The Honda Pilot is the closest Honda equivalent to the Toyota Highlander, offering three-row seating, flexible cargo space, and family-focused features.
In the competitive segment of mid-size, three-row SUVs, the Highlander and Pilot target families who need to seat up to eight and adapt to varying cargo needs. The Pilot stands as Honda’s flagship three-row model, while the Highlander adds a strong hybrid option and a reputation for refined interior materials in higher trims. Here is how they compare across key areas.
Side-by-side comparison
Similarities
Both vehicles are designed to move larger families with practical interiors, similar seating capacity, and a focus on safety and technology. The lists below summarize core parallels.
- Three-row seating that accommodates up to eight passengers in most configurations.
- Flexible cargo space and smart second- and third-row fold-flat capabilities for daily use and trips.
- All-wheel-drive options and a suite of driver-assistance features across multiple trims (Honda Sensing vs Toyota Safety Sense).
- Competitive pricing within the mid-size SUV class, with higher trims offering more premium tech and comfort.
Both models aim to balance practicality with modern tech, making them popular choices for families who prioritize space and safety in a crossover SUV.
Key differences
There are notable distinctions in powertrains, efficiency options, interior feel, and overall mission within the segment.
- Powertrain options: Pilot relies on a 3.5-liter V6 with a multi-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive; Highlander offers a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a more efficient hybrid setup (2.5-liter hybrid) with AWD available in many trims.
- Hybrid availability: The Highlander provides a hybrid powertrain (and in some markets a more efficient variant) as a core option; the Pilot does not currently offer a factory hybrid variant.
- Fuel economy and efficiency: The Highlander’s hybrid option typically yields better overall fuel economy, especially in mixed driving, while the Pilot emphasizes robust V6 performance with strong towing capability.
- Interior and materials: Higher Highlander trims often emphasize more upscale materials and a quieter cabin in highway driving; the Pilot emphasizes spacious, utilitarian practicality with flat-folding seats and cargo versatility.
- Towing and performance: Both can tow substantial loads when properly equipped, but exact ratings vary by drivetrain and trim level; potential buyers should check the specific specs for the year and model they’re considering.
- Infotainment and tech: Highlander models frequently incorporate Toyota’s latest infotainment interface and app integration in higher trims, while the Pilot offers Honda’s current system with its own ecosystem of features; user experience may vary by generation and trim.
In practice, the Highlander wins points for fuel economy in its hybrid form and interior refinement at the top trims, while the Pilot stands out for interior space, a straightforward design, and strong V6 performance with broad usability for cargo and passengers alike.
Other Honda options and considerations
For shoppers who want alternatives within Honda's lineup beyond the Pilot, two other vehicles offer different takes on family transport, though they don’t match the Highlander’s three-row footprint exactly.
- Honda Passport: A two-row SUV with generous cargo space and a rugged personality; it’s a strong choice for families that don’t need a third row but still want ample seating and storage.
- Honda Odyssey (minivan): For maximum practicality with up to eight seats and configurable seating and cargo, the Odyssey remains Honda’s flagship family hauler when a van body style is acceptable.
For buyers prioritizing hybrid efficiency, the Highlander’s hybrid option makes it a strong competitor in the segment, while the Pilot remains a compelling choice for those who want a robust, spacious, and straightforward three-row SUV with strong real-world usability.
Summary
The Honda Pilot is the closest Honda counterpart to the Toyota Highlander, delivering three-row seating, substantial cargo versatility, and a family-friendly feature set. The Highlander adds a compelling hybrid option and refined interior options at higher trims, appealing to efficiency-minded buyers who still need space. Your choice should hinge on whether you value hybrid efficiency (Highlander) or straightforward practicality and V6 performance (Pilot). In the broader Honda lineup, the Passport offers a capable two-row alternative when a third row isn’t essential, while the Odyssey provides maximum passenger and cargo flexibility in a minivan form factor.