2023 Honda Pilot vs Hyundai Palisade (Full Comparison)

You’ve probably seen the Honda Pilot and the Hyundai Palisade if you’ve researched three-row SUVs. Both vehicles offer excellent capability, impressive interiors, and the latest in-vehicle tech you crave. However, we know some shoppers find sorting through the various trims and package options challenging. To help, we had our SUV experts do the heavy lifting for you, breaking down the different models. Our findings should help you decide which vehicle works best for you. If you still have questions, click the link below to give us a call!

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2023 Honda Pilot vs. Hyundai Palisade: Trim Levels and Pricing

Honda offers the Pilot in seven trim levels. Hyundai features five Palisade models. We’ve listed them below with their respective starting MSRPs before taxes, delivery charges, fees, and option packages.

Edge: Pilot

When comparing trims and pricing, we find it difficult to put one vehicle ahead of the other. On the one hand, the Pilot has more trim levels that give buyers more options to suit their needs and budget. This benefit shows the most in the Pilot’s middle tiers, with two Pilot trims pricing just over $40,000 and another two at $44,800, while the Palisade has one model at $40,000 and the next one up jumps to $46,800. The Palisade costs less, albeit marginally so.

2023 Honda Pilot vs. Hyundai Palisade: Exterior Style

Honda Pilot via automobiles.honda.com

The Pilot has LED headlights, taillights, daytime running lights, and fog lamps that light up its bold exterior. A wide stance and sharp lines give the Pilot its athletic stance as it rolls on 18- or 20-inch alloy wheels in a variety styles.

The Pilot’s rear liftgate offers hands-free access, and a power moonroof opens up spectacular views on your next adventure. Body-colored power side mirrors allow you to adjust the mirror positions, and they feature integrated turn-signal indicators, reverse tilt down, heating, and memory.

The Honda Passport TrailSport trim comes with trim-exclusive wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, rugged skid plates, and an extra inch of ground clearance.

The Palisade also has LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights but no fog lamps. The side mirrors heat and include turn signal indicators, but they don’t have the reverse tilt-down feature, power fold, or memory function. A boxy exterior with plenty of chrome trim looks good on the boulevard but out of place on the trail. You can choose between 18- or 20-inch alloy wheels, but there’s no option for all-terrain tires, even on the off-road-styled XRT model.

Edge: Pilot

The Honda Pilot offers more exterior features and an off-road trim level ready to leave the pavement behind. The Palisade provides an elegant exterior but lacks the small touches the Pilot possesses.

2023 Honda Pilot vs. Hyundai Palisade: Interior Comfort and Convenience

Only the Pilot base model sport comes standard with cloth seats. From there, the upholstery ranges from leather-trimmed to premium leather and trim-exclusive styles. The lower-range models also get a leather-wrapped steering wheel and heated front seats. The upper trims offer heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and standard second-row captain’s chairs. In addition, the tri-zone climate control system provides second-row passengers with their controls.

The Pilot’s infotainment system runs through an 8-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth ready to sync with your smartphone. The top three trims come standard with a rear seat entertainment center that features a 10.2-inch HD screen, a Blu-Ray 28 player, built-in streaming apps, and two wireless headphones. In addition, the Pilot’s top three trims come standard with CabinTalk, an in-cabin PA system to communicate with rear passengers through the speakers.

Inside the Palisade, you have cloth seats on the bottom trim and synthetic material on the next two. Only the top two trims offer leather-trimmed seats. Heated front seats come standard on all but the base model. The top two trims add ventilation to the front and heat and ventilation on the second row. You get a tri-zone climate control system, but only the top two models come with second-row controls.

The Palisade’s infotainment system runs through a 12.3-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. You can add an in-car intercom as part of a package option, but you don’t have an option for a rear entertainment system.

Edge: Pilot

Palisade drivers will enjoy the 12.3-inch touch screen versus the Pilot’s smaller 8-inch version. However, more trims with elevated features push the Pilot slightly ahead of the Palisade.

2023 Honda Pilot vs. Hyundai Palisade: Performance

Every Pilot comes equipped with Honda’s 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 24 valves and direct-injection technology. In addition, this engine features variable cylinder management technology that shuts off select cylinders at cruising speeds to save fuel.

Honda paired this engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission with shift-by-wire technology and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for smooth, responsive shifting throughout the power band. As a result, this powertrain produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. In addition, you can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Honda offers their new i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive (AWD) system standard on the three top models and available on all other trims.

Hyundai uses a 3.8-liter V-6 engine with 24 valves, gasoline direct-injection technology, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain makes 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque and tows up to 5,000 pounds. In addition, Hyundai offers AWD as an option on every trim for an additional $1,900.

Edge: Pilot

While the Palisade produces more power, everything else remains the same or better in the Pilot.

2023 Honda Pilot or Hyundai Palisade?

Not much separates these two vehicles. However, we believe the Honda Pilot outperforms the Palisade in nearly every category. The best way to determine which SUV suits you better is by test-driving both options. At Performance Honda in Fairfield, Ohio, we have an expansive inventory of Pilot SUVs loaded with the features you crave at competitive prices. If you’re ready to test-drive a new Pilot, you can schedule a visit online or call us at (513) 829-7300. One of our friendly, professional staff will coordinate a time that works for you.