Shopping for a Honda Pilot? Consider These 3 Alternatives

Three-row SUVs from Hyundai, Kia and Toyota offer better bang for your buck

written by Kyle Patrick
edited by Greg Migliore
9/19/2026
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What's new: Honda gave its trusty three-row SUV an upgrade for 2026, improving standard tech and tweaking the looks.
Why it matters: The Pilot nails the essentials but still falls behind on features, space and efficiency. Starting at $43,890, it's pricier than some rivals.
Edmunds says: Before you sign on the dotted line, don't miss Pilot alternatives from Hyundai, Kia and Toyota.

The midsize three-row SUV segment is ruthlessly competitive. These are big vehicles showcasing some of the best technology and features automakers put out, so you know they need to be good to stay in the fight. Honda's Pilot has been around since 2003, and the basic recipe of today's model has stayed faithful to the original: strong V6 power, a comfort-first ride, and a boxy shape for plenty of storage space. The recent addition of a more rugged TrailSport trim addresses the demand for more off-road capability, too.

Yet the 2026 Honda Pilot isn't without its compromises. That muscular V6 comes with a thirst to match. There are bigger boxes out there, so its third-row space is only OK. Honda's proven reputation translates to a higher price tag. None of this makes the Pilot a bad choice, but for those wanting a fresher or a better-value three-row SUV, there are some convincing alternatives worth considering.

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Hyundai Palisade

Price range: $41,035–$58,380
Edmunds Rating: 7.7 (out of 10)

Ready to question what the difference is between mainstream and premium? That's exactly what the latest Palisade asks, as its Range Rover-esque looks are matched with one of the nicest cabin designs Hyundai has ever produced. Go for the fancy-pants Calligraphy trim — which admittedly almost negates any price advantage Hyundai typically offers — and the Palisade comes loaded with hard-to-find features like third-row heated seats. Those wanting the rough-and-tumble life can go for the XRT trim, which gets a suspension lift for 8.4 inches of ground clearance and mild all-terrain tires.

The Palisade is one of the more spacious offerings in the class, with a third row that adults will find totally tolerable. Six USB-C ports are standard with a pair in each row, and every trim above the base SE features a wireless charger.

While the Palisade rides with a calm and grace suited to its job as a family hauler, the big Hyundai's one weakness is its loud and not particularly powerful standard V6 engine. An available hybrid offers better, smoother progress along with improved fuel economy, but naturally it will cost you more.

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Kia Telluride

Price range: $40,735–$58,335
Edmunds Rating: 7.5 (out of 10)

A lot of what we just said above about the Palisade applies to the latest Kia Telluride, too. They share a platform and a similar mission: offering luxury levels of comfort and convenience at mainstream prices. The design is notably different, with a more angular front end matched with a minimalist evolution of the original Telluride's tail design. Buyers opting for the rugged X-Pro get a raised suspension and more appropriate tires (sound familiar?) plus a blacked-out grille. Also like the Palisade, the Telluride is big on smooth progress, with a quiet and well-judged ride that makes it well suited to road trips. The top SX Prestige trim features heated seats in all three rows and ventilation in the first two.

These two SUVs do have their differences, starting with the powertrain. The Telluride ditches the naturally aspirated (non-turbo) V6 of yesteryear for the familiar 2.5-liter turbo-four found in the Sorento. This gives it slightly less horsepower than the Hyundai (274 hp) but more torque (311 lb-ft), so it's punchier around town. The same excellent hybrid setup is also available on most trims, improving power and efficiency. Our only quibble with the Telluride is its frustrating climate control screen, wedged between the driver instrument cluster and the main infotainment screen.

Toyota Grand Highlander

Price range: $43,755–$56,940
Edmunds Rating: 7.4 (out of 10)

OK, we've talked fancy a lot, but what if your main objection to the Pilot is that it isn't big enough? Toyota has the cavernous Grand Highlander to handle all the hauling needs. Toyota famously stuffed seven carry-on bags behind the third row in here, and if the rear two rows are folded down, the Grand Highlander offers up to 97.5 cubic feet of storage. The only way you'll find a more adult-friendly third row is to switch over to a minivan.

That's not to relegate the Grand Highlander to one-trick pony status either. While it's a cavernous SUV, the Toyota's shape and tall windows make it easy to place on the road. The ride quality is very good as the Grand Highlander soaks up bumps with ease, though it does allow a little more road noise into the cabin than expected. It's also well equipped, with a long list of standard safety features plus three-zone climate control. Just like the South Korean pair, the Highlander comes with available hybrid power. The standard hybrid offers the best fuel economy, while the Hybrid Max packs 362 hp, 400 lb-ft of torque, and a 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity.

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by Kyle Patrick

Kyle is a freelance automotive writer with over a decade of experience. He's driven hundreds of cars over his career and two laps at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, and is always looking to pump those rookie numbers up. He once had a sim racing game pay for a year's tuition, and he has the giant novelty check to prove it.

edited by Greg Migliore

Greg Migliore is an accomplished journalist with more than two decades covering the auto industry. He was the editor-in-chief of Autoblog for more than seven years and also served as the editorial director of AutoGuide. He's also been an editor at Automobile and Autoweek magazines. A widely quoted industry expert, he has contributed commentary to Autoline After Hours, NPR, Yahoo Finance and America on the Road. He's a graduate of Eastern Michigan University, Michigan State University and the Yale Publishing Course. He is a member of the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards jury. When not writing, editing or driving the latest new vehicles, Greg can be seen driving around in his extremely low-mileage 2006 Dodge Charger.

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