2023 Hyundai Palisade vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai's largest SUV, had a commanding presence on the road, further enhanced by its 2023 styling update. The new front fascia, with its bold strokes and squared-off grille, gave the Palisade a stronger, more assertive look. Standard LED accents, daytime running lights, and headlights added to its modern appeal, while the Ultimate Calligraphy trim featured premium rear accent lighting and a unique glossy black and chrome grille. The Palisade's 20-inch alloy wheels, standard in Canada, contributed to its premium feel, especially in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim, which also introduced a new colour, Robust Emerald. Inside, the Palisade's interior was stylish and bright, thanks to a dual-pane sunroof and premium Nappa leather in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. The seating configurations allowed for either seven or eight passengers, with second-row captain's chairs available on higher trims.

The 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign, resulting in a more rugged and substantial appearance. Its upright grille and boxier styling made it look larger, and it was indeed bigger than its predecessor. The fourth-generation Pilot was longer, wider, and taller, aligning perfectly with the all-terrain-capable TrailSport model, which featured a taller ride height, unique wheels, all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates. The interior took a more conventional approach, focusing on functionality and versatility. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard in Canada, and the Pilot emphasized function over form, offering a tidy and utilitarian aesthetic. The Pilot's design changes were well-received, providing a balance between ruggedness and practicality.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain was competitive within its class, surpassing the Mazda CX-9 and Volkswagen Atlas, and slightly outperforming the Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder. The Palisade featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. Its HTRAC all-wheel drive system proved capable during off-road tests, although the Palisade was more suited for comfortable rides than rock-crawling. It offered a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds) and a dedicated Tow Mode for optimized shifting. Fuel economy was rated at 12.6 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 9.5 on the highway, and 11.2 combined.

The 2023 Honda Pilot introduced 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 all-wheel drive system was standard. The Pilot's acceleration was quick, with a pleasant engine hum, and the brake pedal was soft yet easy to modulate. While the Pilot handled corners well for a three-row SUV, it was tuned for comfort rather than sporty driving. The TrailSport model offered increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Pilot's towing capacity matched the Palisade at 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs). Despite its off-road features, the Pilot maintained on-road composure and comfort, making it a versatile family SUV.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade offered ample space for seven or eight passengers, with front-row legroom of 1,052 millimetres, 1,077 in the second row, and 798 in the third. Passenger volume measured 4,397 litres. The second-row seating featured a one-touch seat slide for easy third-row access, and the third-row seats folded flat for increased cargo space. Cargo capacity was 509 litres behind the third row, 1,297 litres behind the second row, and 2,447 litres with all but the front-row seats folded. The Palisade included HVAC vents in all rows, multiple cupholders, and a hands-free smart liftgate on higher trims.

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 upgraded to a nine-inch display. The Pilot's primary controls were logically placed, and the centre console offered ample storage, including a wireless charging pad. The Pilot's standout feature was the stowable second-row centre seat, providing a pass-through for third-row access. The second row offered generous space for adults, while the third row was less accommodating. Cargo capacity was 635 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,685 or 1,702 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 3,219 litres behind the front seats. A power tailgate was standard, with hands-free operation on higher trims.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade featured a 12.3-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, HD Radio, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth connectivity. A premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was standard on higher trims. The Palisade offered a 4.2-inch colour driver info display or a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster on higher trims. Remote accessibility and management features were enhanced with Hyundai's Bluelink system, allowing remote control of heated and cooled seats and other functions.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's EX-L trim and above offered a larger touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, and USB ports in every row. The Touring trim added a multi-view camera system, head-up display, and digital instrument panel. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick responses and a logical layout. Honda's CabinTalk feature allowed front-row occupants to communicate with rear-seat passengers through the audio system. The Touring trim also included a navigation system and Bose premium audio.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. It came with Hyundai's Smart Sense suite of safety features, including forward collision avoidance, driver attention warning, high beam assist, lane-keeping assist, and lane-following assist. Blind-spot collision avoidance and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance were standard on all trims. Adaptive cruise control with stop and go, Highway Driving Assist I and II, and a full-display digital rearview mirror were available on higher trims. Safe exit warning and rear seat occupant alert were standard across the lineup.

The 2023 Honda Pilot also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Standard Honda Sensing safety features included forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, traffic-jam assist, blind-spot monitor, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign reader, and driver attention monitor. Higher trims added front and rear parking sensors, surround-view, and multi-view camera systems. The Pilot's advanced safety features functioned well, with no false alarms during testing.