Liviu Marcus
What do you prefer? Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander? Let’s see our impressions regarding both cars below.
The Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander are crossover cars that are just perfect for life-oriented families. They are among the most bought SUVs of the mid-size range. If you have a hard time choosing between two SUVs, we have made a detailed review that will help you with your choice.
Pricing
Honda Pilot 2020 is offered in the 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 the 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 main trim of the Pilot consists of a standard 5-inch central display screen and a seven-speaker audio system.
The extensive infotainment system can be found in the upper trim models, which are also equipped with 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
On the road responsiveness of the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander is nothing short of praiseworthy. In the case of these SUVs, it is an absolute plus that their ride is comfortable and their suspensions are powerful, but in extreme off-road circumstances, they cannot compete.
The transmission types of both of these cars are arranged with the front wheel drive mechanism. On the other end, you can opt for the four-wheel drive by paying a few extra bucks.
The 3.5-liter V6 engine that is installed in the car, produces 280HP and 262lb-feet torque. They either come with a 6-speed or 9-speed transmission. With FWD, SUVs in this segment can tow 3,500 lbs, and with AWD, it is possible to tow up to 5,000 lbs.
The standard powertrain of the Japanese Toyota Highlander, like the others on the market, is also capable of giving out 3. 295 HP and 263 lb-ft of torque mated with a powerful 8-speed transmission, and a big V6 engine, 3.5-liter. A Land Rover, regardless of the drivetrain option, can tow in excess of 5000 pounds.
The 2020 Honda Pilot, with AWD, gives 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway when equipped.
The 2020 Toyota Highlander with AWD is 27MPG expressway and 20MPG city while running.
Only the Highlander has a hybrid version among the Toyota lineup of Pilot, whereas there is no hybrid trim in the tradable Pilot trim.
Safety Features
Both the 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-liter 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 the highway and 20 mpg in the 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
The Honda Pilot is among the best Honda cars, with better features and more variety. We find it more practical and family-oriented.
Some factors that give it an edge over its competitors are seat comfort, pricing, safety, and handling. However, you can read through the analysis carefully to find out which car meets your needs best.
