Are you struggling to choose between the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander? At COMPARE.EDU.VN, we offer a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision. We explore everything from fuel efficiency to safety features, ensuring you find the best SUV for your needs, whether you’re looking for a family vehicle, off-road adventure, or advanced safety features.
1. Honda Pilot Vs Toyota Highlander: Price And Trims
What Are The Price Ranges For The Honda Pilot And Toyota Highlander?
The base Honda Pilot Sport starts at approximately $41,500, while the base Toyota Highlander LE is priced at $40,500. The Grand Highlander XLE starts around $46,500. For the best value, consider the Honda Pilot EX-L at $45,000 or the Toyota Grand Highlander XLE. When assessing price and trims, consider the features you get at each level. The Pilot Sport offers a robust set of standard features suitable for everyday driving. The Highlander LE provides a budget-friendly option without compromising essential amenities. COMPARE.EDU.VN recommends considering the EX-L and XLE trims for the best balance of features and price.
2. Which Toyota Highlander Model Should I Buy?
What Are The Key Differences Between The Toyota Highlander And Grand Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander lineup presents two distinct models: the Highlander, reminiscent of the Sienna minivan without sliding doors, and the Grand Highlander, which is 6.5 inches longer and offers more luxurious features at a higher price point, venturing into Lexus territory. The Highlander is the value-driven option, especially in its hybrid form, offering a balance of affordability and practicality. The Grand Highlander, on the other hand, emphasizes space, comfort, and advanced features, appealing to those seeking a premium experience. When choosing between the two, consider your priorities. Do you value affordability and fuel efficiency? The Highlander is a solid choice. Need more space and upscale features? The Grand Highlander is worth the investment.
2.1. What Are The Base Features Of The Toyota Highlander LE?
The base $40,515 Toyota Highlander LE includes seating for eight passengers, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a power driver seat, a power tailgate, cloth upholstery, and numerous active safety features. This package provides a solid foundation for everyday driving needs.
2.2. What Warranty And Service Packages Does Toyota Offer For The Highlander?
Toyota backs either Highlander with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty, complemented by two years or 25,000 miles of scheduled service. This coverage provides peace of mind and helps reduce maintenance costs during the initial ownership period.
2.3. How Much Does All-Wheel Drive And Hybrid Options Cost For The Toyota Highlander?
Adding all-wheel drive costs $1,600 across the Highlander lineup, and opting for the hybrid version adds another $1,600. For the best value and lowest cost of ownership, the $42,115 Highlander LE Hybrid is a great choice.
2.4. Which Toyota Highlander Trim Offers The Best Features?
In either the Highlander or Grand Highlander, the XLE trim offers the best features, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen with a wireless smartphone charger, power front seats with heating and synthetic leather, and a panoramic sunroof. It’s $45,265 as a Highlander Hybrid AWD or $1,150 more as a similarly equipped Grand Highlander. Considering the slight price difference, the extra space of the Grand Highlander is often worth it.
2.5. How Does The Grand Highlander’s Hybrid Powertrain Compare In Price?
The Grand Highlander can be optioned with a more potent hybrid powertrain, costing just under $60,000 in the top Platinum trim. This price point might be too high for most Highlander buyers.
3. Which Honda Pilot Model Should I Buy?
What Are The Key Features And Options Available For The Honda Pilot?
The Honda Pilot lineup offers a range of trims, each with its own set of features and capabilities. The Pilot Sport starts at $41,295, including destination fees, and offers seating for eight, heated and power-adjustable front seats, and four USB ports. For those seeking more premium features, the Pilot EX-L at $44,595 includes leather upholstery, wireless smartphone charging, and a 9.0-inch touchscreen. The TrailSport and Elite models cater to off-road enthusiasts and luxury seekers, respectively. Consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing a Pilot trim. The Pilot Sport is a solid base model, while the EX-L balances features and value. The TrailSport offers enhanced off-road capabilities, and the Elite provides top-of-the-line luxury.
3.1. What Are The Standard Features Of The Honda Pilot Sport?
The Pilot Sport starts at $41,295, including the same $1,395 destination fee as the Highlanders. It comes similarly equipped as the base Highlander, with seating for eight, heated and power-adjustable front seats, four USB ports, but it has a 7.0-inch touchscreen with wired Android and Apple smartphone compatibility. It rolls on 20-inch black wheels that appeal to SUV shoppers.
