The Honda Pilot has long been a go-to three-row SUV for families, praised for its reliability and practicality. Its enduring popularity makes it a common sight on roads across America. However, even with its strong reputation, the Pilot isn’t the only option in the competitive midsize SUV segment. Perhaps you appreciate the Pilot’s overall appeal but are looking for something with a slightly different flavor, or maybe your specific needs require a different set of features. If you’re asking yourself, “What SUVs offer a comparable experience to the Honda Pilot?”, you’ve come to the right place.
Exploring alternatives is a smart move for any car buyer. Whether you’re set on a Honda Pilot or are just beginning your research, understanding the landscape of comparable vehicles will empower you to make the best decision. Let’s delve into seven of the top contenders that stand as compelling alternatives to the Honda Pilot, each bringing its unique strengths to the table.
GMC Acadia: A Bold, Truck-Inspired SUV
First on our list is the GMC Acadia, a vehicle that immediately distinguishes itself with its truck-like aesthetic. This boxier design offers a more rugged visual presence compared to the more rounded contours of the Honda Pilot. While its styling can be polarizing – some appreciate its assertive look, others might find it less refined – the Acadia does offer a unique road presence.
Beyond its exterior, the GMC Acadia aims to deliver a blend of comfort and technology. According to gmc.com, key features include:
- Head-Up Display: Projects crucial driving information directly onto the windshield, enhancing driver awareness.
- Acadia Pro Safety Plus: A suite of advanced safety technologies designed to protect occupants and prevent accidents.
- 18-inch Aluminum Wheels: Contribute to both the vehicle’s style and handling.
While the Acadia boasts these appealing features, it’s important to consider its overall standing in the segment. Some reviews suggest that while it offers a distinctive look and certain tech features, it may not excel across all categories compared to rivals. For those prioritizing a bold, truck-inspired design in their three-row SUV, the Acadia is worth a look.
The GMC Acadia starts at an MSRP of around $36,800. This price point positions it as a competitive option within the three-row SUV market, particularly for buyers drawn to its unique styling.
Dodge Durango: The Performance-Oriented SUV
The Dodge Durango carves out a distinct niche in the three-row SUV category by prioritizing a driving experience that echoes a muscle car. For over two decades, the Durango has cultivated a reputation for power and performance that sets it apart from many competitors, including the Honda Pilot, which focuses more on family-friendly practicality.
If raw power and a dynamic driving feel are high on your list, the Durango is a serious contender. dodge.com highlights these key aspects:
- Driver-Centric Cockpit: Designed to put the driver in command, with intuitive controls and a sporty feel.
- Incredible Cargo Space: Despite its performance focus, the Durango doesn’t compromise on practicality, offering ample cargo room.
- 300 Horsepower (and beyond): Even the base engine delivers impressive power, with higher trims offering even more exhilarating performance.
The Durango distinguishes itself by offering powerful engine options, including V8s, a stark contrast to the V6-only Honda Pilot. This translates to quicker acceleration and a more engaging driving experience, especially for those who enjoy a more spirited ride. However, this performance comes at the cost of fuel efficiency, which is typically lower than the Pilot’s.
The Dodge Durango starts at approximately $40,140. The higher starting price reflects its performance-oriented nature and powerful engine options. If you’re willing to trade some fuel economy for a more thrilling driving experience in a three-row SUV, the Durango is a compelling choice.
Kia Telluride: The Value-Packed SUV
For buyers who prioritize value for money without sacrificing features and style, the Kia Telluride emerges as a top pick among three-row SUVs and a strong competitor to the Honda Pilot. The Telluride has consistently garnered praise for offering a premium feel and a comprehensive feature set at a competitive price point.
While some reviewers note that the Telluride’s ride might be a bit firmer than some in the class, its overall package is undeniably attractive. kia.com emphasizes these key highlights:
- Seating for Up to Eight: Provides generous passenger capacity, matching the Pilot and exceeding some competitors.
- Multiple Standard Driver Assistance Features: Equipped with a robust suite of safety and driver-aid technologies right from the base trim.
- LED Headlights and Taillights: Enhance both visibility and the vehicle’s modern aesthetic.
The Telluride stands out for its upscale design, both inside and out, which belies its relatively affordable price. It offers a long list of standard features, often requiring upgrades in other vehicles. This combination of value, features, and design has made the Telluride a highly sought-after SUV.
Starting at around $35,990, the Kia Telluride significantly undercuts the starting MSRP of some competitors, including certain trims of the Honda Pilot, while often offering comparable or even more features. If maximizing value is your primary concern in a three-row SUV, the Telluride deserves serious consideration.
Hyundai Palisade: The Comfortable and Luxurious SUV
Sharing its platform with the Kia Telluride, the Hyundai Palisade offers a compelling alternative that leans slightly more towards comfort and a luxurious feel. The Palisade is designed to provide a refined and relaxing experience for both drivers and passengers, making it an excellent family-friendly option.
The Palisade aims to deliver a premium experience without the premium price tag. hyundaiusa.com points out these notable features:
- Second-Row Captain’s Chairs (available): Provide enhanced comfort and easier access to the third row, a popular feature for families.
- Spacious Eight Seats: Offers ample room for passengers across all three rows.
- 291 HP V-6 Engine: Provides sufficient power for daily driving and highway cruising, comparable to the Honda Pilot’s engine.
While mechanically similar to the Telluride, the Palisade distinguishes itself with a slightly different styling approach, often described as more elegant and mature. The interior also emphasizes comfort and upscale materials, creating a more luxurious ambiance.
