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Honda Pilot vs. Hyundai SANTA FE

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Honda Pilot and Hyundai SANTA FE contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Honda Pilot and the Hyundai SANTA FE.

In comparing the Honda Pilot's and the Hyundai SANTA FE's specifications and ratings, the Honda Pilot has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Hyundai SANTA FE has the advantage in the area of new vehicle base pricing. Based on this comparison of the Honda Pilot's and the Hyundai SANTA FE's specifications and ratings, the Honda Pilot is a better car than the Hyundai SANTA FE.

Pricing: For a new model, the Honda Pilot's price is between $43,749 and $56,483, with the Hyundai SANTA FE priced between $37,209 and $51,800.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Honda Pilot loses 48.3 percent of its value and the Hyundai SANTA FE loses 48.3 percent of its value. This means the Honda Pilot retains 0 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Hyundai SANTA FE.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Honda Pilot is 8.3 out of 10 while the Hyundai SANTA FE's quality rating is 8.1 out of 10. This results in the Honda Pilot being ranked 7 out of 33 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Hyundai SANTA FE being ranked 5 out of 33. Out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs, the Honda Pilot is ranked 8 and the Hyundai SANTA FE is ranked 5. The Honda Pilot is also ranked 11 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs while the Hyundai SANTA FE is ranked 8 out of 66.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Honda Pilot is 8.0 out of 10. For the Hyundai SANTA FE the reliability rating is 7.7 out of 10. This gives the Honda Pilot a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Hyundai SANTA FE.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Honda Pilot’s base engine makes 285 horsepower, and the Hyundai SANTA FE base engine makes 277 horsepower.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the Honda Pilot has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Hyundai SANTA FE has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room, rear head room and rear leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Honda Pilot has higher safety ratings than the Hyundai SANTA FE, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.69 out of 5 Stars.

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Model & Pricing
Honda Pilot
Hyundai SANTA FE

2025 Honda Pilot
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Honda Pilot for Sale

2026 Hyundai SANTA FE
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Hyundai SANTA FE for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

43749 - 56483

Starting MSRP:

40200

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

38382

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

31990 - 43000

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

37209 - 51800

Starting MSRP:

34800

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

39270

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

32190 - 44750

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

46219

Price Range:

39313 - 53331

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

45804

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

36966 - 59949

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

3618

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

5310

# Good or Great Deals:

295

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

Price Range:

-

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

51972

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

50800 - 55009

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

# Good or Great Deals:

5-year Depreciation

Depreciation $:

19573

Depreciation %:

0.48688218

Resale Value $:

20627

Residual Value %:

0.51311782

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)

0.48432299

Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

0.30530799 - 0.56163117

5-year Depreciation

Depreciation $:

17011

Depreciation %:

0.48881264

Resale Value $:

17789

Residual Value %:

0.51118736

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)

0.51651297

Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

0.36117337 - 0.54113436

Honda Pilot Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.3 / 10

Reliability:

8.0 / 10

Retained Value:

7.9 / 10

Safety:

9.0 / 10

Hyundai SANTA FE Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.1 / 10

Reliability:

7.7 / 10

Retained Value:

7.9 / 10

Safety:

8.7 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Honda Pilot

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

13.4

Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

10.9

Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

8.7 - 16.6

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.401

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Hyundai SANTA FE

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

10.8

Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

10.0

Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

8.8 - 11.3

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.145



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

39.21854441461925

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

2.9

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

1.5 - 39.2

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

Typical Category Recalls:

N/A

Category Range for Recalls:

