What’s the different between the Hyundai Palisade vs Honda Pilot?
Both are three-row SUVs with outstanding engines and drivetrains that can pull you through any path without hassles. However, the Honda Pilot has been around longer than the Hyundai Palisade that just got unveiled in 2019.
These two SUVs are rated high and are among the best-selling three-row SUVs in the United States. For as low as $30,000, you can get yourself a base model of the 2020 Hyundai Palisade or Honda Pilot.
Yes, they are quite affordable, and the inside is well-furnished with everything you’d want from your new SUV.
Here’s a detailed comparison of Hyundai Palisade and Honda Pilot!
Hyundai Palisade
Palisade is a modernized three-row SUV manufactured by the South Korean automaker Hyundai. It is a premium-looking, superior SUV ready for all kinds of on-road and off-road adventures.
The name “Palisade” was curled from the neighborhood of Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, California. It is the biggest Hyundai SUV model sold in the United States.
Hyundai Palisade is relatively new in the market – the first ever model was launched in 2019 for the 2020 model year. This SUV comes with enough room for up to seven passengers and a decent cargo space behind the third row.
It also comes standard with many safety features, making it a decent option for anyone on a budget looking for a good big-size SUV.
The Palisade looks superfluously finished and furnished from the outside to the inside – you’d fall in love with the design. Bodily, the Palisade looks like the Kia Telluride. It compares to the Honda Pilot in terms of space, passenger capacity, and performance.
Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is a midsize crossover SUV with three-row seating space for up to seven (7) passengers. It is manufactured in Lincoln, Alabama, and is currently Honda’s largest SUV offering in North America. The Pilot is packed with new technologies that make it stand out from other comparable SUVs in its midsize category.
The Honda Pilot SUV has undergone several facelifts and redesigns to appear the way it does right now, which is much better than how it was.
Latest models of the Honda Pilot look more appealing and rugged – you’ll get to love it more than the old designs. Notwithstanding, the Pilot is based on the platform of the Acura MDX and Odyssey minivan.
Compared with the Palisade, Honda Pilot doesn’t really hold up well as the Palisade beats it in many aspects, including cargo space for luggage and groceries. Even so, the Palisade is cheaper (for the base models).
Hyundai Palisade Vs Honda Pilot
Basically, the Palisade and Pilot give you enough room for all your gear while also featuring sturdy components that can seamlessly take you through the mountains and other rough. Hereunder is how the Palisade and Pilot compare to each other.
| Model/Feature | Hyundai Palisade | Honda Pilot |
| Seat rows | Three | Three |
| Engine Options | 3.5L V6, 3.8L V6, 2.2L I4 (Diesel) | 3.5 L J35Z4 V6 |
| Horsepower | 291hp | 280hp |
| Fuel Economy | 23mpg combined | 22 MPG Highway and City Combined |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Trim Levels | Base S.E., SEL, XRT, and Limited | LX, EX, Sport, EX-L, SE, TrailSport, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition |
| Rating (Edmunds) | 8.2 out of 100 | 8.2 out of 10 |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 pounds | 3,500 pounds |
| Price | $31,000 – $44,000 | $35,000 – $44,000 |
Note: These numbers are based on the newer model years of the Hyundai Palisade and Honda Pilot.
Engine Performance
You have to pay attention to the engine of the vehicle you’re about to buy because that’s where all the power lies.
The Hyundai Palisade offers three engine options, two of which are gasoline and the other one is a diesel engine. The standard V6 3.8L engine on the Palisade produces 291hp with produces 262lb-ft of torque @5200rpm.
On the other hand, the Honda Pilot doesn’t slack in power and performance. The standard 3.5L V6 engine produces up to 280hp at @6,000 rpm with 262 pound-feet of torque @4700rpm. That’s pretty much enough power for any driving condition. However, it is clear that the Palisade gives you more power.
Transmission and Drivetrain
Several transmission models have been used for the Honda Pilot over its many years of existence; however, the newer models are equipped with a 9- or 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission paired with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
On the Hyundai Palisade, you have an eight-speed automatic transmission paired with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The transmissions and drivetrains on both SUVs are built string, ready for long-term use.
Off-Roading and Fuel Economy
One of the reasons people buy SUVs is because they need a comfortable vehicle they can drive through any path. SUVs are remarkable for their off-road performance.
The Palisade and Pilot are two decent off-roaders, thanks to the AWD drive mode available in both SUVs. Coming to fuel economy, the Palisade is rated 19 / 27 / 22 MPG for City/Hwy/Combined, while the Pilot is rated 20 / 27 / 23 MPG for the same.
Towing Capacity
If you need an SUV you will use to tow pretty heavy loads, you may have to cancel the Pilot in your options – sadly, its maximum trailering capacity is poor. With the Honda Pilot, you can only tow a maximum of 3,500lbs; while this is pretty cool, it is poor compared to the max. towing capacity of other similar SUVs.
On the other hand, the Hyundai Palisade can tow up to 5,000 pounds weight – now, that’s interesting, something you love to hear! You can pull any camper with the Palisade without worries – the 291hp engine makes this even much easier. Again, the Palisade wins the Pilot in this regard.
Interior Features
Hyundai really did an impressive upgrade on its Palisade interior – it looks plushy and “luxurious.” Although the base model comes with cloth upholstery, the overall interior architecture is superb, and the infotainment too. Palisade’s infotainment system flaunts a 12.3-inch touchscreen and supports a lot of advanced technologies.
On the other hand, the Honda Pilot comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment unit that supports Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and hands-free Bluetooth connectivity.
Of course, the infotainment system integrates many advanced technologies, including a rearview backup camera and Honda’s signature tri-zone climate control.
Cargo Space
The Palisade offers 18 cubic feet of cargo space with all the seats in position and 45.8 cubic feet when you fold down the third row. The Pilot, which is about 196.5 inches long and 78.6 inches wide, offers 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place and 46.8 cubic feet when you fold the third row.
Price
The price factor remains one of the key determining factors when purchasing a new car. Well, both the Pilot and Palisade are relatively affordable at their various prices. For older model years of the Honda Pilot, the base trims cost around $30,000 – $31,000, while for newer model years (from 2019 upwards) cost around $35,000.
Hyundai Palisade has just three model years at the moment, and the price for the base model starts at $30,500, which is almost $4,000 cheaper than the Pilot. Higher trims of the Palisade cost up to $50,000 for the 2023 models, while that of the Pilot costs around $46,000 for the 2022 models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Honda Pilot Bigger Than the Hyundai Palisade?
Yes, the Honda Pilot is a bigger SUV than the Palisade – slightly, almost not significant. The 2022 Honda Pilot measures 196.5 inches in length, 78.6 inches in width, 70.6 inches in height, and 37.8 feet in turning diameter. On the other hand, the Palisade measures 196.1 inches, 77.8 inches, 68.9 inches, and 38.7 feet in the same aspects, respectively.
Hyundai Palisade vs. Honda Pilot, Which is More Reliable?
The Honda Pilot has been around for many years – it has made a name for itself in the market and maintains a strong market share. The Hyundai Palisade is a relatively new competitor; we can’t be so sure of its reliability until, maybe, after five or six model years. Notwithstanding, J.D. Power and RepairPal rank the Palisade high in terms of predicted reliability.
Is Hyundai Palisade Good for Off-Road?
The Hyundai Palisade comes with AWD driving mode, which is designed for off-road driving. Hyundai Palisade can be driven across any terrain, literally, including snowy paths and mountainous terrains.
Related Posts: