The Honda Pilot has long been a favorite in the three-row SUV segment, renowned for its reliability, family-friendly features, and comfortable ride. Its enduring popularity makes it a common choice for families across the US. However, the automotive market is rich with options, and exploring alternatives is always a smart move for discerning buyers. If you appreciate the Pilot’s strengths but are curious about what else is out there, you’re in the right place. This guide dives into the best Honda Pilot Comparable Vehicles available in 2024, offering a detailed look at competitors that match or exceed the Pilot in key areas, while also presenting unique advantages of their own.
Whether you prioritize rugged styling, powerful performance, exceptional value, or luxurious comfort, this comparison will help you broaden your horizons and discover the ideal three-row SUV for your needs. Let’s explore seven compelling alternatives to the Honda Pilot that deserve your attention.
GMC Acadia: The Boldly Styled Alternative
The GMC Acadia immediately distinguishes itself with a truck-inspired, boxy design that appeals to drivers seeking a more assertive aesthetic than the Honda Pilot’s smoother lines. While styling is subjective, the Acadia offers a distinctive road presence. Beyond its looks, the Acadia provides a range of appealing features, though its overall package may not surpass all of the Pilot’s strengths.
Key features of the GMC Acadia, as highlighted by gmc.com, include:
- Available Head-Up Display: Projects crucial driving information directly onto the windshield, enhancing driver awareness.
- Acadia Pro Safety Plus: A suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies designed to enhance safety and confidence on the road.
- 18-inch Aluminum Wheels: Standard wheels that contribute to the Acadia’s visual appeal and handling.
The GMC Acadia starts at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of around $36,800. It’s a worthy contender for those who prioritize a unique, truck-like appearance in their three-row SUV.
Dodge Durango: The Muscle SUV Option
For buyers craving performance and a more aggressive driving experience in their three-row SUV, the Dodge Durango stands out as a compelling Honda Pilot comparable vehicle. The Durango has cultivated a loyal following over two decades by delivering muscle car DNA in a family-friendly SUV format. Its potent engine options and confident handling set it apart in the segment.
Dodge emphasizes these key features of the Durango on their website, dodge.com:
- Driver-Centric Cockpit: Designed to put the driver in command, with intuitive controls and a performance-oriented layout.
- Impressive Cargo Space: Provides ample room for passengers and cargo, maintaining practicality despite its performance focus.
- 300 Horsepower Standard: The base engine delivers robust power, outperforming many competitors in standard horsepower.
Starting at approximately $40,140, the Dodge Durango carries a higher price tag than some rivals, but justifies it with its powerful performance and distinctive character. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a three-row SUV that truly excites behind the wheel.
Kia Telluride: The Value-Packed Choice
If maximizing value is a top priority in your search for Honda Pilot comparable vehicles, the Kia Telluride emerges as a leading candidate. While some reviewers note a slightly firmer ride compared to the Pilot, the Telluride compensates with exceptional features for the money, a striking design, and a spacious interior. It has quickly become a benchmark for value in the three-row SUV class.
Kia.com highlights these standout features of the Telluride:
- Seating for Up to Eight: Offers flexible seating configurations to accommodate large families or groups.
- Extensive Standard Driver Assistance Features: Comes generously equipped with safety and driver-aid technologies, even in base trims.
- LED Headlights and Taillights: Provides modern illumination and enhances the Telluride’s stylish exterior.
The Kia Telluride starts at an attractive MSRP of around $35,990, making it one of the most affordable options in its class without sacrificing features or style. For budget-conscious buyers seeking a well-rounded three-row SUV, the Telluride is hard to beat.
Hyundai Palisade: The Near-Luxury Experience
The Hyundai Palisade shares its platform with the Kia Telluride, but carves out its own niche by offering a more refined, near-luxury experience at a competitive price point. If you appreciate the comfort and upscale feel of luxury SUVs but want to avoid the premium price tag, the Palisade is a strong Honda Pilot comparable vehicle to consider. It prioritizes passenger comfort and convenience, making it ideal for family road trips and daily commutes.
