2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL vs 2025 Honda Pilot Touring

$17,535 less and 5 mpg better vs 98 more hp and 84 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $17,535 price gap, 187 vs 285 hp, 26 vs 21 MPG.

The short answer

The Tucson SEL leads on $17,535 less, 5 MPG better. The Pilot Touring leads on 98 more hp, 84 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 6 specifications head to head.

$17,535
Price Gap
98 HP
HP Diff
5 MPG
Efficiency Diff
Lower price
2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL
Starts at $32,065
VS
Higher price
2025 Honda Pilot Touring
Starts at $49,600

Key Differences at a Glance

Engine
2.5L I4
vs
3.5L V6
Horsepower
187 hp
vs
285 hp
Torque
178 lb-ft
vs
262 lb-ft
Fuel Economy
26 MPG combined
vs
21 MPG combined
Curb Weight
3,640 lbs
vs
4,625 lbs

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 6 specifications.

MSRP
$32,065Tucson SEL
$49,600Pilot Touring
Engine
2.5L I4Tucson SEL
3.5L V6Pilot Touring
Horsepower
187 hpTucson SEL
285 hpPilot Touring
Torque
178 lb-ftTucson SEL
262 lb-ftPilot Touring
Transmission
8-speed shiftable automaticTucson SEL
10-speed shiftable automaticPilot Touring
City MPG
24Tucson SEL
19Pilot Touring
Highway MPG
30Tucson SEL
25Pilot Touring
Combined MPG
26Tucson SEL
21Pilot Touring
Fuel Tank
14.3 galTucson SEL
18.5 galPilot Touring
Curb Weight
3,640 lbsTucson SEL
4,625 lbsPilot Touring
Wheelbase
108.5"Tucson SEL
113.8"Pilot Touring
Length
182.7"Tucson SEL
199.9"Pilot Touring
Width
73.4"Tucson SEL
78.5"Pilot Touring
Height
66.3"Tucson SEL
71.0"Pilot Touring
Bumper-to-Bumper
5yr/60kTucson SEL
3yr/36kPilot Touring
Powertrain
10yr/100kTucson SEL
5yr/60kPilot Touring
Corrosion
7yr/unlimitedTucson SEL
5yr/unlimitedPilot Touring
Roadside Assistance
5yr/unlimitedTucson SEL
3yr/36kPilot Touring

Full Specification Comparison

Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.

Spec2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL2025 Honda Pilot Touring
Pricing
MSRP$32,065$49,600
Powertrain
Engine2.5L I43.5L V6
Horsepower187 hp285 hp
Torque178 lb-ft262 lb-ft
Transmission8-speed shiftable automatic10-speed shiftable automatic
DrivetrainAWDAWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG2419
Highway MPG3025
Combined MPG2621
Fuel Tank14.3 gal18.5 gal
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)$1,700/yrNo published data
Dimensions
Curb Weight3,640 lbs4,625 lbs
Wheelbase108.5"113.8"
Length182.7"199.9"
Width73.4"78.5"
Height66.3"71.0"
Safety
NHTSA Overall5/5 stars5/5 stars
IIHS AwardNo published dataTSP
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper5yr/60k3yr/36k
Powertrain10yr/100k5yr/60k
Corrosion7yr/unlimited5yr/unlimited
Roadside Assistance5yr/unlimited3yr/36k

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL and 2025 Honda Pilot Touring?

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL starts at $32,065, $17,535 less than the 2025 Honda Pilot Touring at $49,600. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $308/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL?

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL is the stronger pick when you want to keep $17,535 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $385/year less on fuel; you prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver.

Who should choose the 2025 Honda Pilot Touring?

The 2025 Honda Pilot Touring is the stronger pick when the extra 98 hp matters for your commute or driving style; you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL or 2025 Honda Pilot Touring?

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL rates 26 combined MPG, 5 MPG ahead.

Which is more powerful, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL or 2025 Honda Pilot Touring?

The 2025 Honda Pilot Touring produces 285 hp, 98 more than the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL at 187 hp. The 2025 Honda Pilot Touring also leads in torque at 262 lb-ft vs 178 lb-ft. The 2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL runs a 2.5L I4; the 2025 Honda Pilot Touring uses a 3.5L V6.

Is the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL bigger than the 2025 Honda Pilot Touring?

The 2025 Honda Pilot Touring is 17.2″ longer at 199.9″ vs 182.7″. The 2025 Honda Pilot Touring has a 5.3″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.

How do the warranties compare?

The Hyundai Tucson comes with 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. The Honda Pilot offers 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.

Explore more: Hyundai trims, Hyundai Tucson trims, Honda trims, Honda Pilot trims

Official sources

How the Tucson and Pilot Stack Up

Two compact SUVs, two different takes on daily versatility. The 2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL ($32,065) and 2025 Honda Pilot Touring ($49,600) solve similar problems in different ways. The $17,535 gap adds up to $308/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.

Powertrain: Tucson vs Pilot

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL runs a 2.5L I4; the 2025 Honda Pilot Touring uses a 3.5L V6. The 2025 Honda Pilot Touring has 98 more hp (285 vs 187). You will feel the difference merging, passing, and driving with a full car. The 2025 Honda Pilot Touring adds 84 more lb-ft of torque (262 vs 178), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. Both use AWD.

What It Actually Costs to Own

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL saves roughly $385/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $1,925. The 2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL wins on both sticker price and running costs, making it the stronger value on paper.

Size, Space, and Daily Reality

The 2025 Honda Pilot Touring is 17.2″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages. The 2025 Honda Pilot Touring has a 5.3″ longer wheelbase, typically meaning a smoother ride and more rear-seat legroom. The 2025 Honda Pilot Touring weighs 985 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.

Which One Should You Buy?

Choose the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL when you want to keep $17,535 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SEL covers your needs. Choose the 2025 Honda Pilot Touring when the extra 98 hp matters for your commute or driving style. At $308/month more, the 2025 Honda Pilot Touring needs to earn that gap with something you use weekly.

Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Hyundai or Honda or any dealership.

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