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Honda Pilot vs Hyundai Santa Cruz - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (285 HP vs 281 HP), trunk space and price (40,200 $ vs 28,800 $ ) at a glance. See which model fits your needs and budget better – Honda Pilot or Hyundai Santa Cruz?

Honda Pilot vs Hyundai Santa Cruz: Key differences

Honda Pilot

  • barely more power
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Hyundai Santa Cruz

  • visibly cheaper
  • somewhat more efficient
  • a bit lighter
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Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Pilot

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Hyundai Santa Cruz is visibly cheaper – starting at 28,800 $ , while the Honda Pilot costs 40,200 $ . That’s a price difference of around 11,450 $.

When it comes to city fuel economy, the Hyundai Santa Cruz performs somewhat better – achieving 22 mpg, compared to 19 mpg for the Honda Pilot. That’s a difference of about 3 mpg.

Santa Cruz

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Honda Pilot offers barely more power – delivering 285 HP compared to 281 HP. That’s roughly 4 HP more horsepower.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Hyundai Santa Cruz delivers a bit more torque with 311 lb-ft compared to 262 lb-ft. That’s about 49 lb-ft more.

Pilot

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Seats: Honda Pilot offers more seats – 8 vs 5.

In terms of curb weight, Hyundai Santa Cruz is a bit lighter – 3,779 lbs compared to 4,306 lbs. The difference is around 527 lbs.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Hyundai Santa Cruz has the upper hand in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from $28,800
Santa Cruz

Hyundai Santa Cruz

  • Engine Type : Gasoline
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front Wheel, All Wheel
  • Power HP : 191 - 281 HP
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

General
View detailed analysis

Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot is a big-hearted family SUV that blends relaxed road manners with clever storage and a cabin that makes carpool chaos oddly satisfying. It won’t turn heads like a luxury diva, but with confident traction, comfy seats for the whole crew, and a reputation for going the distance, the Pilot is an easy, low-stress buy for busy households.

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Reviews Honda Pilot

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Hyundai Santa Cruz

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a city-friendly pickup with SUV manners, serving up a smooth ride and a surprisingly upscale cabin while still handling weekend projects without the drama. It doesn’t try to out-macho the big rigs; instead it wins with smart packaging, easy parking, and just enough adventure vibe to make every grocery run feel like a mini road trip.

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Reviews Hyundai Santa Cruz

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Hyundai Santa Cruz

Costs and Consumption
Price
40,200 - 54,600 $
Price
28,800 - 42,800 $
FuelEconomy City
18 - 19 mpg
FuelEconomy City
18 - 22 mpg
FuelEconomy Hwy
23 - 27 MPG
FuelEconomy Hwy
26 - 30 MPG
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
18.5 gal
Fuel tank capacity
17.7 gal

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Pickup
Seats
7 - 8
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
4,306 - 4,685 lbs
Curb weight
3,779 - 4,295 lbs
Trunk Volume
-
Trunk Volume
-
Length
199.9 - 200.2 in.
Length
195.9 in.
Width
78.5 in.
Width
75 in.
Height
70 - 72 in.
Height
66 in.

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Gasoline
Engine Type
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Drive Type
All Wheel, Front Wheel
Drive Type
Front Wheel, All Wheel
Power HP
285 HP
Power HP
191 - 281 HP
Torque
262 lb-ft
Torque
181 - 311 lb-ft
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Engine Displacement
3.5 L
Engine Displacement
2.5 L
Gears
-
Gears
-

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
Brand
Honda
Brand
Hyundai
What is the price of the Honda Pilot?

Starting from 40,200 $.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. Prices shown are manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRP). Taxes, registration fees and dealer charges are not included.