2025 Honda Pilot vs 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

$40,200 · Crossover

$39,730 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The age-old question when buying a family crossover is deciding between established reliability and cutting-edge efficiency. The 2025 Honda Pilot starts at an MSRP of $40,200 with 285 hp, prioritizing traditional power and size, boasting a lengthy 199.9 inches. Conversely, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid undercuts it slightly at $39,730 while packing a major punch in efficiency, delivering a remarkable 35 combined MPG versus the Pilot's 22 combined MPG. This efficiency difference is significant, translating to fewer trips to the pump for the Hyundai, which also offers a 32-mile electric range. While the Pilot offers more traditional utility with a larger exterior, the Tucson provides a surprising 31.9 cu ft of cargo space, substantially more than the Pilot's 18.6 cu ft, despite being nearly 17 inches shorter.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid wins for commuters due to its superior 35 combined MPG and the ability to cover 32 miles purely on electricity.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot is better suited for families needing maximum space, offering greater overall bulk at 199.9 inches in length compared to the smaller Tucson.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Honda Pilot

The Pilot wins on raw power figures, generating 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the Tucson's 268 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson offers superior financial value through much better fuel economy (35 MPG vs 22 MPG) for a lower starting MSRP of $39,730.

Choose the Honda Pilot if...

You absolutely need the highest available horsepower figure in this comparison, with the Pilot boasting 285 hp.
You value a larger physical footprint, as the Pilot measures 199.9 inches long and 78.5 inches wide.
You frequently take long trips where finding charging points is difficult, as the Pilot uses only regular unleaded fuel.

Choose the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid if...

Your daily driving falls under the Tucson's 32-mile electric range to maximize fuel savings.
You want significantly better fuel consumption, enjoying 35 combined MPG compared to the Pilot's 22.
You require more accessible cargo space, as the Tucson offers 31.9 cu ft versus the Pilot's 18.6 cu ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda Pilot	Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
Length	199.9"	182.7"
Width	78.5"	73.4"
Height	71.0"	66.3"
Wheelbase	113.8"	108.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row 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	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	285 hp @ 6100 rpm	268 hp
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm	258 lb-ft
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/27 MPG	35/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.5/499.5 mi.	388.5/388.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	11.1 gal.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	80/73 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	77 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	32 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	44
Charging Time (240V)	—	2.0 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Driver Vanity Mirror	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Extended Cabin Cooling	—	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	240W	—
Speaker System	7	6
Subwoofer Count	1	—
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	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Front Head Room	40.5 in.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	57.6 in.
Front Hip Room	58.4 in.	54.5 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	4-way	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	40.2 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.8 in.	41.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.7 in.	56.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.4 in.	53.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	20 x 8.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/50R	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—

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.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 24000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda Pilot and 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid.

Which car has more actual passenger/cargo room?

While the Honda Pilot is physically longer at 199.9 inches, surprisingly, the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid offers significantly more cargo room at 31.9 cu ft compared to the Pilot’s 18.6 cu ft. This suggests the Tucson maximizes its smaller footprint better for utility.

How much more fuel-efficient is the Tucson?

The difference in fuel economy is substantial; the Tucson achieves 35 combined MPG, while the Pilot trails significantly at 22 combined MPG, resulting in a 13 MPG advantage for the Hyundai.

Is the extra power from the Pilot worth the MPG drop?

The Pilot has a slight edge with 285 hp versus the Tucson’s 268 hp, but commuters might find the Tucson’s 32 miles of electric-only range offers a more tangible daily benefit than the Pilot's extra 17 horsepower.

Does the Tucson's shorter length make parking easier?

Yes, the Tucson is significantly shorter at 182.7 inches compared to the Pilot's 199.9 inches, which generally aids maneuverability and parking in tighter urban spots.

What kind of fuel do these vehicles require?

Fortunately, both vehicles run on regular unleaded gasoline, meaning neither requires premium fuel for their respective powertrains.

How does the base pricing compare for these two models?

The base MSRP for the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is slightly lower at $39,730, while the Honda Pilot starts at $40,200, though the true cost depends heavily on long-term fuel savings.