2018 Honda Pilot vs. 2018 Toyota Highlander
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2018 Honda Pilot and 2018 Toyota Highlander contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2018 Honda Pilot and the 2018 Toyota Highlander.
In comparing the 2018 Honda Pilot's and the 2018 Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Honda Pilot has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, reliability, interior volume and base engine power. The 2018 Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the areas of resale value and overall quality score. The 2018 Honda Pilot and 2018 Toyota Highlander have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the 2018 Honda Pilot's and the 2018 Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Honda Pilot is a better car than the 2018 Toyota Highlander.
Pricing: A used 2018 Honda Pilot ranges from $18,000 to $30,975 while a used 2018 Toyota Highlander is priced between $20,950 to $33,994.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2018 Honda Pilot loses 43.6 percent of its value and the 2018 Toyota Highlander loses 39.2 percent of its value. This means the 2018 Toyota Highlander retains 4.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2018 Honda Pilot.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Honda Pilot is 8.7 out of 10 while the Toyota Highlander's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Honda Pilot being ranked 10 out of 39 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Toyota Highlander being ranked 9 out of 39. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Honda Pilot is ranked 11 and the Toyota Highlander is ranked 10. The Honda Pilot is also ranked 11 out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs while the Toyota Highlander is ranked 10 out of 32.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Honda Pilot is 9.2 out of 10. For the Toyota Highlander the reliability rating is 8.9 out of 10. This gives the Honda Pilot a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Toyota Highlander.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2018 Honda Pilot’s base engine makes 280 horsepower, and the 2018 Toyota Highlander base engine makes 185 horsepower. Both the Pilot and the Highlander are rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with highway ranges of 527 and 461 miles respectively. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 2018 Honda Pilot has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The 2018 Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the areas of front head room and front leg room. The 2018 Honda Pilot and 2018 Toyota Highlander are comparable in regards to rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2018 Honda Pilot and the 2018 Toyota Highlander have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
Overview
Need to carry eight passengers but can’t stomach the thought of driving a minivan? The Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander – two of the most popular midsize crossover SUVs on the market – are both worthy minivan alternatives. As with most other Honda and Toyota models, the Pilot and Highlander are known for their quality and reliability, though the Highlander performs slightly better in both regards. Though much improved from the previous generation, the current Pilot’s exterior styling is still bland compared to the handsome lines of the Highlander. Both SUVs can tow up to 5,000 pounds, are available with all-wheel drive, and have standard V6 power, but the Highlander offers an efficient, optional hybrid powertrain that works with a CVT. Outward visibility, storage options, and interior space are advantages for the Pilot; exterior styling, driving dynamics, and fuel economy – especially for the Hybrid – are Highlander high points. Third-row legroom isn’t particularly generous on either vehicle.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$30,900
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$30,126
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$22,995 - $34,810
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$31,230
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$30,126
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$22,995 - $34,810
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$24,418
Price Range:
$18,000 - $30,975
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$22,710
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$14,757 - $32,004
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
493
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
91,843
# Good or Great Deals:
219
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$27,256
Price Range:
$20,950 - $33,994
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$22,710
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$14,757 - $32,004
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
714
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
91,090
# Good or Great Deals:
318
Honda Pilot Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
9.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Toyota Highlander Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.9 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Honda Pilot
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
5.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.6 - 7.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
69.9%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Toyota Highlander
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.6 - 7.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
67.9%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
14.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.1 - 16.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.8
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.1 - 16.3
Honda Pilot Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
6 out of / 39Ranking
6 out of / 18Ranking
6 out of / 17Ranking
6 out of / 16Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 21Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 39Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 34Ranking
19 out of / 39Ranking
19 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 67Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 30Ranking
21 out of / 28Ranking
25 out of / 39Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
42 out of / 67Ranking
50 out of / 67Ranking
54 out of / 59Toyota Highlander Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 16Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 18Ranking
5 out of / 17Ranking
6 out of / 39Ranking
6 out of / 21Ranking
7 out of / 39Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 39Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 39Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 39Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 30Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 28Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 39Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 39Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 39Ranking
38 out of / 67Ranking
52 out of / 59Summary Review
The Honda Pilot is one of America’s favorite three-row family vehicles. All but two trim levels offer seating for eight passengers, though many buyers opt for the 7-passenger configuration with two large captain's chairs in the second row.
Summary Review
The Toyota Highlander is among the best-selling, top-rated SUVs in the 3-row segment.
Pros and Cons
- Seating for up to 8 in almost every trim
- Family-friendly features galore
- Among the largest interior volume and cargo capacity of this segment’s SUVs
- One of the most “made-in-America” models in this segment (Alabama)
- No green (hybrid/electric) powertrain option available
Pros and Cons
- Class-leading fuel economy
- No disappointing base engine
- Legendary reliability
- Third-row space a bit cramped
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2018 Honda Pilot Trim Levels
Elite, EX, EX w/Honda Sensing, EX-L, EX-L w/Honda Sensing, EX-L w/Navi, EX-L w/RES, LX, Touring
2018 Toyota Highlander Trim Levels
LE, LE Plus, Limited, Limited Platinum, SE, XLE
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years / 25000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
280 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
262 foot-lbs @ 4700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.069 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
185 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 4200 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.044 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 27 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
371 / 527 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.7 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 24 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
384 / 461 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Available
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
62 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
62 inches
Cargo Space:
16.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
83.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
169.4 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
59.6 inches
Cargo Space:
13.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
83.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
158.7 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4054 lbs
Width:
78.6 inches
Height:
69.8 inches
Length:
194.5 inches
Wheelbase:
111 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4165 lbs
Width:
75.8 inches
Height:
68.1 inches
Length:
192.5 inches
Wheelbase:
109.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P245/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Pearl
Blue
Obsidian Blue Pearl / Steel Sapphire Metallic
Gray
Modern Steel Metallic
Green
Black Forest Pearl
Red
Deep Scarlet Pearl
Silver
Lunar Silver Metallic
White
White Diamond Pearl
Brown
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Shoreline Blue Pearl
Gray
Predawn Gray Mica
Green
Alumina Jade Metallic
Red
Ooh La La Rouge Mica
Silver
Celestial Silver Metallic
White
Blizzard Pearl
Brown
Toasted Walnut Pearl
Interior Colors
Beige
Beige
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Black
Gray
Ash