2026 Pilot vs. Palisade: Compare 3-Row SUVs in Conway, AR

Front 3/4 shot of the 2026 Honda Pilot driving down dirt road

2026 Honda Pilot vs. Hyundai Palisade

When choosing the best three-row SUV for Arkansas families, the 2026 Honda Pilot and 2026 Hyundai Palisade both deliver spacious interiors and modern features. However, only one provides the ultimate combination of power, versatility and adventure-ready capability that Conway drivers demand.

The 2026 Pilot leads with superior torque, more drive modes and advanced trail technologies that set a new standard in the three-row SUV segment. Compare the 2026 Honda Pilot vs. 2026 Hyundai Palisade with the team at Honda World of Conway to discover why the Pilot is a far smarter choice for Arkansas SUV buyers.

2026 Honda Pilot TrailSport shown in Ash Green Metallic rear view

Compare Pilot vs. Palisade Performance

The 2026 Honda Pilot delivers more torque where it matters most. While both SUVs feature 3.5-liter V6 engines with similar horsepower outputs, the Pilot generates 262 pound-feet of torque compared to the Palisade output, providing stronger acceleration and better towing responsiveness when hauling boats to Lake Conway or camping gear to Petit Jean State Park.

The new Honda Pilot SUV's performance advantage also extends beyond raw numbers. Its 10-speed automatic transmission provides smoother shifts and better gear selection compared to the Palisade model's 8-speed unit, but drive mode versatility is where the Pilot truly leaps ahead in the race. The Pilot offers seven distinct drive modes including Normal, ECON, Sport, Snow, Tow, Trail and Sand. Compared to the meager trio of options provided by the competition, there's simply no contest here.

2026 Honda Pilot

  • Engine: 3.5-liter V6 engine with 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque
  • Transmission System: 10-speed automatic transmission
  • Max Towing Capacity (lbs): 5,000
  • No. of Drive Modes: 7
  • Drive Mode Types: Normal, ECON, Sport, Snow, Tow, Trail and Sand

2026 Hyundai Palisade

  • Engine: 3.5-liter V6 engine with 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque
  • Transmission System: 8-speed automatic transmission
  • Max Towing Capacity (lbs): 5,000
  • No. of Drive Modes: 3
  • Drive Mode Types: Eco, Sport and My Drive

Exclusive Pilot Technologies the Palisade Doesn't Offer

The 2026 Honda Pilot includes innovative features unavailable on the Hyundai Palisade:

  • Panoramic Moonroof: The Pilot SUV's available panoramic moonroof spans across both rows, bathing the entire cabin in natural light. The Palisade only offers standard single-pane or dual-pane sunroofs, with neither providing the expansive open-air experience Pilot passengers enjoy.
  • TrailWatch™: Planning to explore Arkansas trails? The exclusive TrailWatch™Camera System on the Pilot SUV provides multiple camera angles showing terrain directly in front of and alongside your SUV. This is essentialfor navigating tight trails, avoiding obstacles and confidently tackling challenging off-road situations. The terrain-focused Pilot TrailSport also integrates TrailWatch™ functionality into its comprehensive Multiview Camera System.
2026 Honda Pilot Elite interior shown with Gray Leather with the screen

2026 Honda Pilot

  • Panoramic Moonroof: Available
  • Multiview Camera System w/ TrailWatchâ„¢: Available
  • TrailWatchâ„¢ Camera System: Available

2026 Hyundai Palisade

  • Panoramic Moonroof: Not Available
  • Multiview Camera System w/ TrailWatchâ„¢: Not Available
  • TrailWatchâ„¢ Camera System: Not Available
Front 3/4 shot of the 2026 Honda Pilot driving up road

Why Conway Honda Fans Choose the Pilot vs. Palisade

The 2026 Honda Pilot delivers advantages the Hyundai Palisade simply cannot match:

  • More torque for responsive acceleration and confident towing
  • Seven drive modes three on the Palisade, including specialized Trail and Sand modes
  • 10-speed transmission for smoother, more refined performance
  • Panoramic moonroof unavailable on Palisade
  • TrailWatch™ camera technology for trail confidence
  • TrailSport trim for adventure-ready capability
  • Magic Slide® second-row seats for superior flexibility

For Arkansas families seeking a three-row SUV that handles both local commutes and weekend adventures with equal confidence, the Pilot is the clear winner.

Test-Drive the 2026 Honda Pilot in Conway

From daily family duties to off-road explorations, the 2026 Pilot at Honda World of Conway delivers superior versatility, advanced technology and trail-ready capability that the Hyundai Palisade cannot match. With more torque, seven drive modes, exclusive TrailWatch™ technology and the adventure-focused TrailSport trim, the Pilot is the obvious choice for Conway SUV buyers.

Ready to experience the difference? Visit Honda World of Conway to test-drive the 2026 Honda Pilot or contact us to learn more and set up a test-drive. Our knowledgeable team will help you compare Pilot trims, review financing options and find theperfect three-row SUV for your Arkansas lifestyle!

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