Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot: Best SUV Faceoff
Are you deciding between the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot? These leading family SUVs are known for being roomy, comfy, and reliable.
In our SUV faceoff, we compare their key specs and features. You’ll get insights into their performance, cabin space, tech, safety features, and more.
Choosing the right SUV involves considering what matters most to you: tech, fuel efficiency, or cargo room.
Through our thorough analysis, discover why the Highlander and Pilot are top picks for families. We’ll closely examine what each SUV offers and how they compare to find the best.
Introduction To The SUV Faceoff
In the battle of SUVs, the comparison between the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot is a key showdown.
These family-friendly giants are top contenders in the market. Their long-standing rivalry highlights their importance to consumers with evolving needs.
We’ll look at their performance, comfort, tech, and safety. Understanding these areas will help you pick the right SUV.
Whether you choose the Highlander or Pilot matters. Each offers qualities that modern families desire: reliability and efficiency.
This deep dive into each SUV’s features and capabilities goes beyond looks and brand loyalty. It’s about finding the best value and performance for your investment.
Overview of The Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is a versatile and stylish SUV, now in its fourth generation. It has a modern athletic design and offers many trims.
Drivers love its good looks and its practical features. This vehicle is not just about looks. It offers many amenities and technology to improve your driving.
Generational Changes and Features
The latest Toyota Highlander generation has many enhancements. It has a sleeker look, a more sophisticated interior, and updated technology.
Key features include:
- Upgraded infotainment systems featuring large touchscreens and smartphone integration.
- High-quality materials in the cabin for more comfort.
- A wide range of safety features for peace of mind on the road.
These improvements make the Highlander great for both families and individuals. It’s comfy without losing its functionality.
Performance Specifications
The Toyota Highlander’s performance specs offer a mix of power and efficiency. It has a strong 3.5-liter V6 engine with 295 horsepower.
It also comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup offers:
| Engine | Horsepower | Transmission |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5-liter V6 | 295 hp | 8-speed automatic |
The specs show a balance between fun driving and saving fuel, important for many drivers. It performs well in the city and on long trips.
Overview of The Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot shines in its third generation as a reliable family SUV. It strikes a perfect balance between practicality and comfort.
It’s built for people who want both usability and convenience, with lots of space for passengers and gear.
Generational Changes and Features
The Honda Pilot has grown through its generations, always focusing on families. The current model boasts a roomy interior and plenty of storage.
Features like three rows of seats and easy-to-use tech make it more appealing. It also has better safety and entertainment systems, showing Honda’s dedication to meet users’ needs.
Performance Specifications
The Honda Pilot packs a 3.5-liter V6 engine, with 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission for smooth driving.
Plus, it’s fuel-efficient, making it great for both city driving and long trips. The Pilot stands out for its flexibility on the road.
Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot: Key Comparison Points
When deciding between the Toyota Highlander and the Honda Pilot, many important points stand out.
Each vehicle shines in its way, so your choice should reflect what you value most. The performance of each SUV is a big deal for drivers.
Toyota’s Highlander is known for its hybrid option which gives great fuel efficiency and strong performance.
The Honda Pilot, however, concentrates on its powerful V6 engine. This choice depends on what kind of driving experience you’re looking for.
Thinking about interior space is crucial. Both SUVs can fit up to eight people, but take a good look at the legroom and headroom.
This could really matter if you travel long distances often. The cargo space offered by these SUVs is something to consider if you’re always on the move.
They both have lots of room, but the Honda Pilot might edge out slightly in total space. This means more room for your stuff when going on trips.
Next up is tech and safety features, something both SUVs are packed with, especially when it comes to keeping you safe on the road.
Take a close look at what each vehicle offers in terms of protection. This could help you decide which one is right for you and your family.
Lastly, think about the value for money. Both the Highlander and Pilot have a lot to offer, but consider their long-term costs.
Check out their maintenance needs and resale value to see which one might be the better financial choice.
| Comparison Points | Toyota Highlander | Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Options | V6 and Hybrid | V6 Only |
| Seating Capacity | Up to 8 | Up to 8 |
| Cargo Capacity | Max Cargo Volume: XX cu ft | Max Cargo Volume: YY cu ft |
| Safety Ratings | 5-Star NHTSA | 5-Star NHTSA |
| Starting Price | $XX,XXX | $YY,YYY |
Interior Space and Comfort
Both the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot are great for family trips. Each offers unique features that affect a buyer’s choice.
The Highlander has a stylish interior that focuses on comfort. However, the Honda Pilot is known for its roominess, adding to its function.
