Honda
Pilot
Hyundai
Palisade
Honda Pilot vs Hyundai Palisade: 2025 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Hyundai Palisade comes out ahead of the Honda Pilot on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Pilot
Overall
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability, practicality, and driving experience. The Pilot is consistently praised as a durable, high-mileage family vehicle capable of reaching 250,000+ miles with proper maintenance. Owners express deep emotional attachment, describing their Pilots as dependable partners through major life events.
Best version to buy
Second Generation (2009-2015) models, specifically the 2013-2015 years, are frequently cited as the most reliable and desirable used examples. These are described as "tried and true," benefiting from resolved early-generation issues while retaining the simpler, proven 3.5L V6 and 5-speed automatic transmission.
Known issues
- ⚠Rust and corrosion (particularly in Northeast climates on older generations): affects rear unibody, subframe mounting bolts, transmission fluid lines, and catalytic converters. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Transmission problems (varies by generation): 2002-2003 models have "junk" transmissions; 2005-2008 models can experience torque converter shudder; 2023+ models with the 10-speed automatic exhibit jerkiness, gear hunting, and poor low-spee…
- ⚠Timing belt maintenance: critical service required approximately every 105,000 miles on V6 engines; failure leads to catastrophic engine damage. Frequency: very frequent (as a maintenance point, not a defect).
Palisade
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. The vehicle is widely praised for its exceptional value proposition, offering a high level of comfort, spaciousness, and premium features (e.g., ventilated second-row seats, advanced driver assistance systems, abundant storage) at a competitive price point. Many owners express strong satisfaction with the smooth ride, family-friendly design, and technology content.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a definitive "best" trim. The Calligraphy trim is noted by the manufacturer as the expected volume seller and represents the fully-featured version.
Known issues
- ⚠Excessive engine oil consumption (primarily 2020-2021 models): Severe oil burning, often requiring engine replacement under warranty, typically manifesting around 60,000 miles. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Transmission failure: Complete transmission failure reported as early as 87,000 miles; also includes reports of lagging, slipping between gears, and losing power, making the vehicle unsafe to drive. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Fuel system/engine performance issues: Intermittent loss of acceleration despite engine revving (codes P0087, P0661, P021A0 cited), potentially linked to failing fuel injectors or sensors. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Hyundai Palisade is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Honda Pilot, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Honda Pilot is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Honda Pilot or the Hyundai Palisade?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Honda Pilot and the Hyundai Palisade. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Honda Pilot or the Hyundai Palisade?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Honda Pilot or the Hyundai Palisade?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Honda Pilot or the Hyundai Palisade?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Hyundai Palisade than the Honda Pilot. See the known issues comparison above.