2025 Honda Pilot vs Toyota Highlander Comparison

The 2024 Toyota Highlander is a formidable opponent for the 2025 Honda Pilot. What should shoppers know about spaciousness, performance, standard packaging, and more?

Hopefully this information will provide a good framework for parents, caregivers and others who are looking for the best 3 row SUV at the right price.

Critics Rank the 2024 Highlander and Pilot

For the 2024 model year, US News and World Report put the two SUVs head to head. At the time, many critics complained that Highlanders became more expensive because the brand eliminated the L trim. As a result, the 2024 Pilot LX actually has a lower starting price (MSRP) than the 2024 Toyota Highlander.

The 2025 Honda Pilot Sport price is just under $40,000. This keeps in it the ballpark with the entry level 2024 Highlander. Judging by value, as you’ll see in this comparison, the Pilot really does give you more from the start because it is truly bigger.

Passenger and Cargo Capacity

Whether it is the new Honda Pilot models or any other brand SUV, bigger is always better in a 3 row SUV. In this comparison, the new Pilot SUV has the Highlander beat in almost every category. It is truly a large SUV while the 2024 Toyota Highlanders are still midsize SUVs. Just look at the vehicle length and the overall cargo capacity.



A new build allowed Honda to sneak in more inches for passengers and more cubic feet for cargo. This is especially important for the second and third rows of seating where every inch counts.

Frankly, second-row Pilot passengers will be more comfortable with a full 2 inches more legroom and additional headroom when compared to the 2024 Highlander in Phoenix AZ. Furthermore, third row passengers will be more comfortable in the new Pilot with almost 3 more inches of headroom and a whopping 4.5 inches of extra legroom.

Both SUVs offer the standard 8-seat layout or a 7-seat layout with center captain’s chairs. However, Pilot Touring and Elite models offer a third layout possibility. With these, the center seat can be removed and stored under the cargo area floor until needed. This allows parents to claim maximum utility or maximum seating in just minutes.

Highlander vs Pilot Drivability

This category is extremely important to shoppers. Phoenix family drivers often complain about driving 3 row SUVs. It’s important that parents have the power and handling that will make them feel more confident behind the wheel.

Comparing the 2024 Highlander vs Pilot, the Honda Pilot leads with 20 extra horsepower and a more robust automatic transmission. It uses cylinder management to reduce highway fuel use and idle stop to save fuel in the city.

US News and World Report gives the Pilot a win in this category against the Highlander. They note the Honda’s prompt responses, timely shifts, and ability to get up to speed quickly.

All Wheel Drive Comparison

Honda has stepped beyond that tradition to produce a truly better all-wheel drive for this family SUV. The split is 30/70 when needed on the road or trail. Even better, the system can send torque to a single rear wheel to assist with traction.

Plus, there are specialized modes: trail and sand. Honda Pilot Trailsport editions have a specially tuned all-wheel drive that allows them to make the best use of their 1-inch lift and special trail suspension.

Plus, there are specialized modes: trail and sand. Honda Pilot Trailsport editions have a specially tuned all-wheel drive that allows them to make the best use of their 1-inch lift and special trail suspension.

Pilot vs Highlander Value and Packaging

The 2024 Toyota Highlander in Phoenix is a good package, but the 2025 Honda Pilot comes with even more. Pilot front seats are both power adjustable whereas the base Highlander just has a power driver’s chair.

In terms of infotainment, both the Highlander and Pilot offer advanced touchscreens with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, Honda’s CabinTalk PA system and rear sunshades are standard on many models, helping out parents and kids. The top Honda stereo is an exclusive Bose 12-speaker setup not offered by Toyota.

When it comes to off-roading, the Pilot Trailsport is a formidable ride. It has skid plates and all-terrain tires as part of its exterior upgrade. The interior has a sporting quality with orange accenting. For 2025, Honda is offering more special option packages to further personalize the 3 row Pilot.

When it comes to a more luxurious 3 row SUV, the Pilot Touring and Elite models are so packed with top amenities that they easily rival SUVs costing much more. Parents can enjoy ventilated leather trimmed seats in a setting filled with top quality design materials. For the 2025 model year, Honda adds a Black Edition with a racy red-accented interior style.

Safety and Driver Assistance

In terms of safety, the Pilot has more standard features at the base level. This includes exclusives such as cornering brake control. This Honda device helps the big rig hug the road even when it twists and turns.

Most importantly, the Pilot has more driver assistance. A blind spot warning and cross traffic alert are Honda standards, but these are not standard on the basic Highlander in Phoenix. Road departure mitigation is exclusive to the Pilot, and it provides steering and braking assistance if needed.

Even when it comes to basic safety, Honda is stays slightly ahead. For instance, Pilot rearview cameras are the only ones to offer three angles. Plus a camera washer and standard fog lights are Pilot standards not found on the basic Toyota Highlander in Phoenix.

Conclusion

Which SUV is right for your family? Check out our Honda Pilot inventory below. Of course, the best research is always done with your hands on the wheel. Schedule a test drive.