2026 Honda Pilot vs 2027 Hyundai Palisade
August 24 2026
Silver Honda Pilot and silver Hyundai Palisade parked on city street at sunrise showcasing front grille designs and trim level styling.

Three-Row Family SUV Comparison

2026 Honda Pilot vs. 2027 Hyundai Palisade

V6 Simplicity or Hybrid-and-Luxury Flexibility for Southeastern Massachusetts Families?


The 2026 Honda Pilot and 2027 Hyundai Palisade meet in the heart of the three-row family-SUV market. Both can seat up to eight, both offer naturally aspirated V6 power, both can be configured with all-wheel drive, and the relevant gas configurations reach a 5,000-pound towing ceiling. The bigger differences show up in how each lineup expands from that shared foundation.

Pilot keeps one 285-hp V6 and 10-speed automatic across seven trims, then varies the experience through seating flexibility, comfort features and TrailSport capability. Palisade starts with a 287-hp V6 and adds a 329-hp hybrid, more published second-row legroom and a deeper premium-feature ladder. That makes powertrain choice and family packaging—not basic three-row utility—the early dividing line.

For families around Raynham, Taunton, Greater Brockton, the South Shore and the South Coast, the useful comparison starts with the routine: Route 44 errands, Route 24 commuting, school and sports schedules, weekend gear, third-row use, winter traction, towing or longer regional trips. Gas-to-gas is the closest baseline; the Palisade Hybrid becomes a separate decision when its added efficiency and output are priorities.


Which 3-Row SUV Fits the Way Your Family Actually Uses It?

Choose the priority that most strongly shapes your decision. The result is a first direction, not a verdict; the comparison panels below pressure-test it against powertrain, MPG, seating, cargo, towing, AWD, technology and price.

Based on This Priority

Straightforward V6 & Flexible Family Packaging Matter

Start With the Pilot

Who This Favors

Families that want one consistent V6/10-speed formula, strong cargo room behind the second row, and the option to switch several trims between an eight-seat bench and a center-seat-open layout.

Why It Points Here

Pilot uses the same 285-hp V6 and 10-speed automatic across all seven trims, while EX-L and several upper trims add a removable/stowable second-row center seat.

Pilot vs Palisade in 60 SecondsFive factual differences most likely to shape your test drive

What is the biggest Pilot vs Palisade difference?
Pilot keeps one gas V6/10-speed formula, while Palisade branches into gas and hybrid versions. That choice changes efficiency, pricing and towing before seating, cargo and adventure hardware enter the picture.


Which has more power?
Gas output is nearly tied: Pilot makes 285 hp and Palisade makes 287 hp. Palisade Hybrid is the output leader at 329 hp combined.


Which is more fuel efficient?
Pilot carries a small edge over comparable gas Palisade configurations, but the Palisade Hybrid creates the meaningful separation at up to 34 combined MPG FWD and 30 combined MPG AWD.


Which has more family space?
Palisade has more published second-row legroom and slightly more cargo room behind a raised third row. Pilot has slightly more third-row legroom, more standard cargo volume behind row two, and an available removable/stowable second-row center seat on several trims.


Which is better for towing or rough-road use?
Gas towing is effectively tied at 5,000 pounds in the relevant configurations. For rough-road use, compare TrailSport and XRT PRO directly: Hyundai emphasizes its eLSD and slightly greater clearance, while Honda emphasizes off-road suspension tuning, skid plates, recovery points and TrailWatch.


Compare by Decision
Side by side view of Honda Pilot and Hyundai Palisade cabins showing dashboard layouts touchscreen displays and steering wheel designs with rain outside.

Compare the Tradeoffs Behind the Pilot-vs-Palisade Decision

Start with the gas V6s for the closest direct matchup, then bring Palisade Hybrid into the decision where its powertrain changes MPG, price or towing. The panels separate those powertrain, packaging, technology, reliability and trim questions so you can compare the configuration you would actually buy.

