Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Highlander
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander.
When comparing the Honda Pilot's and the Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the Honda Pilot has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, interior volume and base engine power. The Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Honda Pilot's and the Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the Honda Pilot is a better car than the Toyota Highlander.
Pricing: A used 2025 Honda Pilot ranges from $39,313 to $53,331 while a used 2025 Toyota Highlander is priced between $42,944 to $56,895. For a new model, the Honda Pilot's price is between $43,749 and $56,483, with the Toyota Highlander priced between $44,569 and $56,389.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Honda Pilot loses 48.3 percent of its value and the Toyota Highlander loses 41.8 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Highlander retains 6.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Honda Pilot.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Honda Pilot is 8.3 out of 10 while the Toyota Highlander's quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the Honda Pilot being ranked 6 out of 34 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Toyota Highlander being ranked 3 out of 34. Out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs, the Honda Pilot is ranked 6 and the Toyota Highlander is ranked 3. The Honda Pilot is also ranked 10 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs while the Toyota Highlander is ranked 6 out of 67.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Honda Pilot is 8.0 out of 10. For the Toyota Highlander the reliability rating is 8.1 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Highlander a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Honda Pilot.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Honda Pilot’s base engine makes 285 horsepower, and the Toyota Highlander base engine makes 265 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the Honda Pilot has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the areas of front head room and front leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
Overview
Need to carry eight passengers but can’t stomach the thought of driving a minivan? The Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander – two of the most popular midsize crossover SUVs on the market – are both worthy minivan alternatives. As with most other Honda and Toyota models, the Pilot and Highlander are known for their quality and reliability, though the Highlander performs slightly better in both regards. Though much improved from the previous generation, the current Pilot’s exterior styling is still bland compared to the handsome lines of the Highlander. Both SUVs can tow up to 5,000 pounds, are available with all-wheel drive, and have standard V6 power, but the Highlander offers an efficient, optional hybrid powertrain that works with a CVT. Outward visibility, storage options, and interior space are advantages for the Pilot; exterior styling, driving dynamics, and fuel economy – especially for the Hybrid – are Highlander high points. Third-row legroom isn’t particularly generous on either vehicle.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
43749 - 56483
Starting MSRP:
40200
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
38382
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
31990 - 43000
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
44569 - 56389
Starting MSRP:
40320
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
38382
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
31990 - 43000
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
46219
Price Range:
39313 - 53331
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
45804
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
36966 - 59949
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
9751
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
1165
# Good or Great Deals:
287
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
49825
Price Range:
42944 - 56895
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
45804
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
36966 - 59949
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
19573
Depreciation %:
0.48688218
Resale Value $:
20627
Residual Value %:
0.51311782
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.48432299
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.30530799 - 0.56163117
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
17002
Depreciation %:
0.4216697
Resale Value $:
23318
Residual Value %:
0.5783303
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.48432299
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.30530799 - 0.56163117
Honda Pilot Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Toyota Highlander Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Honda Pilot
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
13.4
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.7 - 16.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.401
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota Highlander
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
13.8
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.7 - 16.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.387
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
39.21854441461925
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.5 - 39.2
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.499754929635315
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.5 - 39.2
Honda Pilot Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 34Ranking
4 out of / 34Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 30Ranking
6 out of / 34Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 28Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 34Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 34Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 34Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 34Ranking
16 out of / 30Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 34Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
20 out of / 34Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 28Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 56Ranking
23 out of / 34Ranking
24 out of / 34Ranking
24 out of / 34Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
40 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 67Ranking
50 out of / 56Toyota Highlander Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 17Ranking
1 out of / 17Ranking
1 out of / 16Ranking
1 out of / 16Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 34Ranking
3 out of / 34Ranking
3 out of / 34Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 30Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 34Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
4 out of / 28Ranking
5 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 34Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 28Ranking
18 out of / 34Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 56Ranking
24 out of / 34Ranking
25 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 34Ranking
27 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 34Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 56Summary Review
The Honda Pilot is one of America’s favorite three-row family vehicles. All but two trim levels offer seating for eight passengers, though many buyers opt for the 7-passenger configuration with two large captain's chairs in the second row.
Summary Review
The Toyota Highlander is among the best-selling, top-rated SUVs in the 3-row segment.
Pros and Cons
- Seating for up to 8 in almost every trim
- Family-friendly features galore
- Among the largest interior volume and cargo capacity of this segment’s SUVs
- One of the most “made-in-America” models in this segment (Alabama)
- No green (hybrid/electric) powertrain option available
Pros and Cons
- Class-leading fuel economy
- No disappointing base engine
- Legendary reliability
- Third-row space a bit cramped
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Honda Pilot Trim Levels
Black Edition, Elite, EX-L, EX-L+, Sport, Touring, Touring+, TrailSport
Toyota Highlander Trim Levels
LE, Limited, Platinum, XLE, XSE
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
285 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
262 foot-lbs @ 5000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.066 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
265 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 1700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 27 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
352 / 500 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.7 inches
Cargo Space:
18.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
87 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
177 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
42 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.7 inches
Cargo Space:
16 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
84.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
157.8 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4313 lbs
Width:
78.5 inches
Height:
71 inches
Length:
199.9 inches
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4155 lbs
Width:
76 inches
Height:
68.1 inches
Length:
194.9 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
20.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/50R20
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/65R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Pearl
Blue
Obsidian Blue Pearl
Gray
Sonic Gray Pearl
Red
Radiant Red Metallic II
Silver
Lunar Silver Metallic
White
Platinum White Pearl
Green
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Blueprint
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Red
Ruby Flare Pearl
Silver
Celestial Silver Metallic
White
Wind Chill Pearl
Green
Cypress
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
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