Your family is quickly growing out of your two-row SUV as little legs become cramped, and there’s little room for anything other than car seats and the bare necessities. It’s time to upgrade your vehicle, but you’re not thrilled with the idea of venturing into minivan territory. So, you’re spending countless hours searching for a sophisticated alternative. Luckily, there are plenty of good options to compare, like the 2022 Honda Pilot vs 2022 Hyundai Palisade.
You might be sold on the Palisade because of its more affordable starting price or its generously equipped lineup, but the 2022 Pilot deserves a second look. Just as powerful and capable, the Pilot is more efficient, which translates to even more long-term savings at the fuel pump. You’ll also find the Pilot is better equipped and offers a significantly larger cabin, meaning you’ll have plenty of room for your family and cargo.
Are you ready to see how else the models differ and how the Pilot easily takes the lead as the better value? From efficiency and capability to cargo capacity and beyond, here’s a closer look at the 2022 Pilot vs 2022 Palisade. It’s the ultimate race for the minivan-averse driver looking for the ultimate family-friendly SUV!
Let’s Talk Power
Three-row SUVs once had a reputation for not delivering enough power or responsiveness, making them cumbersome to drive. Fortunately, this isn’t the case for either the 2022 Pilot or the 2022 Palisade. The Pilot has a 3.5L V6 engine under the hood that’s mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission that delivers 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Palisade’s 3.8L V6 engine delivers the same amount of torque and slightly more hp but offers a narrower gear range with its eight-speed automatic transmission.
Let’s Talk Efficiency
The 2022 Pilot and the 2022 Palisade both do an exceptional job of balancing performance with efficiency, proving responsiveness and agile handling don’t have to come at the cost of fuel consumption. However, the Pilot manages this feat with more grace, averaging 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. In contrast, the Palisade will cost you slightly more at the pump, averaging 19 MPG and 26 MPG, respectively.
Opting for AWD also impacts the SUVs’ fuel consumption and gives the Pilot another significant lead. For example, the AWD Pilot gets 26 MPG on the highway, which is notably better than the AWD Palisade, which is rated for 24 MPG on the highway. The Pilot’s increased efficiency is directly related to its variable cylinder management system (VCM), which automatically deactivates the engine cylinders to save fuel and reduce emissions.
Let’s Talk Capability
One of the many perks of driving a three-row SUV is that it can tow moderately sized loads. This capability is undeniably the case for the Pilot and Palisade, both of which offer a maximum tow rating of 5,000 lbs. This rating requires opting for the AWD models, which increases traction and constantly directs power to the wheel or wheels that need it most to make driving in any condition and towing any load safer.
Let’s Talk Spaciousness
For years, minivans were the only options families had to meet their passenger and cargo-hauling needs. Fortunately, that’s no longer the case, thanks to models like the Pilot and Palisade. But, which three-row SUV is roomier?
Both models offer seating for eight, so you can comfortably fit passengers across every row. However, there are significant differences when you start comparing cargo capacity. The Palisade offers 86.4 cu.ft. of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, 45.8 cu.ft. with the third row folded, or 18 cu.ft. in the trunk. This seems spacious until you look at the Pilot, which offers 109.2 cu.ft. of cargo space. Folding just the third row gives you 55.9 cu.ft. to work with, a significant increase over the Palisade that can mean a world of difference when hauling luggage, groceries, or other gear.
Let’s Talk Safety
Safety is a top priority for anyone who gets behind the wheel, especially for families. Honda and Hyundai prioritize your safety by outfitting the Pilot and Palisade with advanced safety and driver-assist technology. These tools keep you informed and aware of your surroundings, actively minimizing the potential for collision and giving you adequate time to respond. So, how do the models differ?
You’ll find comparable safety features across the Pilot and Palisade lineups. On the Pilot, the Honda Sensing suite is standard across the lineup. It equips every trim with a Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, Blind Spot Information with Cross Traffic Monitor, a Lane Keeping Assist System, Adaptive Cruise Control, and a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera. You can also add parking sensors for enhanced convenience when navigating tight or congested parking areas.
The Palisade‘s driver-assist suite features similar technology like the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection that mimics the Pilot’s Collision Mitigation Braking System by actively monitoring traffic ahead and alerting you to potential collisions. The Palisade also comes standard with Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Parking Distance Warning-Reverse, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Following Assist, and Lane Keeping Assist.
Let’s Talk Value and Price
Just going by the numbers, the 2022 Palisade looks like the better deal with its starting MSRP of $33,600. However, the Palisade’s value leaves much to be desired compared to everything the 2022 Pilot offers with its $38,080 sticker price. What do we mean?
The Palisade SE is an entry-level model that comes with many standard features, such as advanced safety technology like Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and connectivity tools like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. However, enjoying more than the basic conveniences requires upgrading to trims like the SEL and Limited, which allow you to add second-row captain’s chairs and include amenities like a power driver’s seat and push-button start.
Instead of spending thousands of dollars more on a higher-trim Palisade, you could save money and start behind the wheel of the 2022 Pilot. The entry-level Pilot Sport is well-equipped and comes standard with luxuries like heated seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, and Honda’s renowned one-touch second-row seats for added convenience. You’ll also find the model features an Intelligent Traction Management system that allows you to finetune the Pilot’s performance based on the terrain and driving conditions, optimizing its handling and responsiveness wherever the road takes you. These features, along with smartphone integration, Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock, and the expansive center touchscreen display, make the 2022 Pilot an incredible value.
You Deserve the Best
You and your family deserve the best when you’re on the road; fortunately, Honda and Hyundai agree. The 2022 Pilot and 2022 Palisade prove as much, distinguishing themselves by offering different price points and values. So, what will you drive?
The 2022 Pilot is a remarkable find and a wise investment that comes with the reliability and stellar reputation of the Honda name. You know what you’re getting with a Honda, and that’s a vehicle that can log hundreds of thousands of miles with ease. That’s an investment that’s easy to make, especially when it means keeping more money in your wallet without sacrificing the safety and comfort of your family.