Start With the Family-SUV Requirement That Matters Most

Start Here

Pilot Keeps It Simple; Palisade Offers More Powertrain Choices

The Pilot and Palisade overlap closely until hybrid efficiency, seating details, cargo priorities and trim depth enter the decision.

Both SUVs cover the core three-row family job with naturally aspirated V6 power, available AWD, seating for up to eight and gas-model towing up to 5,000 pounds. The meaningful split comes from what happens around that shared foundation: Pilot keeps one powertrain and leans on packaging flexibility plus TrailSport, while Palisade adds a 329-hp hybrid, longer second-row legroom and a deeper luxury-feature ladder.

2026 Honda Pilot vs 2027 Hyundai Palisade at a Glance
Category 2026 Honda Pilot 2027 Hyundai Palisade
Best For
  • Straightforward V6 family-SUV formula
  • Flexible second-row/cargo packaging on key trims
  • TrailSport capability without changing powertrains
  • Hybrid power and a major MPG step-up
  • Long second-row legroom and premium feature depth
  • Broader gas/hybrid configuration choice
Gas Powertrain Engine: 3.5L naturally aspirated V6
Output: 285 hp / 262 lb-ft
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Engine: 3.5L naturally aspirated V6
Output: 287 hp / 260 lb-ft
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Hybrid Option No hybrid powertrain offered Available 2.5L turbo hybrid: 329 hp combined
EPA combined MPG: up to 34 FWD / 30 AWD
Seating & Legroom Seating: up to 8; TrailSport seats 7
2nd-row legroom: 40.8 in
3rd-row legroom: 32.5 in
Seating: 7 or 8 depending on trim/configuration
2nd-row legroom: up to 43.0 in
3rd-row legroom: 32.1 in
Cargo Behind row 3: 18.6 cu ft standard
Behind row 2: 48.5 cu ft standard
Behind row 1: up to 87.0 cu ft standard
Behind row 3: 19.1 cu ft
Behind row 2: 46.3 cu ft
Behind row 1: 86.7 cu ft
Maximum Towing FWD: up to 3,500 lbs
AWD: up to 5,000 lbs
Gas: up to 5,000 lbs with trailer brakes
Hybrid: up to 4,000 lbs with trailer brakes
Adventure Trim TrailSport: 8.3-in ground clearance, all-terrain tires, off-road-tuned suspension, TrailWatch, skid plates and recovery points XRT PRO: 8.4-in ground clearance, HTRAC AWD, electronic rear limited-slip differential, all-terrain tires, recovery hooks and integrated tow hitch
Shopper-level differences only. Use the detailed comparison topics for configuration-specific pricing, MPG, seating, cargo, towing, AWD, technology and trim qualifiers.

Where Each SUV Makes the Stronger First Case

Start with Pilot when you value a consistent V6/10-speed formula, flexible middle-seat packaging, strong cargo room behind row two, or the TrailSport approach. Start with Palisade when hybrid efficiency, longer second-row legroom, premium amenities, or a broader configuration menu are central. Neither needs to be forced into a universal winner.

Power & Choice

Gas V6 Power Is Close; Palisade Adds a Hybrid Option

The gas matchup is close; Hyundai creates the larger separation with electrification.

On gasoline power alone, this is not a dramatic horsepower contest: Pilot makes 285 hp and Palisade makes 287 hp. The Pilot pairs its V6 with a 10-speed automatic across every trim, while Palisade uses an 8-speed with its gas V6 and then opens a second path with the 329-hp turbo hybrid. That makes powertrain strategy, not two horsepower, the real decision.