3.2. What Warranty And Service Packages Does Honda Offer For The Pilot?
Honda’s 3-year/36,000-mile warranty lacks any scheduled maintenance, giving Toyota an edge on base model value, and also for the all-wheel-drive upcharge.
3.3. How Much Does All-Wheel Drive Cost For The Honda Pilot?
All-wheel drive adds $2,100 to the Pilot, except on the $50,495 TrailSport, the $54,175 Elite, and the $55,675 Black Edition, where it is standard.
3.4. Which Honda Pilot Trim Offers The Best Features For The Price?
The $44,595 Pilot EX-L combines the best features for the price, with leather upholstery, wireless smartphone charging, a 9.0-inch touchscreen, a power tailgate, and for $300, swaps its middle bench seat for captain’s chairs.
4. Advantage: Toyota Highlander
Which Model Offers Better Value Overall?
Considering all factors, the Toyota Highlander offers better value, especially in its hybrid form. The Grand Highlander Hybrid XLE AWD is a particularly compelling choice due to its combination of space, features, and fuel efficiency. While the Honda Pilot offers competitive features and a rugged design, the Highlander’s hybrid options and lower cost of ownership give it the edge. Both models have their strengths, but the Highlander’s versatility and value make it a standout choice for many buyers. When making your decision, consider factors like fuel efficiency, space requirements, and desired features. If fuel economy is a top priority, the Highlander Hybrid is the clear winner. If you need maximum space, the Grand Highlander is the better option.
5. Highlander Vs Pilot: Interior And Exterior Design
How Do The Exterior Designs Of The Highlander And Pilot Differ?
The Toyota Highlander comes in two distinct body styles: the standard Highlander, with its sleek, minivan-like design, and the Grand Highlander, which offers a more sophisticated and spacious appearance. The Honda Pilot embraces a rugged, retro style, setting it apart from the homogenous crossover SUV segment. The standard Highlander features a body bulge over the rear fender, similar to the Sienna minivan, while the Grand Highlander has smooth body sides, boxy fenders, and a calmer front fascia. The Pilot boasts a honeycomb grille, thin LED headlights, and beefy fenders, evoking the original Honda Passport and Isuzu Rodeo.
5.1. Is The Toyota Highlander A Good-Looking Suv?
The standard Highlander features a body bulge that swoops up over the rear fender, similar to the Sienna minivan but without the sliding doors. Its brash upper and lower grilles pout as if expressing displeasure in rearview mirrors. Measuring 6.5 inches longer, 2.3 inches wider, and 2.0 inches taller than the Highlander, the Grand Highlander doesn’t try as hard to assert itself in the homogenous bloat of three-row crossover SUVs.
5.2. How Does The Interior Design Compare Between The Highlander Models?
Inside, both models prioritize smart storage spaces, such as a passenger shelf for smartphones above the glove box. The Grand Highlander has an open bridge console for more storage space and an electronic gear shifter that takes up less space than the mechanical shifter in the Highlander. Either model can be equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen that dominates the dash.
5.3. Is The Honda Pilot A Good-Looking Car?
The Honda Pilot embraces some rugged retro style to make it emerge from the bloated segment. Longer and wider than its predecessor, the Pilot has a honeycomb grille and wedgy, thin LED headlights supported by C-shaped air intakes.
5.4. How Is The Honda Pilot’s Interior Designed?
The Pilot interior takes a clean approach to design that’s more subdued than the Highlander, in part because the touchscreen maxes out at 9.0 inches. Honda includes buttons and knobs for audio and climate control. Pockets for smartphones, a wireless charging pad, and twin-needle stitching dress up various versions.
6. Advantage: Pilot TrailSport> Grand Highlander> Pilot> Highlander.
Which Model Has The Most Appealing Design?
