Comparing the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander? COMPARE.EDU.VN provides a detailed comparison, highlighting key differences and similarities to help you make an informed decision. These three-row SUVs offer ample space and versatility for families, but understanding their strengths and weaknesses is crucial. Explore our comprehensive breakdown to find the best fit for your needs, considering factors like fuel efficiency, interior space, and performance capabilities.
1. Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Highlander: Price and Trims
Which SUV gives you the most for your money? Let’s examine the base prices and some recommended trims:
- Base Pilot Sport: Approximately $41,500
- Base Toyota Highlander LE: Roughly $40,500
- Base Grand Highlander XLE: Around $46,500
- Best Picks: Honda Pilot EX-L for $45,000; Toyota Grand Highlander XLE
1.1 Which Toyota Highlander Should You Buy?
Are you torn between the Highlander and the Grand Highlander? The Highlander serves as a minivan alternative without sliding doors, while the Grand Highlander is 6.5 inches longer, offering luxury akin to a Lexus at a higher price.
The Highlander excels in value against both the Grand Highlander and the Pilot, particularly the hybrid version.
The base $40,515 Highlander LE (including destination fee) offers seating for eight, 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.
Toyota supports each Highlander with a standard 3-year/36,000-mile warranty, supplemented by two years or 25,000 miles of scheduled maintenance.
All-wheel drive adds $1,600 across the Highlander lineup, with an additional $1,600 for the hybrid option. The $42,115 Highlander LE Hybrid provides the best value and lowest ownership cost. Other trims include Nightshade, XSE, XLE, XLE Nightshade, Limited, and Platinum, with the Platinum AWD hybrid reaching $54,520. Considering the Grand Highlander costs only about $500 more, upgrading to the Grand is advisable.
For both Highlander and Grand Highlander, the XLE trim offers the best feature set, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone charger, heated power front seats with synthetic leather, and a panoramic sunroof. The Highlander Hybrid AWD costs $45,265, while a similarly equipped Grand Highlander is $1,150 more. The added space of the Grand Highlander justifies the extra cost.
The Grand Highlander’s more potent hybrid powertrain, available in the top Platinum trim for just under $60,000, might exceed the budget for most Highlander shoppers.
1.2 Which Honda Pilot Should You Buy?
Starting at $41,295 (including the same $1,395 destination fee as the Highlanders), the Pilot Sport has comparable features to the base Highlander: seating for eight, heated and power-adjustable front seats, four USB ports, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen with wired Android and Apple smartphone compatibility. It also features 20-inch black wheels. Honda’s 3-year/36,000-mile warranty lacks scheduled maintenance.
Toyota holds the edge in base model value and all-wheel-drive upcharge. All-wheel drive costs $2,100 on the Pilot, except for the $50,495 TrailSport, $54,175 Elite, and $55,675 Black Edition, where it comes standard.
The $44,595 Pilot EX-L provides the best features for the price, including leather upholstery, wireless smartphone charging, a 9.0-inch touchscreen, a power tailgate, and optional captain’s chairs instead of a middle bench seat for an additional $300.
Overall, the Highlander offers better value. The Grand Highlander Hybrid XLE AWD is the recommended choice.
1.3 Advantage: Toyota Highlander.
The Toyota Highlander, especially in hybrid form, offers a compelling combination of features, fuel efficiency, and price, making it a strong contender in the three-row SUV segment. The Grand Highlander adds even more space and luxury for those who need it.
Image showcasing the exterior design of the 2023 Toyota Highlander.
2. Highlander vs. Pilot: Interior and Exterior Design
How do these SUVs compare in terms of looks and interior aesthetics? Let’s analyze:
- The Pilot leans toward a more traditional SUV style.
- The Highlander offers two distinct body styles: the standard and the Grand.
- The Pilot’s utilitarian design lacks the Highlander’s large touchscreen, but that’s not necessarily a drawback for everyone.
2.1 Is the Toyota Highlander a Good-Looking SUV?
Is the Highlander aesthetically pleasing? Yes, its design is attractive. The standard Highlander mirrors the Sienna minivan’s body shape but without sliding doors. Its bold grilles express a sense of displeasure in rearview mirrors.
The Grand Highlander, larger by 6.5 inches in length, 2.3 inches in width, and 2.0 inches in height, has a more sophisticated and refined appearance compared to the standard Highlander. Its smooth body, boxy fenders, and calm front present a Lexus-like elegance.
