Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Highlander
When comparing the Honda Pilot's and the Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the Honda Pilot has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume and base engine power. The Toyota Highlander 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's and the Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Highlander is a better car than the Honda Pilot.
Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Highlander Pricing
A used 2023 Honda Pilot ranges from $44,484 to $56,270 while a used 2023 Toyota Highlander is priced between $39,298 to $53,598. For a new model, the Honda Pilot's price is between $39,744 and $54,364, with the Toyota Highlander priced between $39,599 and $53,991.
Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Highlander Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Honda Pilot loses 44.4 percent of its value and the Toyota Highlander loses 38.1 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Highlander retains 6.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Honda Pilot.
Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Highlander 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 28 Best Midsize SUVs and the Toyota Highlander being ranked 1 out of 28. 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 4 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs while the Toyota Highlander is ranked 2 out of 66.
Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Highlander 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’s base engine makes 285 horsepower, and the Toyota Highlander base engine makes 265 horsepower. The Pilot is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 500 miles. The Highlander is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 519 miles. This gives the Toyota Highlander the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Honda Pilot. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the Honda Pilot has the advantage of offering more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the areas of front head room and front leg room.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, both the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander 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:
$39,744 - $54,364
Used Asking Price:
$44,484 - $56,270
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
44.4%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$39,599 - $53,991
Used Asking Price:
$39,298 - $53,598
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 / 28Ranking
2 out of / 28Ranking
2 out of / 28Ranking
2 out of / 28Ranking
2 out of / 16Ranking
2 out of / 14Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 30Ranking
3 out of / 30Ranking
3 out of / 30Ranking
3 out of / 11Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 27Ranking
5 out of / 28Ranking
8 out of / 28Ranking
8 out of / 28Ranking
9 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 28Ranking
9 out of / 26Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 30Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
12 out of / 30Ranking
12 out of / 26Ranking
14 out of / 28Ranking
15 out of / 30Ranking
15 out of / 28Ranking
16 out of / 30Ranking
16 out of / 28Ranking
16 out of / 26Ranking
17 out of / 66Ranking
21 out of / 30Ranking
21 out of / 30Ranking
27 out of / 66Ranking
33 out of / 66Ranking
51 out of / 66Ranking
52 out of / 62Toyota Highlander Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 30Ranking
1 out of / 28Ranking
1 out of / 28Ranking
1 out of / 28Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 30Ranking
2 out of / 30Ranking
2 out of / 27Ranking
2 out of / 11Ranking
3 out of / 30Ranking
3 out of / 28Ranking
3 out of / 28Ranking
4 out of / 30Ranking
4 out of / 16Ranking
5 out of / 28Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
7 out of / 14Ranking
8 out of / 66Ranking
8 out of / 28Ranking
9 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 28Ranking
9 out of / 26Ranking
10 out of / 66Ranking
10 out of / 28Ranking
11 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 26Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
14 out of / 30Ranking
15 out of / 30Ranking
16 out of / 28Ranking
17 out of / 30Ranking
19 out of / 26Ranking
20 out of / 30Ranking
23 out of / 28Ranking
24 out of / 30Ranking
26 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 66Ranking
36 out of / 66Ranking
47 out of / 62Summary 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
Honda Pilot Trim Levels
Elite, EX-L-7P, EX-L-8P, LX, Sport, Touring, TrailSport
Toyota Highlander Trim Levels
L, LE, Limited, Platinum, 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):
0.071 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):
0.064 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):
352 / 500 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
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Equipment
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.2 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:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
42 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.7 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:
157.8 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4030 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:
4155 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 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/65R18
