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2021 Honda Pilot vs. 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Honda Pilot and 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 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 2021 Honda Pilot and the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

In comparing the 2021 Honda Pilot's and the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Honda Pilot has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, interior volume and base engine power. The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Honda Pilot's and the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a better car than the 2021 Honda Pilot.

Pricing: A used 2021 Honda Pilot ranges from $26,452 to $37,200 while a used 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is priced between $31,899 to $46,358.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Honda Pilot loses 43.6 percent of its value and the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid loses 38.3 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid retains 5.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Honda Pilot.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Honda Pilot is 8.7 out of 10 while the Toyota Highlander Hybrid's quality rating is 9.2 out of 10. This results in the Honda Pilot being ranked 10 out of 39 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid being ranked 1 out of 32 Best Hybrid SUVs.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Honda Pilot is 9.2 out of 10. For the Toyota Highlander Hybrid the reliability rating is 9.5 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Highlander Hybrid a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Honda Pilot.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Honda Pilot’s base engine makes 280 horsepower, and the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid base engine makes 243 horsepower. The Pilot is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 527 miles. The Highlander Hybrid is rated to deliver an average of 36 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 599 miles. This gives the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2021 Honda Pilot. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The 2021 Honda Pilot, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, a hybrid SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front head room and rear leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2021 Honda Pilot and the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.

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Model & Pricing
2021 Honda Pilot
2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

2021 Honda Pilot
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2021 Honda Pilot for Sale

2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
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2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$32,550

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

$32,108

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$27,000 - $37,580

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$38,735

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)

$38,453

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)

$32,670 - $51,225

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$31,797

Price Range:

$26,452 - $37,200

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

$32,068

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$24,840 - $46,487

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

1,423

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

47,798

# Good or Great Deals:

446

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$39,061

Price Range:

$31,899 - $46,358

Category Avg Price:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)

$34,098

Category Avg Price Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)

$28,612 - $40,265

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

285

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

57,277

# Good or Great Deals:

61

Honda Pilot Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.7 / 10

Reliability:

9.2 / 10

Retained Value:

7.8 / 10

Safety:

9.0 / 10

Toyota Highlander Hybrid Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

9.2 / 10

Reliability:

9.5 / 10

Retained Value:

8.1 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Honda Pilot

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

8.1

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

7.5

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

5.6 - 10.7

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

69.9%

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

9.8

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:

N/A

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:

N/A

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

86.6%



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

32.1

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

6.3

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

1.1 - 32.1

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

4.9

Typical Category Recalls:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)

3.9

Category Range for Recalls:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)

