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North Texas families cross-shopping three-row SUVs this year keep landing on the same two names. The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander vs. Hyundai Palisade comparison comes down to real numbers: cargo cubic feet, towing pounds, MPG ratings, and reliability scores. Line up the specs side by side, and a clear pattern emerges in Toyota's favor. Before diving into that data, you can browse our new Grand Highlander inventory to see current trims and availability at Longo Toyota of Prosper. 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander vs. Hyundai Palisade: The Quick Verdict The Grand Highlander pulls ahead on cargo room, third-row usability, and Hybrid MAX towing capacity, while the Palisade counters with a lower starting MSRP, standard dual displays, and more front and second-row legroom. Both are well-built three-row SUVs, but for families who tow, haul gear, or seat adults in the back row regularly, the capability gap favors Toyota. Key Differences at a Glance Spec Grand Highlander Palisade Powertrain 2.4L turbo I4 (gas); 2.5L hybrid I4; 2.4L Hybrid MAX 3.5L V6 (gas); 2.5L turbo hybrid I4 Drivetrain FWD standard, AWD available; standard on Platinum FWD standard, AWD available; XRT Pro is AWD only Horsepower/Torque 265 hp / 310 lb-ft (gas); 245 hp (hybrid); 362 hp / 400 lb-ft (Hybrid MAX) 287 hp / 260 lb-ft (V6); 329 hp / 339 lb-ft (hybrid) Fuel Economy (combined) 24 mpg (gas FWD); 36 mpg (hybrid FWD); 27 mpg (Hybrid MAX) 22 mpg (V6 FWD); up to 34 mpg (hybrid FWD) Towing 5,000 lbs (gas); 3,500 lbs (hybrid); 5,000 lbs (Hybrid MAX) 5,000 lbs (V6); 4,000 lbs (hybrid) Cargo, behind 3rd row 20.6 cu ft 19.1 cu ft Cargo, maximum 97.5 cu ft 86.7 cu ft Pricing and Trim Value: Which SUV Gives You More Pricing tells part of the story, but trim value tells the rest. The Palisade starts lower on paper. The Grand Highlander spreads its lineup across more powertrain choices, including a hybrid that doesn't sacrifice towing power. Grand Highlander Trims and Starting MSRP The gas-powered Grand Highlander comes in four trims, LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum, starting at $42,260 before Toyota's $1,495 delivery, processing, and handling fee. FWD is standard on LE, XLE, and Limited, with AWD optional or standard depending on trim. The 245-hp standard hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a CVT and is offered on Hybrid LE, Hybrid XLE, Hybrid Limited, and Hybrid Nightshade. Above that sits Hybrid MAX, a 362-hp setup with a six-speed automatic and standard AWD, available on Limited and standard on Platinum. Hybrid pricing starts at $45,610 and a fully loaded Hybrid MAX Platinum reaches $60,175, which means electrification is available at nearly every point in the lineup rather than concentrated at the top. Palisade Trims and Starting MSRP Hyundai spreads the Palisade across seven trims: SE, SEL, SEL Convenience, SEL Premium, XRT Pro, Limited, and Calligraphy. The base SE starts at $39,435 MSRP, a genuinely lower entry point than the Grand Highlander. The Palisade Hybrid begins at $43,660, and the off-road-styled XRT Pro starts at $49,870. AWD adds $2,000 on comparable trims, so a loaded Calligraphy Hybrid lands in the high-$50,000s to around $60,000 with destination. Hyundai's lower base price is real, but factor in the Grand Highlander's standard tech and towing capability, and that price gap doesn't stretch as far as it first appears. Space and Versatility: Cargo and Passenger Room Families hauling sports gear, luggage for lake trips, or groceries for a full house will notice the difference in usable space. Cargo Capacity Behind Each Row The Grand Highlander offers 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 97.5 cubic feet with both rows folded flat. It fits seven carry-on suitcases behind the third row alone, and total passenger volume reaches 153.3 cubic feet across seating for up to eight (or seven with available captain's chairs). The Palisade offers 19.1 cubic feet behind its third row, 46.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86.7 cubic feet maximum. Every measurement favors Toyota, some by a wide margin. If you're loading coolers, luggage, and gear for a weekend at a North Texas lake, the Grand Highlander's extra cubic feet behind every row add up fast. Second- and Third-Row Comfort and Accessibility The Palisade has an edge up front and in the second row, with 44.2 inches of front legroom and up to 43.0 inches in row two, both ahead of the Grand Highlander on those specific measurements. Third-row space is where things flip, and the published numbers make the case cleanly. The Grand Highlander offers 33.5 inches of third-row legroom against the Palisade's 32.1, with 37.2 inches of headroom back there. Reviewers have also singled out the Grand Highlander's wide rear door opening and C-pillar grab handle as making third-row access easier than the segment average. The practical read: the Palisade prioritizes the two rows most people sit in, while the Grand Highlander is built so the back row works for adults on a real trip rather than a short errand. Interior Technology and Cabin Quality Hyundai equips every Palisade trim with dual 12.3-inch displays, a genuine standard-tech advantage worth acknowledging. Materials range from cloth on the SE up through H-Tex, leather on Limited, and Nappa leather on the Calligraphy, plus Amazon Alexa integration and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Toyota takes a different approach with the Grand Highlander: a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on every trim, plus over-the-air software updates standard across the entire lineup instead of gated to higher trims like many competitors do. Acoustic glass, three-zone climate control with second- and third-row vents, and seven USB-C ports round out the cabin. Higher trims add a panoramic roof, heated and ventilated seats, and an 11-speaker JBL audio system. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0™ comes standard across the board, along with blind-spot monitoring and a backup camera. The Palisade's dual-screen setup looks more premium at a glance, but Toyota's standard OTA updates mean your Grand Highlander's tech stays current without a dealer visit, trim level aside. Powertrain and Towing Capability North Texas drivers towing boats to Lake Lewisville or hauling trailers for weekend projects will want to pay close attention here. Grand Highlander Engine Options and Towing Capacity The gas Grand Highlander runs a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 265 hp at 6,000 rpm and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic in FWD or AWD configurations. Properly equipped with Toyota's factory tow package, it's rated at 5,000 lbs. Choose the Hybrid MAX and you get 362 hp and 400 lb-ft with that same 5,000-lb rating, which is the rare case of an electrified three-row that gives up nothing on capability. The factory package is an accessory rather than standard equipment, and it includes a Class III receiver, wiring harness, and trailer sway control, so it's worth speccing at order time rather than adding later. Our team can confirm what's on any unit in stock. Palisade Engine Options and Towing Capacity The Palisade's 3.5-liter V6 delivers 287 hp and 260 lb-ft, matching the Grand Highlander's 5,000-lb tow rating in gas form. Its hybrid setup, a 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder plus electric motor, produces a stronger 329 hp and 339 lb-ft combined, but towing capacity drops to 4,000 lbs. If towing matters, the choice comes down to which hybrid you pick. The Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX holds the full 5,000-lb rating, a full 1,000 lbs more than any Palisade Hybrid can manage. The standard Grand Highlander Hybrid trades that capability for fuel economy and is rated at 3,500 lbs, below the Palisade Hybrid's 4,000. Toyota is the only one of the two that lets you have an electrified powertrain and a 5,000-lb rating in the same vehicle, so buyers who tow should be looking at the Hybrid MAX. Hybrid Efficiency Showdown Efficiency is where the comparison gets especially relevant for buyers cross-shopping the two hybrid lineups. 2026 Grand Highlander Hybrid MPG Ratings The EPA rates the Grand Highlander Hybrid XLE FWD at 37 city, 34 highway, and 36 combined MPG, its best configuration. AWD models across LE, XLE, Limited, and Nightshade trims come in slightly lower at 36 city, 32 highway, 34 combined. The performance-oriented Hybrid MAX trades some efficiency for power, rated at 26 city, 27 highway, 27 combined. 2026 Palisade Hybrid MPG Ratings The Palisade Hybrid reaches up to 34 MPG combined in FWD form, dropping to 29 combined with AWD, and Hyundai advertises a driving range of over 600 miles per tank. The non-hybrid V6 comes in at 19 city and 26 highway in FWD. Toyota's FWD hybrid beats Hyundai's FWD hybrid by 2 MPG combined, 36 versus 34, though that standard FWD hybrid is rated to tow only 3,500 lbs, less than the Palisade Hybrid's 4,000-lb rating; matching the Palisade on both efficiency and towing isn't possible with a single Grand Highlander hybrid trim. Over a year of typical North Texas commuting and weekend errands, that gap can mean noticeably fewer fill-ups for FWD hybrid buyers who don't need maximum towing capacity. Reliability and Ownership Confidence On ownership, Hyundai's headline warranty is longer, at 10 years or 100,000 miles on the powertrain and hybrid battery against Toyota's 3-year/36,000-mile basic and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage. Two things narrow that gap. Toyota covers the hybrid battery for 10 years or 150,000 miles, a full 50,000 beyond Hyundai's, on the component hybrid buyers actually worry about. And Hyundai discontinued complimentary scheduled maintenance starting with 2026 models, while ToyotaCare still includes two years or 25,000 miles of factory-recommended