Inside, both models prioritize smart storage solutions, such as a passenger shelf for smartphones. The Grand Highlander features an open bridge console for more storage and an electronic gear shifter, which saves space compared to the Highlander’s mechanical shifter. Both can be equipped with a large 12.3-inch touchscreen that dominates the dashboard.
2.2 Is the Honda Pilot a Good-Looking Car?
Does the Honda Pilot stand out aesthetically? The Honda Pilot adopts a rugged, retro style, allowing it to stand out. Longer and wider than its predecessor, the Pilot features a honeycomb grille, wedge-shaped LED headlights, and C-shaped air intakes. These elements merge into robust fenders that lead to upturned rear pillars reminiscent of the original Honda Passport and Isuzu Rodeo. TrailSport models offer a higher ride and all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels, complemented by roof rails, enhancing its appealing look.
The Pilot’s interior offers a clean, subdued design, with a 9.0-inch touchscreen. Honda reintroduces buttons and knobs for audio and climate controls, departing from its predecessor’s design. Pockets for smartphones, a wireless charging pad, and twin-needle stitching enhance the different trim levels.
2.3 Advantage: Pilot TrailSport > Grand Highlander > Pilot > Highlander.
For overall aesthetic appeal and design sophistication, the Pilot TrailSport and Grand Highlander stand out, offering a blend of ruggedness and refinement that surpasses the standard Pilot and Highlander models.
3. Pilot vs. Highlander: Size, Seating Comfort, and Cargo Capacity
When it comes to space, how do these SUVs measure up? Here’s a breakdown:
- All three SUVs have three rows of seats, accommodating up to eight passengers.
- The Grand Highlander provides the most interior space.
- The Pilot has a removable middle seat for added flexibility.
If size and space are your primary concerns, the Grand Highlander is the top choice. The Honda Pilot has superior slide and fold flexibility, along with a removable middle seat in the second row, and its second and third-row seats are easier to fold. All three models have three seats in the third row.
Image highlighting the legroom and overall comfort in the second-row seats of the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander.
3.1 How Big is the Toyota Highlander?
Let’s delve into the specific dimensions and cargo capacity:
- Grand Highlander: 201.4 inches long, 116.1-inch wheelbase.
- Highlander: 194.9 inches long, 112.2-inch wheelbase.
- Grand Highlander Cargo Room: 20.6 cubic feet (behind third row), 57.9 cubic feet (behind second row), 97.5 cubic feet (both rear rows flat).
- Highlander Cargo Space: 16.0/48.4/84.3 cubic feet.
The main distinction between the Highlander and Grand Highlander is interior space. While both can seat eight passengers, the Grand Highlander comes standard with captain’s chairs; Toyota allows opting for a mid-row bench at no extra cost. The difference in second-row roominess is minor, with 41 inches of legroom in Highlander models and 39.5 inches in the Grand Highlander. However, the third row is significantly more spacious in the Grand Highlander, with 33.5 inches of rear legroom compared to 27.7 inches in the standard Highlander.
Both hybrid and gas-only models have second-row seats about four inches higher than the floor, and this extends to the third-row floor. Passengers in the third row may experience discomfort in their hips and legs on long trips due to the higher knee position.
Pull straps in the cargo area make folding the 60/40-split third row easy, but the latches on top of the second-row seats may be difficult for smaller hands to use, especially compared to the Pilot’s simple push-button operation.
Image displaying the cargo space with the rear seats folded down in the 2023 Honda Pilot.
3.2 How Big is the Honda Pilot?
What are the Honda Pilot’s dimensions and cargo capacity? Here’s what you need to know:
- Honda Pilot Length: 199.9 inches, with a 113.8-inch wheelbase.
- Cargo Space: 18.6 cubic feet (behind the third row), 48.5 cubic feet (behind the second row), 87.0 cubic feet (with both rear rows flat).
- Second-Row Legroom: 40.8 inches.
- Third-Row Legroom: 32.5 inches.
The Pilot can accommodate up to eight passengers and some luggage. It is not as large as the Grand Highlander but is more spacious in all three rows compared to the standard Highlander.
Front passengers enjoy supportive seats with power adjustment, lumbar support, and heating (excluding the base version). Leather upholstery and a wireless smartphone charger are available. Similar to the Highlander, the Pilot includes a storage shelf in front of the passenger for smartphones and sunglasses.
In the second row, the Pilot offers a three-section bench seat, but EX-L trims and above offer twin captain’s chairs. Touring and Elite versions include a removable middle seat that can collapse into a console or be stored in the cargo floor. This seat weighs about 25 pounds and provides an alternate entrance to the rear seats by walking down the aisle instead of sliding the second row forward. Two 6-foot passengers can comfortably fit in the back with decent headroom and 32.5 inches of rear legroom.
