2022 Hyundai Palisade vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite a 2019 refresh and the introduction of the 2020 Black Edition, the Pilot's exterior design remained polarizing. The SUV was available in seven trims, ranging from the base LX to the upscale Black Edition, with prices between $32,250 and $49,920. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional $2,000 on most trims. The new Special Edition trim added black 20-inch alloy wheels, blacked-out exterior trim, wireless smartphone charging, and a hands-free power tailgate. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, had a window sticker of $51,435, including destination charges.

Inside, the Pilot featured quality materials, though it had a minivan-like feel due to its flat dashboard and low center console. The Black Edition's black mats were a challenge to clean, especially for pet owners. Despite its drab exterior, the Pilot offered a comfortable and spacious interior, with heated and ventilated front seats, second-row captain's chairs, and a rear-seat entertainment system. However, the third-row seat comfort was average, and the SUV's overall design did not stand out in a crowded market.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade replaced the Santa Fe XL as Hyundai's flagship SUV, boasting an elegant and striking exterior design. The Palisade's distinctive lines, prominent grille, and sculpted wheel arches gave it a unique look, while the continuous strip of glass surfaces created a floating rear roof effect. LED headlights, running lights, and taillights added to its visual appeal. The Palisade's interior was equally impressive, with high-quality materials and finishes throughout. The horizontally arrayed screen, beefy center console, and spacious second and third rows provided a near-luxury experience. The top-of-the-line Calligraphy model, with its Steel Graphite paint and black interior, was particularly stunning.

The Palisade's fit and finish were at near-luxury levels, making it a worthy flagship for Hyundai. The second-row captain's chairs and spacious third row offered comfort and convenience, while the ample storage options and intuitive controls added to the overall appeal. The Limited and Calligraphy trims featured high-end luxury touches, such as rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated and ventilated front seats, premium Nappa leather upholstery, and a dual-panel sunroof. The Palisade's design and execution made it a standout choice in the midsize SUV segment.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The engine was smooth and refined, providing ample power for the SUV. A nine-speed automatic transmission powered the front wheels, with an available torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system that could send up to 70 percent of engine output to a single rear wheel. The Pilot's fuel-saving measures included variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined for AWD models. The test vehicle averaged 21.5 mpg on the testing loop.

The Pilot's MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension provided a comfortable ride and athletic handling. The torque-vectoring AWD system, 20-inch wheels, and responsive steering contributed to the fun driving experience. However, the brakes tended to heat up and vibrate with prolonged use. Off-road capability was limited by the Pilot's 7.3 inches of ground clearance and all-season tires, making it suitable for minor off-road situations but not for serious off-roading.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade came with a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The V6 featured gasoline direct injection, dual variable valve timing, and Atkinson-cycle capability for improved efficiency. The EPA estimated fuel economy for FWD models at 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway/22 mpg combined, and AWD models at 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway/21 mpg combined. The Palisade's V6 engine provided a baritone rumble and quick acceleration, making it suitable for family use.

Weighing between 4,127 and 4,387 pounds, the Palisade handled well, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and stabilizer bars. The SEL Convenience trim and above featured a self-leveling suspension system. The Palisade could tow up to 5,000 pounds with trailer brakes or 1,650 pounds without, adding to its versatility. The combination of power, handling, and towing capacity made the Palisade a strong performer in the midsize SUV segment.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, with seating for up to eight people when equipped with a second-row bench seat. The test vehicle's leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats were comfortable and supportive, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver's seat. The second-row captain's chairs, standard on Elite and Black Edition models, were nearly as comfortable as the front seats and featured inboard armrests and heating. The third-row seat comfort was average, with a low and flat bottom cushion.

Storage options were plentiful, with compartments in the door panels, center console, and front seatback pockets. The EX-L trim and higher included a power tailgate, with hands-free operation available on higher trims. The Pilot offered 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 83.9 cubic feet with both rows folded. The hidden storage compartment and trays added convenience for organizing smaller items.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade excelled as a minivan replacement, offering comfortable seating and ample storage throughout the cabin. The third row provided easy access and cupholders, while the second-row captain's chairs were exceptionally comfortable. The front row featured two compartments in the center console, a locking glove box, and door panel bottle holders. Luggage space measured 18.0 cubic feet behind the third row, 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. An underfloor storage compartment added extra space, and the roof rails could hold up to 220 pounds of cargo.

The Palisade's shift-by-wire gear selector and intuitive mode selector for the AWD system were well-designed and space-saving. The dual-panel sunroof, standard on Limited and Calligraphy trims, improved the ambiance in the second and third rows. The high-end luxury features on the Limited and Calligraphy trims, such as rain-sensing windshield wipers, premium Nappa leather upholstery, and power-folding third-row seats, added to the Palisade's appeal.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text-messaging support, satellite radio, and a basic version of HondaLink connected services. The Special Edition trim added wireless phone charging, while the Touring trim included navigation, a WiFi hotspot, a 10-speaker premium audio system, and more. The infotainment system was adequate but had a small screen and limited voice-recognition capabilities. The Touring trim also featured a rear-seat entertainment system with a 115-volt power outlet, an HDMI port, and a Cabin Talk feature.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased Hyundai's technological prowess. The standard display audio system on SE and SEL models featured an 800 x 480 resolution screen, while the Limited and Calligraphy models (optional on SEL) had a 1920 x 720 color touchscreen and a 630-watt Harman Kardon premium audio system with 12 speakers. The infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, and satellite radio. The Palisade also featured multiple USB ports, a Qi wireless charging pad, and a 115-volt power outlet. The Limited and Calligraphy trims added a head-up display and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Hyundai's Blue Link connected car system, standard on upper trims and optional on SEL, offered remote engine start and vehicle monitoring. The proximity key and push-button start were standard on SEL and above, while the Limited and Calligraphy trims featured a digital instrument cluster that integrated with the turn signals and blind-spot monitor cameras.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, a package of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The EX trim and higher also featured a blind-spot monitoring/rear cross-traffic warning system. The Pilot's crash-test ratings were generally favorable, with a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and high ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade boasted an extensive list of standard and available safety features. Passive safety features included seven airbags, three-point seat belts, LATCH anchors, active head restraints, and more. Standard active safety features included anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.