2023 Honda Pilot vs 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2023 Honda Pilot was redesigned with a more rugged and substantial appearance. Its upright grille and boxier styling made it look larger, and indeed, it was bigger than its predecessor. The fourth-generation model was 8.6 centimetres longer, up to 3.8 cm wider, and 2 cm taller. These changes complemented the all-terrain-capable TrailSport model, which gained legitimate off-road parts like a 2.5 cm taller ride height, unique 18-inch wheels, chunky all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates. The interior took a more conventional styling route, remaining attractive and functional, with materials quality meeting class expectations. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard in Canada, emphasizing function over form.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a radical new aesthetic, diverging from the sleek, futuristic designs of other Hyundai models. It embraced a boxy shape for optimal storage capacity, as explained by Hyundai’s design chief. Despite its boxy design, it was aerodynamically efficient and upscale, turning heads with its sophisticated exterior colours and anodized-finish badging. The interior offered premium styling, with trims like the XRT and Ultimate Calligraphy featuring luxurious materials. The Santa Fe was designed with a focus on cargo space, inspired by the concept of “chabak,” making it ideal for car camping and tailgating.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was powered by a new 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the i-VTM4 AWD system was standard. The Pilot offered quick acceleration and adequate power, with a soft brake pedal for smooth stops. It cornered well for a three-row SUV, prioritizing comfort over sporty driving. The TrailSport model increased ground clearance by 2.5 cm and featured all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities without sacrificing on-road comfort. Towing capacity reached up to 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs).

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe in Canada featured a hybrid powertrain as the entry-level option, with a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Other models had a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine with 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. AWD was standard across all models. The Santa Fe offered Normal, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with the XRT adding off-road settings. Fuel economy for the hybrid was 6.8 L/100 km city and 6.9 highway, while the gas engine consumed 12.1 L/100 km city and 8.8 highway. The XRT model had increased ground clearance and towing capacity, making it capable for off-road adventures.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior was more conventional, with a handy dash shelf for the front passenger. The entry-level Sport trim featured a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims had a nine-inch display. The Pilot offered clever storage solutions, including a stowable second-row centre seat and ample cargo space. The second row was spacious, while the third row was less inviting but adequate for short trips. Cargo capacity reached up to 3,219 litres with seats folded, surpassing competitors like the Kia Telluride.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a longer wheelbase and body, with most of the extra space dedicated to the cargo area. The design was inspired by “chabak,” offering a large cargo area for car camping. The first and second rows were spacious, with options for bench or captain’s chairs. The Santa Fe offered various upholstery options, from stain-resistant cloth to quilted Nappa leather. Cargo space was 413 litres, expanding to 2,267 litres with seats folded. The vehicle included innovative features like a UV sanitization compartment in the glovebox.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's EX-L trim and above offered a larger touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless phone charger. The Touring trim added USB ports in every row, a multi-view camera system, and a head-up display. The infotainment system was functional with quick responses, and features like Honda's CabinTalk enhanced convenience.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted a curved panoramic display, the first of its kind in the segment. The touchscreen was intuitive, with crisp graphics and easy phone pairing. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a 12-speaker Bose stereo and six USB ports. Higher trims offered wireless charging and Hyundai’s BlueLink system for vehicle access. The system allowed for remote access and control via smartphone apps.

The 2023 Honda Pilot received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. Higher trims added parking sensors and camera systems. The safety features functioned well, with no false alarms during testing.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe had not yet been crash-tested, but Hyundai vehicles typically performed well. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot monitors, and more. Higher trims added advanced features like a 360-degree camera system and remote automatic parking. The Santa Fe introduced driver monitoring, enhancing safety by detecting driver alertness.