Powertrain Comparison
Category 2026 Honda Pilot 2027 Hyundai Palisade
Gas Engine 3.5L V6
naturally aspirated
3.5L V6
naturally aspirated
Gas Output 285 hp
262 lb-ft
287 hp
260 lb-ft
Gas Transmission 10-speed automatic 8-speed automatic
Hybrid Choice No hybrid offered 2.5L turbo hybrid
329 hp combined
Drivetrain FWD: Sport / EX-L
AWD: available on Sport / EX-L; standard on TrailSport and upper trims
Gas: FWD or available HTRAC AWD; XRT PRO is AWD
Hybrid: FWD or available HTRAC AWD

Choose on Powertrain Philosophy, Not a Two-Horsepower Difference

Pilot is the simpler lineup to understand because every trim preserves the same core V6 character. Palisade becomes the stronger fit when the hybrid's added output and fuel-economy potential are benefits you expect to use every week.

Fuel & Commute

Pilot Has a Small Gas MPG Edge; Palisade Hybrid Goes Further

Hybrid choice is the efficiency breakpoint in this comparison.

For Route 24 commuting and longer South Shore or South Coast family travel, the gas-only comparison stays fairly close. Pilot carries a small EPA edge in comparable gas configurations, but the Palisade Hybrid changes the scale of the decision with up to 34 combined MPG in SEL and SEL Premium FWD form and 30 combined MPG with AWD.

EPA Fuel-Economy Comparison
Category 2026 Honda Pilot 2027 Hyundai Palisade
Gas FWD 19 / 27 / 22
city / highway / combined; Sport and EX-L FWD
19 / 25 / 21
city / highway / combined; gas FWD
Gas AWD 19 / 25 / 21
Sport / EX-L AWD and most upper trims
18 / 24 / 20
most gas HTRAC AWD trims
Adventure Gas AWD 18 / 23 / 20
TrailSport AWD
16 / 22 / 19
XRT PRO HTRAC AWD
Hybrid FWD No hybrid offered 33 / 35 / 34
Hybrid SEL / SEL Premium FWD
31 / 32 / 31
Hybrid Limited / Calligraphy / Black Ink FWD
Hybrid AWD No hybrid offered 29 / 31 / 30
all Palisade Hybrid AWD trims
All figures are EPA estimates for comparison. Actual mileage varies with trim, equipment, weather, loading, maintenance and driving conditions.

Gas MPG Is a Small Difference; Hybrid MPG Is a Big One

If you intend to buy a gas three-row SUV, efficiency alone may not decide the vehicle. If you want materially higher combined MPG without leaving the three-row Palisade package, Hyundai has an option Honda does not match in the 2026 Pilot lineup.

Family Packaging

Palisade Offers More Second-Row Room; Pilot Adds More Seating Flexibility

Both seat up to eight, but the way they distribute family space differs.

Palisade gives second-row passengers more overall legroom, while Pilot has a small third-row legroom advantage. Pilot also offers a distinctive stowable/removable second-row center seat on several trims, letting families switch between an eight-passenger bench and an aisle-like opening without committing to a separate captain's-chair trim. Palisade answers with a roomy second row and more premium rear-seat features as you move up its lineup.

Passenger-Space and Seating-Flexibility Comparison
Category 2026 Honda Pilot 2027 Hyundai Palisade
Seating Capacity Up to 8
TrailSport uses 2nd-row captain's chairs and seats 7
7 or 8
depends on seating configuration and trim
2nd-Row Legroom 40.8 inches Up to 43.0 inches
some hybrid seating configurations list 41.4 inches
3rd-Row Legroom 32.5 inches 32.1 inches
Passenger Volume Up to 158.4 cu ft
Sport / EX-L
Up to 161.9 cu ft
gas; hybrid lists 159.6 cu ft
2nd-Row Flexibility Available stowable/removable center seat:
EX-L, Touring, Touring Blackout, Elite and Black Edition can switch between an 8-passenger bench and a center-seat-open layout
Bench or captain's-chair layouts:
seating configuration varies by trim; upper trims add more second-row comfort and power-seat functionality
Measurements and seating availability vary by trim and configuration. Bring the passengers and child-seat setup that matter to you when comparing second- and third-row access.

Bring Your Real Seating Plan to the Test Drive

Palisade makes a strong case for families that regularly prioritize second-row adult comfort. Pilot deserves extra attention if you frequently change between maximum seat count and easier third-row access, because the removable middle-seat solution can turn that change into a day-to-day convenience rather than a trim-level commitment.

