Honda Pilot Elite vs. Toyota Highlander Platinum
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Honda Pilot Elite and Toyota Highlander Platinum 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 Honda Pilot Elite and the Toyota Highlander Platinum.
When we compare the Honda Pilot Elite's and the Toyota Highlander Platinum's specifications and ratings, the Honda Pilot Elite has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume and base engine power. The Toyota Highlander Platinum has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Honda Pilot Elite's and the Toyota Highlander Platinum's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Highlander Platinum is a better car than the Honda Pilot Elite.
Pricing: A used 2025 Honda Pilot Elite ranges from $49,400 to $54,829 while a used 2024 Toyota Highlander Platinum is priced between $48,540 to $55,088. For a new model, the Honda Pilot Elite's price is between $52,779 and $56,482, with the Toyota Highlander Platinum priced between $50,238 and $55,685.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Honda Pilot Elite loses 43.6 percent of its value and the Toyota Highlander Platinum loses 39.2 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Highlander Platinum retains 4.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Honda Pilot Elite.
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 Honda Pilot Elite’s base engine makes 285 horsepower, and the Toyota Highlander Platinum base engine makes 265 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the Honda Pilot Elite has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Toyota Highlander Platinum has the advantage in the area of front leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Honda Pilot Elite and the Toyota Highlander Platinum have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Toyota Highlander Platinum has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick award.
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:
$52,779 - $56,482
Starting MSRP:
$52,780
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$39,763
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$39,625 - $39,900
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$50,238 - $55,685
Starting MSRP:
$49,725
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$37,697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,990 - $43,320
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$53,861
Price Range:
$49,400 - $54,829
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,417
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,417 - $47,417
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
750
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
387
# Good or Great Deals:
13
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$52,723
Price Range:
$48,540 - $55,088
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$40,678 - $66,020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
39
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
6,825
# Good or Great Deals:
5
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$23,604
Depreciation %:
44.7%
Resale Value $:
$29,176
Residual Value %:
55.3%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
47.2%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
44.7% - 48.5%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$19,762
Depreciation %:
39.7%
Resale Value $:
$29,963
Residual Value %:
60.3%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
46.3%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
27.5% - 53.5%
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 Honda Pilot Elite
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.1
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
9.1 - 11.1
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
69.7%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota Highlander Platinum
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.2
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
67.9%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.8
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6 - 14.8
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 / 59Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Other Honda Pilot Trim Levels
Black Edition, EX-L, Sport, Touring, TrailSport
Other Toyota Highlander Trim Levels
LE, Limited, XLE, XSE
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
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:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
285 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
262 foot-lbs @ 5000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.061 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
265 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 1700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.062 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:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
Standard
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.7 inches
Cargo Space:
18.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
86.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
173.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
42 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.4 inches
Cargo Space:
16 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
84.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
152.3 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4660 lbs
Width:
78.5 inches
Height:
71 inches
Length:
199.9 inches
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4265 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:
20.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
polished aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/50R20
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
20.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/55R20
