The Toyota Highlander generally has a slight edge in reliability over the Honda Pilot. Both SUVs are known for their durability, but the Highlander often ranks higher in reliability ratings.
Choosing between the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander can be a tough decision for any SUV enthusiast or family-conscious buyer. Both vehicles come with a reputation for longevity and robust performance, making them leaders in the midsize SUV category. The Highlander, with its consistent top marks in reliability from various reputable automotive sources, often takes the lead in this tight race.
Drivers gravitate towards the Honda Pilot for its spacious interior and comfortable ride, while the Toyota Highlander garners attention for its longevity and lower maintenance costs. Safety features, resale value, and customer satisfaction scores play crucial roles in swaying potential buyers looking for a dependable vehicle that stands the test of time.
Credit: www.ryanhonda.net
Honda Pilot Vs Toyota Highlander Rivalry
The Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander rivalry is a tale as old as time for those in pursuit of the perfect family SUV. These two titans have competed for the hearts and driveways of families for years. They promise space, reliability, and features that aim to make every journey a pleasure. In this fierce competition, choosing between them is more than a mere preference—it’s about finding a trusted companion for all of life’s adventures.
The Battle Of The Family Suvs
When it comes to conquering family travels, both the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander stand tall as popular choices. They offer ample room, comfort, and advanced safety features. As the needs of today’s families evolve, these SUVs have also adapted, packing more technology and efficiency into their sturdy frames. This ongoing battle has only intensified, as both seek to outperform the other in delivering exceptional driving experiences.
Pilot And Highlander: Market Position
The Pilot and Highlander each boast unique strengths, aiming to capture significant market share. The Honda Pilot, known for its smooth ride and spacious interior, appeals to those who value comfort and cargo space.
On the other side, the Toyota Highlander garners attention with its reputation for durability and resale value. Both aim to be the top pick in a crowded segment, continually pushing the envelope in performance, safety, and innovation. With a loyal fanbase behind each model, they hold esteemed positions in the family SUV market.
| Feature | Honda Pilot | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | Up to 8 | Up to 8 |
| Cargo Space | Generous | Ample |
| Fuel Efficiency | Competitive | Optimized |
| Resale Value | Strong | Excellent |
| Safety Features | Advanced |
State-of-the-Art
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Under The Hood: Performance Comparison
Let’s dive into what makes these SUVs tick. We’re comparing the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. We’ll see who wins in power and fuel thriftiness.
Engine Specs And Horsepower
Both SUVs have impressive engines, but they differ.
| Vehicle | Engine | Horsepower |
|---|---|---|
| Honda Pilot | 3.5L V6 | 280 HP |
| Toyota Highlander | 3.5L V6 | 295 HP |
Honda’s Pilot offers solid power. The Highlander steps up with a bit more punch.
Fuel Efficiency And Economy
Saving fuel is key. Let’s see which SUV does it better.
- Pilot: Up to 20 city/27 highway MPG
- Highlander: Up to 21 city/29 highway MPG
The Highlander edges ahead in fuel savings, making every mile count.
Design And Comfort: Interior Showdown
When you step into either the Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander, you’re entering a realm where design touches every corner and comfort embraces every seat. It’s a contest of which family vehicle feels more like home.
Cabin Space And Seating
The Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander offer generous cabin space, but there’s only one champion of comfort.
| Feature | Honda Pilot | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 8 people | 8 people |
| Legroom (1st/2nd/3rd row) | 40.9″/38.4″/31.9″ | 40.4″/41.0″/27.7″ |
| Cargo Space | 18.5 to 83.9 cu ft | 16.0 to 84.3 cu ft |
The Pilot provides ample room for all passengers. It brings a little more space in the third row, making it a win for bigger families or those with tall teens. Both vehicles boast flexible seating layouts and impressive cargo capacities when you need to haul more than people.
Interior Features And Amenities
On the tech side, both SUVs pack a punch with their own sets of interior features and amenities.
- Dual-Zone Climate Control: Standard in both for comfort across all seasons.