Seating Capacity and Comfort Features
The Highlander and Pilot can carry many passengers, perfect for outings. The Highlander seats up to eight, while the Pilot offers more seating flexibility because it’s bigger.
Up to eight people can ride in the Pilot, with options like heated captain’s chairs for extra comfort. Families who want both comfort and space will like these features.
Cargo Space and Configuration
Cargo space is key when looking at the Highlander and Pilot. The Pilot leads with 510 liters of cargo space behind the third row, versus the Highlander’s 453 liters.
This makes a big difference for family travel, allowing for more luggage. Both SUVs also offer ways to adjust cargo space, making them practical for daily use.
| Feature | Toyota Highlander | Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 8 | 8 |
| Cargo Space Behind 3rd Row | 453 liters | 510 liters |
| Comfort Features | Standard Seats, Available Heated | Heated Captain’s Chairs Available |
Technology and Infotainment Systems
Today, technology is crucial in making driving better, especially for families. The Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot come with top-notch infotainment features.
Looking at their touchscreen sizes, how they work with smartphones, and how easy they are to use tells us a lot about their performance in daily life.
Standard Features Comparison
| Feature | Toyota Highlander | Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Touchscreen Size | 8-inch standard; 12.3-inch available | 7-inch standard; 8-inch available |
| Smartphone Integration | Apple CarPlay, Android Auto standard | Apple CarPlay, Android Auto standard |
| Navigation | Available with premium trim | Available with premium trim |
| Audio System | Standard 6-speaker system; 11-speaker premium system available | Standard 7-speaker system; 10-speaker premium system available |
User Experience and Usability
The Toyota Highlander stands out with its easy-to-use infotainment system. It has a new interface that lets users navigate quickly and easily.
On the other hand, the Honda Pilot, despite having many features, falls short. Its smaller screen and slower controls are drawbacks.
During family trips, being able to use these features easily is very important. It makes the trip more fun.
While both SUVs meet the basic needs for technology, the Highlander is more user-friendly. People often prefer it because it works smoothly and quickly when they use it.
Safety Features and Ratings
When picking an SUV, families put safety first. The Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot both have impressive safety tech.
Learn how the Toyota Highlander’s safety features stand against the Honda Pilot’s crash test scores.
Plus, get a detailed comparison on SUV safety that shows what each model does best.
Advanced Safety Systems Comparison
The Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot aim to safeguard your family on the move. They include key safety features like:
- Forward collision mitigation
- Lane departure warnings
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alerts
The Toyota Highlander focuses on preventing accidents with its advanced safety technologies.
On the other hand, the Honda Pilot uses crash avoidance technologies. These provide feedback on how well they’re working to prevent accidents.
Crash Test Ratings and Reliability
Both vehicles do well in crash tests, with the latest Highlander and Pilot models scoring high.
Exploring crash test ratings highlights slight differences between them:
| Model | Overall Rating | Front Crash Prevention | Side Impact Protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Highlander | 5 Stars | Superior | Good |
| Honda Pilot | 5 Stars | Advanced | Good |
The Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot have shown they are dependable through their safety scores.
Families focused on safety will see both these models as top choices. They come with slight variations to meet different wants and driving styles.
Fuel Efficiency and Performance
Comparing the toyota highlander vs honda pilot fuel efficiency requires looking into engines and how they perform for real.
Both SUVs have V6 engines, making them good choices in their category. The Highlander gets 22 mpg combined, a bit better than the Pilot’s 21 mpg. However, real driving conditions can change things.
Engine Specifications Comparison
| Model | Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Highlander | 3.5L V6 | 295 hp | 263 lb-ft | 22 |
| Honda Pilot | 3.5L V6 | 280 hp | 262 lb-ft | 21 |
Real-world Fuel Economy Insights
Official fuel ratings give us a basic idea, but real driving is different. Things like how you drive, the roads, and how much you’re carrying affect SUV performance metrics.
People looking for family cars think about comfort and how it drives, especially on long trips.
Although the Highlander is a bit better on paper, Pilot owners often find they do just as well in some situations. This shows us fuel efficiency can vary in everyday life.
Pricing and Value For Money
When you look at the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, price matters a lot. It helps you see which one gives more for your money.
Looking at both the basic and top-level prices is key. This is because different versions offer various features.
Your choice depends on how much you can spend and what you need.
Base and Premium Trim Pricing
The basic price can change a lot between models and their versions. Both the Highlander and Pilot offer competitive prices for their SUV versions.
Here’s a look at the costs for some selected versions:
| Model | Base Price | Premium Trim Price |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Highlander XSE | $41,000 | $49,000 |
| Honda Pilot Black Edition | $48,000 | $53,000 |
Cost of Ownership and Resale Value
Owning a car involves costs like fuel, maintenance, insurance, and value drop. Understanding these can show which SUV is a smarter long-term choice.
