Honda Pilot Elite vs. Toyota Highlander Platinum
When comparing 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, and fuel efficiency, 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.
Honda Pilot Elite vs. Toyota Highlander Platinum Pricing
A used 2023 Honda Pilot Elite ranges from $49,995 to $57,901 while a used 2023 Toyota Highlander Platinum is priced between $47,478 to $56,871. For a new model, the Honda Pilot Elite's price is between $52,833 and $55,715, with the Toyota Highlander Platinum priced between $50,258 and $56,183.
Honda Pilot Elite vs. Toyota Highlander Platinum Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Honda Pilot Elite loses 44.4 percent of its value and the Toyota Highlander Platinum loses 38.1 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Highlander Platinum retains 6.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Honda Pilot Elite.
Honda Pilot Elite vs. Toyota Highlander Platinum Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Honda Pilot is 8.8 out of 10 while the Toyota Highlander's quality rating is 9.0 out of 10. This results in the Honda Pilot being ranked 2 out of 21 Best 7-Seater SUVs and the Toyota Highlander being ranked 1 out of 21. Out of 30 Best SUVs with 3 Rows, the Honda Pilot is ranked 3 and the Toyota Highlander is ranked 2. The Honda Pilot is also ranked 3 out of 16 Best 8-seater SUVs while the Toyota Highlander is ranked 2 out of 16. The Honda Pilot is also ranked 4 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs while the Toyota Highlander is ranked 2 out of 66. The Honda Pilot is also ranked 4 out of 30 Best Midsize SUVs while the Toyota Highlander is ranked 3 out of 30.
Honda Pilot Elite vs. Toyota Highlander Platinum Reliability Rating
iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Honda Pilot is 9.1 out of 10. For the Toyota Highlander the reliability rating is 8.7 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. The Elite is rated to deliver an average of 21 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 463 miles. The Platinum is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 519 miles. This gives the Toyota Highlander Platinum the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Honda Pilot Elite. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the Honda Pilot Elite has the advantage of offering 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 Comparison
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, both the Honda Pilot Elite and the Toyota Highlander Platinum have the same 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.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$52,833 - $55,715
Used Asking Price:
$49,995 - $57,901
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
44.4%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$50,258 - $56,183
Used Asking Price:
$47,478 - $56,871
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
38.1%
Honda Pilot Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.8 / 10
Reliability:
9.1 / 10
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Toyota Highlander Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
9.0 / 10
Reliability:
8.7 / 10
Retained Value:
8.2 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Honda Pilot Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 30Ranking
2 out of / 30Ranking
2 out of / 30Ranking
2 out of / 21Ranking
2 out of / 16Ranking
2 out of / 16Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 30Ranking
3 out of / 30Ranking
3 out of / 16Ranking
3 out of / 11Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 30Ranking
4 out of / 27Ranking
5 out of / 30Ranking
6 out of / 21Ranking
6 out of / 15Ranking
7 out of / 21Ranking
7 out of / 16Ranking
8 out of / 21Ranking
9 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 30Ranking
9 out of / 26Ranking
9 out of / 16Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
10 out of / 21Ranking
10 out of / 18Ranking
10 out of / 16Ranking
11 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 26Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
12 out of / 30Ranking
12 out of / 30Ranking
12 out of / 16Ranking
13 out of / 21Ranking
13 out of / 21Ranking
13 out of / 16Ranking
14 out of / 16Ranking
14 out of / 16Ranking
15 out of / 30Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
16 out of / 30Ranking
16 out of / 30Ranking
16 out of / 21Ranking
17 out of / 66Ranking
17 out of / 30Ranking
17 out of / 30Ranking
17 out of / 28Ranking
18 out of / 30Ranking
21 out of / 30Ranking
21 out of / 30Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
33 out of / 66Ranking
51 out of / 66Ranking
51 out of / 62Toyota Highlander Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 30Ranking
1 out of / 30Ranking
1 out of / 21Ranking
1 out of / 21Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 30Ranking
2 out of / 27Ranking
2 out of / 16Ranking
2 out of / 16Ranking
2 out of / 11Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 30Ranking
3 out of / 30Ranking
4 out of / 30Ranking
4 out of / 16Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 30Ranking
5 out of / 30Ranking
5 out of / 30Ranking
5 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
7 out of / 21Ranking
7 out of / 16Ranking
7 out of / 15Ranking
8 out of / 66Ranking
8 out of / 30Ranking
8 out of / 16Ranking
9 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 21Ranking
10 out of / 66Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
10 out of / 21Ranking
11 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 16Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
12 out of / 21Ranking
12 out of / 16Ranking
13 out of / 18Ranking
13 out of / 16Ranking
14 out of / 30Ranking
14 out of / 26Ranking
14 out of / 21Ranking
14 out of / 16Ranking
15 out of / 30Ranking
15 out of / 16Ranking
16 out of / 21Ranking
17 out of / 30Ranking
18 out of / 30Ranking
19 out of / 26Ranking
20 out of / 30Ranking
22 out of / 28Ranking
24 out of / 30Ranking
25 out of / 30Ranking
26 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 66Ranking
36 out of / 66Ranking
57 out of / 62Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Other Honda Pilot Trim Levels
EX-L-7P, EX-L-8P, LX, Sport, Touring, TrailSport
Other Toyota Highlander Trim Levels
L, 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
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Base Drivetrain Specifications
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 Specifications
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):
19 / 25 / 21
Range (city/hwy):
352 / 463 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
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):
22 / 29 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
394 / 519 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Safety Equipment
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 Equipment
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:
87 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
177.0 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 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
