2025 Hyundai Palisade vs 2025 Honda Pilot

The 2025 Honda Pilot was available in several trims, including the Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition. The Sport trim was budget-friendly but lacked many desirable features, making the EX-L a recommended upgrade for its leather interior. Prices ranged from $40,200 to $54,580, plus a $1,395 destination charge. The Black Edition, tested in Southern California, featured a dark Modern Steel paint and had an MSRP of $55,975, including destination. It boasted black wheels, blacked-out trim, and exclusive red accents inside, creating a unique aesthetic. While the rugged design was more suited for suburban environments, the interior was thoughtfully designed with quality materials, though the digital displays seemed outdated.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade stood out with its bold design, especially after a 2023 refresh that introduced a more angular look. This design was polarizing but generally appreciated for its upscale appearance. Inside, even the base SE trim offered a modern and premium feel. Higher trims featured luxury touches like premium leather and metal speaker grilles. However, some control markings were hard to read in daylight. The Palisade was packed with thoughtful details, such as USB ports in seatbacks and smartphone storage pockets. It was available in seven trims, with prices from $37,200 to $54,500, excluding a $1,475 destination charge. The Calligraphy trim, tested with AWD and Robust Emerald paint, had an MSRP of $55,205, including destination.

The 2025 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds and offered various driving modes, including Normal, Econ, and Sport. The AWD system provided up to 7.3 inches of ground clearance, with torque vectoring capabilities. While the V6 offered good acceleration, the transmission sometimes hesitated. Fuel economy was a downside, with an average of 20 mpg, below the EPA rating. The suspension was compliant, but an adaptive-damping system would have improved handling on mountain roads.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade came with a 3.8-liter V6 engine delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds and averaged 22 mpg in combined driving. The Palisade handled well despite its age, with a firm ride at low speeds and a softer feel on highways. The powertrain was smooth and satisfying, though not very fuel-efficient, averaging 19.8 mpg during testing. The steering and suspension provided a reasonable road feel, and the brakes were well-calibrated.

The Honda Pilot excelled in form and function, with three rows of comfortable seating and practical storage solutions. However, the front passenger seat lacked adjustability, which was a drawback for long trips. The second-row seats were roomy, with removable center sections for easy access to the third row. The third row was suitable for adults if the second row slid forward. The Pilot offered 18.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 86.5 cubic feet with seats folded.

The Hyundai Palisade offered three rows of adult-friendly seating, with the Calligraphy trim featuring Nappa leather and massaging front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs were heated and ventilated, providing excellent comfort. The third row, also heated, was snug but manageable for adults. Storage was generous, with thoughtful features like adjustable cupholders and smartphone trays. The Smart Liftgate provided hands-free access to 18 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 86.4 cubic feet with seats folded.

The Honda Pilot’s technology appeared dated, with smaller, separate display screens. It featured a 10.2-inch digital gauge panel and a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the wireless CarPlay function was problematic. The voice recognition system was inconsistent, and the Bose audio system was adequate but not exceptional. The Pilot included a CabinTalk feature for communication and a small head-up display.

The Hyundai Palisade’s tech was functional, with a 12.3-inch digital driver display and infotainment system. It required a cable for smartphone connectivity but offered features like Bluetooth support, wireless charging, and a Harman Kardon audio system. The voice recognition system performed well, and the Palisade included a digital rearview mirror and a head-up display with blind spot warnings.

The Honda Pilot came with standard Honda Sensing safety features, including forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist had issues, affecting driver confidence. The Pilot earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The Hyundai Palisade featured Hyundai SmartSense safety technologies, including forward collision warning and Highway Driving Assist. Higher trims added features like a surround-view camera and Remote Smart Parking Assist. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS through 2024 but missed it in 2025 due to a Poor rating in a new crash test. The NHTSA gave it five stars for frontal impact and four stars for rollover resistance.