service on every new Grand Highlander. Why the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Wins For most family buyers, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander vs. Hyundai Palisade decision tilts toward Toyota. The Grand Highlander offers more cargo room behind every row, a third row that actually fits adults comfortably, a hybrid lineup where the standard Hybrid beats the Palisade's fuel economy and the Hybrid MAX matches its full towing capacity, and standard tech features like OTA updates that Hyundai doesn't match across its lineup. The Palisade still has a lower starting price, standard dual screens, and stronger second-row legroom going for it. But North Texas families who need cargo space and towing muscle for the long haul will find the Grand Highlander the stronger pick. Experience the Grand Highlander at Longo Toyota of Prosper See It in Person Specs on a page only tell part of the story. The best way to judge cargo space, third-row comfort, and cabin quality is to sit in the vehicle yourself. Stop by Longo Toyota of Prosper at 2100 W. University Drive to see the 2026 Grand Highlander lineup in person, whether you're eyeing the value-focused LE or the powerful Hybrid MAX Platinum trim. Our sales team is available Monday through Saturday, 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM, and can walk you through trims and financing and show you what's currently in stock. Schedule Your Visit When you're ready to take the next step, contact our team to schedule a test drive or ask questions about which Grand Highlander trim fits your family's needs in North Texas.

Ask ten North Texans where to find the best burgers in McKinney, TX and you'll get ten different answers. That's the fun of it. This stretch of North Texas has quietly built something special, where drive-up windows serving thin-patty classics sit just down the road from gourmet spots stacking Wagyu beef under truffle aioli. If you're planning a visit to Prosper to check out a new Toyota, swing by Longo Toyota of Prosper first and make a day of it, since several of these spots sit just minutes away. What Makes McKinney, TX a Great Burger Destination McKinney's burger lineup works because it doesn't try to be just one thing. Family-owned counters that have been flipping patties since the 1950s sit a few miles from craft burger bars pouring local drafts and mixing house cocktails. What ties it together is a genuine focus on quality ingredients and community roots. Many of the best burgers in McKinney, TX come from kitchens that source beef locally, hand-press their patties, and treat the bun as seriously as the meat. Add a casual, friendly dining atmosphere and this town clearly takes its burgers seriously, not just a place to grab fast food in a hurry. The One and Only Burgers and Fries – Best for Value & Local Flavor Gabriel Pineda opened this family-owned spot in 2014 at the corner of University/380 and McDonald/Hwy 5 in east McKinney, and it's become a go-to for anyone hunting for a great burger without spending much. The philosophy here is simple: fresh, local ingredients at prices that don't punish you for wanting a good burger. It holds a 4.8 out of 5 rating on Restaurant Guru across more than 3,800+ reviews, a track record built over more than a decade in business. The jungle burger is the calling card here, piled with toppings that turn a basic order into something worth the drive. The menu keeps things straightforward with hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and bacon versions, all landing in the budget-friendly ($) tier. Delivery apps sometimes mark up prices compared to eating in, so calling ahead or visiting in person tends to be the better value. Hopdoddy Burger Bar – Best for Gourmet Craft Burgers Hopdoddy Burger Bar, located in the West Grove development, brought its made-from-scratch philosophy up from Austin, TX, where the brand launched back in 2010. This McKinney location uses all-natural, hormone-free beef, and you can swap in grass-fed beef, bison, ahi tuna, or a veggie patty depending on your mood. It's the spot for date night or a special occasion, with craft cocktails and local draft beer on tap, plus a scratch-made shake menu for dessert. The Cadillac Burger is the showstopper, a half-pound Wagyu patty dressed with Swiss cheese, bacon, fried onions, steak sauce, truffle aioli, roasted tomato, and arugula. If smash burgers are more your style, the Wagyu Smash doubles up on Wagyu patties with American cheese, shaved onions, pickled jalapeños, and Hopdoddy's secret sauce. There's also a rotating Burger of the Month special for anyone who likes to try something new each visit. Expect premium ($$$) pricing here, in line with the scratch-made approach and higher-end ingredients. Hat Creek Burger Company – Best for Family-Friendly Dining Hat Creek Burger Company leans into the family outing angle with an extra-large patio and a two-story slide playground that keeps kids entertained