Gear & Trailers

Cargo Space Is Close; Both Gas SUVs Can Tow Up to 5,000 Pounds

Towing is tied at 5,000 pounds for the relevant gas AWD configurations.

The cargo numbers are close enough that where you measure matters. Palisade holds a half-cubic-foot advantage with all three rows in use, while Pilot has more standard published room behind the second row and a slight standard edge with both rear rows folded. Because cargo methods can differ by manufacturer, the table stays with the closest published measurements rather than mixing alternate maximum-volume methods.

Cargo and Towing Comparison
Category 2026 Honda Pilot 2027 Hyundai Palisade
Cargo Behind Row 3 18.6 cu ft
standard measurement
19.1 cu ft
Cargo Behind Row 2 48.5 cu ft
standard measurement
46.3 cu ft
Cargo Behind Row 1 Up to 87.0 cu ft
standard measurement; trim dependent
86.7 cu ft
Maximum Towing FWD: up to 3,500 lbs
AWD: up to 5,000 lbs
Gas: up to 5,000 lbs with trailer brakes
Hybrid: up to 4,000 lbs with trailer brakes
Cargo-volume methods can differ by manufacturer; the figures above use the closest standard published measurements available. Tow ratings require the proper vehicle, hitch, trailer brakes where specified, load and operating conditions.

Set the Family Load and Trailer Requirement First

Pilot is especially compelling when row three is folded often for sports gear, luggage or bulky family cargo. Palisade gives a little more published space behind a raised third row. For towing, gas Palisade and AWD Pilot meet at 5,000 pounds; the Palisade Hybrid drops to 4,000 pounds, while front-drive Pilot tops out at 3,500.

Weather & Weekends

TrailSport and XRT PRO Take Different Approaches to Adventure

Both add real hardware beyond an appearance package.

For winter travel and unpaved weekend routes, both lineups can move beyond basic all-wheel drive. Pilot TrailSport combines i-VTM4 AWD with all-terrain tires, off-road-tuned suspension, skid plates, recovery points and TrailWatch. Palisade XRT PRO adds HTRAC AWD, all-terrain tires, an electronic rear limited-slip differential, recovery hooks and 8.4 inches of ground clearance.

AWD and Adventure-Use Comparison
Category 2026 Honda Pilot 2027 Hyundai Palisade
AWD Availability i-VTM4 AWD: available on Sport / EX-L and standard on TrailSport and upper trims HTRAC AWD: available across the gas and hybrid lineups; standard on XRT PRO
Core Drive Controls Sport / EX-L: Normal, ECON, Snow, Tow, Sport
TrailSport: adds Trail and Sand modes
HTRAC: all-weather AWD capability
AWD terrain modes: Mud, Snow and Sand available on applicable configurations
Adventure Trim TrailSport: all-terrain tires, off-road-tuned suspension, skid plates, recovery points, TrailWatch and integrated Class III hitch XRT PRO: all-terrain tires, electronic rear limited-slip differential, front/rear recovery hooks and integrated tow hitch
Ground Clearance 8.3 inches
TrailSport
8.4 inches
XRT PRO
Adventure Direction Family-adventure focus:
TrailSport combines trail-specific hardware with the Pilot's normal three-row V6 formula
More traction hardware:
XRT PRO adds eLSD and slightly more clearance while retaining the Palisade's three-row family packaging
AWD and terrain systems support traction but do not replace appropriate tires, safe speeds, attentive driving, recovery planning or vehicle-specific operating limits. Trail equipment varies by exact trim.

XRT PRO Has an eLSD Edge; TrailSport Keeps a Strong Honda Adventure Package

Palisade XRT PRO deserves credit for its electronic rear limited-slip differential and slightly higher published clearance. Pilot TrailSport counters with its established TrailWatch/off-road-suspension package and integrated trail-focused V6/AWD setup. Choose based on the terrain you actually visit rather than the tougher-looking badge.

