Honda Pilot: Top Alternatives for 2024
Aaron Turpen is an automotive writer and reviewer living in Wyoming, USA. A life-long off-road and mechanical enthusiast, Aaron has had a varied career in vehicles. Aaron grew up with home mechanics and maintenance on tractors, trucks, and cars as well as small engines and devices. At any one time, he’s worked as an automotive disassembler (aka “junk yard parts puller”), shade tree mechanic, over-the-road truck driver, and more. Aaron’s interests include family-oriented vehicles, off-roading, and anything fun involving tires and steering. With most of his life having been in rural America, Aaron understands pickup trucks and SUVs, winter weather hazards, and what life is like where phrases like “Just down the road” mean “within 100 miles.” Aaron’s automotive writing career has included outlets such as Carfax, CarTalk, NewAtlas.com, and many others. He’s appeared on NPR’s All Things Considered, on various YouTube channels, and on several podcasts. Aaron also operates a couple automotive sites: EVmeme.com and Drivemodeshow.com
The Honda Pilot is a popular three-row SUV known for its robust nature and thoughtful interior. It resides in a segment that is full of top-shelf rivals with excellent merits of their own.
Each alternative to the Honda Pilot brings its strengths to the table: the Pilot and Telluride offer a good balance of performance, space, and technology; the Highlander Hybrid excels in fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness; and the Atlas stands out for its spacious interior.
Buyers' preferences for performance, efficiency, space, or technology will guide their choice in this competitive segment.
Table of Contents
Honda Pilot - Top Competitors Comparison Summary:
Performance
- Honda Pilot: The 2024 Honda Pilot is expected to continue offering a V6 engine, providing a balance of power and efficiency suitable for family adventures and daily commutes.
- Kia Telluride: With its 3.8L V6 engine, the Telluride offers robust performance that competes closely with the Pilot, delivering a smooth ride and ample power for most driving situations.
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid: The Highlander Hybrid stands out for its fuel efficiency, thanks to its hybrid powertrain. While it may not match the V6 engines of the Pilot and Telluride in raw power, it offers significant savings at the gas pump.
- Volkswagen Atlas: The Atlas provides a range of engine options, including a potent V6 that delivers performance on par with the Pilot. Its driving dynamics are tuned for comfort, making it a strong contender for families who prioritize a smooth ride.
Fuel Efficiency
- Honda Pilot: The Pilot's V6 engine is expected to offer competitive fuel economy within the non-hybrid segment, balancing power with efficiency.
- Kia Telluride: Similar to the Pilot, the Telluride's fuel efficiency is competitive for a V6-powered SUV, though it doesn't offer a hybrid option for those seeking better mileage.
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid: This model excels in fuel efficiency, outperforming its competitors with its hybrid system, making it the best choice for eco-conscious buyers.
- Volkswagen Atlas: The Atlas, especially with its standard engine, offers reasonable fuel efficiency, but it doesn't lead the pack. The V6 option trades some efficiency for additional power.
Interior Space
- Honda Pilot: Known for its spacious interior, the Pilot offers comfortable seating for up to eight passengers, with ample cargo space to match.
- Kia Telluride: The Telluride matches the Pilot in terms of interior space, providing a roomy cabin that comfortably accommodates passengers and cargo alike.
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid: While offering a comfortable interior, the Highlander Hybrid's focus on efficiency might compromise some interior space compared to the Pilot, especially in cargo capacity.
- Volkswagen Atlas: The Atlas shines in this category, offering one of the most spacious interiors in the segment, with generous room for passengers and cargo, potentially outpacing the Pilot.
Technology and Safety
- Honda Pilot: The Pilot is expected to continue Honda's tradition of including advanced technology and safety features, with a strong emphasis on driver assistance and connectivity.
- Kia Telluride: The Telluride is well-equipped with technology and safety features, offering a suite of driver aids that rival those of the Pilot, along with a user-friendly infotainment system.
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid: Toyota's commitment to safety is evident in the Highlander Hybrid, which includes a comprehensive array of safety features, along with advanced hybrid technology.
- Volkswagen Atlas: The Atlas offers a solid range of technology and safety features, though it may not be as comprehensive as the Pilot's offerings. Its infotainment system is intuitive and user-friendly.
1. Kia Telluride
The 2024 Kia Telluride receives mild styling upgrades, emphasizing its already appealing design and feature set. It remains a top contender in the segment, offering a range of trims from the well-equipped LX to the luxurious SX Prestige and the off-road-capable X-Pro models.
The Telluride's combination of style, space, and capability, backed by Kia's robust warranty, keeps it at the forefront of the 3-row midsize SUV market.
- Check out our detailed comparison between the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride
Current Kia Telluride Deals & Incentives
| Year | Make | Model | Cash Incentives (up to) | Best Avail. APR | Lease Offers | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Kia | Telluride | 3.90% | $379/month for 36 months, $3,999 due at signing | 10/31/24 | |
| 2025 | Kia | Telluride | 4.49% | $389/month for 36 months, $3,999 due at signing | 10/31/24 |
You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Kia deals
2. Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid focuses on efficiency and eco-friendly performance without sacrificing comfort and space.
With its hybrid powertrain, the Highlander Hybrid offers impressive fuel economy, making it an ideal choice for environmentally-conscious consumers looking for a family-friendly SUV.
The range of trims ensures there's a Highlander Hybrid to meet various needs and preferences.
Current Toyota Highlander Hybrid Deals & Incentives
| Year | Make | Model | Cash Incentives (up to) | Best Avail. APR | Lease Offers | Expiration |
You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Toyota deals
3. Volkswagen Atlas
The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas stands out with its spacious interior and user-friendly technology.
It offers ample room for passengers and cargo, making it a practical choice for families.
The Atlas continues to provide a comfortable ride and a range of trims to suit different buyers. Its straightforward approach to design and functionality makes it a strong competitor in the midsize SUV category.
Current Volkswagen Atlas Deals & Incentives
| Year | Make | Model | Cash Incentives (up to) | Best Avail. APR | Lease Offers | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Volkswagen | Atlas | ||||
| 2024 | Volkswagen | Atlas | 2.90% | $459/month for 36 months, $4,999 due at signing | 10/31/24 |
You may qualify for deals and incentives, check out this month's Volkswagen deals
