Explore our comprehensive comparison of the 2025 Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot, focusing on performance, interior space, technology, safety, fuel efficiency, pricing, and off-road capabilities. Discover which mid-size SUV best fits your family’s needs for 2025.
2025 Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot: A Comprehensive Comparison
The 2025 Toyota Highlander offers impressive fuel efficiency and a lower starting price, while the Honda Pilot shines with its spacious interior and off-road capabilities in the TrailSport trim. Consider priorities like efficiency, space, and intended use to determine the best fit for your family’s needs. Which is better highlander vs pathfinder vs pilot?
Introduction
What makes a mid-size SUV the perfect fit for your family’s adventures? Could it be the balance of power, space, technology, or affordability that tips the scales? The 2025 Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot are two standout contenders in the crowded mid-size SUV market, each offering a unique blend of features tailored to family needs. From fuel-efficient engines to spacious interiors and advanced safety systems, these vehicles cater to a range of priorities.
Through a Socratic exploration, this article invites you to reflect on their differences, asking thought-provoking questions to help you uncover which SUV aligns best with your lifestyle. Whether you’re hauling kids to school, towing a trailer, or venturing off-road, this guide will help you navigate the choice in 2025.
Performance: Powering Your Drive
How do you envision your driving experience—smooth and efficient or powerful and robust? Could the engine type influence your decision? Let’s compare the performance of these SUVs:
| Vehicle | Engine | Horsepower/Torque | Transmission | Drive Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Highlander | 2.4L Turbo I4 | 265 hp / 310 lb-ft | 8-speed automatic | FWD, AWD |
| Honda Pilot | 3.5L V6 | 285 hp / 262 lb-ft | 10-speed automatic | FWD, AWD |
- Toyota Highlander: The 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four engine delivers 265 horsepower and a robust 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Its turbo design offers a balance of power and efficiency, ideal for city and highway driving. How might this smaller engine affect your fuel costs compared to a V6?
- Honda Pilot: Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 with 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic, the Pilot offers refined performance. Its smooth throttle response suits family commutes and towing, with a capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. Could the extra horsepower make a difference for your driving needs?
The Highlander’s turbo engine prioritizes efficiency, while the Pilot’s V6 provides slightly more power, particularly for towing or spirited drives. Which performance style aligns with your driving habits?
Interior and Comfort: Space for Your Crew
What kind of space do you need for your family or gear? Could a roomier third row or more cargo capacity make your trips more comfortable? Here’s how these SUVs stack up:
| Vehicle | Passenger Volume | Cargo (Behind 3rd/2nd/1st Row) | Seating Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Highlander | 141.3 cu ft | 16.0 / 48.4 / 84.3 cu ft | Up to 8 |
| Honda Pilot | 158.4 cu ft | 18.6 / 55.5 / 109.2 cu ft | Up to 8 |
- Toyota Highlander: With a passenger volume of 141.3 cubic feet, the Highlander seats up to eight, but its third row is best suited for children due to limited legroom. Cargo space starts at 16.0 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded. How might this compact third row affect your family’s comfort on long trips?
- Honda Pilot: The Pilot leads with 158.4 cubic feet of passenger volume and a third row that can accommodate adults more comfortably. Cargo space is 18.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 109.2 cubic feet with seats folded. Why might the Pilot’s extra space be a game-changer for larger families or frequent travelers?
The Pilot’s spacious interior makes it ideal for those needing maximum room, while the Highlander’s more compact design may suit smaller families or urban drivers.
Technology and Infotainment: Staying Connected
What tech features matter most to you—a large touchscreen, seamless smartphone integration, or advanced driver aids? Could these make your drives more enjoyable? Here’s a look at the tech offerings:
- Toyota Highlander: Features a standard 8-inch touchscreen, with an available 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. An optional 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster adds a modern touch. An 11-speaker JBL audio system is available on higher trims. How might a larger screen enhance your navigation or entertainment?
- Honda Pilot: Offers a standard 7-inch touchscreen, with a 9-inch option on higher trims, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster is available, along with a 12-speaker Bose audio system on premium trims. Why might the Pilot’s smaller standard screen be a drawback for tech-savvy buyers?
The Highlander edges out with a larger standard touchscreen, while the Pilot’s premium audio and available rear entertainment system may appeal to families. Both offer robust connectivity, but which tech package aligns with your preferences?
