When it comes to choosing the ideal three-row crossover SUV for your family, size definitely matters. Honda recognized this and significantly enlarged the Pilot for the 2023 model year, making it one of the most spacious contenders in its class. Toyota responded by introducing the Grand Highlander, a larger iteration of their popular Highlander, further emphasizing the demand for more room in this segment. While minivans from both brands offer even more family-friendly space and the undeniable convenience of sliding doors, the enduring appeal of SUVs persists.
The 2025 Honda Pilot enters the market with a streamlined trim lineup and an impressive array of standard features, sporting a more traditional SUV aesthetic. Meanwhile, the 2024 Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander coexist as distinct models under the same nameplate. Both Honda and Toyota have raised the entry point by eliminating base models, focusing on better-equipped, albeit pricier, versions.
So, which SUV is the better choice for you? The Highlander boasts fuel-efficient hybrid powertrains, while the Grand Highlander provides enhanced refinement and a higher price point. The Pilot emphasizes ruggedness and off-road capability with its robust SUV design. Safety is a strong suit for all models, though their infotainment systems could be more user-friendly.
Let’s delve into a detailed comparison to help you decide between the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander (including the Grand Highlander).
Side-by-side comparison of the Honda Pilot and Toyota Grand Highlander, showcasing the size and design differences between these popular three-row SUVs.
Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Highlander: Price and Trim Levels
- Honda Pilot Sport: Starting around $41,500
- Toyota Highlander LE: Starting around $40,500
- Toyota Grand Highlander XLE: Starting around $46,500
- Top Picks: Honda Pilot EX-L (approximately $45,000), Toyota Grand Highlander XLE
Front view of the 2024 Toyota Highlander, highlighting its updated grille and headlight design in the mid-size SUV market.
Choosing Your Toyota Highlander: Standard vs. Grand
The Toyota Highlander lineup presents two distinct paths: the standard Highlander, reminiscent of the Sienna minivan in SUV form, and the Grand Highlander, which extends an additional 6.5 inches, venturing into near-luxury territory with its features and price.
The standard Highlander stands out as the value option compared to both the Grand Highlander and the Honda Pilot, especially when considering the hybrid models.
The base Highlander LE, starting at $40,515 (including destination fees), comfortably seats eight and comes equipped with an 8.0-inch touchscreen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a power liftgate, cloth upholstery, and a comprehensive suite of active safety features, which we will detail later.
Toyota provides an industry-standard 3-year/36,000-mile warranty for both Highlander models, complemented by two years or 25,000 miles of scheduled maintenance.
Adding all-wheel drive to any Highlander trim level costs an extra $1,600. The hybrid powertrain option also adds $1,600. For optimal value and lower long-term ownership costs, the $42,115 Highlander LE Hybrid is a compelling choice. The Highlander Hybrid is also available in Nightshade, XSE, XLE, XLE Nightshade, Limited, and Platinum trims, with the top-of-the-line Platinum AWD Hybrid reaching approximately $54,520. Notably, the Grand Highlander in a similar configuration is only about $500 more, making the upgrade to the larger model a worthwhile consideration.
Stepping up to the XLE trim in either Highlander model unlocks a desirable set of features, including a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone charging, power-adjustable and heated front seats upholstered in synthetic leather, and a panoramic sunroof. The Highlander Hybrid AWD XLE is priced at $45,265, while the Grand Highlander XLE with similar equipment is just $1,150 more. Again, the added space of the Grand Highlander makes it an attractive proposition.
The Grand Highlander also offers a more powerful Hybrid Max powertrain option in the top Platinum trim, pushing the price close to $60,000, which might exceed the budget for many Highlander shoppers.
Frontal perspective of the Honda Pilot, showcasing its redesigned grille and headlights for the latest model year.
Choosing Your Honda Pilot: Trim Walkthrough
The Honda Pilot Sport, the base trim, starts at $41,295, including the same $1,395 destination fee as the Highlanders. It offers similar standard features as the base Highlander, including eight-passenger seating, heated and power-adjustable front seats, and four USB ports. However, it features a smaller, somewhat dated 7.0-inch touchscreen with wired Android and Apple smartphone compatibility. On the exterior, it boasts appealing 20-inch black wheels, a feature popular with SUV buyers. Honda’s 3-year/36,000-mile warranty, however, does not include scheduled maintenance.
Toyota holds an edge in base model value and also in the cost of upgrading to all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive adds $2,100 to the Pilot’s price, except for the TrailSport ($50,495), Elite ($54,175), and Black Edition ($55,675) trims, where it is standard.
The Pilot EX-L, priced at $44,595, represents a sweet spot in the Pilot lineup, offering leather upholstery, wireless smartphone charging, a larger 9.0-inch touchscreen, and a power liftgate. For an additional $300, buyers can swap the second-row bench seat for captain’s chairs.
