In Orange County, where every drive could mean a morning commute down Beach Boulevard or a weekend surf run to Huntington Beach, having a dependable SUV matters. Both the 2025 Honda Pilot and the 2026 Hyundai Palisade bring comfort and capability, but choosing the right one means focusing on what fits your daily rhythm.
At Norm Reeves Honda Superstore Huntington, drivers from Huntington Beach, Westminster, and Orange County, California, can see how the Honda Pilot delivers efficiency, comfort, and everyday practicality in ways the Palisade can’t quite match.
Fuel costs add up quickly across Southern California. That’s why efficiency can be one of the best measures of long-term value. The 2025 Honda Pilot earns an EPA-estimated 19 city and 27 highway MPG¹, depending on trim and drivetrain. Those numbers are impressive for a V6-powered SUV with three rows of seating. It’s the kind of consistency that makes long drives up I-405 feel a little lighter on your wallet.
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade posts up to 26 highway MPG², but its redesigned engine still falls slightly short in total efficiency. In daily use, the difference between the two means fewer fill-ups for you and steadier fuel savings over time.
Inside, space tells another story. The Honda Pilot offers up to 158.4 cubic feet of passenger volume, giving everyone extra breathing room across all three rows. Compare that to the Palisade’s 155.3 cubic feet, and you’ll feel the difference, especially in the second and third rows.
That extra space means taller passengers can stretch out, and families have more comfort for long drives across Orange County. Kids and adults alike will appreciate the legroom during road trips to Newport or Costa Mesa.
When it comes to carrying everything you need, the Pilot provides up to 87.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row and 111.8 cubic feet when measured to the roofline. The Palisade reaches approximately 86.4 cubic feet, just under the capacity of the Pilot.
That may sound like a small difference on paper, but it translates into real-world flexibility. You can pack bikes for a Huntington Beach ride, a week’s worth of camping gear, or large grocery runs without feeling squeezed.
Both the 2025 Honda Pilot and the 2026 Hyundai Palisade can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped; however, the Pilot has a proven advantage. Its powertrain has been refined over several model years, giving OC drivers reliable performance for towing boats, trailers, and recreational equipment without strain.
The Pilot offers more passenger space and a more intelligent layout for everyday use. The 158.4 cubic feet of total space gives you comfort for school drop-offs, grocery hauls, or surfboard runs to Huntington Beach. The Palisade’s redesign focuses on style, but the Pilot’s cabin remains easier to live with for daily driving.
The Pilot’s V6 engine and 10-speed transmission deliver smooth, efficient power on long stretches of the 405 or PCH. The Palisade’s new powertrain aims for refinement but hasn’t yet matched the Pilot’s real-world efficiency and responsiveness. Additionally, the 2025 Honda Pilot earned the TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).³
The Honda Pilot vs. Hyundai Palisade comparison reveals clear advantages for families and commuters in the Huntington Beach, Westminster, and wider Orange County areas. The Pilot’s combination of improved fuel economy, increased passenger volume, and enhanced cargo capacity provides you with flexibility. At Norm Reeves Honda Superstore Huntington, you can see these differences for yourself, test drive the latest Pilot, and explore financing options that fit your goals.
¹19 city/27 highway/22 combined mpg rating for 2WD trims. 19 city/25 highway/21 combined mpg rating for non-TrailSport AWD trims. 18 city/23 highway/20 combined mpg rating for TrailSport. Based on 2024 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions
²2025 PALISADE: FWD 19 City/26 Hwy/22 Combined MPG, HTRAC AWD 19 City/24 Hwy/21 Combined MPG. All figures are EPA estimates and for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle’s condition.
³Source: Honda News.
