2022 Honda Pilot vs. Competition
It might seem difficult to determine exactly which midsize SUV is the best fit for your growing family. Due to rapid growth in popularity, more and more competitors have joined this crowded field of midsize SUVs in recent years. No matter if you’re searching for innovative technology, a spacious cabin, or capable performance – it’s hard to ignore the fact that midsize SUVs have become a huge hit with drivers all over the country.
To further illustrate why the Honda Pilot remains the benchmark for its class, our team at Germain Honda of College Hills has assembled this in-depth model comparison. You’ll discover exactly how the Pilot performs against two of its top competitors – the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. Which one will earn the top spot on our list? Let’s find out!
Honda Pilot vs Kia Telluride
| 2022 Honda Pilot Sport FWD | VS | 2022 Kia Telluride EX FWD |
| $36,830 ✓ | MSRP* (excluding destination charges) | $37,790 |
| 27 ✓ | Highway MPG** | 26 |
| 9 ✓ | Transmission Speeds | 8 |
| 20 inches ✓ | Wheel Size | 18 inches |
| Standard ✓ | Tire Fill Assistant | Not Available |
| LED ✓ | Headlight Type | Halogen |
| 7 ✓ | Number of Speakers | 6 |
| Standard ✓ | Active Noise Cancellation | Not Available |
| 18.9 feet ✓ | Turning Radius | 19.4 feet |
| 38.9 / 31.9 inches ✓ | Third Row Headroom/Legroom | 38.1 / 31.4 inches |
The first competitor to face off against the Honda Pilot is the formidable Kia Telluride. Looking at equivalent trims of both SUVs, the Pilot begins this comparison with a significant $960 price advantage over the Telluride (excluding destination charges)*. This cost advantage only continues to grow as we explore the impressive list of benefits that come from choosing the Pilot.
While they each feature strikingly similar performance figures, the Pilot offers superior highway fuel economy compared to the Telluride. A major contributor to its excellent MPG is its more advanced 9-speed automatic transmission. The Pilot confidently features a bolder stance on the road thanks to its standard 20-inch alloy wheels. Another Pilot-exclusive feature, Tire Fill Assistant simplifies the way that you add air to your tires in order to maintain adequate tire pressure at all times.
Adding to the already striking appearance of the Honda Pilot are standard LED headlights and fog lamps integrated into its front fascia. Kia shoppers will be disappointed to learn that the Telluride EX comes equipped with inferior halogen headlights that offer reduced visibility and longevity. Another reason to choose the Pilot is the fact that it offers a turning radius that’s half a foot shorter than the Telluride.
Honda Pilot vs Hyundai Palisade
| 2022 Honda Pilot Sport AWD | VS | 2022 Hyundai Palisade SEL AWD |
| $38,830* | MSRP* (excluding destination charges) | $37,200 |
| 19 / 26 / 22** ✓ | MPG** (city/hwy/combined) | 19 / 24 / 21 |
| 9 ✓ | Transmission Speeds | 8 |
| 20 inches ✓ | Wheel Size | 18 inches |
| 8 ✓ | Seating Capacity | 7 |
| 60/40 ✓ | Rear Seat Folding | N/A |
| 7 ✓ | Number of Speakers | 6 |
| Standard ✓ | Keyfob-Activated Window Controls | Not Available |
| Standard, LED ✓ | Front Fog Lights | Requires Higher Trim |
| Standard ✓ | LED Brake Lights | Not Available |
| Standard ✓ | Active Noise Cancellation | Not Available |
In our second matchup, we’ll discover how the Honda Pilot compares against the rival Hyundai Palisade. Here, the Palisade starts with a modest price advantage over the Pilot. Once we take a closer look at the details, you’ll learn that choosing Hyundai over Honda is actually an expensive mistake to make.
Comparing equivalent trim levels equipped with all-wheel drive, the Pilot returns better highway and combined fuel economy compared to the Palisade*. A major contributor to this impressive performance is its state-of-the-art 9-speed automatic transmission. The Pilot also boasts standard 20-inch alloy wheels as standard in contrast to the smaller 18-inch wheels found on the Palisade.
Turning our focus towards the cabins of both SUVs, the Honda Pilot remains the superior choice compared to the Hyundai Palisade. Benefits of the Pilot include a greater number of speakers, a 60/40 split-folding rear seatback, and larger seating capacity. Technology highlights include keyfob-activated window controls and standard Active Noice Cancellation. Last but not least, its standard LED front fog lights and rear taillamps deliver greater visibility in low-light conditions.
Winner – Honda Pilot
Now that we’ve counted the final results, the obvious winner of this thorough SUV model comparison is the Honda Pilot. Both the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade are simply unable to match the tremendous innovation, performance, value, and versatility included as standard across the entire Honda Pilot model range. Are you eager to experience all that the Pilot has to offer? Visit us at Germain Honda of College Hills and browse our extensive selection of the latest Pilot models today!
*MSRP excludes $1,225.00 destination charge, tax, license, registration, and options. Dealers set own prices.
**20 city/27 highway/23 combined mpg rating for 2WD trims. 19 city/26 highway/22 combined mpg rating for AWD trims. Based on 2022 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.