Considering overall value, the Toyota Highlander, particularly the standard model and especially the hybrid, presents a stronger case. However, for those prioritizing space, the Grand Highlander Hybrid XLE AWD emerges as a compelling option.
Value Advantage: Toyota Highlander
Side view of the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, emphasizing its extended length and sophisticated design compared to the standard Highlander.
Front angle of the 2023 Toyota Highlander, displaying its grille and headlight styling before the Grand Highlander introduction.
Slightly angled front view of the 2023 Honda Pilot, showing its updated front fascia and LED lighting.
Side profile of the 2023 Honda Pilot, highlighting its more traditional SUV shape and robust stance.
Highlander vs. Pilot: Interior and Exterior Design
- Pilot embraces a more traditional, throwback SUV design.
- Highlander offers two distinct body styles: standard and Grand.
- Pilot’s utilitarian interior contrasts with Highlander’s larger touchscreen options.
Toyota Highlander Design: Is it Appealing?
If variety is considered attractive, then the Toyota Highlander certainly offers visual appeal. The standard Highlander features a distinctive body line that rises over the rear fender, reminiscent of the Sienna minivan but without the sliding doors. Its bold upper and lower grilles project a somewhat assertive presence in rearview mirrors.
In contrast, the Grand Highlander, being 6.5 inches longer, 2.3 inches wider, and 2.0 inches taller than the standard Highlander, adopts a more subtle approach within the crowded three-row crossover SUV segment. Its smooth body panels, boxy wheel arches, and more restrained front end convey sophistication, leaning towards the Lexus design language.
Inside, both Highlander models prioritize practical storage solutions, such as a passenger shelf above the glovebox ideal for smartphones. The Grand Highlander features an open bridge console for expanded storage and an electronic gear shifter that saves space compared to the mechanical shifter in the standard Highlander. Both models can be equipped with a prominent 12.3-inch touchscreen that dominates the dashboard.
Honda Pilot Design: Rugged and Retro?
The Honda Pilot distinguishes itself by embracing a more rugged, retro-inspired design, helping it stand out in the increasingly homogenous three-row SUV category. Longer and wider than its predecessor, the Pilot features a honeycomb grille and sharp, thin LED headlights flanked by C-shaped air intakes. The grille seamlessly integrates into muscular fenders that lead to an upward sweep of the rear pillars, reminiscent of the original Honda Passport and Isuzu Rodeo. TrailSport trims enhance the rugged look with increased ride height, all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels, and roof rails. It’s an overall attractive and functional design.
The Pilot’s interior adopts a clean and straightforward design approach, more understated than the Highlander’s, partly due to its smaller 9.0-inch maximum touchscreen size. Honda has reintroduced physical buttons and knobs for audio and climate controls, a welcome change from its predecessor’s more screen-dependent interface. Smartphone pockets, a wireless charging pad, and twin-needle stitching add touches of refinement to various trims.
Design Advantage: Pilot TrailSport > Grand Highlander > Pilot > Highlander
Pilot vs. Highlander: Size, Seating Comfort, and Cargo Space
- All models offer three rows of seating for up to eight passengers.
- Grand Highlander leads in overall spaciousness.
- Pilot’s removable middle seat adds versatility to seating configurations.
If maximizing interior space is your primary concern, the Grand Highlander should be your first consideration, offering the most passenger and cargo room. However, the Honda Pilot provides superior seat flexibility with its slide-and-fold second row and a removable middle seat option. Folding down the second and third rows is also easier in the Pilot. All three SUVs feature three-seat third rows.
Front interior view of the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, showcasing the dashboard layout, touchscreen, and front seating.
Second row seating in the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, highlighting legroom and seat comfort for middle-row passengers.
Third row seating in the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, demonstrating the space available for rear passengers in this three-row SUV.
Toyota Highlander Dimensions and Cargo Capacity
- Grand Highlander Length: 201.4 inches, Wheelbase: 116.1 inches
- Highlander Length: 194.9 inches, Wheelbase: 112.2 inches
- Grand Highlander Cargo Space: 20.6 cubic feet (behind 3rd row), 57.9 cubic feet (behind 2nd row), 97.5 cubic feet (rear rows folded)
- Highlander Cargo Space: 16.0/48.4/84.3 cubic feet
The key difference between the Highlander and Grand Highlander lies in interior volume. Both can accommodate eight passengers, but the Grand Highlander comes standard with captain’s chairs; a second-row bench is a no-cost option. Second-row legroom is similar, with 41 inches in the standard Highlander and 39.5 inches in the Grand Highlander. However, the third row reveals a more significant difference, with the Grand Highlander offering a more generous 33.5 inches of legroom compared to the standard Highlander’s 27.7 inches.
