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Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander are family-oriented vehicles. Both are among the most purchased SUVs in the mid-size category. If you are confused between the two SUVs, we have done a detailed comparison that will make things easier for you.
Pricing
Honda Pilot 2020 is offered in following trims:
- LX: $32,645
- EX: $35,525
- Touring: $43,715
- Elite: $49,215
- Black Edition: $50,715
Toyota Highlander is offered in the following trims:
- L: $35,720
- LE: $37,920
- LE Hybrid: $39,320
- XLE: $40,720
- XLE Hybrid: $42,120
- Limited: $44,770
- Limited Hybrid: $46,170
While the Black Edition of Honda Pilot costs $50,715, it is more affordable than the Toyota Highlander when we compare the basic trims of both cars.
Technology Features
The basic trim of Pilot features a 5-inch central display screen and a seven-speaker audio system.
The comprehensive infotainment system comes with the upper trims that also have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other features include:
- Navigation
- Kid-pacifying rear-seat entertainment system
- Upgraded audio system
The entry-level Toyota Highlander comes with:
- Six-speaker stereo
- 8-inch touchscreen compatible with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa
For navigation and a 12.3-inch touchscreen, you will have to move up a ladder on the trims.
Engine, Performance, and Fuel Economy
Both the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander offer commendable on-road performance. While the ride comfort is great and suspensions are powerful in these SUVs, they are not compatible with extreme off-road conditions.
Both vehicles come with front-wheel drive. Although, you can have the all-wheel drive after paying some additional amount.
The 3.5 litre, V6 engine delivers 280 HP and 262 lb-feet torque. It either comes with a 6-speed or 9-speed transmission. When equipped with FWD, the mid-size SUV can tow 3,500 and with AWD can tow 5,000 pounds.
The standard engine in Toyota Highlander is also equipped with 3.5-litre, V6 engine that makes 295 HP and 263 lb-feet torque paired with a power 8-speed transmission. Highlander can tow 5,000 pounds of weight (regardless of the drivetrain system).
The Honda Pilot 2020, when equipped with AWD, gives 19 mpg-city 26 mpg-highway.
The Toyota Highlander 2020, when equipped with AWD, gives 27 mpg-highway and 20 mpg-city.
While there is no hybrid trim in the Pilot line up, you will find hybrid powertrain options in the Toyota Highlander.
Safety Features
Both Pilot and Highlander are designed to offer a family-friendly drive with functionality.
Honda Pilot comes with an array of top-notch safety features including:
- Anti-lock brakes
- Stability control
- Airbags in all rows
- Collision mitigation
- Road departure mitigation
- Forward collision warning
- Lane departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control
The Toyota Highlander comes with the following safety features:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic high beams
- Lane keep assist
- Road sign detection
- Cyclist detection
- Pre-collision system plus eight airbags
Expensive variants also feature blind-spot monitoring and park assist system.
Summary
So, just to make things easy, here is a brief comparison between the two mid-size SUVs:
Honda Pilot
- It comes with 3.5 litre, V6 engine
- There are five trims in the Honda Pilot line-up
- Base trims have a six-speed automatic transmission, while the expensive variants come with nine-speed automatic transmission
- You can get an AWD drive by paying an additional amount of $32,645
- Lower trims come with eight seats; upper variants have mid seat replaced in the second row with two captain chairs which reduces the seating capacity to seven
- With 9-speed automatic and AWD, it gives 19 mpg-city and 26 mpg-highway
- Cargo space is 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row
- Standard 18-inch wheels in basic trim and 20-inch alloy wheels in upper variants
- It can tow 3,500 pounds with FWD and 5,000 pounds with AWD
Toyota Highlander
- There are five variants to choose from
- The SUV features a 3.5-liter, V6 engine (295 hp, 263 lb-ft of torque) with an eight-speed automatic transmission
- The entry-level trim is offered for $35,720
- The mid-size SUV delivers 27 mpg on highway and 20 mpg in city
- Highlander has 16 cubic feet of space behind the third row
- 8 seats in the standard arrangement and 7 seats when you get 2 captain chairs in the mid-row
Result
Honda Pilot is among the best Honda cars with better features and more variety, we find it more practical and family-oriented.
Some factors which give it an edge over its competitor are seat comfort, pricing, safety, and handling. However, you can read through the analysis carefully to find out which car meets your needs best.
