Distinct Advantages the 2024 Honda Pilot has over the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

In the competitive landscape of midsize SUVs, the 2024 Honda Pilot and the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe stand out as formidable contenders. Both models offer a blend of performance, comfort, and utility, making them attractive choices for families and adventure enthusiasts alike. However, when it comes to certain critical aspects, the 2024 Honda Pilot edges out its Hyundai counterpart. This article delves into the distinct advantages the Honda Pilot has over the Hyundai Santa Fe, focusing on the standard V6 engine, superior towing capacity, better gearbox, more welcoming third row, and significantly more cargo space.

A Standard V6 Engine Over a Base Four-Cylinder Turbo

One of the most notable advantages of the 2024 Honda Pilot is its standard V6 engine, which contrasts sharply with the base four-cylinder turbo engine found in the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe. The Pilot's 3.5-litre V6 engine delivers a robust performance, providing a smoother and more powerful driving experience. This engine produces ample horsepower and torque, ensuring that the Pilot can handle both city driving and highway cruising with ease. On the other hand, while the Hyundai Santa Fe's 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine is efficient, it lacks the same level of power and refinement, making the driving experience less exhilarating.

Furthermore, the V6 engine in the Honda Pilot contributes to better overall vehicle performance, particularly in terms of acceleration and load-carrying capability. This makes the Pilot a more suitable choice for families who need a vehicle that can handle diverse driving conditions and heavier loads without sacrificing performance. In contrast, the Santa Fe’s smaller engine may struggle under similar demands, particularly when fully loaded or towing.

More Towing Capacity

When it comes to towing capacity, the 2024 Honda Pilot clearly outshines the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe. The Pilot offers a substantial towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, which is significantly higher than the Santa Fe's maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. This difference makes the Pilot a superior choice for those who need to tow trailers, boats, or other heavy loads.

This enhanced towing capability is especially beneficial for outdoor enthusiasts and families who frequently embark on camping trips or other adventures that require towing. The Honda Pilot's robust construction and powerful V6 engine ensure that it can handle these tasks with ease, providing a reliable and capable vehicle for a variety of needs. In comparison, the Hyundai Santa Fe, with its lower towing capacity, may not offer the same level of versatility and utility.

Better Gearbox

Another area where the 2024 Honda Pilot excels is in its gearbox. The Pilot is equipped with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission, which enhances both performance and fuel efficiency. This transmission provides seamless gear changes and helps optimize the power delivery from the V6 engine, ensuring a responsive and enjoyable driving experience. In contrast, the Hyundai Santa Fe features an 8-speed automatic transmission, which, while competent, does not offer the same level of refinement and efficiency as the Pilot’s 10-speed gearbox.

The advanced transmission in the Honda Pilot also contributes to better fuel economy and driving dynamics. With more gears to work with, the transmission can keep the engine operating in its most efficient range more often, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Additionally, the smooth gear changes enhance the overall driving comfort, making the Pilot a more pleasant vehicle to drive, whether in urban settings or on long road trips.

A More Welcoming Third Row

The third-row seating in the 2024 Honda Pilot is designed with passenger comfort in mind, offering more space and comfort compared to the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe. The Pilot provides generous headroom, legroom, and shoulder room, making it a more welcoming space for passengers, especially on longer journeys. Here’s a comparison of the third-row dimensions:

These dimensions illustrate that the Honda Pilot offers a significantly more spacious third-row environment, ensuring that passengers can travel in greater comfort. This advantage is particularly important for families who regularly utilize all three rows of seating and require sufficient space to accommodate all occupants comfortably.

A Lot More Cargo Space

Cargo space is another area where the 2024 Honda Pilot outperforms the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe. The Pilot offers an impressive amount of cargo volume, providing ample storage for luggage, groceries, sports equipment, and more. Here’s a detailed comparison of the cargo space:

These figures demonstrate that the Honda Pilot offers substantially more cargo space across all seating configurations. Whether you need to transport large items or simply require more room for daily activities, the Pilot’s expansive cargo capacity makes it a more practical and versatile option. The additional space ensures that you can carry everything you need without compromising passenger comfort.

Conclusion

In summary, the 2024 Honda Pilot holds several distinct advantages over the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, making it a superior choice for many prospective SUV buyers. The Pilot’s standard V6 engine, greater towing capacity, advanced gearbox, more spacious third-row seating, and significantly larger cargo volume collectively contribute to its appeal. For families and individuals seeking a well-rounded, powerful, and versatile SUV, the 2024 Honda Pilot stands out as a top contender in its class.