Palisade vs. Pilot At a Glance

Palisade vs Pilot Towing Capacity

Both SUVs have a max towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, which covers most pontoon boats, fishing boats, and mid-size travel trailers. The difference is how you get that towing capacity. The Pilot only reaches 5,000 pounds with all-wheel drive, while front-wheel-drive Pilots are rated at 3,500 pounds.

The V6 Palisade is rated up to 5,000 pounds, and a factory-installed tow hitch is available on the 2026 model, so you don't have to have one installed after purchase.

If you want better fuel economy and still need to tow, the Palisade Hybrid is rated at 4,000 pounds. You won’t find that combination on the Pilot.

Three-Row Seating and Family Space

When Hyundai redesigned the 2026 Palisade, it got bigger. You can choose seven seats with second-row captain's chairs or eight with a bench, and available power-folding second and third rows make it easier to access the back. With the available first- and second-row Relaxation seats, your passenger will enjoy a lounge-style recline on long drives. For safety, the Palisade has ten airbags and third-row seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters, features rarely found in the way-back of a three-row SUV.

The Pilot also seats up to eight passengers, with a stowable second-row center seat. On most trims, you can pull out the center seat in the second row and store it under the cargo floor, turning an eight-seater into a seven-seater with a pass-through to the third row. It gives you flexibility that you don’t find in other SUVs.

Cargo Space

Behind the third row, they're nearly identical. You’ll get 19.1 cubic feet of cargo space in the Palisade and 18.6 in the Pilot. Fold the third row and the Palisade offers about 46 cubic feet, or roughly 87 with both rear rows down.

Honda advertises a larger maximum figure for the Pilot, but it's measured using a method that includes floor space between the seat rows, so the numbers aren't directly comparable. The best test is to bring your stroller, hockey bags, or cooler to our showroom and load it yourself.

Powertrains and Fuel Economy

With the V6 engine, power and fuel economy are similar. The Palisade generates 287 horsepower, and the Pilot provides 285 horsepower. Fuel economy is almost identical, with the Palisade getting just 1 mpg more than the Pilot.

The Palisade's biggest advantage is choice: the new 2.5-liter turbo hybrid delivers 329 horsepower, more than either V6, while earning EPA estimates of up to 34 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain. For Erie families who spend a lot of time on I-90 and I-79, that can mean noticeably fewer stops at the pump.

Warranty and Cost of Ownership

This is where the Palisade really pulls ahead. Hyundai's powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles, twice the length of Honda's 5-year/60,000-mile coverage. Hyundai's 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty also outlasts Honda's 3-year/36,000-mile plan.

Hyundai Complimentary Maintenance also covers scheduled oil changes and tire rotations for the first 3 years or 36,000 miles, handled by our certified service team in Erie.

Which Three-Row SUV is Right For You?

Explore the 2026 Hyundai Palisade or the 2026 Palisade Hybrid to see trims and features.

Palisade vs. Pilot: towing and 3-row FAQs