The Pilot TrailSport stands out with its rugged, retro styling, followed closely by the Grand Highlander’s sophisticated design. The standard Pilot offers a clean and functional design, while the Highlander’s appearance is less distinctive. The Pilot TrailSport appeals to those seeking a more adventurous and visually striking SUV. The Grand Highlander provides a more refined and upscale look. Consider your personal style and preferences when evaluating the exterior designs. The Pilot TrailSport is ideal for those who want a rugged and capable SUV, while the Grand Highlander is better suited for those seeking a luxurious and sophisticated vehicle. The standard Pilot offers a balanced and practical design.
7. Pilot Vs Highlander: Size, Seating Comfort, And Cargo Capacity
How Do The Highlander And Pilot Compare In Terms Of Interior Space?
The Grand Highlander is the roomiest and most spacious for passengers. The Honda Pilot has better slide and fold flexibility, as well as a removable middle seat in the second row, and its second- and third-row seats are easier to fold down. All three models have three seats in the third row.
7.1. How Big Is The Toyota Highlander?
The Grand Highlander is 201.4 inches long, with a 116.1-inch wheelbase, while the Highlander is 194.9 inches long, with a 112.2-inch wheelbase. Grand Highlander cargo room measures 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 97.5 cubic feet with both rear rows flat. The Highlander offers 16.0/48.4/84.3 cubic feet of cargo space.
7.2. What Are The Key Interior Space Differences Between The Highlander And Grand Highlander?
The primary difference between the Highlander and Grand Highlander is interior space. Both can seat eight passengers, but the Grand Highlander comes standard with captain’s chairs. The Grand Highlander offers 33.5 inches of third-row legroom compared to 27.7 inches in the standard Highlander.
7.3. How Comfortable Are The Rear Seats In The Highlander Models?
In both hybrid and gas-only models, the second-row seats sit about four inches higher than the floor, extending to the third-row floor. In the wayback, passengers’ knees sit higher, which could tire out hips and legs on long trips.
7.4. How Easy Is It To Fold Down The Seats In The Toyota Highlander?
Pull straps that collapse the headrest from the cargo area make folding the 60/40-split third row easy, but the latches on the top of the second-row seats could be challenging for smaller hands, especially compared to the simple push-button operation of the Pilot.
7.5. How Big Is The Honda Pilot?
The Honda Pilot stretches out to 199.9 inches long, with a 113.8-inch wheelbase. Cargo space measures out to 18.6/48.5/87.0 cubic feet. Second-row legroom is 40.8 inches, and third-row legroom is 32.5 inches.
7.6. How Many Passengers Can The Honda Pilot Hold?
The Pilot can hold up to eight passengers, with room for luggage. While not as large as the Grand Highlander, it offers more room in all three rows than the standard Highlander.
7.7. What Are The Comfort Features In The Honda Pilot?
Front passengers get supportive seats with power adjustment that, on all but the base version, also come with lumbar support and heating. Leather upholstery is available, and so is a wireless smartphone charger that sits ahead of the shift lever. Like the Highlander, the Pilot molds a storage shelf in front of the passenger for their smartphone and sunglasses.
7.8. What Seating Options Are Available In The Second Row Of The Honda Pilot?
In row two, the Pilot offers a bench seat split into three sections. On EX-L trims and above, twin captain’s chairs are available. Touring and Elite versions have a removable middle seat that either collapses into a console or can be stowed in the cargo floor.
8. Advantage: Grand Highlander.
Which Model Offers Superior Interior Space And Comfort?
The Grand Highlander excels in interior space and comfort, particularly in the third row. While the Honda Pilot offers flexible seating options and decent legroom, the Grand Highlander’s larger dimensions provide a more comfortable experience for all passengers.
9. Toyota Highlander Vs Honda Pilot: Towing, Off-Road, And Performance
How Do These SUVs Perform In Towing And Off-Road Conditions?
The Toyota Highlander offers three engine options, including two hybrid choices, while the Pilot offers only a 285-hp V-6. Both models max out at 5,000 pounds for towing. The Highlander provides a range of powertrain options, including fuel-efficient hybrids and a turbo-4, catering to diverse driving needs. The Pilot’s V-6 engine delivers adequate power and smooth performance. The Pilot TrailSport model enhances off-road capability with hill descent control and all-terrain tires. If you prioritize fuel efficiency and diverse engine options, the Highlander is a better choice. If you value a straightforward powertrain with decent towing capacity and some off-road capability, the Pilot is worth considering.
