The 2025 Hyundai Palisade vs. the Competition: Find Your Ideal Family SUV
Explore How the New Palisade Compares to the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride
Hyundai's flagship SUV, the 2025 Palisade, enters the scene refined, capable, and ready to elevate the standard for family-friendly luxury. While the segment is brimming with strong rivals, the Palisade stands tall with elegant design, premium interior craftsmanship, and a tech-first approach that competes effortlessly with others in the midsize SUV market. Below, we break down how it stacks up against the 2025 Honda Pilot and the popular Kia Telluride, two key players vying for attention in the same space.
Hyundai Palisade
Honda Pilot
2025 Hyundai Palisade vs. Honda Pilot: Accommodations and Feature Availability
2025 Hyundai Palisade vs. 2025 Honda Pilot
Comparable Features:
- Drivetrain: Both offer available all-wheel drive.
- Engine: Palisade - 3.8L V6 / Pilot - 3.5L V6
- Torque: Palisade - 262 pound-feet / Pilot - 262 pound-feet
- Fuel Economy (Est.): Palisade - 19 city / 26 highway MPG / Pilot - 19 city / 27 highway MPG
- Cargo Capacity: Palisade - up to 86.4 cubic feet / Pilot - up to 87 cubic feet
Performance
The Palisade carries over its confident 3.8-liter V6 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering smooth, linear acceleration and solid torque for highway merges and family travel around Burlington, NC. The Honda Pilot, while slightly lighter on paper, doesn't feel as commanding from behind the wheel. Where the Palisade shines is its drive quality-precise, composed, and deeply quiet, thanks to fine-tuned suspension geometry and sound insulation that makes each trip feel more luxurious. Hyundai's available HTRAC all-wheel drive system adds even more versatility for road trips, inclement weather, or light off-roading.
Interior
The Hyundai Palisade has consistently offered one of the most upscale cabins in its class. For 2025, it gets updated materials, quilted Nappa leather on higher trims, and subtle ambient lighting enhancements that make the space feel more bespoke. The Honda Pilot's interior, though practical, lacks the same attention to fine detail and textures. In the Palisade, third-row access is simple, and the second-row captain's chairs add executive lounge-level comfort. Even the base trim impresses with soft-touch surfaces, thoughtful ergonomics, and premium stitching throughout.
Technology
Hyundai's infotainment setup is effortlessly intuitive. A 12.3-inch digital cluster pairs seamlessly with the touchscreen interface, now with improved responsiveness and more customization features. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as are multiple USB-C charging ports. The Pilot keeps up with its own solid tech offering, but the Palisade's Hyundai Digital Key and available Wi-Fi hotspot add layers of convenience the Pilot doesn't match. Plus, Hyundai SmartSense offers an impressive suite of driver assistance features that deliver confidence on several commutes or vacations around Greensboro.
2025 Hyundai Palisade vs. Honda Pilot: Performance
The Hyundai Palisade (291 horsepower) and Honda Pilot (285 horsepower) have closely matched V-6 engines and available AWD for all trims. However, drivers may find Palisade more agreeable, thanks to its confident handling dynamics, smooth ride, quiet cabin, and confident braking performance.
FAQs – Palisade vs. Pilot
Both offer up to 5,000 pounds of towing, but the Palisade includes trailer sway control as standard.
The Palisade has superior cabin isolation, offering a near-luxury experience.
Yes. Hyundai includes more features at lower trim levels, including full digital displays and advanced driver aids.
2025 Hyundai Palisade vs. Kia Telluride
Comparable Features:
- Drivetrain: Both offer available all-wheel drive
- Engine: Both models use a 3.8L V6 with 291 horsepower
- Torque: 262 pound-feet (identical)
- Fuel Economy (Est.): Both around 19 city / 26 highway MPG
- Cargo Capacity: Nearly identical, both exceeding 86 cubic feet
Performance
In essence, the Palisade and Telluride are mechanical siblings, but tuning and presentation diverge. The Palisade is tuned for a more sophisticated and refined drive, favoring smooth, comfortable cruising with just enough feedback to feel in control. The Telluride feels a touch firmer and more utilitarian, better suited to outdoor-leaning lifestyles. For daily use and family commutes, the Palisade's refined manners and precise calibration stand out, especially in urban settings or extended road trips to Graham, NC.
Interior
Here's where Hyundai steps into the spotlight. While the Telluride boasts rugged design and solid materials, the Palisade leans into premium aesthetics. From the diamond-stitched seating to the waterfall-style dash, the cabin has the hallmarks of a luxury experience. Sound-dampening materials make conversations easier and reduce fatigue on long drives. The panoramic sunroof, ventilated front and rear seats, and heated third-row options help elevate the Palisade's overall appeal over its cousin.
Technology
The Palisade comes equipped with Hyundai's latest connected services and smart integrations. Updates to the infotainment software make it more responsive, and optional Harman Kardon audio elevates the entertainment experience. The Telluride shares many core features, but the Palisade's presentation and cohesion of digital tools give it a more polished and user-centric edge. Additionally, Hyundai continues to enhance its Bluelink app functionality, giving drivers more remote control options than the Telluride offers through Kia Connect.
FAQs – Palisade vs. Telluride
The Palisade leans further into luxury with upgraded materials and finishes.
Pricing is similar, but the Palisade often includes more standard tech in lower trims.
Hyundai Bluelink provides more integrated features and an intuitive user interface.
Learn More at Crenshaw Hyundai
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade delivers confidence, style, and convenience for families or drivers looking to step into something more refined. From standout tech and premium materials to a composed drive and thoughtful packaging, it's more than ready to compete and win against rivals in the segment. When the difference lies in the details, the Palisade makes a compelling case for SUV shoppers seeking luxury that refuses to compromise.
Schedule your test drive and explore your perfect Palisade experience at Crenshaw Hyundai serving Hillsborough, NC, today.
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Crenshaw Hyundai
330 Huffman Mill Rd
Burlington, NC 27215
- Sales: 336-584-1144
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