2026 Honda Pilot vs Hyundai Palisade

2026 Honda Pilot vs Hyundai Palisade in Parkersburg, WV

Shopping for a new three-row SUV near Parkersburg, Athens, Williamstown, Newport, Waverly, or Ripley?

The 2026 Honda Pilot and 2026 Hyundai Palisade are two family SUVs worth comparing. However, the Pilot stands out with more maximum cargo space, capable i-VTM4® all-wheel drive, and the adventure-ready TrailSport trim.

For many Mid-Ohio Valley families, the Pilot offers a better mix of everyday comfort, storage flexibility, towing strength, and all-weather confidence.

Continue reading to compare the 2026 Honda Pilot and 2026 Hyundai Palisade. Then, visit Parkersburg Honda to explore new Honda SUVs and quality used vehicles.

Performance and Powertrain – Pilot vs Palisade

Every 2026 Honda Pilot comes with a 3.5-liter V6 that delivers 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters helps provide smooth, responsive performance.

Available i-VTM4® all-wheel drive adds confidence in rain, snow, and changing road conditions. It comes standard on TrailSport, Touring, Touring Blackout, Elite, and Black Edition trims.

The Pilot TrailSport goes even further with Trail Torque Logic, an off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, and 8.3 inches of ground clearance. While the Palisade offers similar V6 power, the Pilot stands out with a more advanced 10-speed transmission and a strong lineup of AWD and off-road-ready trims.

2026 Honda Pilot Performance Highlights

• 3.5L V6 engine
• 285 horsepower
• 262 lb-ft of torque
• 10-speed automatic transmission
• Front-wheel drive or available i-VTM4® AWD
• Up to 5,000 lbs of towing capacity with AWD

Towing and Capability Near Athens and Williamstown

Both the 2026 Honda Pilot and gas-powered Hyundai Palisade can tow up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. That is enough for a small camper, boat, utility trailer, or weekend gear. Front-wheel-drive Pilot models can tow up to 3,500 lbs, while AWD models reach the full 5,000-lb rating.

Depending on the trim, the Pilot offers Normal, ECON, Sport, Snow, Tow, Trail, and Sand drive modes. The Pilot TrailSport adds standard i-VTM4® AWD with Trail Torque Logic, an off-road-tuned suspension, steel skid plates, all-terrain tires, and TrailWatch™ for added visibility on uneven terrain.

The gas Palisade can also tow up to 5,000 lbs with trailer brakes, while the Palisade Hybrid is rated up to 4,000 lbs. However, the Pilot TrailSport offers the stronger combination of V6 power, full towing capability, and off-road-focused equipment.

Cargo Space – A Clear Pilot Advantage

Cargo room is one of the strongest reasons to choose the 2026 Honda Pilot.

The Pilot offers up to 22.4 cubic feet behind the third row, up to 60.1 cubic feet behind the second row, and up to 113.7 cubic feet behind the first row. It also includes hidden storage beneath the cargo floor.

The Palisade provides only 19.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and up to 86.7 cubic feet behind the front seats.

That gives the Pilot a major maximum cargo advantage. Families have more room for luggage, sports equipment, camping supplies, strollers, groceries, and home project materials.

Interior Dimensions – 2026 Honda Pilot

• Seating capacity: Up to 8 passengers
• Passenger volume: Up to 158.4 cubic feet
• Headroom (inches)
  • First row: 40.5
  • Second row: 40.2
  • Third row: 39.3
• Legroom (inches)
  • First row: 41.0
  • Second row: 40.8
  • Third row: 32.5
• Shoulder room (inches)
  • First row: 61.9
  • Second row: 61.7
  • Third row: 59.5
• Hip room (inches)
  • First row: 58.4
  • Second row: 57.4
  • Third row: 44.6
• Cargo space (cu ft)
  • Behind third row: 22.4
  • Behind second row: 60.1
  • Behind first row: 113.7

Technology – Honda Pilot vs Hyundai Palisade

Every 2026 Honda Pilot includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 10.2-inch digital instrument display, Google built-in™, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, Wi-Fi capability, USB-C ports, HondaLink®, and CabinTalk®.

