What To Know
- Choosing the perfect SUV for your family can be a daunting task, especially when you’re considering two popular and capable contenders like the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Grand Highlander.
- The Grand Highlander’s hybrid powertrain offers a significant advantage in terms of fuel efficiency, making it a more economical choice for daily driving.
- Both Honda and Toyota are renowned for their reliability and durability, and the Pilot and Grand Highlander are no exception.
Choosing the perfect SUV for your family can be a daunting task, especially when you’re considering two popular and capable contenders like the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Grand Highlander. Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, impressive safety features, and reliable performance. However, they each have their unique strengths and weaknesses, making the decision even more challenging. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of both SUVs, helping you determine which one is the right fit for your needs and preferences.
Space and Comfort: A Tale of Two Interiors
Both the Honda Pilot and Toyota Grand Highlander excel in providing ample space for passengers and cargo. The Pilot offers a spacious third row, making it suitable for larger families. The Grand Highlander, on the other hand, boasts even more legroom in the third row, ensuring comfortable seating for all passengers.
Honda Pilot:
- Seating Capacity: Up to 8 passengers
- Cargo Space: 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 83.9 cubic feet with the third row folded
Toyota Grand Highlander:
- Seating Capacity: Up to 8 passengers
- Cargo Space: 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 97.5 cubic feet with the third row folded
While both vehicles offer ample space, the Grand Highlander edges out the Pilot in terms of cargo capacity, especially with the third row folded. The Grand Highlander also boasts an optional second-row captain‘s chair configuration, providing a more luxurious and spacious feel for passengers.
Power and Performance: A Smooth Ride for Every Occasion
Both the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Grand Highlander are equipped with powerful engines that deliver smooth and efficient performance. However, they differ in their powertrain options and fuel efficiency.
Honda Pilot:
- Engine: 3.5L V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque
- Fuel Economy: 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, 23 mpg combined
Toyota Grand Highlander:
- Engine: 2.5L four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 243 horsepower
- Fuel Economy: 36 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, 36 mpg combined
The Grand Highlander‘s hybrid powertrain offers a significant advantage in terms of fuel efficiency, making it a more economical choice for daily driving. The Pilot’s V6 engine provides more power, making it a better option for towing and hauling heavy loads.
Technology and Features: A Blend of Convenience and Innovation
Both the Honda Pilot and Toyota Grand Highlander are packed with advanced technology features that enhance convenience and safety.
Honda Pilot:
- Infotainment System: 9-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- Safety Features: Honda Sensing suite of driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking
Toyota Grand Highlander:
- Infotainment System: 12.3-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- Safety Features: Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane tracing assist
The Grand Highlander’s larger touchscreen display provides a more immersive infotainment experience. Both vehicles offer a comprehensive suite of safety features, but the Grand Highlander’s Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 includes additional features like lane tracing assist, further enhancing safety.
Driving Experience: A Smooth and Responsive Ride
Both the Honda Pilot and Toyota Grand Highlander offer a comfortable and refined driving experience. The Pilot’s handling is responsive and precise, making it enjoyable to drive on winding roads. The Grand Highlander, on the other hand, prioritizes a smooth and comfortable ride, making it ideal for long journeys.
Honda Pilot:
- Handling: Responsive and precise
- Ride Quality: Firm and controlled
Toyota Grand Highlander:
- Handling: Stable and comfortable
- Ride Quality: Smooth and compliant
Ultimately, the choice between the Pilot and Grand Highlander depends on your individual driving preferences. If you value a sporty and engaging driving experience, the Pilot is a better choice. If you prioritize comfort and a smooth ride, the Grand Highlander is the superior option.
Reliability and Resale Value: A Legacy of Quality and Durability
Both Honda and Toyota are renowned for their reliability and durability, and the Pilot and Grand Highlander are no exception. Both vehicles have consistently ranked high in reliability surveys, giving you peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected.
Honda Pilot:
- Reliability: Generally considered very reliable
- Resale Value: Holds its value well
Toyota Grand Highlander:
- Reliability: Known for its long-lasting quality
- Resale Value: Typically retains its value over time
Both vehicles offer a strong combination of reliability and resale value, making them sound investments for long-term ownership.
The Final Verdict: Choosing the Right SUV for You
Choosing between the Honda Pilot and Toyota Grand Highlander comes down to your individual needs and priorities. If you need maximum space and cargo capacity, the Grand Highlander is the clear winner. If you prioritize fuel efficiency, the Grand Highlander’s hybrid powertrain is unmatched. However, if you value a sporty and engaging driving experience, the Pilot’s V6 engine and responsive handling are more appealing.
Ultimately, the best SUV for you is the one that best fits your lifestyle, budget, and preferences.
Beyond the Comparison: What’s Next?
Now that you have a better understanding of the Honda Pilot and Toyota Grand Highlander, the next step is to test drive both vehicles. This will give you a firsthand experience of their handling, comfort, and overall feel. You can also compare their pricing and trim levels to find the best value for your money.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which SUV has better fuel economy?
A: The Toyota Grand Highlander‘s hybrid powertrain delivers significantly better fuel economy than the Honda Pilot‘s V6 engine.
Q: Which SUV is more spacious?
A: The Toyota Grand Highlander offers more legroom in the third row and a larger cargo capacity than the Honda Pilot.
Q: Which SUV is more affordable?
A: The Honda Pilot is generally more affordable than the Toyota Grand Highlander, especially in its base trim levels.
Q: Which SUV has more advanced technology features?
A: Both vehicles offer a comprehensive suite of technology features, but the Toyota Grand Highlander‘s larger touchscreen display and more advanced safety features give it a slight edge.
Q: Which SUV is better for families?
A: Both the Honda Pilot and Toyota Grand Highlander are excellent choices for families, offering ample space, comfort, and safety features. The Grand Highlander’s added space and fuel efficiency might make it a slightly better option for larger families, while the Pilot’s sporty handling and affordable price point could be more appealing to others.