9.1. How Fast Is The Honda Pilot? Is It 4Wd?
Front-wheel drive comes on Sport, EX-L, and Touring, but the available all-wheel-drive system is standard on TrailSport, Elite, and Black Edition. The Pilot TrailSport uses standard hill descent control to help control the vehicle on downhill treks.
9.2. How Does The Honda Pilot Perform On The Road?
A revamped 3.5-liter V-6 produces 285 hp and 262 lb-ft. Coupled with a seamless 10-speed automatic, the Pilot delivers plenty of power, reaching 0-60 mph in less than seven seconds. The ride and handling are also notable, with responsive steering.
9.3. Is The Toyota Highlander 4Wd?
The Highlander and Grand Highlander come standard with front-wheel drive, while the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max comes standard with all-wheel drive. Hybrid models with AWD add a third motor powering the rear axle when needed.
9.4. How Does The Toyota Highlander Handle In Different Driving Conditions?
Limited and Platinum gas Highlanders have torque vectoring across the rear axle for more precise power delivery and better handling. The hybrid powertrain exclusive to the Grand Highlander uses a full-time all-wheel-drive system that shifts torque based on driver inputs and modes.
9.5. How Fast Is The Toyota Highlander?
The 2.5-liter inline-4 hybrid with two front motor generators makes 243 hp and 175 lb-ft, getting to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds. Base versions share a 2.4-liter turbo-4 that makes 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Hybrid Max powertrain pairs the 2.4-liter turbo-4 with two motors, making 362 hp and 400 lb-ft, hitting 60 mph in 6.3 seconds.
10. Advantage: Draw. The Pilot’s Smoother But The Grand Highlander Has Much More Power.
Which Model Offers Superior Performance?
The Honda Pilot offers a smoother driving experience with its refined V-6 engine and responsive handling. However, the Grand Highlander provides significantly more power, especially with its Hybrid Max powertrain.
11. Honda Pilot Vs Highlander Fuel Economy
How Do The Fuel Efficiencies Compare Between The Highlander And Pilot?
The Highlander hybrid tops out at 36 mpg combined (35 mpg with AWD), while the Grand Highlander hybrid checks in at 34 mpg combined. The Grand Highlander Hybrid Max aspires for 27 mpg combined, and the Honda Pilot maxes out at 22 mpg combined. For those prioritizing fuel efficiency, the Highlander hybrid models are the clear winners. The Grand Highlander Hybrid Max offers a balance of power and efficiency. The Honda Pilot, while offering decent performance, lags behind in fuel economy. Consider your typical driving conditions and fuel costs when making your decision. If you drive primarily in the city, the Highlander hybrid’s excellent fuel economy will save you money. If you need more power and don’t mind sacrificing some fuel efficiency, the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max is a good option.
11.1. Is The Toyota Highlander Good On Gas?
The base turbo-4 is rated at 22 mpg city, 29 highway, 25 combined with front-wheel drive, or 21/28/24 mpg in AWD. In hybrid form, the Highlander earns EPA ratings of 36/35/36 mpg with front-wheel drive, or 35/35/35 mpg with all-wheel drive. The larger Grand Highlander rates at 36/32/34 mpg, regardless of FWD or AWD. With standard AWD, the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max maxes out at 26/27/27 mpg.
11.2. Is The Honda Pilot Good On Gas?
The Honda Pilot has an EPA rating of 19/27/22 mpg with FWD or 19/25/21 mpg with all-wheel drive. The TrailSport model and its all-terrain tires lower it to 20 mpg combined.
12. Advantage: The Highlander, Across The Board.
Which Model Is More Fuel-Efficient Overall?
The Toyota Highlander is more fuel-efficient across the board, particularly in its hybrid configurations. The Highlander’s superior fuel economy makes it a more economical choice for daily driving and long trips.
13. Highlander Vs Pilot Safety
How Do The Safety Features And Ratings Compare?
All three models earn 5-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. Standard driver-assist tech includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, active lane control, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitors. The Grand Highlander can be equipped with a hands-free system operational in traffic jam situations. Both models offer a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. The Grand Highlander’s available hands-free driving system provides an added layer of convenience and safety in certain driving conditions.
