Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot: Best 9 SUV Showdown
The Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot stand out as top midsize SUVs. They aim to fulfill your family’s needs by offering roomy and cozy interiors.
This showdown compares them in key areas like performance, features, and comfort. The 2025 models of both SUVs come packed with the latest tech and safety features.
This makes them prime choices for the best family SUV. We will look at each vehicle’s unique strengths during this comparison. You will learn about their performance, fuel efficiency, space, and tech features.
Whether safety or storage is your concern, we’ll help you pick the right SUV. Get ready to see which SUV wins this exciting showdown!
Introduction To The SUV Showdown
Today, families are on the hunt for cars that are both reliable and flexible. This SUV showdown puts the Toyota Highlander against the Honda Pilot, two top family car picks.
The toyota vs honda competition is famous for its quality and drive, so we need to explore their differences.
This review will show you how these models stack up in performance, safety, and tech. By comparing them, you can pick what’s best for your family.
Pay attention to the details that match your way of life as you go through this comparison.
Each car has its own special features for different tastes. Getting what each one brings to the table is crucial for your decision.
Get ready to learn what sets the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot apart. Your choice matters for picking the top family car for your adventures.
Overview of The Toyota Highlander
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is a top pick in the midsize SUV class. It has a 2.4-liter turbo engine with 265 horsepower.
This power gives it a quick and smooth ride. So, it’s a key player in the honda vs toyota rivalry. It can fit up to eight people, making it great for families.
The inside is both stylish and useful. It keeps everyone comfy. Plus, Toyota’s tech features add to its appeal. This includes a top-notch infotainment system and lots of safety tools.
The higher trim levels of the Highlander bring more luxury. They use better materials and the newest tech to make rides nicer and easier.
The Highlander focuses on being practical for daily use and family trips.
Overview of The Honda Pilot
The 2025 Honda Pilot shines in the competitive SUV market for families. It has a strong 3.5-liter V6 engine. This engine offers 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
These features make it great for everyday use and trips with the family. It has room for up to eight people, perfect for big families.
The Honda Pilot stands out with its roomy inside. You can change the seat setup for more space for people or stuff.
The Pilot focuses on making the ride comfortable and classy. The inside has top-notch materials that feel luxurious.
Plus, the latest tech keeps you in touch. This blend of usefulness and elegance makes travel fun and comfy.
The Honda Pilot really shines with how adaptable it is. It’s perfect for small errands or longer vacations. This makes the SUV a top choice in its category.
Key Differences in Performance
The Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot have engines that give them different strengths. The Highlander uses a 2.4-liter turbo engine.
In contrast, the Pilot has a 3.5-liter V6 engine. The Pilot’s engine makes it better for fast driving, with 285 horsepower compared to the Highlander’s 265.
The Highlander jumps quickly at lower speeds, thanks to its turbo engine. It’s great for city driving.
The Pilot’s V6 shines when you need power quickly, like on highways. It makes driving more thrilling.
| Feature | Toyota Highlander | Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.4L Turbo Four-Cylinder | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 265 hp | 285 hp |
| Torque | Significant torque at lower RPM | Superior low-end torque for acceleration |
Choosing between the Highlander and Pilot depends on your driving needs. Both have their own benefits. Think about what you value in a car’s performance before deciding.
Interior Space and Comfort Features
The Honda Pilot beats the Toyota Highlander in interior comfort. It’s bigger, offering 4.5 inches more legroom in the back row.
This makes it perfect for families needing extra space for teens or adults. The Pilot has a max passenger volume of 158.4 cubic feet, more than the Highlander’s 141.8 cubic feet.
This means more room and comfort for everyone inside. Both SUVs use high-quality materials inside.
The Honda Pilot comes with heated front seats in lower trims, making it cozy. The Highlander’s features can change depending on the trim.
But, the Pilot’s comfy design and tri-zone climate control make it feel welcoming. It aims to keep passengers content and comfy.
| Feature | Honda Pilot | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Third Row Legroom | 38.4 inches | 33.9 inches |
| Passenger Volume | 158.4 cubic feet | 141.8 cubic feet |
| Heated Front Seats (Standard in Lower Trims) | Yes | No |
| Climate Control | Tri-Zone | Dual-Zone |
This comparison shows the Honda Pilot is top-notch for interior comfort and space. It’s built to make driving and riding enjoyable for families and individuals.
Cargo Capacity and Storage Solutions
When picking an SUV for your family, cargo space is key. The Honda Pilot shines with a huge 113.7 cubic feet of space when you fold down the back seats.
This means lots of room for gear during family outings. The Toyota Highlander, with 84.3 cubic feet, is okay for regular trips but can’t hold as much as the Pilot.
The Pilot is made with your needs in mind, offering smart storage spots. It has secret areas, places for cups, and lots of room for stuff while keeping everyone comfortable.
The Highlander has good storage, but it’s not as clever or well-designed as the Pilot’s.
Choosing between these SUVs mainly depends on how much stuff you need to bring on trips.
For families who want lots of room for their vacation gear and daily needs, the Honda Pilot could be the perfect choice.
Safety Ratings and Features
Safety ratings are key when looking at both the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. Buyers pay attention to these ratings.
Both SUVs have safety features that protect passengers. They both have high ratings from safety groups.
The Toyota Highlander comes with important safety tech. It has automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warnings, and adaptive cruise control.
These systems make driving safer and give you more confidence. The Highlander has gotten high safety scores, showing it focuses on keeping passengers safe.
Like the Highlander, the Honda Pilot has great safety features. It includes automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control too.