According to hyundaiusa.com, key features of the Palisade include:
- Available Second-Row Captain’s Chairs: Offers enhanced comfort and easier access to the third row in certain configurations.
- Spacious Eight-Passenger Seating: Provides ample room for passengers across all three rows.
- 291 HP V-6 Engine: Delivers capable performance for everyday driving and highway cruising.
The Hyundai Palisade begins at a starting price of approximately $36,400. It presents a compelling blend of value and premium features, making it a smart choice for families seeking a touch of luxury without breaking the bank.
Nissan Pathfinder: The Rugged Outdoor Adventurer
For families with an active lifestyle who prioritize off-road capability and ruggedness, the Nissan Pathfinder distinguishes itself as a Honda Pilot comparable vehicle with a more adventurous spirit. While still comfortable on paved roads, the Pathfinder is engineered to handle light off-roading and various weather conditions, thanks to its available all-wheel-drive system and multiple drive modes.
Nissan showcases the following features of the Pathfinder on nissanusa.com:
- Eight-Person Cabin: Provides generous passenger space, accommodating larger families comfortably.
- 6,000 lb. Towing Capacity: Offers impressive towing capability for hauling trailers, boats, or other recreational equipment.
- Interior Storage Cubbies and Bins: Maximizes practicality with numerous storage solutions for gear and personal items.
The Nissan Pathfinder starts at around $35,810, positioning it competitively within the three-row SUV segment. If your family adventures frequently take you off the beaten path, the Pathfinder is built to keep up.
Volkswagen Atlas: The Cargo King
When cargo space is paramount in your decision-making process, the Volkswagen Atlas emerges as a standout Honda Pilot comparable vehicle. While not as engaging to drive as some competitors, the Atlas prioritizes practicality with its cavernous interior. With the rear seats folded, the Atlas boasts nearly 100 cubic feet of cargo volume, surpassing the Honda Pilot and many rivals.
VW.com highlights these key features of the Atlas:
- VW Digital Cockpit Pro: Offers a customizable digital instrument cluster, enhancing the driving experience with modern technology.
- IQ.DRIVE Driver Assistance: A comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance features designed to provide peace of mind on every journey.
- Extensive Safety Features: The Atlas is engineered with a strong emphasis on safety, offering a wide array of standard and available safety technologies.
Starting at approximately $37,725, the Volkswagen Atlas is a practical choice for families who frequently haul large amounts of cargo. If maximizing cargo capacity is your top priority in a three-row SUV, the Atlas deserves serious consideration.
Toyota Highlander: The Hybrid Efficiency Leader
Rounding out our list of Honda Pilot comparable vehicles is the Toyota Highlander, a long-standing competitor known for its reliability and, in its hybrid variant, exceptional fuel efficiency. While its styling might be considered more conservative than some newer rivals, the Highlander Hybrid is a class leader in fuel economy for three-row SUVs, making it a smart choice for eco-conscious buyers and those seeking to minimize fuel costs.
Toyota emphasizes these features of the Highlander on toyota.com:
- Up to 5,000-Pound Towing Capacity: Provides respectable towing capability for various recreational needs.
- Available 12.3-inch Touchscreen: Offers a large and modern infotainment display in higher trims.
- Available All-Wheel Drive and Front-Wheel Drive: Provides drivetrain options to suit different driving conditions and preferences.
The Toyota Highlander starts at around $36,620, with the hybrid version commanding a premium but offering significant long-term fuel savings. For buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and Toyota’s renowned reliability in a three-row SUV, the Highlander Hybrid is a compelling option.
Final Verdict
The market for three-row SUVs offers a wealth of compelling alternatives to the Honda Pilot. From the bold GMC Acadia to the value-packed Kia Telluride, the near-luxury Hyundai Palisade, the rugged Nissan Pathfinder, the cargo-focused Volkswagen Atlas, and the fuel-efficient Toyota Highlander, there’s a Honda Pilot comparable vehicle to suit a wide range of needs and preferences.
Ultimately, the “best” choice depends on your individual priorities. We encourage you to explore these options further, research current pricing and incentives, and test drive models that pique your interest. By considering this diverse array of competitors, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision and find the perfect three-row SUV for your family.
