Do you ever regret not getting the Sienna Hybrid XLE with 36 mpg? That's the only what if I have. But I'm hoping the Pilot is more fun to drive than the Sienna.

 

Not really, I hate to say it but I think we’re done with minivans. They are by far the best use of space for young families AND make the most sense, especially in regards to MPG, but think Im OK with paying a MPG penalty to drive something a bit less boring. Nothing at all against those who choose to go that route, it definitely makes the most sense for sure.

 

Good observations. I think of the Pilot especially Trailsport as more utilitarian.

I miss the Napa leather of my Miata, but the synthetic leather is pretty good and seems durable. If I had kids I would not want real leather…

The Pilot sure handles well for a larger vehicle. I’d like to A/B it against the Mazda CX90.

 

Thanks for the writeup. For me 1) I have always been a Honda guy so I'm biased and 2) I think the looks of the 2023 Pilot are great - looks exactly like a modern Honda SUV should in my mind. Front grille a wee bit too big, rear taillights a little too Subaru Ascend but in general I am very proud of its looks. The Telluride is okay but something about it just doesn't do it for me, especially the front headlights, and the Palisade is even worse on that aspect IMO.

 

Oddly enough I like palisade's looks (minus front grill) more than telluride. Pilot definitely looks better than both.

Edit: didn't realize how old it was.

 

If they are that close why not take the 5/60,000 and 10/100,000 warranty over the 3/36 and 5/60? I'm in the situation now with my Pilots warranty about to expire (53k miles,) and don't trust it all. Into the shop 3 times with tranny issue they can never replicate at the dealer. Wish I had the 100k warranty of the Telluride or Palisade now.

 

Look up how Hyundai/Kia actually “honor” the warranty. Go to the reddit page for each car (Palisade/Telluride) and be ready to see over and over people complaining about them having to fight about the warranty coverage.

 

Hi Purchased a '23 Black Edition Pilot last week, coming from a Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy and so wanted to offer my observations;

Exterior
The Palisade's exterior can be polarized, with some finding it over the top and others finding it just right. I much prefer the styling of the Pilot, though accept that the Palisade is not 3 years old.
Interior
Overall the interior of the Palisade is nicer than that of the Pilot. The Napa leather combined with more soft touch plastic gives the edge to the Palisade. That said, believe the Pilot is more so utilitarian, and so better suited for those with small kids.
Tech
I would say the Palisade wins out in one respect as they have larger screens for both the digital display and the infotainment centre, BUT no wireless Android or Carplay in the higher levels. Also the Palisade doesn't have folding sideview mirrors and not walk away lock feature. Odd little things tended to frustrate me with the Palisade, like some of the overhead switches were not illuminated, no walk away lock function, unlocking on the front door only, when you open and unlock the rear hatch it doesn't automatically unlock the other doors, etc.
Engine
3.8 Palisade and the 3.5 produce essentially the same horsepower and torque, and I am getting the exact same city mileage - crappy.
Road Handling
The Pilot winds out here for sure as on a windy road, it handles better than the Palisade, though have to say for larger adults like me, the Palisade seats were more comfortable.
Functionality
Suggest both vehicles are very functional. Telluride/Palisade are #1/2 across many reviews and there is good reason for that. The Pilot is not slouch and it is precisely its utilitarian interior that makes it so functional, especially for those will multiple young kids, engaged in sports.
Subjective Thoughts
Either vehicle is a good vehicle. Although the screen size definitely goes to the Palisade, and I would agree that lack of putting the 12 inch screen "al la" Accord was a miss for Honda, the 9 inch screen is perfectly serviceable and I don't find myself missing the larger screen of the Palisade.

I would suggest that for those with young families, the Pilot wins out, while those without young families may appreciate the more luxurious feel of the Palisade.

In the end am I happy comes from the Palisade to the Pilot - Yes. For our lifestyle (or more correctly the lifestyle of our kids) the Pilot wins out.

Thanks
Sean

I think for kid friendly interior you can always go down trims on palisade. Which model year did you have? I am assuming before 2023, I think they did a solid update on 2023.

Pilot shines with AWD capability on and off roads, better handling. But I would say that's pretty much it.