Cabin & Driver Tech

Pilot Includes More Core Tech; Palisade Adds More Luxury Features

The difference is less about having technology than how far each lineup extends it.

Pilot standardizes a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and Google built-in across the lineup, giving even the starting trim a strong core interface. Palisade also starts with a 12.3-inch navigation touchscreen, then becomes especially compelling higher in the range with features such as a surround-view monitor, heated and ventilated second-row seats, integrated dash cam availability and Calligraphy relaxation-seat content.

Technology, Comfort and Driver-Assistance Comparison
Category 2026 Honda Pilot 2027 Hyundai Palisade
Main Displays Standard:
10.2-in digital instrument cluster
12.3-in color touchscreen
Standard center display:
12.3-in touchscreen with navigation
Available:
expanded digital-display and premium interface features on upper trims
Connectivity Standard:
Google built-in
Wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
Available Wi-Fi hotspot capability
Standard/available by trim:
Wireless phone connectivity
Wireless charging
Connected navigation and convenience features
Family Convenience Available by trim:
CabinTalk
Multiview camera
Bose premium audio
Hands-free power tailgate
Available by trim:
Surround View Monitor
Heated / ventilated 2nd-row seats
Integrated front/rear dash cam
Relaxation seats on Calligraphy
Driver Assistance Honda Sensing:
Collision mitigation braking
Road-departure mitigation
Adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow
Lane keeping / traffic support
Hyundai SmartSense:
Forward-collision assistance
Adaptive cruise / lane-centering support
Blind-spot assistance
Available surround-view and parking-assistance technology
Feature availability varies by trim and configuration. Driver-assistance and parking systems require attentive driving and do not replace the driver's responsibility to control the vehicle.

Pilot Raises the Standard-Tech Floor; Palisade Raises the Luxury Ceiling

If you want the essential display and connectivity experience without climbing far up the trim ladder, Pilot is easy to configure. If the purchase is partly about turning a mainstream three-row SUV into a near-luxury family cabin, Palisade's upper trims make a persuasive case.

Ownership Context

Reliability Ratings Are Mixed, With Honda Stronger at the Brand Level

One vehicle-level source favors Pilot, another slightly favors Palisade, and Consumer Reports gives Honda the stronger broader new-car reliability ranking.

Reliability is too important to judge from one score. Auto Reliability Index currently favors the 2026 Honda Pilot by nine points, while J.D. Power gives the 2026 Palisade a three-point Quality & Reliability edge. Consumer Reports adds broader brand-level context by ranking Honda higher than Hyundai for new-car reliability. Because equivalent 2027 Palisade reliability ratings are not yet available from these sources, the published 2026 Palisade results are shown as current-generation context rather than relabeled as 2027-specific ratings.

Reliability and Ownership-Confidence Comparison
Reliability Signal 2026 Honda Pilot 2027 Hyundai Palisade
Auto Reliability Index 81 / 100 — Excellent
2026 Honda Pilot rating
72 / 100 — Good
2026 Palisade rating used as current-generation context for the 2027 model
J.D. Power Quality & Reliability 81 / 100 — Great
2026 Honda Pilot Quality & Reliability rating
84 / 100 — Great
2026 Palisade Quality & Reliability rating used as current-generation context
Consumer Reports Brand New-Car Reliability Rank Honda #4
Brand-level 2026 new-car reliability rank
Hyundai #12
Brand-level 2026 new-car reliability rank
Current-Generation Context Fourth generation introduced for 2023, refreshed in 2026.
The 2026 Pilot is a refresh within an established generation, giving shoppers several recent model years of directly relevant ownership history.
Current generation introduced for 2026
The current Palisade generation is much newer, so long-term ownership history for this generation is still developing.
Third-party reliability ratings use different methodologies and should not be averaged into a single composite score. Consumer Reports figures shown here are brand-level rankings, not Pilot- or Palisade-specific ratings. The Palisade vehicle-level ratings shown are for the 2026 model year and are used only as current-generation context for the 2027 Palisade. Ratings and rankings were checked August 24, 2026 and may change as new ownership data becomes available.