The Hyundai Palisade starts at approximately $36,400. Like the Telluride, it offers excellent value, providing a near-luxury experience at a price point that competes directly with the Honda Pilot and other mainstream three-row SUVs. If a comfortable and refined ride with a touch of luxury is what you seek, the Palisade is a strong contender.
Nissan Pathfinder: The Rugged and Versatile SUV
For families with an adventurous spirit, the Nissan Pathfinder presents itself as a more rugged and outdoor-oriented alternative to the Honda Pilot. While still designed for family duty, the Pathfinder emphasizes capability and versatility, particularly for those who venture beyond paved roads.
The Pathfinder has been reimagined to recapture its adventurous roots. According to nissanusa.com, key features include:
- Eight-Person Cabin: Provides generous passenger space, accommodating larger families.
- 6,000 lb. Towing Capability: Offers substantial towing capacity, exceeding the Pilot and enabling hauling trailers or boats.
- Storage Cubbies and Bins Inside: Prioritizes practicality with numerous storage solutions for gear and essentials.
- Available Intelligent 4×4 with 7 Drive and Terrain Modes: Provides enhanced traction and control in various driving conditions, including snow, mud, and sand.
The Pathfinder differentiates itself with its more rugged styling and available four-wheel-drive system with multiple terrain modes, making it more capable in off-road or inclement weather situations than the Honda Pilot. Its higher towing capacity also adds to its versatility.
The Nissan Pathfinder starts at around $35,810. This price positions it competitively within the three-row SUV segment, offering a compelling option for those who value ruggedness and adventure capabilities alongside family practicality. If your lifestyle includes outdoor activities and a need for more robust performance in varied conditions, the Pathfinder is worth considering.
Volkswagen Atlas: The Spacious Cargo Hauler
If maximizing cargo space is your top priority in a three-row SUV, the Volkswagen Atlas stands out as a clear winner and a strong alternative to the Honda Pilot. While perhaps not the most engaging to drive, the Atlas excels in providing cavernous interior space, particularly for cargo.
The Atlas is designed to be a practical and family-friendly hauler. vw.com highlights these key features:
- VW Digital Cockpit Pro: Offers a customizable and high-tech instrument display.
- IQ.DRIVE Driver Assistance: A comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies.
- Extensive Safety Features: Prioritizes occupant protection with a wide array of safety systems.
- Nearly 100 Cubic Feet of Cargo Space (with rear seats folded): Offers class-leading cargo volume, significantly exceeding the Honda Pilot’s cargo capacity.
The Atlas’s primary advantage is its sheer size, particularly in the cargo area. With the rear seats folded, it provides significantly more cargo room than the Honda Pilot, making it ideal for families who frequently haul large items or luggage. However, its driving dynamics are often described as less engaging compared to some competitors.
The Volkswagen Atlas starts at approximately $37,725. The slightly higher starting price reflects its focus on spaciousness and certain tech features. If cargo capacity is paramount in your three-row SUV search, the Atlas is a top contender.
Toyota Highlander: The Fuel-Efficient Hybrid Option
Concluding our list of Honda Pilot competitors is the Toyota Highlander, a long-standing favorite in the midsize SUV segment. While its styling might be considered more conservative compared to some newer rivals, the Highlander distinguishes itself with its exceptional hybrid powertrain option, making it a leader in fuel efficiency within its class.
For buyers prioritizing fuel economy and Toyota’s renowned reliability, the Highlander Hybrid is a standout choice. toyota.com emphasizes these key features:
- Available Hybrid Powertrain: Delivers significantly better fuel economy than the standard gasoline engine, and outperforms the Honda Pilot in MPG.
- Up to 5,000-Pound Towing Capacity: Offers respectable towing capability for a hybrid SUV.
- Available 12.3-inch Touchscreen: Provides a modern and user-friendly infotainment interface.
- Available All-Wheel Drive: Provides enhanced traction in various weather conditions.
The Highlander Hybrid is a key differentiator, offering exceptional fuel economy for a three-row SUV. While the standard gasoline version is also available, the hybrid powertrain is a major draw for those seeking to minimize fuel costs. However, its styling is often seen as less adventurous or modern compared to some competitors.
The Toyota Highlander starts at around $36,620, with the Hybrid version commanding a premium. The higher price for the hybrid is offset by its significant fuel savings over the long term. If fuel efficiency and Toyota’s reputation for reliability are your top priorities in a three-row SUV, the Highlander, especially the hybrid model, is an excellent choice.
Final Verdict
The American automotive market is rich with choices, and the three-row SUV segment is no exception. As we’ve explored, numerous compelling alternatives to the Honda Pilot are available, each with its unique strengths and appeals. From the truck-inspired GMC Acadia to the performance-oriented Dodge Durango, the value-packed Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, the rugged Nissan Pathfinder, the cargo-champion Volkswagen Atlas, and the fuel-efficient Toyota Highlander, there’s a three-row SUV to match a wide range of needs and preferences.
We trust this overview has been insightful in your car-buying journey. The more informed you are about the diverse options available, the better equipped you’ll be to make the right decision for your next vehicle investment. Whether you prioritize space, performance, value, or fuel efficiency, the landscape of cars comparable to the Honda Pilot offers something for everyone seeking a capable and family-friendly three-row SUV.
Note: Prices mentioned are starting MSRP and may vary based on trim level, options, and location. Always consult with dealerships for the most up-to-date pricing and availability.
Image of a 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport highlighting its rear left side, showcasing its design and features.
