What To Know
- The Pilot and Santa Fe both offer a wide range of features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera, and a suite of driver-assistance technologies.
- The Pilot has a more rugged and aggressive design, while the Santa Fe has a more sleek and modern look.
- The Hyundai Santa Fe is a good choice for families who want a more fuel-efficient SUV with a more upscale interior.
The Honda Pilot and the Hyundai Santa Fe are two of the most popular three-row SUVs on the market. Both offer a spacious interior, comfortable ride, and plenty of features. But which one is the better choice for you? Here, we will compare the Honda Pilot vs Hyundai Santa Fe in detail to help you make an informed decision.
Key Differences Between the Honda Pilot and Hyundai Santa Fe
- Seating and Cargo Space: The Pilot has seating for up to eight passengers, while the Santa Fe can accommodate up to seven. The Pilot also offers more cargo space behind the third row of seats, making it a better choice for families who need to transport a lot of gear.
- Performance and Fuel Economy: The Pilot’s V6 engine produces more horsepower and torque than the Santa Fe’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine. However, the Santa Fe gets better fuel economy, especially in the city.
- Features and Technology: The Pilot and Santa Fe both offer a wide range of features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera, and a suite of driver-assistance technologies. However, the Pilot offers a few more standard features, such as a moonroof and a power liftgate.
Detailed Comparison of the Honda Pilot and Hyundai Santa Fe
1. Design and Styling
The Pilot has a more rugged and aggressive design, while the Santa Fe has a more sleek and modern look. The Pilot is also slightly larger than the Santa Fe, making it a more imposing presence on the road.
2. Interior and Comfort
The Pilot has a more spacious interior, especially in the third row. The Santa Fe, however, has a more upscale interior, with higher-quality materials and a more user-friendly infotainment system.
3. Performance and Handling
The Pilot’s V6 engine provides more power and torque than the Santa Fe‘s turbocharged four-cylinder engine. However, the Santa Fe gets better fuel economy, especially in the city. The Pilot also has a more comfortable ride, while the Santa Fe handles better.
4. Safety and Reliability
The Pilot and Santa Fe both received excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Pilot also has a slightly better reliability rating from Consumer Reports.
5. Price and Value
The Pilot starts at a lower price than the Santa Fe. However, the Santa Fe offers more standard features, making it a better value overall.
6. Which SUV Is Right for You?
The Honda Pilot is a good choice for families who need a spacious and versatile SUV with plenty of power. The Hyundai Santa Fe is a good choice for families who want a more fuel-efficient SUV with a more upscale interior.
The Verdict: Honda Pilot vs Hyundai Santa Fe
The Honda Pilot and the Hyundai Santa Fe are both excellent choices for families. The Pilot offers more space and power, while the Santa Fe gets better fuel economy and has a more upscale interior. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Instead of a Conclusion: Weighing the Pros and Cons
Honda Pilot Pros:
- More spacious interior
- More powerful engine
- Comfortable ride
Honda Pilot Cons:
- Less fuel-efficient
- Fewer standard features
Hyundai Santa Fe Pros:
- Better fuel economy
- More upscale interior
- More standard features
Hyundai Santa Fe Cons:
- Less spacious interior
- Less powerful engine
- Firmer ride
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
1. Which SUV has a better safety rating?
Both the Honda Pilot and the Hyundai Santa Fe received excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
2. Which SUV has a better warranty?
The Honda Pilot comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Hyundai Santa Fe comes with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
3. Which SUV is more reliable?
The Honda Pilot has a slightly better reliability rating from Consumer Reports than the Hyundai Santa Fe.