Published Scores Are Mixed; Pilot Has the Broader Ownership-Confidence Case

J.D. Power gives the 2026 Palisade a three-point Quality & Reliability edge, so the evidence does not support calling Pilot the automatic reliability winner. Auto Reliability Index, however, gives Pilot a nine-point advantage, and Consumer Reports ranks Honda eight places higher than Hyundai for new-car reliability. Add the Pilot's longer current-generation history, and shoppers who place substantial weight on an established ownership record have a legitimate reason to lean Honda while still acknowledging the Palisade's stronger J.D. Power result.

Price & Trim Strategy

Pilot Builds From a Well-Equipped Core; Palisade Offers More Ways to Configure

Honda keeps one powertrain; Hyundai splits the lineup across gas and hybrid.

Palisade enters at a lower base MSRP before freight, and its gas XRT PRO sits very close to Pilot TrailSport before destination/freight differences. From there, the shopping logic diverges: Pilot asks how much comfort, style and trail equipment you want around one V6 platform, while Palisade asks both which equipment level and which powertrain you want.

Trim Lineup and Starting MSRP Comparison
Category 2026 Honda Pilot 2027 Hyundai Palisade
Entry & Core Gas Trims Sport: $42,395
EX-L: $44,695
SE: $39,735
SEL: $42,240
SEL Premium: $45,600
Adventure Trim TrailSport: $50,595 XRT PRO: $50,170
Premium Gas Trims Touring: $51,295
Touring Blackout: $52,495
Elite: $53,695
Black Edition: $55,195
Limited: $50,070
Calligraphy: $54,860
Hybrid Lineup No hybrid trims Hybrid SEL: $44,560
Hybrid SEL Premium: $47,920
Hybrid Limited: $52,390
Hybrid Calligraphy: $57,180
Hybrid Calligraphy Black Ink: $57,680
Lineup Structure Trim levels: 7
Powertrain: one V6 / 10-speed combination
Drivetrain: FWD on entry trims or i-VTM4 AWD
Gas trim levels: 6
Hybrid trim levels: 5
Powertrain choices: gas V6 or turbo hybrid
Drivetrain: FWD or HTRAC AWD depending on configuration
Starting MSRPs are shown for lineup context and can change. Honda prices exclude the $1,495 destination charge. Hyundai prices exclude freight charges, tax, title and license fees. Drivetrain, options, accessories and current market conditions can change the relevant transaction price.

Compare the Trim and Powertrain You Would Actually Buy

The base-price gap is useful context but not the final answer. A realistic comparison might be Pilot EX-L versus Palisade SEL Premium, TrailSport versus XRT PRO, or an upper Pilot versus a Palisade Hybrid. Pick the role first, then compare current vehicle-specific pricing and equipment.


Independent Review Context

Car and Driver Scores the Pilot and Palisade
Just Half a Point Apart

The gas-model scores are close enough that the review details matter more than the half-point gap. Car and Driver favors Palisade for its upscale appointments, amenities and agreeable ride, while Pilot earns praise for ride quality, room for people and gear, and TrailSport's mild-to-moderate off-road ability.

Car and Driver

2026 Honda Pilot

8.5/10 Rating

Review takeaway: Car and Driver highlights the Pilot's agreeable ride, generous passenger and cargo space, and TrailSport's ability to handle mild-to-moderate off-road terrain—an appealing mix of everyday comfort, family practicality and added capability. In instrumented testing, the Pilot TrailSport also reached 60 mph in 6.9 seconds.

Car and Driver

2027 Hyundai Palisade

9/10 Rating

Review takeaway: Car and Driver praises the Palisade's upscale appearance, abundance of interior amenities and agreeable ride, giving it a strong blend of comfort, refinement and family-friendly features. In instrumented testing, a Palisade Calligraphy AWD reached 60 mph in 8.0 seconds.