3.1 - 13.5

Honda Pilot Rankings

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

1 / 67

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

2 / 32

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

4 / 10

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

6 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs Under $40k

6 / 18

Best Midsize SUVs Under $40k

6 / 17

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

6 / 16

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

7 / 67

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

8 / 32

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

8 / 32

Best Family Crossover SUVs

9 / 67

Best Family Midsize SUVs

9 / 32

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

9 / 21

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

10 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

10 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

10 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs

11 / 67

Best Midsize SUVs

11 / 32

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

11 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

11 / 32

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

11 / 32

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

12 / 39

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

13 / 67

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

15 / 32

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

16 / 39

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

16 / 39

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

16 / 39

Safest Midsize SUVs

16 / 32

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

17 / 39

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

17 / 32

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

18 / 67

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

18 / 34

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

19 / 39

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

19 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

20 / 67

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

20 / 32

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

20 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

21 / 30

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

21 / 28

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

25 / 39

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

26 / 39

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

26 / 39

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

29 / 67

Safest Crossover SUVs

32 / 67

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

42 / 67

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

50 / 67

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

54 / 59

Toyota Highlander Hybrid Rankings

Best Hybrid SUVs

1 / 32

Safest Hybrid SUVs

1 / 32

Best Family Hybrid SUVs

1 / 32

Best Hybrid Crossover SUVs

1 / 27

Best Family Hybrid Crossover SUVs

1 / 27

Best Hybrid Midsize SUVs

1 / 12

Best Family Hybrid Midsize SUVs

1 / 12

Best Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows

1 / 9

Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

1 / 9

Best Family Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows

1 / 9

Most Reliable Hybrid SUVs

2 / 32

Best Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

2 / 9

Best Hybrid SUVs for the Money

2 / 2

Hybrid Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

3 / 27

Best Hybrid Crossover SUVs for Tall People

3 / 27

Hybrid Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

3 / 12

Hybrid Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

3 / 12

Hybrid SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

4 / 32

Best Hybrid Crossover SUVs for Towing

4 / 27

Best Hybrid Midsize SUVs for Towing

4 / 12

Best Hybrid Midsize SUVs for Tall People

4 / 12

Most Affordable Hybrid Midsize SUVs

4 / 11

Most Affordable Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 9

Best Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

4 / 9

Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

4 / 9

Best Off-road Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 9

Most Comfortable Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 9

Best Hybrid SUVs for Tall People

5 / 32

Hybrid Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

5 / 27

Most Comfortable Hybrid Crossover SUVs

5 / 27

Best Hybrid SUVs for Towing

6 / 32

Hybrid SUVs with Best Resale Value

7 / 32

Most Comfortable Hybrid SUVs

7 / 32

Best Off-road Hybrid Midsize SUVs

7 / 12

Most Comfortable Hybrid Midsize SUVs

7 / 12

Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

7 / 9

Hybrid Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

8 / 12

Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

8 / 9

Hybrid Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

9 / 12

Best Off-road Hybrid Crossover SUVs

11 / 27

Hybrid Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

12 / 27

Best Off-road Hybrid SUVs

15 / 32

Hybrid SUVs with the Most Horsepower

17 / 32

Most Affordable Hybrid SUVs

17 / 30

Hybrid Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

17 / 27

Most Affordable Hybrid Crossover SUVs

17 / 26

Hybrid SUVs with the Most Legroom

19 / 32

Best Gas Mileage Hybrid SUVs

21 / 32

Summary 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.

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Summary Review

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the hybrid version of the Toyota Highlander, which is among the best-selling, top-rated SUVs in the 3-row segment.

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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
  • Full suite of standard safety features

  • Poorly-rated headlights on L, LE, and XLE trims
  • Third row legroom less than competition

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Hybrid

2021 Honda Pilot Trim Levels

Black Edition, Elite, EX, EX-L, LX, SE, Touring, Touring w/Rear Captain's Chairs

2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Trim Levels

Limited, Platinum, XLE, LE

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

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 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

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 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):

0.070 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

243 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

Not yet available

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.056 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):


20 / 27 / 23

Range (city/hwy):

390 / 527 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


36 / 35 / 36

Range (city/hwy):

616 / 599 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Paddle Shifters:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

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

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Quad Seats:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Wifi:

Available

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Captain's seat:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Internet Radio:

N/A

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Standard

Quad Seats:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Satellite radio:

Standard

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Wifi:

Standard

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

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

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

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:

41.2 inches

Front Leg Room:

40.4 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

59 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.4 inches

Rear Leg Room:

41 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

58.7 inches

Cargo Space:

16 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

84.3 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

157.3 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3982 lbs

Width:

78.6 inches

Height:

70.6 inches

Length:

196.5 inches

Wheelbase:

111 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.3 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4330 lbs

Width:

76 inches

Height:

68.1 inches

Length:

194.9 inches

Wheelbase:

112.2 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 8.0 inches

Wheel Type:

painted aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

P235/65R18

Exterior Colors

Black

Crystal Black Pearl

Gray

Modern Steel Metallic

Silver

Lunar Silver Metallic

White

Platinum White Pearl

Blue

Not available

Brown

Not available

Red

Not available

Exterior Colors

Black

Midnight Black Metallic

Gray

Magnetic Gray Metallic / Moondust

Silver

Celestial Silver Metallic

White

Blizzard Pearl

Blue

Blueprint

Brown

Opulent Amber

Red

Ruby Flare Pearl

Interior Colors

Black

Black

Gray

Gray

Interior Colors

Black

Black

Gray

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