- Infotainment System: Both come with touchscreen displays and smartphone integration.
- Power-Adjustable Seats: Customize your driving position easily.
In the amenities department, the Pilot often edges ahead with more user-friendly controls and an available rear entertainment system that’s a hit with kids. The Highlander’s trim levels include upscale options with leather and premium materials that scream luxury.
In this head-to-head, it’s clear both the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander put a strong emphasis on keeping their cabins cozy and well-equipped. The choice comes down to personal preference—do you prioritize easy-to-use entertainment or a touch of luxury to your ride?
Technology And Entertainment
Technology and Entertainment play massive roles in deciding on a family SUV. The Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander offer advanced tech that keeps everyone on board entertained and connected. From streaming music to following maps, technology makes driving better. Explore the tech features of both the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander to understand which SUV scores higher on the tech-savvy scale.
Infotainment Systems
The center of in-car entertainment and information is the infotainment system. Honda’s Pilot boasts an 8-inch Display Audio touch-screen. It has physical buttons and knobs for easier control. The system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Highlander’s system also features an 8-inch touch-screen. However, top trims offer a larger 12.3-inch display, a unique feature giving Toyota an edge.
Connectivity And Navigation Tools
Staying connected on the road is important. Both SUVs offer a suite of services to keep you linked to the outside world. The Pilot packs multiple USB ports and Honda’s Satellite-Linked Navigation System™. This system uses voice recognition and provides real-time traffic updates.
Toyota’s Highlander steps up with its Driver Easy Speak feature. It amplifies the driver’s voice through rear speakers. This is handy when communicating with passengers in the back. Additionally, Highlander offers a Wi-Fi Connect feature, allowing up to five devices to use the in-vehicle network.
- Honda Pilot:
- 8-inch Display Audio touch-screen
- Several USB ports
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™
- Toyota Highlander:
- 8-inch or 12.3-inch touch-screen display
- Driver Easy Speak feature
- Wi-Fi Connect for up to 5 devices
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
| Honda Pilot | Toyota Highlander | |
|---|---|---|
| Touch-Screen Size | 8-inch | 8-inch standard, 12.3-inch available |
| Navigation | Standard Satellite-linked | Available Integrated Navigation |
| Unique Features | Multi-angle rearview camera | Driver Easy Speak & Wi-Fi Connect |
Safety First: Comparing Safety Features
When choosing between the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, safety features place high on the list. Both SUVs promise to keep passengers safe. This comparison dives into their active and passive safety highlights and crash test scores. Knowing these details can help make an informed decision for family safety on the roads.
Active And Passive Safety Highlights
Starting with the Honda Pilot, the SUV offers numerous active safety features:
- Honda Sensing®: A suite of advanced driver aids.
- Collision Mitigation Braking System™: Helps prevent front crashes.
- Road Departure Mitigation System™: Keeps you on the road.
- Advanced airbag systems: Protects in a collision.
- ACE™ body structure: Enhances occupant protection.
- Toyota Safety Sense™: Packed with safety tech.
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: Avoids accidents.
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: Alerts and corrects lane drifting.
- Eight airbags: Surrounds passengers with safety.
- Star Safety System™: Stability and traction control.
Crash Test Scores And Ratings
The Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander have both undergone rigorous testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
| Vehicle | NHTSA Overall Rating | IIHS Top Safety Pick |
|---|---|---|
| Honda Pilot | 5 Stars | Yes |
| Toyota Highlander | 5 Stars | Yes |
Both vehicles achieved the highest five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. They also earned IIHS Top Safety Pick recognitions. These ratings reflect their strong performance in crashworthiness and crash avoidance technologies.
Credit: www.carmax.com
Ride Quality And Handling
When deciding between the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, ride quality and handling are key. Both SUVs aim to deliver a smooth ride and sharp handling. Let’s explore how the Pilot and Highlander stand out.