In both hybrid and gas-only models, the second-row seats are positioned about four inches higher than the floor, a design that extends to the third row. This elevated floor in the rearmost seats can lead to a knees-up seating position, potentially causing discomfort on longer journeys.
Convenient pull straps in the cargo area allow for easy folding of the 60/40-split third-row seats. However, the latches on the top of the second-row seats might be challenging for smaller hands to operate, especially compared to the Pilot’s simpler push-button mechanism.
Front interior of the 2023 Honda Pilot, showcasing the dashboard, steering wheel, and driver-focused cockpit design.
Second row seats of the 2023 Honda Pilot, demonstrating passenger space and seat adjustability in the middle row.
Third row seating in the 2023 Honda Pilot, illustrating the rear passenger accommodations in this three-row SUV.
Honda Pilot Dimensions and Cargo Capacity
- Honda Pilot Length: 199.9 inches, Wheelbase: 113.8 inches
- Cargo Space: 18.6 cubic feet (behind 3rd row), 48.5 cubic feet (behind 2nd row), 87.0 cubic feet (rear rows folded)
- Second-row Legroom: 40.8 inches
- Third-row Legroom: 32.5 inches
The Pilot can accommodate up to eight passengers along with some luggage. While not as large as the Grand Highlander, it offers significantly more room in all three rows compared to the standard Highlander.
Front seats in the Pilot are supportive with power adjustments, and all trims except the base Sport include lumbar support and heating. Leather upholstery and a wireless smartphone charger are available. Similar to the Highlander, the Pilot incorporates a storage shelf in front of the passenger seat for devices and sunglasses.
The Pilot’s second row features a 3-section split bench seat, but EX-L and higher trims offer optional captain’s chairs. Touring and Elite versions include a unique removable middle seat that can be folded into a console or stored in the cargo floor. Weighing approximately 25 pounds, it’s less cumbersome than removing a minivan seat. This removable seat provides an alternative path to the third row, allowing passengers to walk through the aisle instead of sliding the second-row seats forward. The third row comfortably accommodates two six-foot adults with adequate headroom and 32.5 inches of legroom.
Size and Space Advantage: Grand Highlander
Side view of the 2025 Honda Pilot, showcasing its robust SUV design and spacious cabin profile.
Toyota Highlander vs. Honda Pilot: Towing, Off-Road Capability, and Performance
- Highlander offers three engine choices, including two hybrid options.
- Pilot features a single 285-hp V-6 engine producing 262 lb-ft of torque.
- Both models have a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
Honda Pilot Performance and Drivetrain
Front-wheel drive is standard on the Pilot Sport, EX-L, and Touring trims. All-wheel drive is available and comes standard on the TrailSport, Elite, and Black Edition. The all-wheel-drive system effectively distributes torque between the front and rear wheels and further splits torque between the rear wheels for enhanced power delivery. The Pilot TrailSport includes hill descent control for managing steep declines and, combined with its all-terrain tires, can confidently handle moderately challenging off-road trails.
A refined 3.5-liter V-6 engine powers the Pilot, producing 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a smooth and responsive 10-speed automatic transmission, the Pilot delivers ample power. The transmission is so well-tuned that the paddle shifters feel more like an aesthetic addition than a necessity. Expect a 0-60 mph acceleration time of under seven seconds. A minor drawback is that downshifts can feel slightly jerky in Sport mode, one of five available drive modes (TrailSport and Elite trims add Trail and Sand modes). Ride and handling are further strengths of the Pilot. The light yet responsive steering provides good feedback, even with the base 18-inch all-season tires, and the comfortable ride quality remains composed even when equipped with the optional 20-inch wheels.
Front-facing view of the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, highlighting its grille, headlights, and overall front-end design.
Toyota Highlander Performance and Drivetrain Options
The Highlander and Grand Highlander come standard with front-wheel drive, while the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max features standard all-wheel drive. The standard all-wheel-drive system directs up to 50% of engine power to the rear wheels when slippage is detected, providing on-demand all-wheel drive capability. Limited and Platinum gas-powered Highlanders incorporate torque vectoring across the rear axle for more precise power distribution and enhanced handling. Hybrid models with all-wheel drive add a third electric motor to power the rear axle when needed.
The Grand Highlander Hybrid Max utilizes a full-time all-wheel-drive system that actively adjusts torque distribution between the axles based on driver input and selected drive modes. Sport mode prioritizes rear axle torque for improved acceleration, while Snow or Rock & Dirt modes distribute low-speed torque more evenly for enhanced traction in challenging conditions.
Toyota Highlander Engine Performance
Performance varies depending on the Highlander powertrain. The 2.5-liter inline-4 hybrid, featuring two front motor generators, prioritizes fuel efficiency over outright power. Producing 243 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque, it achieves a 0-60 mph time of 7.9 seconds. It can operate in electric vehicle (EV) mode at speeds up to approximately 15 mph, but the powertrain can feel strained when accelerating uphill or under heavy load. Towing capacity is limited to 3,500 pounds with this engine.