while the adults relax. The beef comes from Goodstock by Nolan Ryan, all-natural and never frozen, and the bun of choice is a Martin's Potato Roll, soft enough to hold up to a loaded burger without falling apart. Beer and wine are available on-site, and combos come with fries and a 20-ounce drink. When available, the Pitmaster Stack (a limited-time collaboration with Terry Black's Barbecue) stands out, layering Terry Black's chopped brisket and sweet-and-tangy BBQ sauce onto that potato roll. For something more classic, the double burger comes with American cheese, bacon, grilled onions, and Hat Sauce for a tangy kick. Dietary needs are well covered too, with a black bean quinoa veggie patty alongside vegan, paleo, keto, and gluten-free options. Pricing lands in the mid-range ($$) tier. Edmond's Burgers & More – Best for Specialty, Made-to-Order Angus Burgers Edmond's Burgers & More sits just outside McKinney proper on W 15th St in Plano, close enough to count as a short drive for anyone exploring burger spots in the area. This family-owned kitchen hand-presses 100% Angus chuck into never-frozen patties, and the standard order comes as a double stack of patties rather than one large patty. The Blue Burger pairs blue cheese with smashed avocado for a rich, tangy bite, while the Hawaiian Burger brings grilled pineapple and chipotle mayo into the mix for something sweeter with a little heat. There's also a veggie burger for non-meat eaters, and a gluten-free bun is available for a small upcharge, a solid option if you're managing dietary restrictions. Beyond burgers, the menu stretches to a Buffalo Chicken sandwich, a Cod sandwich, and a Reuben-style sandwich. Overall pricing sits in the mid-range ($$) tier. Baker's Drive-In – Best for Classic, Nostalgic Old-School Burgers Baker's Drive-In has been serving McKinney since 1954, and it wears its history proudly with the tagline "Home of the Texas Cheese Burger." Located on S McDonald St, this is old-school fast food done the McKinney way, thin patties on a griddle that's seen decades of use, with a menu that hasn't strayed far from its roots. One important practical note: there's no seating here at all, it's strictly a walk-up or drive-up window, so plan to eat in your car or take it to go. The Texas Triple Burger is the headliner for anyone with a serious appetite, while the classic Texas Cheeseburger with double meat covers the basics well. Fried bologna sandwiches and fried pies round out the menu for those wanting something beyond a burger. Everything here falls into the budget-friendly ($) tier, making it one of the most affordable stops on this list. Make a Day of It: Grabbing Burgers After a Test Drive at Longo Toyota of Prosper Plan Your Route Turn a burger crawl through McKinney into a full day out. Longo Toyota of Prosper sits at 2100 W. University Dr. in Prosper, on a 15-acre campus with drive-in service lanes, and most of the spots on this list are just a 15 to 20 minute drive away via University Drive/US-380. Take a new Toyota out for a spin, then point it toward McKinney for lunch. Before you head out, browse our new Toyota inventory to find the right ride for your burger tour, and if your current vehicle needs a checkup first, our service team can help too. Our Roots in Prosper We're proud to be part of the Longo Toyota family, which traces its roots back to 1967 in El Monte, California, and has held the title of the nation's top-volume Toyota dealership for decades. Our Prosper location has picked up its own local recognition, including a "Business of the Year" award from the Prosper Chamber of Commerce and a "Best of Readers' Choice" honor from Living Magazine, both in 2018. Get in Touch Whether you're shopping for a new SUV or just stopping by, get in touch with our team and we'll point you in the right direction for both cars and, if you ask nicely, burgers. Frequently Asked Questions About Burgers Near McKinney, TX What's the single best burger in McKinney, TX? There isn't one definitive answer. It really depends on what you're after, whether that's a gourmet Wagyu creation, a nostalgic drive-in classic, or a family-friendly patio meal. Where can I find budget-friendly burgers in McKinney? The One and Only Burgers and Fries and Baker's Drive-In both offer budget-friendly items, making them solid picks if you're watching your wallet. Which spot is best for a date night? Hopdoddy Burger Bar fits the bill, with its craft cocktails, local drafts, and gourmet menu built for a slower, more relaxed meal. Where should I take the kids? Hat Creek Burger Company is the clear choice, thanks to its large patio and two-story slide playground that keeps younger diners entertained. Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options nearby? Yes. Hat Creek Burger Company and Edmond's Burgers & More both offer plant-based patties and gluten-free bun alternatives, so dietary restrictions don't have to limit your options. Photo by amirali mirhashemian on Unsplash