The Toyota Highlander often costs less to own. But, the Honda Pilot might get you more money when you sell it, thanks to how people view the brand.
- Insurance costs: Looking at insurance prices can affect how much you spend in total.
- Fuel efficiency: Both SUVs are good with gas, but the Highlander might be slightly better.
- Maintenance: The Highlander doesn’t need fixes as often, which could save you cash.
Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot Reliability Analysis
When choosing a family car, reliability is key. Both the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot are well-known for being dependable in the SUV market.
They both perform well in reliability, but they have some differences you might consider.
The Toyota Highlander is famous for its sturdy build and long-lasting nature, getting high scores for reliability.
People owning one usually face few issues over time. This makes it a top choice for a reliable family SUV. However, the Honda Pilot also gets high marks for reliability.
It’s known for strong engine performance and solid build quality. Looking at what owners say helps us understand both cars over time.
Highlander owners talk about its lasting power and low upkeep costs. Pilot owners like its roominess and reliable performance.
Both SUVs come with warranties that last three years or 36,000 miles, plus extra coverage for the powertrain. This offers families reassurance for the first few years they own their car.
The following table compares key reliability aspects of the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot:
| Aspect | Toyota Highlander | Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Ratings (Out of 10) | 8.5 | 8.3 |
| Warranty Period | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Common Issues | Minimal | Occasional electrical problems |
| Maintenance Costs | Lower | Moderate |
In conclusion, looking at the Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot helps families find a reliable SUV.
Both models give strong ratings and positive feedback. This ensures safe and comfortable family journeys.
Consumer Reviews and Market Reception
Learning the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot’s reputation gives us valuable insight. People who own these vehicles are mostly happy.
They like the roomy inside, steady performance, and safety features. Yet, some mention the fuel use and tech features could be better.
User Feedback and Satisfaction Ratings
The Honda Pilot has its fans talking, too. They love how smooth it rides and its strong handling.
But, they also mention the back view is limited and basic models lack in entertainment features. This feedback helps future buyers understand both the good and bad ahead of time.
Expert Opinions and Recommendations
Experts have their say on these SUVs as well. Many of them recommend the Toyota Highlander for its trusted reliability and value over time.
The Honda Pilot is noted for having lots of space and being family-friendly. This expert advice offers a well-rounded view to help you make the best choice.
Conclusion
This article compared the Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot. It showed the strengths of each SUV.
They meet different needs, which is key in choosing the right vehicle for your family. Consider your budget, comfort, tech needs, and safety when making your choice.
The Toyota Highlander shines with its roominess and modern tech. On the other hand, the Honda Pilot is known for being reliable and great for families.
To pick the right family SUV, think about what’s most important to you. This will help you make the best choice.
In the end, your decision should match what your family wants and needs. Also, think about how much you can spend.
With the information from this article, you’ll be ready to choose between the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. This will help you be happier with your SUV.
FAQs
Q: What are the main differences in engine performance between the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot?
A: The Toyota Highlander has a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 295 horsepower. The Honda Pilot has a similar engine but with 280 horsepower. While both have automatic transmissions, the Highlander uses an eight-speed, and the Pilot has a nine-speed.
Q: How do the interior dimensions of the Highlander and Pilot compare?
A: The Honda Pilot has more cargo space, with 510 liters behind the third row. The Highlander offers 453 liters. Despite this, both SUVs provide ample room for families.
Q: What technology features can I expect from both SUVs?
A: Both models include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in their infotainment systems. But the Highlander’s system is often seen as more user-friendly compared to the Pilot’s.
Q: Which SUV offers better safety ratings?
A: The Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot have excellent crash test scores and advanced safety features. Yet, their specific features and performance can differ. It’s important to look at user feedback.
Q: How do fuel efficiencies compare between the Highlander and Pilot?
A: The Highlander leads slightly in fuel efficiency with 22 mpg combined. The Pilot follows closely at 21 mpg. Keep in mind, actual mileage can vary due to driving style and conditions.
Q: What is the price range for the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot?
A: Prices change based on the version you pick. The base Toyota Highlander usually costs more than the Honda Pilot’s base version. Both offer various trims to suit your budget.
Q: Which SUV is considered more reliable?
A: Both have a good reliability reputation. But the Toyota Highlander often scores slightly higher in reliability over time.
Q: How do consumer reviews reflect on the Highlander and Pilot?
A: Reviews often say the Highlander has a nicer interior and better tech. The Pilot is praised for its space and practical features. It’s good to also consider expert opinions for long-term views.
