Both the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander are strong contenders in the midsize, three-row SUV class. The Pilot tends to offer more interior space and value, while the Highlander emphasizes efficiency, refinement, and stronger resale appeal. This assessment reflects model-year 2024–2025 variants and the typical trade-offs buyers weigh in this segment.
To understand which SUV suits your needs, this article compares them across family practicality, performance, efficiency, technology, safety, and pricing, and provides guidance on scenarios where one might be a clearer winner than the other.
Head-to-head: space, power, and value
Below is a side-by-side look at how the Pilot and Highlander stack up in core areas that most buyers consider.
- Space and practicality: The Honda Pilot typically offers broad interior volume with versatile seating configurations and ample cargo space, which is a strong point for families that regularly haul gear or a full load of passengers. The Toyota Highlander also seats seven or eight depending on configuration and provides solid third-row access, but generally offers less cargo room behind the third row than the Pilot.
- Power and capability: The Pilot relies on a robust V6 with smooth power delivery and confident highway oomph, paired with a multi-speed automatic and available all-wheel drive. The Highlander offers a turbocharged four-cylinder option and, in hybrid form, a total powertrain that emphasizes efficiency; both offer AWD and towing capability suited to family use, with the Highlander Hybrid delivering the best miles-per-gallon in this duo.
- Fuel economy and efficiency: The Highlander Hybrid excels for buyers prioritizing fuel economy, especially in mixed driving. Non-hybrid Highlanders provide competitive efficiency for the segment, while the Pilot’s non-hybrid powertrain is generally less efficient than the Hybrid Highlander but still capable in real-world use.
- Interior quality and technology: The Highlander tends to feel more refined in materials and ride insulation, with a well-regarded infotainment setup and strong standard safety tech. The Pilot focuses on spacious practicality and family-friendly features, with an intuitive cabin layout and updated tech across recent generations.
- Ride, handling, and comfort: The Pilot emphasizes a comfortable, roomy ride with a forgiving chassis for family duties. The Highlander typically delivers a quieter highway ride and more composed handling, especially on longer trips.
- Pricing, value, and resale: The Pilot usually undercuts the Highlander on starting price, offering strong value for space and features. Toyota models, including the Highlander, tend to retain value well and often command higher resale prices, reflecting Toyota’s reliability reputation.
In short, if your priority is maximum passenger and cargo space at a lower upfront cost, the Honda Pilot stands out. If you want better fuel economy—especially with a hybrid option—and a more refined ride, the Toyota Highlander is the stronger fit.
For buyers who want a quick takeaway: the Pilot shines for space and value; the Highlander excels in efficiency, refinement, and resale potential.
Best buys by priorities
To help readers decide more quickly based on what they value most, here are scenario-driven recommendations.
- Best overall space and family practicality: Honda Pilot. If you regularly pack eight people or need the most cargo versatility, the Pilot’s interior layout and cargo flexibility give it a clear edge.
- Best for fuel economy and eco-conscious driving: Toyota Highlander Hybrid (or a Highlander with the turbo engine if you don’t want a hybrid). The Hybrid delivers the strongest efficiency in this class, especially for daily commuting and long trips.
- Best value for price-conscious buyers: Honda Pilot. With a lower starting price and ample feature content, the Pilot delivers strong value for the money in the space-class segment.
- Best resale value and long-term reliability: Toyota Highlander. Toyota’s reputation for reliability and strong resale value makes the Highlander a popular long-term choice.
- Best ride quality on long highway drives: Toyota Highlander. The Highlander’s refinement and quiet cabin make it feel more cultured on extended road trips.
Both models deliver solid safety scores, a suite of active safety features, and reliable performance, so your final pick should align with which strengths you value most—space and value, or efficiency and refinement.
Summary
Both the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander are capable three-row SUVs, but they cater to different priorities. The Pilot wins on interior space and value, making it a strong option for large families and weekend gear. The Highlander, especially in Hybrid form, offers superior fuel economy, a more refined ride, and strong resale value. Consider your top priorities—space versus efficiency, upfront cost versus long-term value—and test-drive both to determine which aligns best with your needs.