Palisade does rest marginally or vastly well. I really like blind spot cameras they have. 2023 onward calligraphy can go forward or reverse in tight parking spots, something that wouldn't happen on pilot.

 

25 years Honda customer here, 2 pilots and 3rd one, Trailsport on the way. Also a CRV and an Element in my household.

My 2003-2008 Pilot model had the famous transmission recall but my VIN was not in scope. At 130K miles my transmission failed with the same very symptoms. Honda fixed for free no questions asked after a short call with North America HQ.

Fast forward and my 2009-2011 Pilot had the famous VCM leaking rings problem at 145K and Honda fixed for free again no questions asked after a short call with North America HQ. They replaced all 6 rings even thou only 4 were defective. Since they took the engine apart they did the timing belt and water pump, just paid $500 for parts.

So the way I look at Honda, they stick to their reputation of great customer service and if you're not getting that just call the HQ and they will fix it. You stick to the maintenance and yes all cars will have design issue. My Tundra truck had something similar with the MAF's and Texas humidity and Toyota HQ covered a $2200 repair even thou it was outta of the recall window.

Something I've learned, is if you see a major recall, take for instance the VCM leaking rings one, even thou your car does not show the symptoms yet, force their hand to address it. Most likely your car will fail later and then you have to fight them to cover it. Be proactive rather than reactive, despite of their guidance.

 

25 years Honda customer here, 2 pilots and 3rd one, Trailsport on the way. Also a CRV and an Element in my household.

My 2003-2008 Pilot model had the famous transmission recall but my VIN was not in scope. At 130K miles my transmission failed with the same very symptoms. Honda fixed for free no questions asked after a short call with North America HQ.

Role forward and my 2009-2011 Pilot had the famous VCM leaking rings problem at 145K and Honda fixed for free again no questions asked after a short call with North America HQ. They replaced all 6 rings even thou only 4 were defective. Since they took the engine apart they did the timing belt and water pump, just paid $500 for parts.

So the way I look at Honda, they stick to their reputation of great customer service and if you're not getting that just call the HQ and they will fix it. You stick to the maintenance and yes all cars will have design issue. My Tundra truck had something similar with the MAF's and Texas humidity and Toyota HQ covered a $2200 repair even thou it was outta of the recall window.

Something I've learned, is if you see a major recall, take for instance the VCM leaking rings one, even thou your car does not show the symptoms yet, force their hand to address it. Most likely your car will fail later and then you have to fight them to cover it. Be proactive rather than reactive, despite of their guidance.

This is good to know and I have heard other stories like this

This is also another potential reason why paying up for an extended warranty may end up being a losing bet. Yes of course there can be issues that arise that aren't covered, but sometimes the "bigger issues" are still covered by Honda on a goodwill basis, and it is often the fear of "bigger issues" that drives people to pay up for the extended warranty on day one.

 

Both vehicles do things very well. The cabin tech of the Palisade are better but not by much. Pilots seats are more comfortable. Palisade HUD, lane keep assist, ventilation for the seats are all better. Honda ventilation on seats don’t reset when you turn the vehicle off and you don’t have to activate the Lane Keeping Assist in the Palisade. The Honda has a much better ride, drive and acceleration when passing. The Palisade has hood struts. I had to install them on the Pilot $135 and 10 mins. Lastly the strut that raises the back hatch in the Palisade has a plastic housing which broke on mine and is a common issue. They fixed it under warranty. Had a 3 day wait for parts which left me unable to secure or use my vehicle for 3 days. That strut on the Pilot has a metal housing and doesn’t seem likely to break. Those are my observations so far.

 

I love reading this comparison by someone who's driven both extensively. I'm glad that the Pilot holds up so well. Before buying mine, I watched tons of YouTube comparisons of the Telluride/Palisade and the new Pilot. They all said the handling of the Kia/Hyundai cars couldn't match the Honda. So that was a key decider for me (I enjoy driving and don't want a car that's all over the place). I love tech, but I refused to let myself be sucked in by the big screen(s) I've heard mixed things about Kia/Hyundai quality and them actually honoring the warranty. I feel better about Honda quality.

