When it comes to three-row SUVs, just how important is that third row?
Hyundai Santa Fe is cheaper than the Honda Pilot, but by how much?
Since the Santa Fe is smaller, it also enjoys a lower price than the Pilot. It starts at $45,229 and tops out at around $57,529. The entry-level Santa Fe models feature a hybrid powertrain, which means that in addition to saving you money off the bat with a lower price tag, it also saves you a considerable amount of gas compared to the Pilot, as well as the top trims of the Santa Fe. Our long-term tester is the entry-level Preferred trim with the $4,000 Trend package, which adds several features you may expect in a higher equipped model, including leatherette seats, a dual-pane sunroof, wireless phone charging, a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and more.
The price of entry for the 2025 Honda Pilot is around $55,486, which means it starts right where you’d find the most expensive Santa Fe. If you spring for all the bells and whistles, the Pilot Black Edition costs a budget-busting $67,236, which is almost $20,000 more than the entry-level Santa Fe. What are you really getting in the Pilot for that much more money? In terms of exclusive features, not much, but this Black Edition has real leather seats and ventilated front seats, which weren’t too useful in these wintery conditions.
What powers these three-row crossovers?
Hyundai offers a more versatile powertrain for the Santa Fe. Entry level models feature a hybrid setup that uses a 1.6L four cylinder engine, delivering a total of 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, which feels surprisingly adequate, especially compared to the Pilot. That motor is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive to achieve around 7 L/100 km combined.
On the other hand, families with toys to tow will find the Honda more accommodating as all Pilot trims have a maximum tow rating of 5,000 lbs, while the Santa Fe tops out at 4,500 lbs and that’s only with the XRT model; the hybrid models can only muster 2,000 lbs.
Honda Pilot offers tons of space
Despite the price difference, the Pilot doesn’t seem particularly fancy inside. Sure there are leather seats, and the top Black Edition has niceties like heated and cooled front seats, as well as a head-up display. however, the heated steering wheel (RN: that gets quite a bit warmer than the Pilot’s) and wireless phone charging are also found on our mid-trim Santa Fe. There’s really nothing here in the Pilot that feels special, or worth 67-grand.
However, there’s something to say about the touch-oriented HVAC setup of the Santa Fe. It works most of the time, but it is a fingerprint magnet. I’m also worried about how resilient it may be, and how much a replacement panel would be. There are no worries about that with the dated Pilot’s setup which feels much more analog in comparison.
What about the passenger room? Not surprisingly, the Pilot’s third row feels much more spacious compared to the Santa Fe, which feels a bit flimsy and uncomfortable. If you need a third row for every drive, there’s no doubt the Pilot delivers exactly what you’re looking for… but at this point, why not consider a minivan instead? The Pilot also offers a novel middle seat in the second row, which can be removed and stashed in the trunk. It’s not the most graceful thing to do by yourself, but it’s better than nothing. It’s a great feature for when you need an extra seat or additional space.
The Hyundai Santa Fe feels more modern than the Honda Pilot
SHA: While the Pilot delivers with its family-friendly promise, it’s the Santa Fe that feels like a more modern car thanks to its tech and safety features. Not only is the Santa Fe’s infotainment screen larger, the system is easier to use with paired devices. There’s also a large and gorgeous digital gauge cluster that shines in the Hyundai.
In addition to the infotainment features, the two cars are loaded with safety equipment to keep the vehicles and their occupants safe. That means there’s adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring and more. I found the suite of safety tech in the Santa Fe to feel more natural on the highway. While neither system is hands free, the Hyundai model feels a bit less jerky when reacting to other vehicles around it.
Honda Pilot drives big and boring
The Pilot is lanky and slow in comparison. It feels like its lumbering down the road, and lacks road feel and responsiveness. It made every drive feel more like a chore.
Final Thoughts
We have really enjoyed our time with these two three-rows, but found they definitely feel like they cater to two different types of families. The Hyundai Santa Fe is ideal for families that don’t often need the third row, as it just doesn’t feel quite as spacious in the rear-most seats, or practical with the reduced cargo room with all seats up.
However, the lower costs and better driving feel of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe make it easier to recommend overall, so long as you don’t need that third row very often.
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