3.3 Advantage: Grand Highlander.
The Grand Highlander is the winner in this category, thanks to its larger size, enhanced third-row legroom, and overall cargo capacity, making it the ideal choice for families needing maximum space and comfort.
4. Toyota Highlander vs. Honda Pilot: Towing, Off-Road, and Performance
Let’s dive into the performance aspects of these SUVs:
- The Highlander offers three engine options, including two hybrid choices.
- The Pilot comes with a 285-hp V-6 engine that produces 262 lb-ft of torque.
- Both models have a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
4.1 How Fast is the Honda Pilot? Is It 4WD?
Is the Pilot a capable performer, and what are its drivetrain options? Front-wheel drive is standard on the Sport, EX-L, and Touring trims, while all-wheel drive is standard on the TrailSport, Elite, and Black Edition. The all-wheel-drive system distributes torque between the front and rear wheels and splits it between the rear wheels for effective power delivery. The Pilot TrailSport includes hill descent control for downhill driving and all-terrain tires for handling rough roads.
The Pilot features a revamped 3.5-liter V-6 engine producing 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. This combination delivers ample power, with an expected 0-60 mph time of under seven seconds. The only minor issue is the jumpy downshifts in Sport mode, one of five available modes (TrailSport and Elite trims add Trail and Sand modes). Ride and handling are Pilot strengths, with responsive steering and a comfortable ride, even on the base 18-inch all-season tires.
4.2 Is the Toyota Highlander 4WD?
What are the drivetrain options for the Highlander? The Highlander and Grand Highlander come standard with front-wheel drive, while the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max comes standard with all-wheel drive. The basic all-wheel-drive setup sends half the power to the rear wheels when slippage occurs. Limited and Platinum gas Highlanders have torque vectoring across the rear axle for precise power delivery and better handling. Hybrid models with AWD add a third motor to power the rear axle when needed.
The Grand Highlander’s hybrid powertrain uses a full-time all-wheel-drive system that shifts torque between the axles based on driver input and modes. Sport mode increases rear axle torque for better takeoff, while Snow or Rock & Dirt modes evenly distribute low-speed torque for enhanced traction.
4.3 How Fast is the Toyota Highlander?
How does the Highlander perform? It depends on the engine. The 2.5-liter inline-4 hybrid with two front motor generators is the slowest but most efficient, producing 243 hp and 175 lb-ft, and reaching 60 mph in 7.9 seconds. It can run in EV mode up to 15 mph but may struggle uphill or under heavy demand. Towing is limited to 3,500 pounds.
Base versions of both Highlanders use a 2.4-liter turbo-4 engine that produces 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. In the Grand Highlander, the 0-60 mph time is 7.5 seconds. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive, this engine is louder than the hybrids but provides plenty of grunt for passing. It performs similarly to the Pilot’s V-6, but the Pilot’s 10-speed automatic transmission is superior.
The Hybrid Max powertrain pairs the 2.4-liter turbo-4 with two motors that supplement power to the front and rear axles via a 6-speed automatic transmission and a mechanical driveshaft. Producing 362 hp and 400 lb-ft, it prioritizes both power and efficiency, giving the Grand Highlander muscle lacking in other Highlanders. It reaches 60 mph in 6.3 seconds.
4.4 Advantage: Draw. The Pilot’s smoother but the Grand Highlander has much more power.
This category is a draw. The Honda Pilot offers a smoother driving experience, while the Toyota Grand Highlander boasts significantly more power, particularly with the Hybrid Max powertrain.
5. Honda Pilot vs. Highlander: Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency is a crucial factor for many buyers. Here’s how these SUVs compare:
- The Highlander hybrid achieves up to 36 mpg combined (35 mpg with AWD).
- The Grand Highlander hybrid gets 34 mpg combined.
- The Grand Highlander Hybrid Max aims for 27 mpg combined.
- The Honda Pilot has a maximum of 22 mpg combined.
5.1 Is the Toyota Highlander Good on Gas?
How fuel-efficient is the Toyota Highlander? The Highlander is more efficient than the Pilot across all configurations. The base turbo-4 is rated at 22 mpg city, 29 highway, 25 combined with front-wheel drive, or 21/28/24 mpg with AWD.
In hybrid form, the Highlander is the most efficient three-row crossover without a plug. Front-wheel-drive hybrids earn EPA ratings of 36/35/36 mpg, while all-wheel-drive versions achieve 35/35/35 mpg. The larger Grand Highlander is rated at 36/32/34 mpg, regardless of FWD or AWD.
With standard AWD, the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max achieves 26/27/27 mpg. However, real-world testing suggests a rating closer to the Highlander turbo-4.
5.2 Is the Honda Pilot Good on Gas?
How does the Honda Pilot fare in terms of fuel economy? The Pilot is less fuel-efficient than the Highlander, with an EPA rating of 19/27/22 mpg with FWD or 19/25/21 mpg with all-wheel drive. The TrailSport model, with its all-terrain tires, achieves 20 mpg combined.
5.3 Advantage: The Highlander, Across the Board.
The Toyota Highlander takes the lead in fuel economy, offering better mileage in all its versions compared to the Honda Pilot.
Image displaying the interior features and design of the 2023 Honda Pilot.
6. Highlander vs. Pilot: Safety
Safety is paramount. How do these models stack up?
- All three models have earned 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 for traffic jam situations.
6.1 How Safe are the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot?
What safety features do these SUVs offer? Most Highlanders and Pilots can be upgraded with parking sensors, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system, in addition to the standard safety features. A limited hands-free driving system for stop-and-go traffic at speeds under 25 mph is available via subscription on the Grand Highlander.
6.2 Advantage: Draw.
In terms of safety, both the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot offer impressive features and ratings, resulting in a tie.
7. Which Is Better: Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander?
The comparison between the two Highlanders positions the Honda Pilot in between. The Grand Highlander offers more space, while the hybrid options of both Highlanders give them an edge over the Honda Pilot, resulting in a TCC Rating of 7.0 out of 10.
With only a V-6 engine, the Pilot cannot match the fuel-efficient options of the Highlander but is well-equipped. Its flexible seating and TrailSport model offer unique features missing in the Highlander lineup. Earning a TCC Rating of 6.8 out of 10, it is a close competitor. (Read more about how we rate cars.) The Pilot is significantly better than the standard Highlander, which has not been updated since 2020.
7.1 Winner: The Toyota Grand Highlander.
The Toyota Grand Highlander emerges as the winner, combining space, efficiency, and performance that surpasses both the standard Highlander and the Honda Pilot.
Choosing between the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander depends on your specific needs and preferences. The Toyota Highlander offers superior fuel efficiency and a range of hybrid options, while the Honda Pilot provides a more traditional SUV experience with its V6 engine and rugged TrailSport trim. For maximum space and a touch of luxury, the Grand Highlander is the standout choice.
Still undecided? Visit COMPARE.EDU.VN for more detailed comparisons and user reviews to help you make the best decision for your family. Our comprehensive resources provide objective information, empowering you to choose the SUV that perfectly aligns with your lifestyle and budget.
Ready to make an informed decision? Explore more comparisons and reviews at COMPARE.EDU.VN today!
Contact us:
- Address: 333 Comparison Plaza, Choice City, CA 90210, United States
- WhatsApp: +1 (626) 555-9090
- Website: compare.edu.vn
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
8.1 Which SUV is more fuel-efficient, the Honda Pilot or the Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander, particularly the hybrid models, is more fuel-efficient than the Honda Pilot.
8.2 Which SUV has more cargo space, the Honda Pilot or the Toyota Grand Highlander?
The Toyota Grand Highlander offers more cargo space compared to the Honda Pilot.
8.3 Does the Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander have better safety ratings?
Both the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander have excellent safety ratings, earning 5-star ratings from the NHTSA and Top Safety Pick awards from the IIHS.
8.4 Which SUV is better for off-roading, the Honda Pilot or the Toyota Highlander?
The Honda Pilot TrailSport is better suited for off-roading due to its all-terrain tires and hill descent control.
8.5 How many passengers can the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander seat?
Both the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander can seat up to eight passengers.
8.6 What are the starting prices for the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander?
The Honda Pilot starts at approximately $41,500, while the Toyota Highlander starts at around $40,500.
8.7 Which SUV offers a better warranty, the Honda Pilot or the Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander offers a slightly better warranty, including scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, which the Honda Pilot lacks.
8.8 Does the Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander have more advanced technology features?
The Toyota Grand Highlander offers more advanced technology features, including an available hands-free driving system for traffic jams.
8.9 Which SUV is more powerful, the Honda Pilot or the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max?
The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max is more powerful, with 362 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque compared to the Honda Pilot’s 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque.
8.10 What are the key differences between the Toyota Highlander and the Toyota Grand Highlander?
The main differences include size, interior space, and available powertrains. The Grand Highlander is larger and offers more third-row legroom and cargo space.
