Pilot vs Palisade
Rivals in the three-row suv class rarely match spec for spec, and the Pilot and the Palisade are no exception. Neither car runs away with this one; most of the differences are small enough to shrug off.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range Pilot wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Tie
- Engine & Performance4.9
- Fuel Economy & Range2.8
- Off-road & Towing5.3
- Engine & Performance4.9
- Fuel Economy & Range0.0
- Off-road & Towing5.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Pilot has better highway fuel economy
On fuel economy (highway), the Pilot edges out the Palisade, 27 mpg to 25 mpg. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Design & Size
Expect the same physical presence from both; their dimensions are very close.
Dimensions
| Spec | Pilot | Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.1 in | 199.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 71 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 113.8 in | 116.9 in |
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
Both the Pilot and the Palisade cover engine & performance equally well on paper. In short, engine & performance is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Fuel Economy & Range
Pilot leads
Call it a small but real win for the Pilot in this area. The Pilot steps ahead thanks to better highway fuel economy. The Pilot uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes. That makes the Pilot the natural choice for buyers focused on fuel economy & range.
Fuel economy (highway)
Pilot: 27 mpg Palisade: 25 mpg Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the space & practicality section; the two are too close to separate. Net result on space & practicality: level.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On off-road & towing, both deliver about the same. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Safety & Tech
Too close to call
If safety & tech matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. If safety & tech was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Pilot | Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 3.5L V6 |
| Total system output | 285 hp | 287 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Pilot | Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 22 mpg | 21 mpg Thirstiest in class |
| Fuel economy (city) | 19 mpg | 19 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg (winner) | 25 mpg Thirstiest on the highway |
| Fuel tank | 18.5 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Pilot | Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 8 seats | 8 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 18.6 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 87 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Pilot | Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Pilot | Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12.3 in | 12.3 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Honda Sensing | Hyundai SmartSense |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Pilot | Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.1 in | 199.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 71 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 113.8 in | 116.9 in |
Price
| Spec | Pilot | Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $42,395 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Pilot if…
- you want better highway fuel economy (27 mpg vs 25 mpg)
- you trust Honda and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Pilot or the Palisade?
On the specs compared here, the Pilot makes more sense for most buyers; the Palisade doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Which is larger, the Pilot or the Palisade?
Size is essentially a tie. The official dimensions of the Pilot and the Palisade differ only marginally.
Executive Summary
Here’s my take on Honda’s Pilot versus Hyundai’s Palisade. Start with the headline difference (the Pilot has better highway fuel economy), and a lot of the decision falls into place.
Put simply, the Pilot suits people who care about fuel economy & range, while the Palisade suits people who put the things a spec sheet can’t capture first.
My pick: the Pilot.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.