What the score gap means:
The gas Palisade's 9/10 score is 0.5 point above the Pilot's 8.5/10 in Car and Driver's current reviews. That is independent context, not a universal verdict: the review evidence strengthens Palisade's premium-comfort case while leaving Pilot's space, ride and TrailSport strengths intact.

Use a Pilot Test-Drive to Answer the Remaining Family-Use Questions

Once the numbers narrow the choice, a Pilot drive can answer the questions a table cannot.
Check the second-row setup, third-row access, visibility, ride quality, V6 response and the exact trim features you would live with every day.

Green Honda Pilot and gray Hyundai Palisade parked side by side in driveway at sunset in front of suburban home highlighting rear styling and design differences.

How the Pilot–Palisade Tradeoffs Add Up

Decide Whether Hybrid Efficiency or Honda Packaging Solves the Bigger Everyday Need

The real threshold is whether the Palisade offers something you would choose the vehicle around. If the hybrid, extra second-row stretch or upper-trim cabin is non-negotiable, Hyundai has the stronger case. Those are meaningful advantages the Pilot does not duplicate.

If none of those is essential, the Pilot's case becomes easier to see: one familiar V6/10-speed formula, flexible middle-seat packaging, useful cargo room, a broader ownership-confidence case and a TrailSport path that does not require a different powertrain. At that point, compare the exact Pilot and Palisade configurations you would actually buy and let the day-to-day fit—not the longest feature list—decide.

Still somewhere in the gray area?
The quick quiz below turns those tradeoffs into five practical family-use choices.

A Quick Decision Check

Answer 5 Questions to See Which 3-Row SUV Fits Better

Work through five practical questions about your routine. The result can lean toward Pilot, lean toward Palisade, or stay balanced when your needs do not create a clear separation.

Question 1 of 5 0 of 5 answered

Which powertrain idea matters more?


2026 Honda Pilot vs 2027 Hyundai Palisade FAQs

Is the 2026 Honda Pilot a good alternative to the 2027 Hyundai Palisade?

Yes. The Pilot is a strong alternative for shoppers who want a roomy three-row SUV with a 285-hp V6, a 10-speed automatic, available i-VTM4 AWD, flexible second-row packaging and a capable TrailSport trim. The Palisade remains the stronger fit when its 329-hp hybrid, longer second-row legroom or premium feature depth are higher priorities.

Does the 2027 Hyundai Palisade offer a hybrid?

Yes. The 2027 Palisade Hybrid uses a 329-hp turbocharged hybrid system. SEL and SEL Premium FWD versions are EPA-rated at 33 city / 35 highway / 34 combined MPG, while Palisade Hybrid AWD versions are rated at 29 / 31 / 30. The 2026 Pilot does not offer a hybrid powertrain.

Which is more fuel efficient, the 2026 Pilot or 2027 Palisade?

The Palisade Hybrid is the clear efficiency leader, reaching up to 34 combined MPG in FWD form and 30 combined MPG with AWD. Among gas configurations, Pilot Sport and EX-L FWD are rated at 22 combined MPG versus 21 combined for gas Palisade FWD, while Pilot AWD is generally rated at 21 combined versus 20 combined for most gas Palisade AWD trims.

Which has more passenger and cargo room, Pilot or Palisade?

It depends on where you measure. Palisade provides up to 43.0 inches of second-row legroom versus 40.8 inches in Pilot and 19.1 cubic feet behind the third row versus Pilot's 18.6. Pilot provides slightly more third-row legroom at 32.5 inches versus 32.1 and more standard published cargo room behind row two at 48.5 cubic feet versus 46.3.

Which tows more, the 2026 Honda Pilot or 2027 Hyundai Palisade?

The maximum is effectively tied for the relevant gas configurations: an AWD Pilot can tow up to 5,000 pounds, and a gas Palisade can tow up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with trailer brakes. Front-wheel-drive Pilot is rated up to 3,500 pounds, while Palisade Hybrid is rated up to 4,000 pounds with trailer brakes.

