Image by Hyundai Motor Group

The popularity of three-row SUVs is growing as families look for stylish and practical alternatives to minivans for their daily travel. The 2025 Hyundai SANTA FE and the 2025 Honda Pilot are excellent choices in the midsize, three-row SUV category. Each offers a wealth of convenience and safety features, making them strong choices if your family wants a vehicle upgrade. In this automobile comparison from Hiley Hyundai of Fort Worth, we’ve highlighted the key similarities and differences between the two so you can make an informed decision.

Vehicles Overview

At first glance, the SANTA FE and the Pilot seem quite similar. Both have a traditional, boxy SUV design that may appeal more if you have a family than if you want a sportier ride. While all-wheel drive (AWD) is available for both models, you’ll feel more at home in the school drop-off line than tackling rugged mountain trails.

The similarities don’t extend to every aspect of these SUVs. Key differences set them apart, highlighting the importance of choosing the right SUV for your needs.

Pricing and Value

Budget is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a new car for your family. You need to balance the features you want with a price that won’t negatively affect your monthly budget.

The 2025 Hyundai SANTA FE has five trim levels to choose from, helping you to find a match that aligns with your budget. The trim levels and their starting MSRPs are:

• SE: $34,300
• SEL: $36,800
• XRT: $40,950
• Limited: $43,700
• Calligraphy: $46,850

The 2025 Honda Pilot has six trim levels, with slightly higher starting prices than the Santa FE:

• Sport: $40,200
• EX-L: $43,500
• TrailSport: $49,400
• Touring: $47,500
• Elite: $53,080
• Black Edition: $54,580

When it comes to cost-effectiveness, the SANTA FE has a clear lead. Since both SUVs offer similar features, it’s hard to justify paying more for the Pilot.

Design and Performance

Both SUVs feature a strong, striking exterior with bold lines and deep contours. The Hyundai stands out with a slightly more futuristic look, featuring a boxy front lighting design and minimalistic grille compared to the Pilot’s more traditional style.

Under the hood, each SANTA FE has a turbocharged 277-horsepower 2.5-liter inline-four engine with 311 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive (FWD) paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic is standard, but AWD is available on each trim level. Most SANTA FEs are rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds with trailer brakes installed and 1,650 pounds without. The XRT trim can tow up to 4,500 pounds with trailer brakes installed.

Gas mileage for the FWD SANTA FE is around 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. If you choose AWD, the highway rating drops to 28 mpg, and the more rugged XRT trim level reduces fuel economy ratings to 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

In the Pilot, you’ll find a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that generates 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. While a V-6 might appear more powerful than the SANTA FE’s four-cylinder engine, the fact that the SANTA FE’s engine is turbocharged makes them an almost even matchup. When it comes to towing, a FWD Pilot can reach up to 3,500 pounds, matching the SANTA FE. If you choose an AWD model, this increases to 5,000 pounds.

Gas mileage for the 2025 Pilot is rated for up to 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. AWD models see a slight drop to 25 mpg on the highway.

All things considered, the slightly bigger engine in the Pilot does little to outperform the four-cylinder SANTA FE. Instead, it sacrifices gas mileage without gaining much in return.

Interior Features

The SANTA FE and the Pilot offer roomy seating options with several configurations. The SANTA FE can seat six or seven passengers, while the Pilot can seat seven or eight. Having enough space for passengers to spread out is critical, and you’ll find differences in the vehicles’ interior dimensions.

The SANTA FE has 44.4 inches of legroom in the front, 42.3 inches in the second row, and 30 inches in the third row. The Pilot has 41 inches, 40.8 inches, and 32.5 inches, respectively. Having a few extra inches can make all the difference to your comfort on a road trip.

While both SUVs have standard features such as Apple CarPlay and automatic climate control, the Hyundai SANTA FE has unique features that may make it more appealing to your family. For example, the audio system includes a rear seat quiet mode, which mutes the volume in the back of the vehicle. This allows you to keep listening while your rear passengers rest undisturbed.

Test-Drive the Hyundai SANTA FE at Hiley Hyundai of Fort Worth

If you’re in the market for a new family SUV with a third row and plenty of space for all of your passengers, the 2025 Hyundai SANTA FE is an excellent choice. It’s more fuel-efficient than many of its competitors and has plenty of space for passengers to rest comfortably on long drives. If you’re ready to experience the SANTA FE, contact us at Hiley Hyundai of Fort Worth today for a test-drive.