What To Know
- The Pilot and Highlander are packed with standard and optional features, including heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, a premium sound system, and a suite of advanced safety technologies.
- If you prioritize a modern and minimalist design, spacious third-row seating, and a more refined driving experience, the Honda Pilot might be the better choice.
- However, if you prefer a more traditional and upscale interior, a wider range of trim levels, and slightly better fuel economy, the Toyota Highlander could be a better fit.
Choosing the right SUV can be a daunting task, especially when considering popular contenders like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Both vehicles boast impressive features, spacious interiors, and reliable performance, making them top choices for families and adventurers alike. But which one truly reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into the Honda Pilot vs Toyota Highlander, exploring their strengths, weaknesses, and key differences to help you make an informed decision.
Performance: Power and Efficiency
Both the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander offer powerful engines that deliver smooth acceleration and confident handling. The 2023 Honda Pilot comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, while the 2023 Toyota Highlander offers a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 265 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque. While the Highlander’s turbocharged engine provides a slight edge in torque, the Pilot’s V6 offers a more refined and responsive driving experience.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Highlander slightly edges out the Pilot. The Highlander achieves an EPA-estimated 21 city/29 highway/24 combined mpg, while the Pilot gets 19 city/27 highway/22 combined mpg. However, both vehicles offer impressive fuel economy for their size and power.
Interior: Comfort and Convenience
Both the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander prioritize passenger comfort and convenience. Both SUVs offer spacious and well-appointed cabins with ample legroom and headroom for all three rows. The Pilot’s interior boasts a more modern and minimalist design, while the Highlander’s interior features a more traditional and upscale aesthetic.
The Pilot and Highlander are packed with standard and optional features, including heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, a premium sound system, and a suite of advanced safety technologies. However, the Highlander offers a wider range of trim levels, allowing buyers to customize their vehicle with more luxurious features and amenities.
Technology: Staying Connected
In today’s digital age, technology plays a crucial role in the car-buying decision. Both the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander offer impressive infotainment systems with intuitive interfaces and a wide range of connectivity features.
The Pilot’s infotainment system is powered by a 9-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. It also features a suite of Honda Sensing safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
The Highlander’s infotainment system utilizes an 8-inch touchscreen display with similar connectivity options. It also offers Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which includes features like lane tracing assist, road sign assist, and pedestrian detection.
Cargo Space: Versatility for Every Adventure
Both the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander excel in cargo space, offering ample room for luggage, groceries, and gear. The Pilot boasts a maximum cargo capacity of 83.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, while the Highlander offers a slightly smaller but still impressive 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space.
Both SUVs feature flexible seating configurations, allowing you to easily adjust the rear seats to accommodate passengers or cargo. The Pilot’s third-row seats are slightly more spacious than the Highlander’s, making it a better choice for families with taller passengers.
Reliability and Safety: Peace of Mind
Both the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander are known for their exceptional reliability and safety. Both vehicles consistently rank high in reliability surveys and have received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.
The Pilot benefits from Honda’s reputation for quality and durability, while the Highlander is known for its long-lasting performance and low maintenance costs. Both SUVs offer a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.
Choosing the Right SUV for You: The Verdict
Ultimately, the decision between the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander comes down to personal preferences and priorities. If you prioritize a modern and minimalist design, spacious third-row seating, and a more refined driving experience, the Honda Pilot might be the better choice.
However, if you prefer a more traditional and upscale interior, a wider range of trim levels, and slightly better fuel economy, the Toyota Highlander could be a better fit. Both SUVs offer exceptional value, reliability, and safety, making them compelling options for families and adventurers looking for a comfortable and capable vehicle.
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options
While the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander are excellent choices, it’s important to consider other SUVs in the market that might align with your specific needs and preferences. Some popular alternatives include the Subaru Ascent, the Ford Explorer, and the Kia Telluride.
What People Want to Know
Q: What is the starting price for the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander?
A: The starting MSRP for the 2023 Honda Pilot is around $38,000, while the starting MSRP for the 2023 Toyota Highlander is around $37,000.
Q: How does the Honda Pilot compare to the Toyota Highlander in terms of off-road capability?
A: The Honda Pilot offers a more comfortable and refined on-road experience, while the Toyota Highlander provides slightly better off-road capability with its available all-wheel drive system and higher ground clearance.
Q: Which SUV offers better fuel economy?
A: The Toyota Highlander offers slightly better fuel economy than the Honda Pilot, with an EPA-estimated 21 city/29 highway/24 combined mpg compared to the Pilot’s 19 city/27 highway/22 combined mpg.
Q: What are some key differences in interior space and cargo capacity?
A: The Honda Pilot offers slightly more spacious third-row seating, while the Toyota Highlander provides a slightly larger maximum cargo capacity.
Q: Which SUV offers more advanced safety features?
A: Both the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander offer comprehensive suites of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, the Highlander’s Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite includes additional features like lane tracing assist and road sign assist.
