Both of these crossover SUVs are great choices for families. The CR-V is often the Honda SUV competing with the Hyundai Tucson due to its more similar price range. However, if you go back a model year for the Pilot, they are suddenly in a more even playing field.

The 2019 Pilot is the same as the 2020 Pilot, except for the Black Edition trim

The minor update that the Honda Pilot got for 2020 was in its new Black Edition trim. Other than that, it remains essentially the same as the 2019 model year. On CarGurus, you can find a 2019 Pilot with just over 6 thousand miles, in the Touring trim for around 35 grand. That same Pilot in the 2020 model year has an msrp hovering just under 45 grand. Like the 2019 Honda Pilot, a fully loaded 2020 Hyundai Tucson is in the 35 grand range, making the two highly comparable.

For 2019, Honda added standard safety features like forward collision warning, collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, road departure mitigation, and lane keep assist. Honda also added wireless phone charging in 2018. There weren’t really any notable changes for the 2018 model year, but in 2017, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were finally available for the Honda Pilot.

Third row seats

This is one of the biggest differences between the Honda Pilot and the Hyundai Tucson. The Honda Pilot is larger to accommodate its third row. That’s a key element that sets these two crossovers apart; the Honda Pilot is midsize, the Hyundai Tucson is in the compact category. But they are both crossovers. One of the reasons the 2019 Honda Pilot is better than the 2020 Hyundai Tucson is that, for around the same price, it’s possible to upsize a bit to the third row set up. Even if you don’t plan to use that third row –– fold the seats down and you’ve got a ton of bonus cargo space.

Power and performance

Another reason buyers may want to opt for the 2019 Pilot instead of the 2020 Tucson is the increased power you get from the Honda crossover. Even if the Hyundai Tucson’s upgraded to the available 181-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder, it can’t compete with the Honda Pilot’s 280-horsepower V6. According to US News and World Report, each crossover SUV lends a smooth and comfortable ride. But the Honda crossover has “more than enough power” for both city and highway driving, The Hyundai Crossover on the other hand, feels “lethargic on the highway.”

Cargo

It’s no secret that the 2020 Hyundai Tucson is lacking a bit in the cargo department. Though it’s not terrible with the back seat down, when the Tucson has the rear seats up the rear cargo is pretty tight. There’s 31 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 61.9 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. The 2019 Honda Pilot on the other hand has ample cargo space, as can be expected from the upsize. The Pilot’s cargo behind the third row is 16.5 cubic feet, but if you fold down the third row you get a nice 46.8 cubic feet, without back seats it has a total of 83.9 cubic feet. It also has a lot of cool storage solutions and cubbies throughout.

Exceptional visibility

As far as the visibility goes, Car and Driver says it perfectly. “The Pilot’s high seating position makes for a commanding view of the road, while large windows and thin, unobtrusive roof pillars make for best-in-class visibility.” Best in class visibility isn’t something that should be take lightly. Especially when cars.com reported that the Tucson ties for worst visibility in its class.

Is the 2019 Honda Pilot better than the 2020 Hyundai Tucson?

They boast similar fuel efficiency and, though the Honda Pilot is a third row family hauler, they are both options for someone looking for a good SUV. Many may lean toward the Hyundai Tucson because it’s not as expensive. But if you go for the 2019 Honda Pilot, the price gets lower. And, for the five reasons listed here, the 2019 Honda Pilot is better than the 2020 Hyundai Tucson.