This is a matchup between the proven 2024 Honda Pilot and the (relatively) new kid on the block — the 2024 Hyundai Palisade.

The Pilot and Palisade are virtually the same vehicles they were last year — when they both got significant updates. The Pilot received a complete makeover, while the Palisade got a midcycle refresh. Each is the flagship for its respective SUV lineup.

With their updated styling and powertrain tweaks, let’s see how these popular 3-row midsize SUVs compare.

2024 Hyundai Palisade

On the outside, there are basically no changes for the Hyundai Palisade, as it just went through an update for 2023. It continues to be the brand’s top SUV, offering an impressive combination of looks, performance, comfort, and technology — all traits essential for success in the popular midsize 3-row SUV segment.

Though largely unchanged, the Palisade did get a new trim level for 2024: the Calligraphy Night Edition. This variant looks sharp with a blacked-out exterior and wheels, and it comes with standard AWD. Pricing for the 2024 Hyundai Palisade starts at $36,400.

Hyundai Palisade Highlights

Eager powertrain: The Hyundai Palisade is powered by a 291-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine matched with an 8-speed automatic transmission and front- (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). That kind of power helped enable the Palisade to tow up to 5,000 pounds, just like the Pilot.

Upscale interior: The inside of the Hyundai Palisade feels like a more expensive SUV. The upscale interior feels like something from Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury brand, and boasts extremely comfortable seats. 

Segment-leading warranty: Hyundai’s 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty offer you peace of mind — for up to a decade. Hyundai also throws in a 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance plan.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Palisade models for sale near you.

2024 Honda Pilot

Honda’s 2023 redo of the Pilot was aimed at making it more outdoors-oriented, far from soccer practices and cellphone signals. This effort coalesced into the TrailSport edition, which features steel skid plates, an extra inch of ground clearance, the TrailWatch Camera System (to better navigate rocks and trees around the vehicle), and special software designed to help it traverse more challenging terrain.

However, not all folks plan to use their SUV for off-road adventures. Some SUV owners simply want a roomy and comfortable everyday driver. To that end, Honda engineers have stiffened the chassis and updated the suspension and steering for better agility on all Pilot models. Pricing for the 2024 Honda Pilot starts at $37,090.

Honda Pilot Highlights

Bold TrailSport model: The aforementioned Honda Pilot TrailSport is the most rugged and adventure-oriented model in the lineup. It touts standard all-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, and an inch more ground clearance — 8.3 inches — to better traverse trails.

Roomy functionality: The 3-row Honda Pilot has room for up to eight passengers, or seven if you opt for captain’s seats in the second row. One particularly nifty option is a second-row center seat that can be removed and stowed in the cargo area, giving the flexibility to add a seat when you need it and stow it onboard when you don’t.

Honda Sensing: The Honda Sensing Suite comes standard on every Pilot. It features a slew of advanced driver safety technology, including Traffic Jam Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring is standard on all but the base trim.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Pilot models for sale near you.

Similarities

Each one of these highly refined 3-row SUVs features plenty of niceties and the latest tech and safety features, along with room for the whole family. Their prices are close, and even the interior space is basically a draw. In most ways, these 3-row SUVs are remarkably comparable machines. They even have the same max tow capacity of 5,000 pounds

Conclusion

The OG Honda Pilot and the (relative) newcomer Hyundai Palisade stack up well against one another. The Palisade features a more slightly powerful engine, a better warranty, and a new special edition, and its starting price is nearly $700 less. Meanwhile, the proven Pilot possesses a pedigree that the Palisade can’t quite match, plus it gets slightly better fuel economy on the highway.

We have no hesitation recommending either one of these capable family SUVs. The real winner here is the one that best fits your lifestyle and needs.