The Hyundai Palisade and Honda Pilot go toe-to-toe in a competitive class of midsize 3-row SUVs. They’re two of our favorites in this segment for their ability to balance family-friendly practicality, modern technology, pleasant driving manners, and even a little bit of style.
Let’s take a closer look at these family haulers and see which is right for you.
2025 Hyundai Palisade
When it first came out, the Hyundai Palisade wowed us with its impressive balance of comfort, practicality, and a surprising level of luxury, all at an affordable price point. It remains one of our favorites among family SUVs. Pricing starts at $38,575.
Hyundai Palisade Highlights
Better warranty: The Hyundai Palisade is tied with the Kia Telluride for class-leading warranty coverage. It’s backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Luxe Calligraphy trim: The range-topping Calligraphy and Calligraphy Night Edition trims give the Palisade premium amenities without a premium price tag. A few luxurious features include premium Nappa leather seating surfaces, the latest safety tech, Harman Kardon audio, and an Ergo-motion driver’s seat borrowed from the Genesis luxury brand.
More affordable: When similarly equipped, the Hyundai Palisade is a bit more affordable than the Honda Pilot. The Palisade starts at under $40,000, and even the fancy Calligraphy trim costs less than the Honda Pilot Elite.
Read our Hyundai Palisade Expert Review or see 2025 Hyundai Palisade models for sale near you.
2025 Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is one of the most trusted names in midsize SUVs for families who need three rows of seats but would prefer an SUV over a minivan. The 2025 model upholds its nameplate’s reputation as a versatile and practical family hauler. Pricing starts at $41,650.
Honda Pilot Highlights
Rugged TrailSport model: While the Hyundai Palisade XRT is essentially a rugged appearance package, the Honda Pilot TrailSport has the off-road chops to back up its macho aesthetic. In addition to standard all-wheel drive (AWD), it has an off-road-tuned suspension system, all-terrain tires, steel skid plates, and the TrailWatch camera system.
Versatile seating: The Honda Pilot borrows from the Odyssey minivan’s playbook with a removable second-row middle seat. This handy feature gives you an extra seat when you need it and easier access to the third row when you don’t.
Extra space: The Honda Pilot has a little more cargo space and third-row legroom than the Hyundai Palisade. If you regularly have third-row passengers, they’ll appreciate the extra room.
Read our Honda Pilot Expert Review or see 2025 Honda Pilot models for sale near you.
Similarities
These SUVs are very similar under the hood; their V6 engines have almost identical performance and efficiency specs. They also both have 3-row seating and similar safety and infotainment tech features.
Pricing
New 2025 Hyundai Palisade Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$38,675 |
$37,263 |
|||
$41,425 |
$39,465 |
|||
$44,525 |
$42,383 |
|||
$46,025 |
$43,848 |
|||
$50,075 |
$47,731 |
|||
$52,475 |
$50,124 |
|||
$55,975 |
$53,472 |
New 2025 Honda Pilot Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$41,650 |
$39,013 |
|||
$44,950 |
$41,965 |
|||
$48,950 |
$45,606 |
|||
$50,850 |
$47,427 |
|||
$54,530 |
$51,050 |
|||
$56,030 |
$52,203 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Hyundai Palisade vehicles and New 2025 Honda Pilot vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Hyundai Palisade | 2025 Honda Pilot | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.8-liter 6-cylinder | 3.5-liter 6-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 291 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 285 hp @ 6,100 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm | 262 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 19 city/26 highway/22 combined mpg | 19 city/27 highway/22 combined mpg |
| Also Available | AWD | AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 8 | 8 |
| Wheelbase | 114.2 inches | 113.8 inches |
| Overall Length | 196.7 inches | 199.9 inches |
| Width | 77.8 inches | 78.5 inches |
| Height | 68.9 inches | 71.0 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.7 feet | 37.8 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.7 inches | 40.5 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd row | 40.1 inches | 40.2 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd row | 37.8 inches | 39.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 44.1 inches | 41.0 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd row | 42.4 inches | 40.8 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd row | 31.4 inches | 32.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 61.2 inches | 61.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd row | 60.8 inches | 61.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd row | 55.2 inches | 59.5 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 18.0/45.8/86.4 cubic feet | 18.6/48.5/87.0 cubic feet |
Conclusion
With a lower price tag and a better warranty, one could argue that the Hyundai Palisade is the value choice between these two family SUVs. However, the Honda Pilot boasts a little more space and a practical interior that was clearly designed with families in mind. We also love the capability of the Pilot TrailSport.
At the end of the day, these SUVs are similar where it counts, so it’s best to test drive both and go with the one that speaks to you.