Base versions of both Highlanders share a 2.4-liter turbo-4 engine that delivers 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. In the larger Grand Highlander, this engine achieves a 0-60 mph time of 7.5 seconds. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and available with front- or all-wheel drive, this engine is louder than the hybrids but provides ample low-end torque for confident passing and merging. Its performance is comparable to the Pilot’s V-6, although the Pilot’s 10-speed automatic transmission offers a slight edge in responsiveness.
The Hybrid Max powertrain, exclusive to the Grand Highlander, combines the 2.4-liter turbo-4 with two electric motors supplementing power to the front and rear axles via a 6-speed automatic transmission and a mechanical driveshaft. Producing a combined 362 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, it prioritizes both power and efficiency, giving the Grand Highlander a performance advantage over other Highlanders. It accelerates from 0-60 mph in a brisk 6.3 seconds.
Performance Advantage: Draw. Pilot offers smoother power delivery, but Grand Highlander boasts significantly more potent engine options.
Interior perspective of the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, showcasing dashboard, infotainment screen, and overall cabin layout.
Rear seating area of the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, emphasizing the spaciousness and comfort for passengers in the second and third rows.
Dashboard and infotainment system of the 2023 Honda Pilot, highlighting the screen size and button layout.
Close-up interior detail of the 2023 Honda Pilot, showing materials, stitching, and cabin design elements.
Honda Pilot vs. Highlander: Fuel Economy
- Highlander Hybrid achieves up to 36 mpg combined (35 mpg combined with AWD).
- Grand Highlander Hybrid rated at 34 mpg combined.
- Grand Highlander Hybrid Max aims for 27 mpg combined.
- Honda Pilot tops out at 22 mpg combined.
Toyota Highlander Fuel Efficiency
Across its range, the Toyota Highlander models demonstrate superior fuel efficiency compared to the Honda Pilot. The base turbo-4 Highlander is rated at 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined with front-wheel drive, or 21/28/24 mpg with all-wheel drive.
The Highlander Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient three-row crossover without a plug-in hybrid system. Front-wheel-drive hybrids achieve EPA ratings of 36/35/36 mpg, while all-wheel-drive versions are rated at 35/35/35 mpg. The larger Grand Highlander Hybrid is rated at 36/32/34 mpg, regardless of FWD or AWD configuration.
The Grand Highlander Hybrid Max, with standard AWD, is rated at 26/27/27 mpg. However, real-world testing has sometimes yielded results closer to the fuel economy of the Highlander turbo-4.
Honda Pilot Fuel Efficiency
The Honda Pilot lags behind the Highlander in fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 19/27/22 mpg with FWD and 19/25/21 mpg with AWD. The TrailSport model, with its all-terrain tires, further reduces fuel economy to 20 mpg combined.
Fuel Economy Advantage: Toyota Highlander, across all models.
Side profile of the 2023 Honda Pilot, emphasizing its SUV silhouette and ground clearance.
Rear view of the 2023 Honda Pilot, showcasing taillights, liftgate design, and rear bumper.
Angled rear view of the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, highlighting taillight design and rear liftgate.
Rear view of the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, showing the tailgate, bumper, and overall rear design.
Highlander vs. Pilot: Safety Ratings and Features
- All three models have earned 5-star safety ratings from the NHTSA and Top Safety Pick awards from the IIHS.
- Standard driver-assistance technologies include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, active lane control, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitors.
- Grand Highlander offers an optional hands-free driving system for traffic jams.
Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot Safety
Beyond the standard safety features, most Highlander and Pilot trims can be equipped with parking sensors, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system. The Grand Highlander offers an optional limited hands-free driving system for stop-and-go traffic at speeds below 25 mph, available via subscription.
Safety Advantage: Draw. Both offer excellent safety ratings and comparable features.
Front view of the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, showcasing its front design and safety-conscious engineering.
Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander: Which SUV is Superior?
The Toyota Highlander lineup, with its standard and Grand Highlander models, creates a sandwich effect, positioning the Honda Pilot in between. The Grand Highlander’s increased size and more spacious interior give it an advantage over the standard Highlander. However, the availability of hybrid powertrains in both Highlander models provides a significant edge over the Honda Pilot, earning the Toyota Highlander a TCC Rating of 7.0 out of 10.
Limited to a single V-6 engine option, the Pilot cannot match the Highlander’s fuel-efficient hybrid alternatives, though it is similarly well-equipped. The Pilot offers more versatile seating configurations, and the TrailSport trim provides a unique off-road-oriented option not found in the Highlander lineup. However, it falls slightly short overall, receiving a TCC Rating of 6.8 out of 10. (Read more about how we rate cars.) It represents a substantial improvement over the standard Highlander, which has not been significantly updated since 2020.
