2025 Honda Ridgeline vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade

$40,150 · Crossover

$39,435 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Honda Ridgeline and the 2026 Hyundai Palisade often boils down to prioritizing capability versus pure passenger space. If you need a vehicle that handles like a car but offers light utility, the Ridgeline, starting at $40,150, is compelling with its AWD and 280 hp. However, if your primary concern is hauling people and gear, the Palisade, priced slightly lower at $39,435, offers a massive advantage in sheer storage, boasting 19.1 cu ft compared to the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft of cargo room. Both offer a combined 21 MPG, but the Palisade nudges out slightly better efficiency on the highway at 25 MPG versus the Ridgeline's 24 MPG. While the Palisade has slightly more horsepower at 287 hp, the Ridgeline leverages its 9-speed transmission to manage its 262 lb-ft of torque effectively. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether you value the Ridgeline's unique truck-like platform or the Palisade's superior interior volume.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Hyundai Palisade

The 2026 Palisade wins for commuters due to its better city MPG (19 MPG vs. 18 MPG) and marginally smaller footprint for parking.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Palisade

The Palisade is the clear choice for families because it offers nearly three times the cargo capacity at 19.1 cu ft versus the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Honda Ridgeline

Enthusiasts will prefer the Ridgeline for its standard All-Wheel Drive capability and higher torque rating of 262 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Palisade

The Palisade offers more passenger and cargo volume for a lower MSRP, making it the better value proposition at $39,435.

Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...

You need the assured traction of standard All-Wheel Drive for slippery conditions.
You prefer the slightly higher torque output of 262 lb-ft provided by the Ridgeline's powertrain.
You appreciate the slightly quicker shifting with the 9-speed automatic transmission.

Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...

You absolutely require maximum enclosed storage space, given its 19.1 cu ft capacity.
You want the slightly lower entry price point, with an MSRP of $39,435.
You value slightly better fuel economy, achieving 25 MPG on the highway compared to 24 MPG.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda Ridgeline	Hyundai Palisade
Length	210.2"	199.2"
Width	78.6"	78.0"
Height	70.8"	69.5"
Wheelbase	125.2"	116.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

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

Engine

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	280 hp @ 6000 rpm	287 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm	260 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Number of Valves	24	24
Camshaft Type	Single overhead cam (SOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/24 MPG	19/25 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/468.0 mi.	361.0/475.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.5 gal.	19.0 gal.

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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	9.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	215W	—
Speaker System	7	—
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Front Head Room	40.1 in.	41.5 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	44.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.0 in.	61.4 in.
Front Hip Room	59.1 in.	58.8 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	8-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	38.8 in.	40.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.7 in.	43.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.5 in.	61.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.6 in.	56.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R	235/65R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
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.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda Ridgeline and 2026 Hyundai Palisade.

How do the fuel economy ratings truly compare between the two crossovers?

Both vehicles share an identical combined rating of 21 MPG. However, the 2026 Palisade edges out the Ridgeline slightly on the open road, achieving 25 MPG highway versus the Ridgeline's 24 MPG highway, although both use regular unleaded fuel.

Is the 2025 Honda Ridgeline's AWD standard against the Palisade's FWD?

Yes, the specs indicate the 2025 Honda Ridgeline comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, while the comparable 2026 Hyundai Palisade configuration lists Front Wheel Drive. This is a key difference if you prioritize grip in poor weather.

Which vehicle offers more actual hauling space for gear?

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is the undisputed champion for enclosed cargo, offering a massive 19.1 cu ft of space. The 2025 Honda Ridgeline's cargo capacity is significantly smaller at only 7.3 cu ft.

Does the difference in horsepower matter between these two models?

The Palisade technically has slightly more power with 287 hp compared to the Ridgeline's 280 hp. However, the Ridgeline counters with higher torque (262 lb-ft vs. 260 lb-ft) and an extra gear in its transmission.

How do the physical sizes of the vehicles compare?

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline is longer, measuring 210.2 inches from bumper to bumper, whereas the 2026 Hyundai Palisade is shorter at 199.2 inches. This difference of 11 inches makes the Palisade slightly more manageable in tight parking situations.

Which car is cheaper to purchase initially?

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade holds the initial price advantage, starting at an MSRP of $39,435. The 2025 Honda Ridgeline starts its pricing approximately $715 higher at $40,150.