Key Takeaways

  • The Pilot provides a more rugged exterior design, while the Highlander leans toward a sleek, luxurious aesthetic.
  • Toyota Highlander's infotainment system offers more standard features, but both SUVs offer advanced options in higher trims.
  • The Honda Pilot offers slightly more cargo space, but both SUVs offer comfortable seating for up to eight passengers.

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Choosing the right SUV can be a daunting task with so many available options. Two popular choices are the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander.

The Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander are both highly capable SUVs. The Pilot offers a more rugged design, generous cargo space, and an intuitive infotainment system. The Highlander boasts a sleeker aesthetic, a fuel-efficient hybrid option, and advanced standard tech features.

In this comparison of the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, we'll delve into the specifics of each model's design, performance, safety features, and technology, helping you determine which SUV is the best fit for your lifestyle and needs.

Table of Contents

Honda Pilot Vs. Toyota Highlander: Comparison

The Honda Pilot is spacious, comfortable, and safe; perfect for families who need practicality and function. Anybody using this vehicle can enjoy a smooth ride and efficient fuel economy for daily commuters.

The Toyota Highlander is also reliable and has excellent resale value. The refined cabin, third-row seating, user-friendly infotainment system, and advanced safety features are something to watch. Performance is outstanding, too, because of the responsive handling and powerful engine options.

The choice between these two SUVs depends on your personal preferences. Each model has unique advantages that may fit your needs. So, whether you prioritize space and practicality or reliability and luxury - the Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander could be the right choice for you.

Honda Pilot Toyota Highlander
Engine 3.5L V6 2.4L V4
Horsepower 280 HP 265 HP
Cargo Capacity 114.3 cubic feet 84.3 cubic feet
Towing Capacity 5,000 lbs (with AWD) 5,000 lbs (with AWD)
Seating Capacity 8 passengers 8 passengers
Length 196.5 in 194.9 in
Width 78.6 in 76.0 in
Height 70.6 in 68.1 in

Overview of Honda Pilot

The 2023 Honda Pilot is an exciting and dependable SUV, bringing exceptional performance and advanced features. It's eye-catching design and roomy interior make it a great choice for individuals or families who want comfort and functionality.

Enjoy a thrilling drive with the Pilot's strong engine and smooth maneuvering. It has plenty of cargo space, all-wheel-drive, and seating for up to 8 people, perfect for long trips or everyday commutes.

Plus, the Pilot has advanced safety features like a collision mitigation braking system and lane keeping assist system so you can drive with peace of mind. Only the Pilot can provide the advanced rear entertainment system too.

What sets the Honda Pilot apart is its attention to detail. The interior is crafted with high-quality materials for a luxurious atmosphere. And its intuitive infotainment system provides easy access to entertainment and connectivity.

Overview of Toyota Highlander

The 2023 Toyota Highlander is a reliable, versatile SUV that's gained significant popularity. Its sleek design and advanced technology give city-dwellers and adventure-seekers a comfy, enjoyable ride.

The interior has room for eight passengers and plenty of cargo space. Luxurious materials make every journey more memorable.

Under the hood, engine options suit any driver, from a hybrid to a V6. Responsive handling ensures a great ride on any terrain. For extra fun, upgrade to the entertainment system, with rear-seat entertainment screens and premium audio systems.

Safety is top-notch on the Highlander, with features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Plus, it has excellent safety ratings and standard driver assistance.

Honda Pilot Vs. Toyota Highlander: Exterior Design

Let's get an up-close and personal look at the exterior designs of the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. We can highlight their key characteristics in a simple table.

Exterior Aspect Honda Pilot Toyota Highlander
Overall Design Rugged, sporty Sleek, luxurious
Front End Bold grille, LED headlamps Large grille, aggressive LED lights
Side Profile Streamlined Muscular with pronounced wheel arches
Rear Design Stylish tail lights Robust bumper with exhaust pipes, spoiler
Customization Variety in wheel designs and exterior colors Variety in wheel designs and exterior colors
Length 196.5 in 194.9 in
Width 78.6 in 76.0 in
Height 70.6 in 68.1 in

Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot has a more refined appeal with its modern grille, while the Toyota Highlander exudes strength and confidence with its aggressive front fascia. The Pilot's streamlined body and smooth curves give it sophistication.