 

Hi Purchased a '23 Black Edition Pilot last week, coming from a Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy and so wanted to offer my observations;

Exterior
The Palisade's exterior can be polarized, with some finding it over the top and others finding it just right. I much prefer the styling of the Pilot, though accept that the Palisade is not 3 years old.
Interior
Overall the interior of the Palisade is nicer than that of the Pilot. The Napa leather combined with more soft touch plastic gives the edge to the Palisade. That said, believe the Pilot is more so utilitarian, and so better suited for those with small kids.
Tech
I would say the Palisade wins out in one respect as they have larger screens for both the digital display and the infotainment centre, BUT no wireless Android or Carplay in the higher levels. Also the Palisade doesn't have folding sideview mirrors and not walk away lock feature. Odd little things tended to frustrate me with the Palisade, like some of the overhead switches were not illuminated, no walk away lock function, unlocking on the front door only, when you open and unlock the rear hatch it doesn't automatically unlock the other doors, etc.
Engine
3.8 Palisade and the 3.5 produce essentially the same horsepower and torque, and I am getting the exact same city mileage - crappy.
Road Handling
The Pilot winds out here for sure as on a windy road, it handles better than the Palisade, though have to say for larger adults like me, the Palisade seats were more comfortable.
Functionality
Suggest both vehicles are very functional. Telluride/Palisade are #1/2 across many reviews and there is good reason for that. The Pilot is not slouch and it is precisely its utilitarian interior that makes it so functional, especially for those will multiple young kids, engaged in sports.
Subjective Thoughts
Either vehicle is a good vehicle. Although the screen size definitely goes to the Palisade, and I would agree that lack of putting the 12 inch screen "al la" Accord was a miss for Honda, the 9 inch screen is perfectly serviceable and I don't find myself missing the larger screen of the Palisade.

I would suggest that for those with young families, the Pilot wins out, while those without young families may appreciate the more luxurious feel of the Palisade.

In the end am I happy comes from the Palisade to the Pilot - Yes. For our lifestyle (or more correctly the lifestyle of our kids) the Pilot wins out.

Thanks
Sean

thanks for honest assessment.

that's reason I'm getting the grand highlander hybrid in limited trim. its just a utilitarian as pilot except bigger screens and more mpg.

if pilot has a 12 inch screen I likely would have bought it already but the announcement for GH made me pause and wait to see the price so I placed deposit in Feb while still holding my deposit for pilot.

its slightly cheaper than the black edition but more than the touring. I'm supposed to get one before end of july

 

What dealership quoted you end of July for a GH? There is no way you're getting one by that date lol.

 

Great objective and fact based review...thanks!

 

Hi Purchased a '23 Black Edition Pilot last week, coming from a Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy and so wanted to offer my observations;

Exterior
The Palisade's exterior can be polarized, with some finding it over the top and others finding it just right. I much prefer the styling of the Pilot, though accept that the Palisade is not 3 years old.
Interior
Overall the interior of the Palisade is nicer than that of the Pilot. The Napa leather combined with more soft touch plastic gives the edge to the Palisade. That said, believe the Pilot is more so utilitarian, and so better suited for those with small kids.
Tech
I would say the Palisade wins out in one respect as they have larger screens for both the digital display and the infotainment centre, BUT no wireless Android or Carplay in the higher levels. Also the Palisade doesn't have folding sideview mirrors and not walk away lock feature. Odd little things tended to frustrate me with the Palisade, like some of the overhead switches were not illuminated, no walk away lock function, unlocking on the front door only, when you open and unlock the rear hatch it doesn't automatically unlock the other doors, etc.
Engine
3.8 Palisade and the 3.5 produce essentially the same horsepower and torque, and I am getting the exact same city mileage - crappy.
Road Handling
The Pilot winds out here for sure as on a windy road, it handles better than the Palisade, though have to say for larger adults like me, the Palisade seats were more comfortable.
Functionality
Suggest both vehicles are very functional. Telluride/Palisade are #1/2 across many reviews and there is good reason for that. The Pilot is not slouch and it is precisely its utilitarian interior that makes it so functional, especially for those will multiple young kids, engaged in sports.
Subjective Thoughts
Either vehicle is a good vehicle. Although the screen size definitely goes to the Palisade, and I would agree that lack of putting the 12 inch screen "al la" Accord was a miss for Honda, the 9 inch screen is perfectly serviceable and I don't find myself missing the larger screen of the Palisade.

