2022 Hyundai Palisade vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the exterior design remained polarizing. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, offered a unique aesthetic. However, the interior, with its flat dashboard and minivan-like feel, did not significantly elevate the Pilot's appeal. Quality materials were present, but the design choices, such as the hard plastic panels and black floor mats, left room for improvement.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Palisade presented a striking and elegant exterior design, shedding any past criticisms of Hyundai's styling. Its distinctive lines, prominent grille, and sculpted wheel arches contributed to a visually appealing profile. The Palisade's design was further enhanced by expressive LED lighting and 20-inch alloy wheels, giving it a near-luxury appearance. Inside, the Palisade continued its elegant theme with high-quality materials and a well-organized layout. The spacious cabin, with options for captain's chairs or a bench seat, provided comfort and practicality, making it a worthy flagship for Hyundai.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, delivering smooth and refined power. Its nine-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system contributed to a comfortable and athletic driving experience. The Pilot's fuel efficiency was reasonable, with an average of 10.9 L/100 km during testing. However, its off-road capability was limited by modest ground clearance and approach angles, making it more suited for on-road adventures.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade, with its naturally aspirated 3.8-litre V6 engine, offered 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine choice, while not the most fuel-efficient, provided a satisfying driving experience with no turbo lag. The Palisade's handling was commendable, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and stabilizer bars. It also boasted a towing capacity of up to 2,267 kilograms with trailer brakes, adding to its versatility. Despite its heavier curb weight, the Palisade managed to deliver a balanced and enjoyable ride.

The 2021 Honda Pilot provided ample space for families, accommodating up to eight passengers with a bench second-row seat. The Black Edition model featured comfortable leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, though the front passenger seat had limited adjustment options. Second-row captain's chairs were available, offering comfort and flexibility. The Pilot excelled in storage solutions, with numerous compartments and a generous cargo capacity of up to 3,092 litres with seats folded.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space and functionality, offering comfortable seating across all rows. The third row was easily accessible, and the second-row captain's chairs provided exceptional comfort. Storage options were abundant, with multiple compartments and a substantial cargo capacity of 2,447 litres with seats folded. The Palisade's shift-by-wire gear selector and well-placed controls added to its user-friendly design. Standard features like a dual-panel sunroof and heated seats enhanced the overall experience, especially in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Higher trims included features like a built-in navigation system, wireless phone charging, and a premium audio system. However, the system's interface and voice-recognition technology were not as intuitive as some competitors. The Touring trim added a rear-seat entertainment system, enhancing the in-car experience for families.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased advanced technology, with a standard 1920 x 720 colour touchscreen and a premium Harman Kardon audio system on higher trims. The infotainment system included wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with multiple USB ports and a wireless charging pad. Hyundai's Blue Link connected car system offered remote functions and vehicle monitoring. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display, elevating the driving experience with modern conveniences.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. While effective, the system's operation was not as refined as newer versions. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high scores from the IIHS, except for an "acceptable" rating in certain areas.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade boasted an extensive list of passive and active safety features, including seven airbags, electronic stability control, and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies. The Palisade earned top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Features like blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance, and adaptive cruise control contributed to its strong safety reputation.