2026 Hyundai Palisade SE vs 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L
This is not a spec comparison. It is a decision about whether you need a midsize SUV or a minivan. Key numbers: $1,360 price gap, 287 vs 280 hp, 20 vs 22 MPG.
The Palisade SE leads on $1,360 less, AWD. The Odyssey EX-L leads on 2 MPG better. The spec table compares 6 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 6 specifications.
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.
| Spec | 2026 Hyundai Palisade SE | 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $41,435 | $42,795 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 287 hp | 280 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 18 | 19 |
| Highway MPG | 24 | 28 |
| Combined MPG | 20 | 22 |
| Fuel Tank | 19.0 gal | 19.5 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | No published data | $2,000/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,575 lbs | 4,526 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 116.9" | 118.1" |
| Length | 199.2" | 205.2" |
| Width | 78.0" | 78.5" |
| Height | 69.5" | 69.6" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | No published data | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP | No published data |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 7yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited | 3yr/36k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2026 Hyundai Palisade SE and 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L?
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade SE starts at $41,435, $1,360 less than the 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L at $42,795. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $24/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2026 Hyundai Palisade SE?
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade SE is the stronger pick when you want to keep $1,360 in your pocket and the 2026 Hyundai Palisade SE covers your needs; you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted; your priority is passenger space and cargo flexibility.
Who should choose the 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L?
The 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L is the stronger pick when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $191/year less on fuel; your priority is maximum passenger and cargo room.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade SE or 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L?
The 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L rates 22 combined MPG, 2 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade SE or 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L?
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade SE produces 287 hp, 7 more than the 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L at 280 hp. The 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L also leads in torque at 262 lb-ft vs 260 lb-ft. Drivetrains differ too: AWD on the 2026 Hyundai Palisade SE, FWD on the 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L.
Is the 2026 Hyundai Palisade SE bigger than the 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L?
The 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L is 6.0″ longer at 205.2″ vs 199.2″. The 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L has a 1.2″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom. Keep in mind these are different vehicle types (midsize SUV vs minivan), so interior layout and cargo access are fundamentally different.
Do the 2026 Hyundai Palisade SE and 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2026 Hyundai Palisade SE comes with AWD, while the 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L uses FWD. If you drive in snow, heavy rain, or on unpaved roads, the all-wheel or four-wheel drive option provides better traction. If you mostly drive on dry pavement, the two-wheel drive option saves fuel.
Can I cross-shop a midsize SUV against a minivan?
Yes, and many buyers do. A midsize SUV and a minivan solve different problems, so the comparison is less about specs and more about lifestyle. Think about what you need most: cargo room and passenger space. The spec table above helps you compare the numbers, but a test drive is where you will feel the difference in daily use.
How do the warranties compare?
The Hyundai Palisade comes with 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. The Honda Odyssey 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 Palisade trims, Honda trims, Honda Odyssey trims
Palisade vs Odyssey: What This Matchup Is Really About
A midsize SUV against a minivan is not a typical matchup, but buyers with flexible needs compare them more often than you might think. The 2026 Hyundai Palisade SE ($41,435) and 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L ($42,795) solve different problems at similar price points. The $1,360 gap is about $24/month on a 60-month loan. Noticeable but not dramatic enough to be the deciding factor on its own.
Under the Hood
Both run the same 3.5L V6 engine. The 7 hp difference (287 vs 280) is marginal in daily driving. The 2026 Hyundai Palisade SE comes with AWD; the 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L uses FWD. If you deal with snow, rain, or gravel roads, that traction advantage matters.
Running Costs: Palisade vs Odyssey
The 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L saves roughly $191/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $955. The fuel savings help offset the higher sticker price, but it takes roughly 7.1 years to break even. Most buyers will not hold the vehicle that long.
How Each One Fits Your Daily Life
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade SE is designed around passenger space, cargo flexibility, and a higher seating position. The 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L is built to move the most people and cargo in the most space. These are fundamentally different vehicles, so the comparison comes down to what job you need done, not which one is objectively better.
Bottom Line
Choose the 2026 Hyundai Palisade SE when you want to keep $1,360 in your pocket and the 2026 Hyundai Palisade SE covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $191/year less on fuel. At $24/month apart, the price difference alone will not decide this.
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.