Available features include wireless phone charging, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, a Head-Up Display, and TrailWatch™.

The Palisade also offers a 12.3-inch touchscreen and capable technology. However, the Pilot stands out with more standard connectivity, family-friendly CabinTalk®, and camera technology designed for parking and trail driving.

Available Technology Features - 2026 Honda Pilot

• 12.3-Inch Touchscreen: Provides easy access to navigation, media, apps, and vehicle settings.
• 10.2-Inch Digital Instrument Display: Shows driving information, alerts, and vehicle data in front of the driver.
• Google built-in™: Adds access to Google Maps™, Google Assistant™, and compatible apps through Google Play™.
• CabinTalk®: Lets the driver speak to rear-seat passengers through the vehicle’s speakers.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The 2026 Honda Pilot gives families added confidence with Honda Sensing® standard on every trim. This advanced suite includes the Collision Mitigation Braking System™, Road Departure Mitigation System, and more.

The Hyundai Palisade also offers a useful set of driver-assistance features. However, the Pilot stands out by combining standard Honda Sensing® technology with family-friendly parking support and available camera systems designed for both daily driving and off-road adventures.

Honda Sensing® – Standard Safety Features

• Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™): Can warn of a possible frontal collision and automatically apply braking when needed.
• Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM): Can detect when the vehicle may leave the roadway and provide steering and braking assistance.
• Forward Collision Warning (FCW): Alerts the driver when a possible collision with a vehicle ahead is detected.
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Warns the driver when the vehicle begins to leave a detected lane without signaling.
• Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS): Provides gentle steering assistance to help keep the vehicle centered in a detected lane.
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow: Maintains a set speed and following distance, even in slower traffic.
• Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR): Detects certain road signs and displays them on the driver information screen.
• Traffic Jam Assist: Provides steering and speed support during low-speed, congested driving conditions.
• Blind Spot Information System (BSI): Warns the driver when another vehicle is detected in an adjacent blind spot.
• Cross Traffic Monitor: Alerts the driver to approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space.
• Driver Attention Monitor: Tracks steering behavior and alerts the driver when signs of reduced attention are detected.
• Auto High-Beam Headlights: Automatically switches between high and low beams based on surrounding traffic conditions.

FAQs – 2026 Honda Pilot vs Hyundai Palisade

Have more questions about the Honda Pilot and the Hyundai Palisade? Below, we answer some of the top questions about the two new SUVs to help you along your shopping journey in West Virginia and Ohio.

Which is better, the 2026 Honda Pilot or the Hyundai Palisade?

The Pilot is the better choice for many families because it provides more maximum cargo space, a standard V6, a 10-speed automatic transmission, flexible second-row seating, capable AWD, and the TrailSport trim.

Which SUV has more cargo space, the 2026 Honda Pilot or the Hyundai Palisade?

The Honda Pilot has more. It offers up to 113.7 cubic feet behind the first row, while the Palisade offers up to 86.7 cubic feet.

Can both SUVs tow 5,000 lbs?

Yes. The AWD Honda Pilot and gas-powered Palisade can each tow up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. Pilot front-wheel-drive models are rated up to 3,500 lbs, while the Palisade Hybrid is rated up to 4,000 lbs.

How many passengers does the 2026 Honda Pilot seat?

Most Pilot trims seat up to eight passengers. The TrailSport seats seven with second-row captain’s chairs.

Test Drive the 2026 Honda Pilot at Parkersburg Honda

The 2026 Honda Pilot is the better all-around fit for many local drivers who want more cargo room, confident V6 power, flexible seating, capable AWD, and an adventure-ready TrailSport model.

Visit Parkersburg Honda at 1920 Garfield Avenue in Parkersburg, WV, or call (304) 485-5451 to schedule a test drive. We proudly serve shoppers from Parkersburg, Athens, Williamstown, Newport, Waverly, Ripley, and nearby communities. Don’t forget every new vehicle comes with our P Guarantee, which includes a free lifetime powertrain warranty, lifetime brake inspections, and lifetime alignment checks.

Browse our new Honda inventory, used vehicles, and other popular models such as the CR-V, HR-V, Accord, and Civic.

