Honda Pilot TrailSport vs. Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro — Which 3-Row SUV Rules Off-Road in 2025?
Looking for a family-friendly SUV that can actually handle dirt trails? We compare the 2025 Honda Pilot TrailSport and 2025 Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro - off-road capability, comfort, features, price, and reliability to see which one deserves your next adventure.
Introduction: Two Family SUVs Built for Adventure
The midsize, 3-row SUV segment is packed with options, but few models are genuinely built to leave the pavement. Enter the Honda Pilot TrailSport and the Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro, two adventure-oriented trims of already popular family haulers.
Both promise rugged looks, enhanced off-road hardware, and everyday comfort for up to eight passengers. But which one is the real off-road champion and which makes more sense for your money?
Let’s break down powertrain, off-road performance, technology, comfort, pricing, and reliability to find the winner.
Powertrain and Performance
| Model | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Horsepower / Torque | Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Pilot TrailSport | 3.5L V6 (i-VTEC) | 10-speed automatic | Standard AWD (i-VTM4 torque-vectoring) | 285 hp / 262 lb-ft | 5,000 lbs |
| Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro | 3.8L V6 | 8-speed automatic | Optional AWD (HTRAC) | 291 hp / 262 lb-ft | 5,000 lbs |
Both SUVs use traditional, naturally aspirated V6 engines for smooth power delivery — great for towing and predictable throttle control off-road. The Palisade has a slight horsepower edge, but the Pilot TrailSport’s torque-vectoring AWD and lower-range gearing give it better control on slippery surfaces.
Honda’s 10-speed automatic also shifts more smoothly under load, while Hyundai’s 8-speed sometimes hunts between gears on steep grades.
Off-Road Capability: Beyond Looks
The Pilot TrailSport isn’t just an appearance package it’s a purpose-built adventure trim. Honda designed it with real off-road components, while the Palisade XRT Pro leans more toward style and light-trail use.
Honda Pilot TrailSport Highlights
- Trail-tuned suspension with 1-inch lift (ground clearance ~8.3 inches)
- Steel skid plates protecting the fuel tank and oil pan
- All-terrain tires on unique 18-inch wheels
- i-VTM4 AWD with torque vectoring sends power to the wheel with the most traction
- TrailWatch 360-camera system for rock-crawling visibility
- Drive modes: Normal, Snow, Sand, Trail, Tow, Sport, Econ
Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro Highlights
- Slight ride height increase vs. standard Palisade (about +0.4 inch)
- HTRAC AWD system with Sand, Mud, and Snow modes
- Rugged-inspired 20-inch wheels with all-season tires
- Front skid garnish (cosmetic) and roof rails
- Standard tow hitch and surround-view monitor
Verdict:
The Honda Pilot TrailSport clearly dominates when trails get rough. It’s built to handle unpaved terrain, while the Palisade XRT Pro is mostly for gravel roads, campgrounds, and light dirt paths. If you actually plan to go off-road, the Pilot TrailSport is the only true choice.
Interior, Comfort & Tech
Both SUVs deliver the upscale family experience buyers expect from $50K-plus three-row crossovers.
Honda Pilot TrailSport Interior
- Exclusive orange contrast stitching, TrailSport embroidery, and rubberized floor mats
- 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
- Tri-zone climate control and heated front seats standard
- Available panoramic sunroof and TrailWatch camera view on the center screen
- Excellent visibility and seating flexibility (removable 2nd-row middle seat)
Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro Interior
- Black leatherette upholstery, dark aluminum trim, and matte black exterior accents
- Larger 12.3-inch infotainment system with navigation and voice commands
- Heated and ventilated seats (front), dual auto climate, and digital gauge cluster
- Optional 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
- Slightly softer ride quality on pavement
Verdict:
The Palisade XRT Pro wins for interior tech and comfort, offering a more premium feel and larger screens. The Pilot TrailSport is more ruggedly practical wipe-clean surfaces, excellent seating flexibility, and real adventure-ready design.
Ride and Handling
On pavement, both are quiet and refined. The Palisade feels like a luxury SUV in disguise smooth, isolated, and comfortable. The Pilot TrailSport, while slightly firmer, inspires more confidence on curves and uneven roads thanks to its upgraded suspension and AWD calibration.
- On-road ride: Palisade XRT Pro smoother, more comfortable
- Off-road ride: Pilot TrailSport more controlled and capable
Safety and Driver Assistance
Both models come loaded with safety tech suites:
- Honda Sensing (Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise, Traffic Jam Assist)
- Hyundai SmartSense (Forward Collision-Avoidance, Highway Driving Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor)
Honda’s driver assists feel slightly more natural and refined, especially the lane-centering function. Hyundai counters with more high-tech features and smoother adaptive cruise on highways.
Price and Value (U.S. MSRP Estimates, 2025)
| Model | Starting MSRP (AWD) | Top Trim Approx. |
|---|---|---|
| Honda Pilot TrailSport | ~$48,900 | ~$53,000 fully equipped |
| Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro | ~$46,500 | ~$50,000 fully equipped |
Fuel Economy
| Model | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot TrailSport | 18 mpg | 23 mpg | 20 mpg |
| Palisade XRT Pro | 19 mpg | 26 mpg | 22 mpg |
Reliability and Ownership
Honda has a strong track record for long-term reliability, resale value, and low maintenance costs. Hyundai counters with an outstanding 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which easily beats Honda’s 5-year coverage.
If you prioritize ownership peace of mind, Hyundai’s warranty wins. If you want long-term dependability and resale, Honda takes it.
Which 3-Row SUV Is Better Off-Road?
- Winner:
Honda Pilot TrailSport
The Pilot TrailSport is simply built for more than gravel roads. It’s engineered for real trail use lifted suspension, skid plates, all-terrain tires, and torque-vectoring AWD make it the go-anywhere family SUV. - Runner-Up: Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro
A fantastic family SUV with rugged looks and luxury interior, but off-road capability stops where the pavement ends. Perfect for weekend camping or mild dirt roads, not rock trails.
Final Verdict
If you’re buying based on style and daily comfort, the Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro is an excellent all-rounder that looks adventurous while remaining luxurious.
But if you want a three-row SUV that can handle real off-road conditions, the Honda Pilot TrailSport is the hands-down winner. It’s the most capable mainstream family SUV for outdoor enthusiasts in 2025 ready for trails, towing, and everything in between.