Honda Pilot vs Hyundai Santa-FE

Verdict: Honda Pilot vs Hyundai Santa-FE

In the midsize SUV segment, the Hyundai Santa Fe slightly edges out the Honda Pilot in terms of reliability, with a higher average reliability score of 79/100 compared to the Pilot's 74/100. The Santa Fe also has a lower owner complaint rate at 8 per 10,000 units sold, whereas the Pilot has 9.1. Although the Santa Fe has experienced more recalls (60 compared to the Pilot's 51), it offsets this with a marginally lower estimated annual repair cost of $515 versus $542 for the Pilot. Both vehicles share similar common issues, but the Santa Fe's overall reliability metrics suggest a slight advantage.

Reliability problem analysis

The Honda Pilot and Hyundai Santa-FE exhibit distinct problem profiles in terms of reliability. The Honda Pilot shows a higher concentration of complaints in the electrical system (632 complaints, 7 crash-linked) and forward collision avoidance (147 complaints, 3 crash-linked), indicating potential concerns in these areas. Conversely, the Hyundai Santa-FE faces more challenges with its engine (321 complaints) and power train (269 complaints, 9 crash-linked), pointing to mechanical reliability issues. Notably, the Santa-FE has a higher number of crash-linked complaints in service brakes (11) compared to the Pilot's 9, suggesting a more significant safety concern in this category for the Santa-FE.

Which one to buy

If you prioritize lower running costs and a slightly higher reliability score, the Hyundai Santa Fe might be the better choice for you. With an estimated annual repair cost of $515 and a repair frequency of 0.2 per year, it offers a more economical maintenance outlook. Additionally, the Santa Fe has a lower major repair risk at 10% and fewer owner complaints per 10,000 sold, at 8. Despite having more recalls, the overall data suggests a slightly more dependable experience.

On the other hand, if you are drawn to a vehicle with fewer recalls and are less concerned about minor differences in reliability scores, the Honda Pilot could be suitable. It has fewer total recalls at 51 and a repair frequency of 0.5 per year. While the Pilot's major repair risk is slightly higher at 13%, it still offers a robust performance with an annual repair cost of $542. Consider the Pilot if you value a proven track record in addressing fewer recall issues.

Cost of ownership

The Honda Pilot incurs an annual repair cost of $542, translating to a $135 difference over five years compared to the Hyundai Santa Fe's $515 yearly expense. While the Pilot visits the shop 0.5 times annually, the Santa Fe requires attention only 0.2 times a year, indicating a less frequent need for repairs. Furthermore, the Pilot has a 13% risk of major repairs, slightly higher than the Santa Fe's 10%. For cost-conscious buyers, the Santa Fe presents a more economical choice, offering lower annual costs and reduced repair frequency, coupled with a decreased likelihood of significant repair issues.