2025 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade

$30,100 · Crossover

$39,435 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the nimble efficiency of the 2025 Honda CR-V and the imposing presence of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade presents a classic compact vs. mid-size crossover dilemma. If your main concern is saving money at the pump, the CR-V shines with a combined 30 MPG rating compared to the Palisade's 21 MPG—a 9 MPG advantage. The price gap is substantial too, with the CR-V starting at $30,100 versus the Palisade's $39,435 MSRP. However, buyers needing more grunt will notice the Palisade packs 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, easily outpacing the CR-V’s 190 hp. While the CR-V offers superior utility in its smaller footprint (39.3 cu ft cargo capacity), the Palisade provides nearly 5 extra inches in length, making its overall dimensions significantly larger than the CR-V's 184.8 inches.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Honda CR-V

The CR-V's excellent 30 combined MPG makes it the clear winner for daily commuting fuel economy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Palisade

Although smaller, the Palisade's larger overall dimensions and increased power suggest better capacity for growing families or towing needs.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Hyundai Palisade

The Palisade offers significantly more power with 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, offering a much punchier driving experience.

💰 Best Value

2025 Honda CR-V

With a $9,335 lower MSRP and substantially better fuel efficiency, the CR-V delivers better running costs.

Choose the Honda CR-V if...

You prioritize maximizing fuel economy, as the CR-V achieves 34 MPG on the highway.
You want to save $9,335 on the initial purchase price compared to the Palisade.
Your primary use involves city driving where the CR-V’s smaller 184.8-inch length is easier to maneuver and park.

Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...

You need substantially more power, as the Palisade offers 287 hp versus the CR-V's 190 hp.
You require more space for passengers or cargo, evident in its significantly larger overall size.
You prefer the responsiveness of a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission over a continuously variable transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda CR-V	Hyundai Palisade
Length	184.8"	199.2"
Width	73.5"	78.0"
Height	66.2"	69.5"
Wheelbase	106.3"	116.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	190 hp @ 6000 rpm	287 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque	179 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm	260 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/34 MPG	19/25 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	392.0/476.0 mi.	361.0/475.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.0 gal.	19.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	160W	—
Speaker System	4	—
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	2	2
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	41.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	44.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.9 in.	61.4 in.
Front Hip Room	55.6 in.	58.8 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	38.2 in.	40.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.0 in.	43.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	61.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.6 in.	56.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Wheel Material	Steel	—
Wheel Cover Type	✓	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R	235/65R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	—	18 x 8.0 in

Suspension

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda CR-V and 2026 Hyundai Palisade.

How big is the difference in fuel costs between these two SUVs?

The difference is significant; the 2025 Honda CR-V achieves 30 MPG combined, while the 2026 Hyundai Palisade is rated at only 21 MPG combined. Over a year of driving, this 9 MPG gap will translate into substantial savings with the CR-V.

Is the 2026 Hyundai Palisade much bigger than the 2025 Honda CR-V?

Yes, the Palisade is noticeably larger in every dimension. It is about 14.4 inches longer (199.2 inches vs. 184.8 inches) and taller, though surprisingly, the CR-V offers more than double the cargo capacity at 39.3 cu ft compared to the Palisade's 19.1 cu ft in the primary luggage area.

Which car is better for a buyer who likes spirited driving?

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is the clear choice for enthusiasts, boasting 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The CR-V’s 190 hp output is geared more towards smooth efficiency than outright acceleration.

Are both vehicles restricted to front-wheel drive (FWD)?

Based on the provided specifications, both the 2025 Honda CR-V and the 2026 Hyundai Palisade are listed with a front-wheel drive type for this comparison. However, their transmission types differ: the CR-V uses a CVT while the Palisade uses an 8-speed automatic.

Does the higher price of the Palisade reflect better standard features?

While the Palisade has a $9,335 higher MSRP ($39,435 vs $30,100), the provided specifications show that both use regular unleaded fuel. The main differences reflected in the price are superior horsepower and larger dimensions for the Palisade.

Which crossover is more budget-friendly for its powertrain?

The CR-V is the budget-friendly option across the board, starting $9,335 cheaper. Furthermore, its engine operates efficiently on regular unleaded fuel while delivering competitive power for its class size.