What To Know
- Both the Santa Fe and Pilot excel in interior space and comfort, offering ample room for passengers and cargo.
- The Santa Fe and Pilot are equipped with a wide array of technology features to keep you connected and entertained.
- The Pilot features a slightly smaller 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, but it is still user-friendly and offers a wide range of features.
The mid-size SUV market is a fiercely competitive landscape, with countless options vying for your attention. But when it comes to family-friendly, comfortable, and capable SUVs, two names consistently rise to the top: the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Honda Pilot. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of practicality, technology, and refinement, making the choice between them a difficult one.
This comprehensive comparison dives deep into the Hyundai Santa Fe and Honda Pilot, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses to help you determine which SUV best suits your needs.
Design and Style: A Tale of Two Approaches
The Hyundai Santa Fe and Honda Pilot take distinct approaches to design, each appealing to different tastes.
The Santa Fe embraces a modern and sporty aesthetic. Its sharp lines, angular grille, and sleek headlights give it a dynamic presence on the road. The interior is equally stylish, featuring a driver-centric cockpit with a large touchscreen infotainment system and premium materials.
The Pilot, on the other hand, favors a more traditional and conservative design language. Its rounded curves, upright stance, and familiar Honda styling cues exude a sense of dependability and practicality. The interior is spacious and comfortable, with a focus on functionality and family-friendly features.
Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize a sleek and modern look, the Santa Fe will appeal to you. However, if you prefer a more classic and understated design, the Pilot might be the better fit.
Performance and Handling: Power and Refinement
Both the Santa Fe and Pilot offer capable powertrains, ensuring smooth and confident driving experiences.
The Santa Fe comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 191 horsepower. While this engine provides adequate power for everyday driving, it can feel a bit sluggish when fully loaded. For those seeking more power, a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is available, generating 277 horsepower.
The Pilot is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 280 horsepower. This engine provides ample power for both city driving and highway cruising. It also offers a smoother and more refined driving experience than the Santa Fe‘s four-cylinder engine.
Both SUVs offer a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, providing additional traction and stability in challenging conditions. However, the Pilot’s V6 engine gives it a slight edge in terms of overall performance and towing capacity.
Interior Space and Comfort: Room for the Whole Family
Both the Santa Fe and Pilot excel in interior space and comfort, offering ample room for passengers and cargo.
The Santa Fe accommodates up to seven passengers in its three rows of seats. While the third row is best suited for children or occasional use, the second row offers generous legroom and comfort. Cargo space is also impressive, providing ample room for luggage and other gear.
The Pilot, on the other hand, offers a slightly more spacious cabin, particularly in the third row. It also boasts a lower floor height, making it easier for passengers to enter and exit the third row. Cargo space is also larger than the Santa Fe’s, providing even more room for hauling goods.
Both SUVs feature comfortable seats with plenty of support. The Santa Fe‘s seats are especially plush and supportive, while the Pilot’s seats prioritize practicality and durability.
Technology and Features: Staying Connected and Entertained
The Santa Fe and Pilot are equipped with a wide array of technology features to keep you connected and entertained.
The Santa Fe boasts a large 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is responsive and easy to use. It also features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, as well as a premium sound system.
The Pilot features a slightly smaller 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, but it is still user-friendly and offers a wide range of features. It also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, as well as a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems.
Both SUVs offer a variety of optional features, including navigation, a panoramic sunroof, and a wireless charging pad. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preferences and budget.
Fuel Efficiency: Getting the Most Out of Your Miles
Fuel efficiency is a crucial consideration for many SUV buyers, and both the Santa Fe and Pilot perform well in this regard.
The Santa Fe’s base four-cylinder engine achieves an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine gets slightly lower fuel economy ratings, at 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined.
The Pilot achieves an EPA-estimated 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. While its fuel economy is slightly lower than the Santa Fe’s, it is still competitive for a mid-size SUV with a V6 engine.
Safety and Reliability: Peace of Mind on the Road
Both the Santa Fe and Pilot have earned high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, demonstrating their commitment to occupant protection.
The Santa Fe comes standard with a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. It also offers optional features such as adaptive cruise control and a driver attention monitor.
The Pilot also offers a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. It also features a rear cross-traffic alert system and a lane keeping assist system.
Both SUVs have a reputation for reliability, consistently ranking high in J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study.
The Final Verdict: Which SUV is Right for You?
The choice between the Hyundai Santa Fe and Honda Pilot ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if:
- You prioritize a modern and stylish design.
- You value a sporty driving experience.
- You want a more affordable option.
Choose the Honda Pilot if:
- You prefer a traditional and spacious interior.
- You need ample cargo space.
- You want a more powerful engine.
Both SUVs offer a compelling mix of practicality, comfort, and technology. By carefully considering your priorities, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect SUV for your family’s needs.
Top Questions Asked
Q: What is the starting price of the Hyundai Santa Fe and Honda Pilot?
A: The starting price of the Hyundai Santa Fe is around $30,000, while the starting price of the Honda Pilot is around $38,000.
Q: Which SUV has better fuel economy?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe generally offers better fuel economy than the Honda Pilot, especially with its base four-cylinder engine.
Q: Which SUV offers more cargo space?
A: The Honda Pilot offers more cargo space than the Hyundai Santa Fe, particularly with the third row folded down.
Q: Which SUV is considered more reliable?
A: Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Honda Pilot have a reputation for reliability, consistently ranking high in J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study.
Q: Which SUV is better for off-road driving?
A: While both SUVs offer all-wheel drive, the Honda Pilot is generally considered to be more capable off-road due to its higher ground clearance and more robust suspension.
