Battle Of The Titans: Toyota Highlander Vs Honda Pilot 2018 – Which Suv Reigns Supreme?

When it comes to choosing a three-row SUV, the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot stand out as two of the most popular options. Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, impressive features, and strong safety ratings. But which one is the better choice for you? To help you make an informed decision, we’ll compare the 2018 Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot side-by-side, evaluating their key features, performance, and overall value.

Performance and Efficiency: A Tale of Two Powertrains

The 2018 Toyota Highlander offers two engine options: a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, and a hybrid powertrain that combines a 3.5-liter V6 with two electric motors for a combined output of 306 horsepower. The Honda Pilot, on the other hand, is powered by a single 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Highlander Hybrid shines with an EPA-estimated 30 mpg city/28 mpg highway, while the Highlander V6 gets 21 mpg city/27 mpg highway. The Pilot, meanwhile, achieves 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway.

Interior Space and Comfort: Room for the Whole Crew

Both the Highlander and Pilot offer ample seating for up to eight passengers, with spacious second and third rows that can accommodate adults comfortably. The Highlander has a slight edge in terms of cargo space, with 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row and 83.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down. The Pilot offers 16 cubic feet behind the third row and 83.9 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

When it comes to interior features and comfort, both vehicles come well-equipped with standard features such as tri-zone climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system, and comfortable seating. However, the Highlander offers a few more upscale options, such as heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium JBL audio system.

Safety and Driver Assistance: Protecting Your Precious Cargo

Both the Highlander and Pilot have earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). They come standard with a suite of airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control.

In terms of driver assistance features, the Highlander and Pilot offer a range of technologies to enhance safety and convenience. These include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Pilot also offers a unique feature called “Honda Sensing,” which includes a forward collision warning system with automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow.

Technology and Connectivity: Staying Connected on the Road

The 2018 Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot come equipped with user-friendly infotainment systems that feature touchscreens, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration. Both systems offer a variety of apps and features to keep you entertained and informed on your journey.

The Highlander’s infotainment system, called “Entune,” features a standard 8-inch touchscreen display, while the Pilot’s system, called “HondaLink,” has a standard 5-inch touchscreen. Both systems offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps while driving.

Trim Levels and Pricing: Finding the Right Fit for Your Budget

The 2018 Toyota Highlander is available in five trim levels: LE, LE Plus, XLE, Limited, and Platinum. The base LE trim starts at $31,030, while the top-of-the-line Platinum trim starts at $46,850.

The 2018 Honda Pilot is also available in five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite. The base LX trim starts at $31,550, while the top-of-the-line Elite trim starts at $48,020.

Which SUV is Right for You?

Ultimately, the choice between the 2018 Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize fuel efficiency and a more upscale interior, the Highlander is a great choice. If you’re looking for a vehicle with a more powerful engine and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, the Pilot is worth considering.

Beyond the Comparison: Additional Factors to Consider

In addition to the key factors we’ve discussed, there are a few other things you may want to consider when choosing between the 2018 Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot:

• Reliability: Both the Highlander and Pilot have a reputation for reliability, with the Highlander receiving slightly higher marks from J.D. Power and Associates.

• Resale Value: The Highlander typically holds its value better than the Pilot, making it a more financially sound investment in the long run.

• Availability: The Highlander is generally more widely available than the Pilot, especially in certain regions.

• Test Drive: Before making a final decision, it’s always a good idea to test drive both vehicles to get a feel for their handling, performance, and overall comfort.

Popular Questions

1. Which SUV has a more powerful engine?

• The 2018 Toyota Highlander has a more powerful engine, with 295 horsepower compared to the Honda Pilot’s 280 horsepower.

2. Which SUV has better fuel efficiency?

• The 2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has better fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 30 mpg city/28 mpg highway compared to the Pilot’s 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway.

3. Which SUV has more cargo space?

• The 2018 Toyota Highlander has slightly more cargo space, with 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row and 83.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down compared to the Pilot’s 16 cubic feet behind the third row and 83.9 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down.

4. Which SUV has more advanced safety features?

• The 2018 Honda Pilot has more advanced safety features, including Honda Sensing, which includes a forward collision warning system with automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow.

5. Which SUV has a better infotainment system?

• The 2018 Toyota Highlander has a better infotainment system, with a standard 8-inch touchscreen display and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility compared to the Pilot’s standard 5-inch touchscreen display.