13.1. How Safe Are The Toyota Highlander And Honda Pilot?
In addition to the standard safety features, most Highlanders and Pilots can be upgraded with parking sensors, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system. A limited hands-free driving system for stop-and-go traffic at speeds under 25 mph is offered via subscription on the Grand Highlander.
14. Advantage: Draw.
Which Model Offers Superior Safety?
Both the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot offer excellent safety features and ratings, making them equally safe choices for families.
15. Which Is Better: Honda Pilot Or Toyota Highlander?
How Do The Overall Ratings And Recommendations Compare?
The Grand Highlander’s larger size and roomier cabin stand above the standard Highlander, but the two hybrid options give both models an edge over the Honda Pilot with a TCC Rating of 7.0 out of 10. Limited to just a V-6 option, the Pilot can’t match the efficient options of the Highlander, but it’s similarly well equipped, earning a TCC Rating of 6.8 out of 10. The Grand Highlander emerges as the superior choice, offering a combination of space, efficiency, and features that surpasses both the standard Highlander and the Honda Pilot.
16. Winner: The Toyota Grand Highlander.
Which Model Is The Overall Winner?
The Toyota Grand Highlander is the overall winner, offering a compelling combination of space, comfort, fuel efficiency, and advanced features. The Grand Highlander is ideal for families seeking a spacious and versatile SUV.
Choosing between the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander (including the Grand Highlander) depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:
Toyota Grand Highlander:
- Pros:
- Superior interior space and comfort
- More powerful engine options, especially the Hybrid Max
- Excellent safety ratings
- Cons:
- Higher price point
- Hybrid Max fuel economy may not meet expectations
Toyota Highlander:
- Pros:
- Better fuel efficiency, especially the hybrid models
- More affordable than the Grand Highlander
- Excellent safety ratings
- Cons:
- Less interior space than the Grand Highlander
- Less distinctive design
Honda Pilot:
- Pros:
- Rugged, retro styling, especially the TrailSport
- Smooth driving experience
- Flexible seating options
- Cons:
- Lower fuel economy
- Limited engine options
Before making a final decision, visit COMPARE.EDU.VN to explore more comparisons and reviews. Whether you prioritize space, fuel efficiency, or rugged styling, COMPARE.EDU.VN provides the resources you need to make an informed choice.
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FAQ: Honda Pilot Vs Toyota Highlander
1. What Are The Main Differences Between Honda Pilot And Toyota Highlander?
The main differences lie in engine options, fuel efficiency, and interior space. The Highlander offers hybrid options and better fuel economy, while the Grand Highlander provides more interior space. The Pilot has a V-6 engine and a rugged design.
2. Which Is More Fuel-Efficient, Honda Pilot Or Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander, especially in its hybrid form, is more fuel-efficient than the Honda Pilot.
3. Which Has More Cargo Space, Honda Pilot Or Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Grand Highlander offers the most cargo space, followed by the Honda Pilot. The standard Toyota Highlander has the least cargo space of the three.
4. Which Is Safer, Honda Pilot Or Toyota Highlander?
Both the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander have excellent safety ratings, making them equally safe choices.
5. What Is The Starting Price Of The Honda Pilot And Toyota Highlander?
The base Honda Pilot Sport starts at approximately $41,500, while the base Toyota Highlander LE is priced at $40,500.
6. Which Model Is Better For Off-Roading, Honda Pilot Or Toyota Highlander?
The Honda Pilot TrailSport is better for off-roading due to its standard hill descent control and all-terrain tires.
7. What Are The Key Features Of The Toyota Grand Highlander?
Key features include a spacious interior, available hybrid powertrain, and advanced safety technologies.
8. Does The Honda Pilot Offer A Hybrid Option?
No, the Honda Pilot does not offer a hybrid option. It is only available with a V-6 engine.
9. Which Model Has A Better Resale Value, Honda Pilot Or Toyota Highlander?
Historically, both Toyota and Honda vehicles hold their value well, but Toyota generally has a slight edge.
10. Where Can I Find More Detailed Comparisons And Reviews?
Visit compare.edu.vn for more detailed comparisons and reviews to help you make an informed decision.