At the back, the Honda Pilot TrailSport has stylish taillights and a sleek tailgate, while the Highlander has a robust rear bumper with integrated exhaust pipes. Both vehicles offer a variety of wheel designs and exterior colors, allowing customers to customize their look.

Toyota Highlander

The Highlander's muscular body and prominent wheel arches portray a rugged charm. It has a sleeker, more streamlined design that speaks to its luxurious pretensions.

The Highlander showcases a distinctive front fascia with a large grille and stylishly aggressive LED lights. The body lines are more dynamic and elegant than the Pilot, with a silhouette that tends towards a high-end crossover.

Honda Pilot Vs. Toyota Highlander: Interior Design

The Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander interiors are worth comparing. Let's take a closer look at these two vehicles and see how they compare.

Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot boasts excellent comfort, providing a luxuriant ride. The layout is straightforward, and the controls are easy to use. It offers seating for up to eight with ample headroom and legroom in all three rows.

The Pilot's interior also features soft-touch materials and solid build quality, giving it a premium feel. Higher trim levels can feature leather upholstery and other upscale materials.

It has a standard infotainment system with a 5-inch display screen, Bluetooth, and multiple USB ports. Higher trims can add an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Toyota Highlander

The Highlander's interior leans more towards luxury, with a sleek design and high-quality materials. It offers seating for up to eight, but the third row is more comfortable for children than adults.

It's also equipped with a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Higher trims, like the Highlander Hybrid, come with a larger 12.3-inch display.

The Highlander also has several available features, such as a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, plus second and third rows.

Honda Pilot Vs. Toyota Highlander: Performance & Engine Options

When scrutinizing the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander's performance and engine options, there's lots to consider. Here's a close look at these features for each vehicle.

Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot traditionally comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower. This is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission in lower trims, while higher trims get a 9-speed automatic.

Though both SUVs have impressive performance and engine options, there are certain facts to note. The added Honda Pilot power is because of the torque sent to a single rear wheel to assist with traction and performance.

Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander, on the other hand, comes with a 2.4L V4 engine that generates 265 horsepower. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Highlander is known for its smooth ride and composed handling.

Honda Pilot Vs. Toyota Highlander: Safety Features

When comparing the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander for safety, it's crucial to consider several aspects that make up their overall safety.

Safety Feature Honda Pilot Toyota Highlander
Forward Collision Warning Yes Yes
Lane Keeping Assist System Yes Yes
Road Departure Mitigation System Yes No
Adaptive Cruise Control Yes Yes
Pedestrian Detection Yes No
Rearview Camera Yes Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert Yes Yes

Honda Pilot Vs. Toyota Highlander: Infotainment & Tech Features

The Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander offer impressive infotainment and tech features. We prefer the layout in a Honda Pilot, but let's take a closer look.

Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot comes standard with a 5-inch display, Bluetooth connectivity, two USB ports, and a seven-speaker audio system.

Higher trims receive an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless phone charging, and a rear-seat entertainment system. The system is generally praised for its ease of use.

Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander comes with a standard 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system.

A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen is available in higher trims, as are features like a navigation system, a JBL premium stereo, and wireless device charging. The Highlander's infotainment system is user-friendly and responsive.

Honda Pilot Vs. Toyota Highlander: Price & Maintenance Costs

The Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander are being compared in detail. Expect to pay a little more for a base Toyota Highlander, but premium trim levels for the Honda Pilot are much more expensive.

Feature Honda Pilot Toyota Highlander
Starting Price $35,950 $36,620
Fuel Efficiency 19 MPG city / 27 MPG highway 21 MPG city / 29 MPG highway
Engine Power 280 horsepower 265 horsepower
Cargo Space Up to 114.3cubic feet with second-row seats down Up to 84.3 cubic feet with rear seats folded

Expect to pay much more for premium trim levels like the Highlander Platinum or the Honda Pilot Elite. Plus, the Honda Pilot has a 3 yr/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Honda Pilot Vs Toyota Highlander

About The Author

Charles Redding

Charles Redding

I've spent many years selling cars, working with auto detailers, mechanics, dealership service teams, quoting and researching car insurance, modding my own cars, and much more.

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