Toyota highlander vs honda pilot: the ultimate guide to family-friendly suvs
What To Know
- In terms of fuel economy, the Highlander with the four-cylinder engine outperforms the Pilot, achieving an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.
- Both the Highlander and Pilot come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
- If you value fuel economy, a spacious cabin, and a comprehensive safety suite, the Highlander may be the better choice.
In the realm of mid-size three-row SUVs, the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot stand as formidable contenders. Both vehicles boast spacious cabins, impressive performance, and a plethora of features. However, discerning buyers often find themselves torn between these two automotive stalwarts. To help you make an informed decision, we present a comprehensive comparison of the Toyota Highlander vs. Honda Pilot.
Exterior Design
The Toyota Highlander exudes a sleek and sophisticated presence with its sculpted lines and angular headlights. The Honda Pilot, on the other hand, adopts a more rugged and imposing stance with its boxier silhouette and bold grille. Both vehicles offer stylish alloy wheels and a choice of exterior colors to suit your taste.
Interior Space and Comfort
The Highlander and Pilot offer ample seating for up to eight passengers. The Highlander features a spacious cabin with comfortable seats and generous legroom in all three rows. The Pilot provides a similar level of comfort, with slightly more headroom in the third row. Both SUVs boast premium materials and intuitive infotainment systems.
Engine Performance and Fuel Economy
The Highlander offers a choice of two engines: a 3.5-liter V6 with 295 horsepower and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 243 horsepower. The Pilot is powered by a single 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower. In terms of fuel economy, the Highlander with the four-cylinder engine outperforms the Pilot, achieving an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.
Safety Features
Both the Highlander and Pilot come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Highlander also offers a blind-spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alert as standard. The Pilot, on the other hand, features a standard Honda Sensing suite that includes traffic sign recognition and low-speed follow assist.
Technology and Connectivity
The Highlander and Pilot are equipped with advanced infotainment systems that support Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. The Highlander features a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Pilot offers a slightly smaller 8-inch screen. Both systems provide a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls.
Off-Road Capabilities
While neither the Highlander nor the Pilot is intended for serious off-roading, they both offer optional all-wheel drive systems that enhance their versatility. The Highlander’s available Adventure trim adds a more rugged exterior, while the Pilot’s optional TrailSport trim provides improved ground clearance and all-terrain tires.
Pricing and Value
The Toyota Highlander starts at a slightly lower price point than the Honda Pilot. However, the Pilot offers more standard features, including a sunroof and power liftgate. When equipped with similar options, the two vehicles become more comparable in terms of price.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the choice between the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot depends on your individual priorities. If you value fuel economy, a spacious cabin, and a comprehensive safety suite, the Highlander may be the better choice. However, if you prefer a more rugged exterior, advanced technology, and off-road capabilities, the Pilot might be a more suitable option.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
1. Which vehicle has a better fuel economy?
The Toyota Highlander with the four-cylinder engine has a better fuel economy than the Honda Pilot.
2. Which vehicle has more third-row headroom?
The Honda Pilot has slightly more third-row headroom than the Toyota Highlander.
3. Which vehicle offers more standard safety features?
The Honda Pilot offers more standard safety features than the Toyota Highlander, including traffic sign recognition and low-speed follow assist.
4. Which vehicle has a larger infotainment screen?
The Toyota Highlander has a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen than the Honda Pilot’s 8-inch screen.
5. Which vehicle is better for off-roading?
The Honda Pilot‘s TrailSport trim provides improved ground clearance and all-terrain tires, making it more suitable for off-road adventures than the Toyota Highlander.