N/A

Honda Pilot Rankings

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 33

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 33

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

5 / 31

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

5 / 29

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

6 / 33

Best Family Midsize SUVs

6 / 31

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

6 / 26

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

7 / 66

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

7 / 33

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

7 / 33

Best Family Crossover SUVs

8 / 66

Best Midsize SUVs

8 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

9 / 66

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

9 / 66

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

9 / 31

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

9 / 31

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

10 / 31

Safest Midsize SUVs

10 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs

11 / 66

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

11 / 66

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

12 / 31

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

13 / 31

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

13 / 31

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

14 / 66

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

15 / 33

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

15 / 33

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

16 / 66

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

16 / 31

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

16 / 29

Safest Crossover SUVs

18 / 66

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

18 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

19 / 33

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

19 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

20 / 66

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

20 / 33

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

21 / 26

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

22 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

23 / 54

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

23 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

23 / 33

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

26 / 33

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

34 / 66

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

35 / 66

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

44 / 66

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

50 / 54

Hyundai SANTA FE Rankings

Best Crossover SUVs Under $40k

2 / 16

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

2 / 10

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

3 / 66

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

3 / 33

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

3 / 29

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

3 / 26

Best Midsize SUVs Under $40k

3 / 15

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

3 / 10

Best Family Crossover SUVs

4 / 66

Best Family Midsize SUVs

4 / 31

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

4 / 31

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 29

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

4 / 26

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

5 / 66

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 33

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 33

Best Midsize SUVs

5 / 31

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $40k

5 / 16

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $40k

5 / 15

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

6 / 31

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

7 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

7 / 33

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

7 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs

8 / 66

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

8 / 33

Safest Midsize SUVs

8 / 31

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

10 / 66

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

10 / 31

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

10 / 31

Safest Crossover SUVs

11 / 66

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

11 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

11 / 33

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

12 / 66

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

12 / 33

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

14 / 31

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

15 / 31

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

16 / 66

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

16 / 66

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

18 / 31

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

19 / 66

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

20 / 54

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

20 / 33

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

21 / 66

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

23 / 31

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

24 / 31

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

25 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

27 / 33

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

29 / 33

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

34 / 54

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

36 / 66

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

44 / 66

Summary Review

The Honda Pilot is one of America’s favorite three-row family vehicles. All but two trim levels offer seating for eight passengers, though many buyers opt for the 7-passenger configuration with two large captain's chairs in the second row.

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Summary Review

Hyundai’s Santa Fe has evolved rapidly over its generations into one of the most satisfying to drive midsize crossover SUVs on the market. There are many versions of the Santa Fe, some with two rows and some with three, depending upon the model year and trim.

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Pros and Cons

  • Seating for up to 8 in almost every trim 
  • Family-friendly features galore
  • Among the largest interior volume and cargo capacity of this segment’s SUVs
  • One of the most “made-in-America” models in this segment (Alabama)

  • No green (hybrid/electric) powertrain option available

Pros and Cons

  • New engines for 2021 including a hybrid
  • Cutting-edge infotainment
  • Excellent safety ratings

  • Only two rows for 2021

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Honda Pilot Trim Levels

Black Edition, Elite, EX-L, EX-L+, Sport, Touring, Touring+, TrailSport

Hyundai SANTA FE Trim Levels

Calligraphy, Limited, SE, SEL, XRT

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

10 years / 100000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

5 years

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

4.69 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Not yet available

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

285 hp @ 6100 rpm

Torque:

262 foot-lbs @ 5000 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.066 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

277 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque:

311 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.064 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

3.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

V

Number of Cylinders:

6

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


19 / 27 / 22

Range (city/hwy):

352 / 500 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


Not yet available

Range (city/hwy):

Not yet available

Recommended Fuel Type:

Not yet available

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Heated Seats

Standard

Internet Radio:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Paddle Shifters:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Captain's seat:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Quad Seats:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Wifi:

Available

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Heated Seats

Available

Internet Radio:

N/A

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Paddle Shifters:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Captain's seat:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Standard

Power Lift Gate:

Standard

Quad Seats:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Satellite radio:

Standard

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Standard

Wifi:

Available

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

Available

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

40.5 inches

Front Leg Room:

41 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

61.9 inches

Rear Head Room:

40.2 inches

Rear Leg Room:

40.8 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

61.7 inches

Cargo Space:

18.6 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

87 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

177 cubic feet

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

41.1 inches

Front Leg Room:

44.4 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

59.5 inches

Rear Head Room:

40.6 inches

Rear Leg Room:

42.3 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

58.1 inches

Cargo Space:

14.6 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

79.6 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

166.6 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4313 lbs

Width:

78.5 inches

Height:

71 inches

Length:

199.9 inches

Wheelbase:

113.8 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.3 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4343 lbs

Width:

74.8 inches

Height:

67.7 inches

Length:

190.2 inches

Wheelbase:

110.8 inches

Ground Clearance:

7 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

20.0 x 8.0 inches

Wheel Type:

painted aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

255/50R20

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 x 7.5 inches

Wheel Type:

painted aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

235/60R18

Exterior Colors

Black

Crystal Black Pearl

Blue

Obsidian Blue Pearl

Gray

Sonic Gray Pearl

Red

Radiant Red Metallic II

Silver

Lunar Silver Metallic

White

Platinum White Pearl

Exterior Colors

Black

Phantom Black

Blue

Not available

Gray

Ecotronic Gray Pearl / Hampton Gray

Red

Not available

Silver

Shimmering Silver Metallic

White

Serenity White Pearl

Interior Colors

Black

Black

Gray

Not available

Interior Colors

Black

Black

Gray

Gray

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