DISCLAIMERS:
MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $1,495 destination charge, and accessories. Dealer prices may vary. MSRP does not include $455 charge for premium colors.

19 city/27 highway/22 combined mpg rating for 2WD trims. 19 city/25 highway/21 combined mpg rating for non-TrailSport AWD trims. 18 city/23 highway/20 combined mpg rating for TrailSport. Based on 2026 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.

Prices and colors may vary by trim. See your local dealer for more information.

Maximum towing capacity for AWD trims is 5,000 lbs. Maximum towing capacity for 2WD trims is 3,500 lbs. Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.

Google, Google Play and Google Maps are trademarks of Google LLC. Google built-in requires an internet connection and may be accessible through your smartphone's mobile hotspot feature. Includes 3 years of unlimited data for in-vehicle apps. Non-distraction optimized apps such as video streaming, web browser, and games are only available to use while the vehicle is in park, not during operation. Depending on use, Google can share certain user and vehicle information such as vehicle location, speed, and other operating conditions with its service providers. See Google privacy policy for details regarding Google's use and handling of data.

Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct are registered trademarks of Wi-Fi Alliance®. Requires AT&T data plan.

Depending on the circumstances, CMBS may not go through all the alert stages before initiating the last stage (of collision mitigation). CMBS cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed, and other factors. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

Road Departure Mitigation only alerts the driver when lane drift is detected without a turn signal in use and can apply mild steering torque to assist driver in maintaining proper lane position or to slow the vehicle's departure from a detected lane. RDM may not detect all lane markings or lane departures; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed, and road condition. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

285 hp @ 6100 rpm (SAE net)

Apple CarPlay is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.

Android and Android Auto are trademarks of Google LLC. Compatible Android phone and compatible active data plan required.

Data speeds may temporarily be slowed if the network is busy. Google, Google Play and Google Maps are trademarks of Google LLC.

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any such use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is under license.

Drive responsibly. Wi-Fi hotspot intended for passenger use only. Some state laws prohibit the operation of handheld electronic devices while operating a vehicle. For safety reasons, only pair devices and launch applications when the vehicle is safely parked. Coverage not available in all locations. 4G LTE Wi-Fi only available on certain models. Requires AT&T data plan. Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct are registered trademarks of Wi-Fi Alliance®.

The systems are not a substitute for your own visual assessment before changing lanes or backing up, and may not detect all objects, or provide complete information about conditions, behind or to the side of the vehicle. System accuracy will vary based on weather, size of object, and speed. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

Always visually confirm that it is safe to drive before backing up; the rearview camera display does not provide complete information about all conditions and objects at the rear of your vehicle.

ACC with Low-Speed Follow cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed, and other factors. ACC should not be used in heavy traffic, poor weather, or on winding roads. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

Wireless phone charger is compatible with Qi wireless charging standards. Check with your device's manufacturer for wireless capability.

Bose is a registered trademark of Bose Corporation

Based on SAE J1100 cargo volume measurement standard plus, where applicable, floor space between seating rows, and seats in their forward-most and upright position.

FCW cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and other factors. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. FCW does not include a braking function. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

LDW only alerts drivers when lane drift is detected without a turn signal in use. LDW may not detect all lane markings or lane departures; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and road condition. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

LKAS only assists driver in maintaining proper lane position when lane markings are identified without a turn signal in use and can only apply mild steering torque to assist. LKAS may not detect all lane markings; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and road condition. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

TSR cannot detect all traffic signs and may misidentify certain signs. Accuracy will vary based on weather and other factors. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for complying with all traffic regulations.

To activate, the Post-Collision Braking System requires deployment of an airbag or seatbelt pretensioner. The system may not detect all crashes and, depending on crash dynamics, severity, or resulting damage, may not be able to secure the vehicle or prevent secondary collisions.

VSA is not a substitute for safe driving. It cannot correct the vehicle’s course in every situation or compensate for reckless driving. Control of the vehicle always remains with the driver.

For optimal tire wear and performance, tire pressure should be checked regularly with a gauge. Do not rely solely on the monitor system. Please see your Honda dealer for details.

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