Hyundai santa fe vs pilot: a comprehensive comparison of two exceptional family suvs

Introduction:

When it comes to choosing a midsize SUV, the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Honda Pilot stand out as two top contenders. Both vehicles offer a spacious interior, advanced technology, and impressive performance capabilities. But how do they stack up against each other? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key features of each SUV to help you make an informed decision.

Interior Space and Comfort

Both the Santa Fe and the Pilot offer ample interior space for passengers and cargo. The Santa Fe boasts a seating capacity of up to eight, while the Pilot can accommodate up to seven. The Pilot, however, has a slight edge in cargo capacity, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row compared to the Santa Fe’s 13.5 cubic feet.

In terms of comfort, both SUVs provide supportive seats with plenty of legroom and headroom. The Pilot’s front seats offer more adjustability, including a power-adjustable lumbar support, while the Santa Fe features heated and ventilated front seats.

Technology and Features

Both the Santa Fe and the Pilot come equipped with a range of advanced technology features. The Santa Fe features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Pilot offers a larger 9-inch touchscreen with similar smartphone integration.

The Pilot, however, has an edge in safety features, including standard Honda Sensing, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Santa Fe offers similar features as part of its SmartSense safety suite, but they are only available as options.

Performance and Fuel Economy

Under the hood, the Santa Fe offers a choice of two engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 191 horsepower and a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 277 horsepower. The Pilot, on the other hand, comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower.

In terms of fuel economy, the Santa Fe has a slight advantage over the Pilot. The front-wheel-drive Santa Fe with the four-cylinder engine achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, compared to the Pilot’s 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Handling and Off-Roading Capabilities

Both the Santa Fe and the Pilot provide a comfortable and composed ride on-road. The Santa Fe offers a more agile handling experience, while the Pilot feels more stable and planted at higher speeds.

When it comes to off-roading, both SUVs offer all-wheel-drive systems. However, the Pilot has a slight advantage with its more advanced i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system, which provides more precise torque distribution and better traction in challenging conditions.

Safety Ratings

Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Honda Pilot have earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Santa Fe received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a “Top Safety Pick+” designation from IIHS, while the Pilot also received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a “Top Safety Pick” award from IIHS.

Pricing and Value

The Hyundai Santa Fe has a starting price of $28,985, while the Honda Pilot starts at $39,150. Both SUVs offer a range of trim levels with varying levels of features and equipment.

In terms of value, the Santa Fe offers a more affordable entry point, while the Pilot provides a more comprehensive suite of standard features. Ultimately, the best value will depend on your individual needs and budget.

Final Thoughts: Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Honda Pilot

The Hyundai Santa Fe and the Honda Pilot are both excellent midsize SUVs that offer a spacious interior, advanced technology, and impressive performance capabilities. The Santa Fe offers a more affordable entry point and a more agile handling experience, while the Pilot has a more comprehensive suite of standard features and a more advanced all-wheel-drive system.

Ultimately, the best choice between the two SUVs will depend on your individual priorities and preferences. If you’re looking for a value-oriented SUV with a sporty ride, the Hyundai Santa Fe is a great option. If you’re seeking a more luxurious and well-equipped SUV with excellent safety features and off-roading capabilities, the Honda Pilot is the better choice.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Which SUV has more interior space?
A: The Honda Pilot has a slightly larger interior space than the Hyundai Santa Fe, with more cargo capacity behind the third row.

Q: Which SUV has more advanced technology features?
A: The Honda Pilot has a larger touchscreen infotainment system and more standard safety features than the Hyundai Santa Fe.

Q: Which SUV has better fuel economy?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe has slightly better fuel economy than the Honda Pilot, especially with the four-cylinder engine.

Q: Which SUV has better handling?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a more agile handling experience than the Honda Pilot.

Q: Which SUV is better for off-roading?
A: The Honda Pilot has a more advanced all-wheel-drive system and better off-roading capabilities than the Hyundai Santa Fe.

Q: Which SUV is more affordable?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe has a lower starting price than the Honda Pilot.

Q: Which SUV is a better value?
A: The best value will depend on your individual needs and budget. The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a more affordable entry point, while the Honda Pilot provides a more comprehensive suite of features.