How Does Hyundai Palisade Compare to Honda Pilot?
Hyundai Palisade vs. Honda Pilot
General Comparison
The number of choices out there for buyers looking for a large 3-row crossover is vast. The Honda Pilot has been a long-running nameplate, but Hyundai Palisade has established itself as a frontrunner in the segment. With both being so popular among families and other buyers of these crossovers, it can be difficult to decide between them when picking a family crossover. While they are similar in size and offer some similar features, there are some major differences in what Palisade offers over Pilot that elevate it to the top of the segment.
One of these differences begins with the base price, where Hyundai Palisade starts thousands less than Honda Pilot. Despite this lower cost, Palisade offers many features over Pilot as we’ll explore. Another of these differences is the peace of mind afforded by a longer warranty. Hyundai’s industry-leading warranty includes powertrain coverage up to 10-years/100,000-miles, whichever comes first. This is much longer than Honda’s 5 year/60,000 mile powertrain coverage.
Verdict: The superior value is found in Hyundai Palisade, thanks to its comprehensive warranty and lower starting price with many additional features standard or available.
| 2025 Hyundai Palisade | 2025 Honda Pilot | |
|---|---|---|
| Base MSRP | $36,800 | $39,900 |
| Minimum Standard Ground Clearance | 7.9″ | 7.3″ |
| Horsepower | 291 | 285 |
| Navigation | Available | Not Available |
| Standard Audio Touchscreen | 12.3″ | 7″ |
| SiriusXM® Satellite Radio & HD Radio | Standard | Available |
| Acoustic Laminate Windshield | Standard | Available |
| Acoustic Rear Side Glass | Available | Not Available |
| Heated Outside Mirrors | Standard | Available |
| Available Heated 3rd row seats | Yes | No |
| Available Ventilated 2nd row seats | Yes | No |
| Available Power-folding 3rd row seat | Yes | No |
| Legroom, 1st row | 44.1″ | 41.0″ |
| Legroom, 2nd row | 42.4″ | 40.8″ |
Design and Features
Palisade features a sleeker, more modern design, with a focus on luxury and sophistication, while still maintaining a rugged, boxy appearance. By contrast Pilot’s look is boxier and more traditional SUV, and doesn’t stand out as much as Palisade does. This is true of not only the exterior, but the interior as well. Both are well-equipped with tech features like fully digital dash displays, as well as onboard navigation with satellite radio – all features that make road trips more comfortable and enjoyable. However, the standard touchscreen is larger in Palisade than it is in Pilot, and navigation and satellite radio are optional on Pilot while standard on Palisade,
Palisade elevates its offerings with more luxury and convenience options than Pilot offers as well. An acoustic front windshield is standard on Palisade and optional on higher trim Pilots, meaning Palisade has a quieter ride. Acoustic rear side glass is available on higher Palisade trims and further takes its already quiet ride down a few decibels; this is not available on any Pilot.
Passengers in Palisade’s first two rows enjoy more legroom than Pilot, and on higher trims Palisade’s 2nd row passengers can enjoy heated and ventilated seats. Pilot only offers heating for 2nd row passengers. Even passengers in Palisade’s third-row on higher trims are treated to available heated seats, which is not the case in Pilot. Or if you are hauling cargo instead of people, you can simply hide the Palisade’s 3rd-row using the available power-folding function, another feature not offered on Pilot.
Verdict: The Hyundai Palisade wins in the features and design category with its sophisticated, modern looks and additional luxury and convenience features.
Performance and Capability
Both Palisade and Pilot are powered by V6 engines, and feature available all-wheel-drive (AWD) systems that add traction in slippery and wet conditions. Palisade has the edge in power, with 291 hp over Pilot’s 285. AWD is particularly popular in this segment for security and peace of mind in carrying families. Because Palisade starts at a lower base price for FWD models, that means it also offers the security of AWD at a lower starting price than Pilot.
Further, Palisade has more ground clearance standard than Pilot, with 7.9″ to Pilot’s 7.3. Additional ground clearance is useful for clearing debris or rocky terrain.
Verdict: The Hyundai Palisade offers more power and more value for those seeking AWD and more capability.
Conclusion
While Honda Pilot is a familiar entry in 3-row SUVs, the Hyundai Palisade has shown it is able to deliver a more refined, more technologically advanced, feature-packed crossover at a lower price. Whether you are looking for a lower starting price or the most luxury possible, Palisade has the edge over Pilot. Many others agree that Palisade is the top choice in the segment – such as Cars.com, who named Palisade the winner in a comparison of 3-row SUVs for 2024.
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