The 2025 Toyota Highlander and 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander in Phoenix AZ are a duo of big and bigger 3-row SUVs. So where does the Honda Pilot fit into the equation? Can it compete?

Which one’s for you? Find out here in this family SUV comparison.  

1. Size

   When analyzing three-row SUVs in Phoenix, cabin size must be one of the first considerations. Ranked by their passenger volume, the Highlander is smallest with 141 to 144 cubic feet. The Toyota Grand Highlander is next with up to 153.3 cu ft. And the Honda Pilot pulls ahead with 158.4 cubic feet.

2. Spaciousness

   Of course, spaciousness also depends on how the wiggle room is distributed. In this case, the Honda Pilot maintains its lead. It claims the most 2nd-row legroom and an excellent 32.5 inches on the third row. That’s about five inches more than the Toyota Highlander in Phoenix.

   In its comparisons of the Pilot vs Highlander, US News and World Report noted that the Pilot has “ample room and plush seats”. The critics give the Pilot a win in seat comfort.  

3. Versatility

   How versatile are the seats when it comes to cargo and utility? Of course, all three have seats that fold to create more space. Even so, the Pilot has some extra advantages that make it a better buy.

   First, a removable second-row middle seat allows Honda owners to decide quickly between seating and cargo space. Second, the Honda SUV has a special dual-level floor that can provide a hideaway or drop down to maximize cargo space. Third, this floor is reversible so you can use the carpeted side for looks or the easy-to-clean side for dirty items.  

4. Utility

   If you are looking at the Toyota Grand Highlander vs Honda Pilot, you’ll find the cargo holds are very similar. Choosing either one, you get more space than the Highlander.

   With the second and third row down, the Grand Highlander leads with the Pilot close behind. Both surpass the Highlander. Pilot Trailsport trim levels offer even more cargo space than the Grand Highlander.  

5. Performance

   Both Toyota SUVs have the same 265-horsepower engine which produces 310 lb-ft of torque. While the Pilot doesn’t produce quite as much torque, it produces an extra 20 horsepower. Then it improves on the Toyota SUVs in Phoenix by providing two extra gears. The Honda’s 10-speed automatic transmission is definitely the best tool to harness engine output.

   In its Pilot vs Highlander comparison, US News and World Report ranked the Pilot highest for acceleration and for ride quality. They note its smoother powertrain and better highway performance and criticize the Highlander’s overly light steering.  

6. Favorite Front Row Features

   When it comes to your favorite features, you’ll find the Honda Pilot has dual power chairs. That covers the driver and front passenger: that’s both parents on the journey. In comparison, the Toyota Highlander in Phoenix only has a standard driver’s power chair.

   While the Grand Highlander has dual power chairs, only the Pilot has standard power-heated seats from the start.

7. Technology and Safety

   You’ll find the latest dash tech and a good package of driver assistance on any of these three SUVs. We must mention that the Honda SUV has a unique 3-view rearview camera and a road departure mitigation feature that are not offered on the Toyota SUVs.

   The Toyota SUVs and rival Honda have good safety ratings. The Honda Pilot manages to hold the lead as an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus while the Highlander is considered a Top Safety Pick.  

Conclusion

The 2025 Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander are both good SUVs in their own way, but the Pilot makes a competitive case against the Toyota SUVs. Size, spaciousness, safety and more, that’s why the 2025 Honda Pilot is the better one in this comparison.

The best research is always done with your hands on the wheel. Schedule a test drive.

Now that you know more, check out our new Honda Pilot inventory below.