and $70,835. Also, you must get the more expensive trims to enjoy the optional features.
5. Mazda CX-90
The CX-90 is a premium large SUV with a near-luxury interior. It is one of the top SUVs similar to Toyota Highlander. The 2024 model sports two variants of a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline six-cylinder engine. The gas engine pairs with a 48-volt hybrid system to produce 280 horsepower in non-S and 340 in S trims. An AWD is the standard configuration and the eight-speed automatic transmission.
This inline-six from Mazda has attained some impressive numbers from tests. It accelerates from zero to 60 mph in merely 6.3 seconds. Also, it has an EPA-estimated gas mileage of 24 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. Regarding the interior, the CX-90 impresses more on higher-end trims. First, Captain chairs, the larger infotainment screen, and the digital gauge cluster are optional.
Lower trims feature a 7.0-inch digital gauge display, an eight-speaker stereo system, and a 10.3-inch infotainment screen. However, you get a larger 10.1-inch digital gauge cluster as optional, a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo, and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control are standard. A new 2024 Mazda CX-90 starts at $39,220 and can cost as high as $57,325, depending on the trim and optional features.
6. Chevrolet Traverse
The Traverse is arguably the biggest car on our list. It is a large, well-rounded SUV that delivers a refined driving experience. Buyers enjoy a comfortable seven-seater interior that can haul a big family. This car has many exciting features to look out for, including the giant 17.7-inch infotainment display and 11.0-inch digital cluster. Both are standard on all Traverse models and feature Chevrolet’s intuitive Google-based software interface to provide an interface to display information for the driver.
You also get a wireless smartphone charging pad and an onboard Wi-Fi connection. The common engine is a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that pairs with the standard eight-speed automatic transmission. Buyers can choose between an AWD and a FWD driveline configuration. Chevy’s Traverse can tow up to 5000 pounds with the optional towing package. The drivetrain setup produces up to 328 horsepower and can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds.
Higher-end trims enjoy a second-row captain’s chair, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a wireless smartphone charging pad, a power rear liftgate, and roof rails for carrying additional cargo. Also, the Z71 trim is the off-road-capable option and sports a slightly lifted suspension, a twin-clutch all-wheel drive system, all-terrain tires, and unique 18-inch wheels to facilitate it. The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse ranges from $39,495 to $55,595. Every model is priced depending on the optional features included.
7. Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento is rated as a mid-sized SUV with driving dynamics and a family-friendly interior that qualifies it among SUVs similar to Toyota Highlander. This SUV can seat up to seven with the third row in place, but it is not so spacious. Kia also introduced four great powertrain options to impress the family car market with the latest models. Gas-only engine options feature a 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine as the base model. This engine produces up to 191 horsepower, while the turbocharged version steps it up to 281 horsepower.
The other two powertrains are hybrid. The first comprises a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder gas engine that pairs with an electric motor to generate 227 horsepower. The second hybrid is a plug-in model featuring the same engine with a more powerful electric motor. This setup comes standard with an AWD and delivers up to 261 horsepower. Also, while the gas-only engines pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the hybrids rely on a six-speed automatic. Aside from the plug-in hybrid, all Sorentos are offered with an FWD driveline as standard. However, buyers still get the option of an AWD for a more exciting driving experience.
According to the EPA’s estimation, the gas models have an average combined gas mileage of about 25 MPG. While the Hybrids have theirs at about 35 MPG. The 2024 Sorento’s dash features a standard 4.3-inch digital gauge display and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Optional features include a wireless charging pad, a 12-speaker Bose stereo system, and a rear-seat entertainment system.
The base engine can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in nine seconds, while the turbocharged engines require just six seconds. A new 2024 Kia Sorento ranges between $33,365 and $51,665, depending on the trim and options.
8. Volkswagen Atlas
The Volkswagen Atlas is a top player in the midsize SUV segment. It runs on a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing up to 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission configured as a front-wheel drive standard. Moreover, you can get an all-wheel drive for more responsiveness. The car also boasts precise steering and tuned suspensions.
VW built the Atlas with a traditional SUV body, and recent models enjoy some physical improvements to enhance their looks. The standard drivetrain setup has an EPA-estimated gas mileage of 19 MPG in the city and 26 on the highway. Furthermore, the car has a max tow rate of 5,000 pounds and can burst from zero to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds.
Inside, the cabin is spacious, with a foldable third seat-row. The dash features an upgraded 12.0-inch infotainment screen that allows access to a wealth of impressive tech features. In addition, you get the best safety tech available for a car within its price range. A new 2024 Volkswagen Atlas ranges between $39,420 and $54,315, depending on the trim and options.
9. Dodge Durango
Most vehicles on this list run on four-cylinder or V6 engines. However, the Durango has an optional supercharged V8 engine. The base engine is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 that generates up to 295 horsepower. Moreover, you can get a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that produces up to 360 horsepower to amass a maximum towing cap of 8,700 pounds. The V6 goes from zero to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, while the V8 does so in just 6.2.
The Durango’s suspensions are sporty but smooth, with precise steering to improve the road experience. For gas mileage, the V6 model is estimated to deliver 19 MPG for city driving and 26 for highway. While the V8 delivers at 14 and 22 MPG, respectively. The seven-seater interior has ample head, leg, and cargo space. You can fold the third row of seats to increase hauling capacity.
The paddle shifters are behind the steering wheel, a dream come true for sports car lovers. Also, a 10.1-inch infotainment screen sits on the dash, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. You also get an optional rear-seat entertainment system featuring dual screens with HDMI and RCA ports to connect with your smart devices. The 2024 Dodge Durango starts at $43,265 and can go up to $59,865.
10. Honda Pilot
If you are looking for an ideal vehicle for a family road trip, you cannot go wrong with a Honda Pilot. Like the Highlander, it favors a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a front-wheel drive layout. This engine generates up to 285 horsepower and pairs with a ten-speed automatic transmission. The Pilot has an Off-Roader trim, the TrailSport. It relies on special suspensions with a 1.0-inch lift, steel skid plates, all-terrain tires, a hill-descent control system, and a specially tuned all-wheel drive system with a Trail driving mode to make it off-road worthy.
Even the base models have an AWD option with a max tow rate of 5,000 pounds. Meanwhile, the FWD models are good for just 3,500 pounds. The EPA estimates the Pilot’s gas mileage to be 19 MPG in the city and 27 on the highway. A 7.0-inch infotainment screen is standard, offering Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. While higher trims feature an optional 9.0-inch with a Bose 12-speaker stereo setup.
Other standard features include automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The starting price of a new 2024 Honda Pilot is $38,485 and can get as high as $53,875, depending on the trim and options.
Let’s Wrap Up…
The Highlander boasts all the best features and just keeps getting better. Along with its near-luxury sophisticated interior, you get remarkable space at the back for luggage. The 2024 model is also offered as gas-only or a hybrid, with a $40,665 to $52,820 price range. We considered interior space, comfort, additional features, and performance when picking the best SUVs similar to Toyota Highlander. We also looked at reliability scores and car user reviews to ensure we bring you the best.
