The Honda Pilot is generally the roomier choice, especially for cargo, though both models offer ample space for families.
This article compares how much space you get with both three-row SUVs, focusing on cargo capacity with different seating setups and overall interior volume. It also notes how seat configurations affect practicality for families juggling gear, kids, and daily use.
Cargo space and practicality
The following figures illustrate cargo capacity in common seating configurations. This helps show which model accommodates more gear when you’re loading up for trips, groceries, or sports equipment.
- Honda Pilot: 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row; 46.8 cubic feet behind the second row; 109.0 cubic feet behind the first row (maximum with all rear rows folded).
- Toyota Highlander: 16.0 cubic feet behind the third row; 48.4 cubic feet behind the second row; 84.3 cubic feet behind the first row (maximum with all rear rows folded).
In practical terms, the Pilot offers markedly more total cargo space when you fold the second row and especially the first row. The Highlander can still swallow a sizable amount of gear, but the Pilot generally comes out ahead for maximum cargo capacity.
Interior space and seating configurations
Both SUVs seat up to eight passengers in many configurations, but their layouts and total interior volume affect comfort and usability when the cabin is full.
- Seating configurations: Both vehicles offer a versatile setup with either a bench or captain’s chairs in the second row, affecting how many people can ride comfortably and how easy it is to access the third row.
- Passenger volume: Honda Pilot provides roughly 152.9 cubic feet of interior passenger space, while Toyota Highlander offers about 141.3 cubic feet. This translates to more usable cabin room in the Pilot for adult passengers, especially in the second and third rows.
- Third-row usability: The Pilot’s third row is typically more accommodating for adults on shorter trips, whereas the Highlander’s third row tends to feel tighter for adults, making the Pilot the better choice when you regularly carry six or seven passengers.
Overall, the Pilot tends to feel roomier inside, particularly when you’re carrying a full crew and a fair amount of gear. The Highlander remains a strong, well-appointed option with ample space, but its cargo and interior volume are generally a notch behind the Pilot in standard configurations.
Bottom line
For families prioritizing maximum roominess, the Honda Pilot generally offers more interior and cargo space than the Toyota Highlander. If cargo capacity and overall interior volume are top priorities, the Pilot is the stronger choice. If you value a slightly more compact feel with ample passenger space and similar seating options, the Highlander remains a solid, roomy alternative.
Summary: Space-conscious buyers often find the Pilot more accommodating for both passengers and gear, though both models are capable three-row SUVs that balance practicality with everyday usability.