But, it stands out with its top-rated LATCH system for child seats. This detail makes the Pilot especially good for families who worry about child safety.
| Feature | Toyota Highlander | Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic Emergency Braking | Standard | Standard |
| Lane Departure Warnings | Standard | Standard |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard | Standard |
| LATCH System | Basic | Advanced |
| Overall Safety Ratings | High | Very High |
Summing up, the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot both have key safety features and tech.
But, the Pilot shines with its child seat system and safety scores. This makes it a top choice for buyers focused on safety.
Fuel Efficiency: Highlander vs. Pilot
When it comes to choosing a new SUV, fuel efficiency matters. The Toyota Highlander shines with 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway if it has front-wheel drive.
It shows the Highlander’s focus on saving fuel without losing power. The Honda Pilot is also a good choice. It gets 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
For those wanting more space and power, the Pilot is a solid pick. This comparison highlights the balance between power and size.
| Model | City MPG | Highway MPG |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Highlander | 22 | 29 |
| Honda Pilot | 19 | 27 |
Diverse drivers will notice the mpg differences. Whether efficiency or more room and power is your goal, both SUVs excel in their field.
Technology and Infotainment Systems
The Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot both have great infotainment systems to make driving better.
The Highlander has a bigger touchscreen that’s easy to use. This is great for families who want to stay connected on the road.
Both cars let you easily hook up your smartphones. This way, you can use apps, music, and maps right from the car’s system.
The table below shows how the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot compare in tech and infotainment:
| Feature | Toyota Highlander | Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Touchscreen Size | 12.3 inches | 8 inches |
| Smartphone Integration | Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Voice Recognition | Advanced | Standard |
| Wireless Charging | Available | Available |
| Navigation System | Integrated with updates | Available as an option |
The Highlander really stands out for its tech features. It’s perfect for those who want the best connectivity and easy use on the road.
Meanwhile, the Pilot still offers a good tech setup. It suits drivers who want dependable tech without all the extras.
Pricing and Trim Levels Comparison
If you’re looking at the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, price and trims matter. The Pilot has trims like Sport, EX-L, and TrailSport.
Each one offers unique features for various needs and budgets. The Highlander has its own set, including LE, XLE, and Platinum.
Its base model is usually cheaper than the Pilot’s. But the higher Pilot trims offer more features, making up for their price.
It’s smart to look at what each trim includes, especially if you want extra amenities or performance.
Below is a table comparing their base prices and main features:
| Model | Trim Level | Starting Price | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Pilot | Sport | $36,830 | LED headlights, 20-inch wheels, Apple CarPlay |
| Honda Pilot | EX-L | $40,680 | Leather upholstery, upgraded audio system, sunroof |
| Honda Pilot | TrailSport | $43,730 | Trail-ready features, off-road tires, enhanced suspension |
| Toyota Highlander | LE | $36,220 | Toyota Safety Sense, 8-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control |
| Toyota Highlander | XLE | $39,960 | Heated front seats, larger touchscreen, parking sensors |
| Toyota Highlander | Platinum | $48,000 | Panoramic moonroof, premium audio, heads-up display |
Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot: Final Thoughts
Choosing between the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot is about what’s best for your family. The Pilot outperforms with its spaciousness and comfort.
Meanwhile, the Highlander shines with its reliability and adaptability, making it a top choice for families.
Think about what’s important to you. If you need a lot of space, the Pilot is your go-to.
But if reliability and solid performance matter more, consider the Highlander. Your family’s specific needs should guide your decision, ensuring happiness for years.
Conclusion
At the end of our comparison between the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, we see both shine in different ways.
They offer great options for families who want a dependable ride. The face-off between Toyota and Honda highlights their strengths in power, tech, and comfort to suit varied tastes.
Choosing one depends on what you value most for your lifestyle. If you look for top-notch safety, ample space, or the latest tech, each model brings something special to the table.
This comparison really shows the need to weigh your desires with what’s practical and efficient. Think about what’s most important for you and your loved ones.
By examining things like price, what’s inside, and how far it goes on a gallon, you make a smart pick. It’s about finding the SUV that meets your needs and makes every trip better.
FAQs
What are the main differences between the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot?
The Toyota Highlander has a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with 265 horsepower. The Honda Pilot, on the other hand, has a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 285 horsepower. The Pilot also has more interior and cargo space than the Highlander.
Which SUV is better for families in terms of passenger comfort?
The Honda Pilot is great for passenger comfort. It has more legroom in the back and a total passenger volume of 158.4 cubic feet. This makes it perfect for families with kids or adults.
How do the safety features compare between the Highlander and Pilot?
Both SUVs come with safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warnings. But, the Honda Pilot is noted for its user-friendly LATCH system. This makes it safer for families.
Which SUV offers better fuel efficiency?
The Toyota Highlander has better fuel economy, with about 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The Honda Pilot does 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Are there significant differences in technology features between the two models?
Yes, the Toyota Highlander offers a more sophisticated infotainment system with a bigger touchscreen and more connectivity options. Both vehicles have easy-to-use systems and work well with smartphones.
What trim levels are available for the Highlander and Pilot?
The Toyota Highlander is available in LE, XLE, and Platinum trims. The Honda Pilot offers trims like Sport, EX-L, and TrailSport. There’s something for different tastes and budgets.
Which SUV has more cargo space?
The Honda Pilot can hold up to 113.7 cubic feet with the seats down. The Toyota Highlander has 84.3 cubic feet. So, the Pilot is the go-to for more luggage.
What considerations should I have when choosing between the Highlander and Pilot?
Think about size, power, fuel efficiency, interior space, tech features, and what your family needs. This will help you find the SUV that matches your lifestyle.