I would suggest that for those with young families, the Pilot wins out, while those without young families may appreciate the more luxurious feel of the Palisade.

In the end am I happy comes from the Palisade to the Pilot - Yes. For our lifestyle (or more correctly the lifestyle of our kids) the Pilot wins out.

Thanks
Sean

Thanks for the write up.
I am upgrading from a 2012 Pilot. I was looking at several vehicles and liked the Palisade- but the big issue for me is I need the bench for the 2nd row - and only the Pilot have that on anything that isn't the lowest versions. (The Palisade theoretically has an SEL + Premium that has a bench- but it seems impossible to find).

I definitely thought the Palisade was more luxurious- but as you said they made some weird choices- like no wireless Android Auto/Apple Play.
The thing about the utilitarian feel to the Pilot is that I currently have a Pilot- so I'm used to plastic dash etc.

 

Thanks for the write up.
I am upgrading from a 2012 Pilot. I was looking at several vehicles and liked the Palisade- but the big issue for me is I need the bench for the 2nd row - and only the Pilot have that on anything that isn't the lowest versions. (The Palisade theoretically has an SEL + Premium that has a bench- but it seems impossible to find).

I definitely thought the Palisade was more luxurious- but as you said they made some weird choices- like no wireless Android Auto/Apple Play.
The thing about the utilitarian feel to the Pilot is that I currently have a Pilot- so I'm used to plastic dash etc.

Follow-up- I just bought the 2023 Pilot Elite. I took it with HPD mostly because it was in stock and with the black HPD on a White Vehicle it wasn't bad looking. I also used it to lower what they wanted to charge.

 

Congrats on the new ride Seth!

 

Hi Purchased a '23 Black Edition Pilot last week, coming from a Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy and so wanted to offer my observations;

Exterior
The Palisade's exterior can be polarized, with some finding it over the top and others finding it just right. I much prefer the styling of the Pilot, though accept that the Palisade is not 3 years old.
Interior
Overall the interior of the Palisade is nicer than that of the Pilot. The Napa leather combined with more soft touch plastic gives the edge to the Palisade. That said, believe the Pilot is more so utilitarian, and so better suited for those with small kids.
Tech
I would say the Palisade wins out in one respect as they have larger screens for both the digital display and the infotainment centre, BUT no wireless Android or Carplay in the higher levels. Also the Palisade doesn't have folding sideview mirrors and not walk away lock feature. Odd little things tended to frustrate me with the Palisade, like some of the overhead switches were not illuminated, no walk away lock function, unlocking on the front door only, when you open and unlock the rear hatch it doesn't automatically unlock the other doors, etc.
Engine
3.8 Palisade and the 3.5 produce essentially the same horsepower and torque, and I am getting the exact same city mileage - crappy.
Road Handling
The Pilot winds out here for sure as on a windy road, it handles better than the Palisade, though have to say for larger adults like me, the Palisade seats were more comfortable.
Functionality
Suggest both vehicles are very functional. Telluride/Palisade are #1/2 across many reviews and there is good reason for that. The Pilot is not slouch and it is precisely its utilitarian interior that makes it so functional, especially for those will multiple young kids, engaged in sports.
Subjective Thoughts
Either vehicle is a good vehicle. Although the screen size definitely goes to the Palisade, and I would agree that lack of putting the 12 inch screen "al la" Accord was a miss for Honda, the 9 inch screen is perfectly serviceable and I don't find myself missing the larger screen of the Palisade.

I would suggest that for those with young families, the Pilot wins out, while those without young families may appreciate the more luxurious feel of the Palisade.

In the end am I happy comes from the Palisade to the Pilot - Yes. For our lifestyle (or more correctly the lifestyle of our kids) the Pilot wins out.

Thanks
Sean

Excellent comparison review. At the time when I was shopping for an SUV, the Pallisade and Telluride were new and the demand was outrageously high (2019). I test drove all of them, and if it wasnt for the higher price, I would have gone with the Telluride, but the Honda Elite was cheaper by 7-8k. I love my Pilot, no regrets, but if it came down to the same price for the same level of features, I would have ended up with a Pallisade instead.