How do Pilot TrailSport and Palisade XRT PRO compare?

Both are legitimate adventure-oriented trims. Pilot TrailSport combines 8.3 inches of ground clearance with all-terrain tires, off-road-tuned suspension, skid plates, recovery points and TrailWatch. Palisade XRT PRO reaches 8.4 inches and adds HTRAC AWD, an electronic rear limited-slip differential, all-terrain tires, recovery hooks and an integrated tow hitch.

Where can I test-drive a 2026 Honda Pilot near Taunton and the South Shore?

Silko Honda is located at 1580 New State Highway on Route 44 in Raynham, Massachusetts, serving shoppers from the Raynham-Taunton area, Greater Brockton, the South Shore, the South Coast and surrounding southeastern Massachusetts communities. Check current Pilot inventory before visiting so you can focus the drive on the trim and drivetrain you are considering.


Bring the Comparison Back to a Specific Pilot at Silko Honda

At Silko Honda, the useful next step is to choose the Pilot version that answers the question still open. Sport shows the core V6 family-SUV formula, EX-L demonstrates the removable/stowable second-row center-seat idea, TrailSport is the relevant test when rough-road capability matters, and Touring or Elite can show how far the Pilot moves into premium comfort and technology.

The Silko Way is built around one primary Client Advisor staying with you through discovery, vehicle selection, appraisal, deal building, delivery and follow-up. That continuity helps you carry the same priorities from the test drive through appraisal and purchase planning instead of restarting the conversation at each stage. Silko Honda also provides a written purchase offer after appraisal even if you do not buy a vehicle from the dealership.

For qualifying vehicles, SilkoCare Plus adds an ownership-value layer with lifetime powertrain coverage, buy-one-get-one-free oil changes and free car washes for life of ownership, subject to current eligibility and program terms. If Pilot is the stronger vehicle match, those benefits give you another ownership-cost and convenience layer to consider alongside the exact trim, financing and trade value.

Silko Honda is located at 1580 New State Highway on Route 44 in Raynham and serves families across the Raynham–Taunton area, Greater Brockton, the South Shore, the South Coast and surrounding southeastern Massachusetts communities. Silko Honda does not sell or inventory Hyundai Palisade models; the Palisade is included here strictly as the competing vehicle you may be cross-shopping against the Pilot.

Choose Your Next Research or Shopping Step

Use the research links to resolve the Pilot questions that still affect your decision. When the Honda fits your family better, move directly into current Pilot inventory, trade value, finance preparation and SilkoCare Plus details.


Disclaimers:
*Vehicle specifications, equipment, trim availability, incentives, inventory and prices may be revised. Verify the exact vehicle before making a purchase decision.
*Honda Pilot starting MSRPs in this guide exclude the $1,495 destination charge. Hyundai Palisade starting MSRPs exclude freight charges, tax, title and license fees. AWD, options, accessories and dealer pricing can change the relevant transaction price.
*Fuel-economy figures are EPA estimates for comparison. Actual mileage varies with equipment, weather, loading, maintenance, traffic and driving style.
*Honda publishes both standard and maximum cargo-volume measurements; the standard Pilot figures are used for the closest side-by-side comparison where possible. Manufacturer cargo methods are not necessarily identical. Towing requires the proper vehicle configuration, hitch, trailer brakes where specified, loading and adherence to all applicable vehicle and trailer limits.
*Car and Driver ratings, review conclusions and instrumented test results were checked on August 24, 2026 and may be updated later. The 8.5/10 Pilot and 9/10 Palisade ratings shown here apply to the respective gas-model reviews; acceleration results reflect the specific Pilot TrailSport and Palisade Calligraphy AWD vehicles tested.
*Silko Honda inventory, pricing, finance tools, trade tools, The Silko Way and SilkoCare Plus program terms can change. Eligibility and coverage conditions apply; ask Silko Honda to confirm the current terms that apply when you shop.