Suspension And Ride Comfort
The Honda Pilot features a fully independent suspension. This setup offers a comfortable and controlled ride. The Toyota Highlander, equally equipped, provides a similarly smooth experience over bumps. Both aim to keep passengers relaxed on various terrains.
- Honda’s suspension absorbs road imperfections well.
- Toyota’s tuning prioritizes comfort, ideal for long drives.
Handling Dynamics
Handling is where the two diverge. The Pilot is recognized for its agility. It takes corners with confidence and minimal body roll. The Highlander, on the other hand, maintains poise. It’s stable but less sporty than the Pilot. Both models offer different handling personalities that are reliable in their own right.
| Aspect | Honda Pilot | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Cornering | Confident | Stable |
| Body Roll | Minimal | Controlled |
| Suspension | Independent | Independent |
Price Tag: Value For Money
When choosing between the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, cost is key. Both offer great features, but which gives you the ‘bang for your buck’? Smart buyers look at prices and long-term costs. We’ll dive into both, helping you make a well-informed decision.
Base Price And Trims
The base model sets the stage for pricing. Let’s compare.
| Vehicle | Base Model Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Honda Pilot | $32,550 |
| Toyota Highlander | $35,085 |
Higher trims add more features. Toyota Highlander has XLE, Limited and Platinum. Honda Pilot offers EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite. Each step up means more tech and comfort, but also more dollars.
Long-term Ownership Costs
It’s not just about today’s price tag. Think of tomorrow too. Long-term costs cover maintenance, repairs, fuel, insurance, and depreciation. Here’s a quick look:
- Honda Pilot
- Lower average repair costs
- Good fuel efficiency for size
- Resale value stays strong
- Toyota Highlander
- Known for durability
- Slightly better fuel economy
- Keeps value over the years
Both cars promise reliability. They keep running costs in check. Insurance tends to be similar. The Honda Pilot edges out slightly in overall long-term value. This includes when it’s time to sell.
Resale Value And Reliability
When considering a long-term investment in a vehicle, two key aspects dominate the decision-making landscape: resale value and reliability. Both the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander have stellar reputations.
Choosing between them often boils down to these factors. The resale value reflects how well the car holds its worth over time. Reliability predicts the likelihood of the vehicle running smoothly with minimal issues.
Depreciation Trends
Depreciation trends provide a window into the future value of a car. For the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, these trends are telling. A car that depreciates less saves money in the long-run. Data reveals both models depreciate slower than the average SUV. But subtle differences exist.
- Honda Pilot holds approximately 60% of its value after three years.
- Toyota Highlander retains slightly more, around 65%, in the same period.
Historical Reliability Records
Historical reliability records are invaluable. They show how well a car performs over years. Both the Pilot and Highlander have strong track records.
| Vehicle | Reliability Rating |
|---|---|
| Honda Pilot | 4/5 (Above Average) |
| Toyota Highlander | 4.5/5 (Excellent) |
The Pilot and Highlander often exceed the 100,000-mile mark, often reaching 200,000 with proper care. This level of endurance reflects their reliability. Toyota’s slight edge in reliability ratings mirrors its higher resale values. Proper maintenance can enhance these figures further, building trust in these models’ consistency and endurance.
Brand Loyalty Factors
Brand loyalty doesn’t happen overnight. It grows from consistency and customer care. Here’s what keeps drivers coming back.
| Honda Pilot | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|
| Long-term reliability | Strong resale value |
| Flexible seating options | Diverse safety features |
Honda’s loyalty springs from a legacy of dependability. Toyota earns trust through innovation in safety. Both serve as key factors why drivers stick to these brands.
Final Thoughts On Making A Decision
| Factor | Honda Pilot | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Space | More | Less |
| Resale Value | Good | Better |
| Reliability | High | Very High |
Your final choice rests on what ranks higher on your priority list. For unrivaled space and comfort, the Honda Pilot is a strong contender. If you lean towards investment value and dependability, the Toyota Highlander won’t disappoint. Trust the facts, your budget, and your gut to steer you to the perfect SUV.
Credit: driving.ca
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