Safety: Protecting What Matters
How much do safety ratings influence your vehicle choice? Could advanced safety features give you peace of mind? Both SUVs excel in safety:
| Vehicle | IIHS Rating | NHTSA Rating | Key Safety Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Highlander | Top Safety Pick (2024) | 5-star (2024) | Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+: AEB, lane assist |
| Honda Pilot | Top Safety Pick+ (2025) | 5-star (2024) | Honda Sensing: AEB, adaptive cruise control |
- Toyota Highlander: Equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, lane tracing assist, and full-speed dynamic radar cruise control. It earned a 5-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2024, likely similar for 2025.
- Honda Pilot: Features Honda Sensing, with collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition. It’s an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2025 and has a 5-star NHTSA rating for 2024.
Both vehicles offer comprehensive safety suites, ensuring protection for your family. How might these top ratings influence your decision?
Fuel Efficiency: Saving at the Pump
What role does fuel economy play in your decision? Could a few extra miles per gallon make a difference in your budget in highlander vs pilot? Here’s how they compare:
| Vehicle | FWD MPG (City/Hwy/Combined) | AWD MPG (City/Hwy/Combined) |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Highlander (Gas) | 22 / 29 / 25 | 21 / 28 / 24 |
| Toyota Highlander Hybrid | 36 / 35 / 36 | 35 / 34 / 35 |
| Honda Pilot | 19 / 27 / 22 | 19 / 25 / 22 |
- Toyota Highlander: The gas model achieves 22/29/25 MPG (city/highway/combined), while the hybrid variant leads with up to 36 MPG combined, making it a standout for eco-conscious drivers. Could this efficiency save you money over time?
- Honda Pilot: Delivers 19/27/22 MPG, slightly less efficient due to its V6 engine. It lacks a hybrid option for 2025, which may limit its appeal for fuel-focused buyers. Why might this trade-off be acceptable for those needing more power?
The Highlander’s hybrid option offers significant fuel savings, while the Pilot’s V6 prioritizes performance over efficiency.
Pricing and Value: Balancing Cost and Features
How much are you willing to spend on your SUV, and what features are worth the price of Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot? Here’s a look at pricing:
| Vehicle | Starting MSRP | Top Trim MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Highlander | $39,520 (LE) | ~$51,925 (Platinum) |
| Honda Pilot | $40,200 (Sport) | $55,675 (Black Edition) |
- Toyota Highlander: Starts at $39,520 for the LE trim, with the Platinum trim reaching approximately $51,925. The hybrid starts at $47,470 for the XLE trim. The lower entry price and hybrid option add value for budget-conscious buyers.
- Honda Pilot: Begins at $40,200 for the Sport trim, with the Black Edition at $55,675. Its higher starting price reflects its larger size and premium features.
The Highlander offers a lower entry point, while the Pilot’s top trims are pricier but include more space and luxury features. How might these price differences affect your budget?
Reliability and Ownership Costs
How important is long-term reliability to you? Could lower maintenance costs influence your choice? Both Toyota and Honda have strong reputations for reliability, with the Highlander and Pilot often ranking high in dependability studies. Ownership costs over five years are close:
| Vehicle | True Cost to Own (5 Years) | Average Cost Per Mile |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Highlander | $48,355 | $0.64 |
| Honda Pilot | $49,214 | $0.66 |
- Toyota Highlander: Slightly lower costs due to better fuel economy and marginally lower depreciation ($17,923 vs. $18,202).
- Honda Pilot: Higher fuel costs due to lower MPG, but competitive in other areas like repairs and insurance.
Both offer similar warranties: 3 years/36,000 miles basic and 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain. The Highlander’s slight edge in resale value may appeal to long-term buyers.
Off-Road Capability: Venturing Beyond the Pavement
Do you plan to take your SUV off-road for camping or adventure? Could specialized trims make a difference?
- Honda Pilot TrailSport: Features all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance (8.3 inches), and skid plates, designed for light off-roading. Could this trim suit your outdoor adventures?
- Toyota Highlander: Lacks a dedicated off-road trim but offers AWD with Dynamic Torque Vectoring for improved traction on slippery surfaces. Why might this be sufficient for light off-road use?
The Pilot’s TrailSport trim gives it an edge for off-road enthusiasts, while the Highlander is better suited for paved roads.
Real-World Example: A Family’s Choice
What can real-life scenarios teach us about choosing the right SUV? Consider two families:
- The Thompsons: A family of six needs space for teens and sports gear. They chose the Honda Pilot for its roomy third row and 109.2 cubic feet of cargo space, perfect for road trips. Why might this choice suit a large family?
- The Garcias: A couple with two young kids prioritizes fuel efficiency and affordability. They picked the Toyota Highlander Hybrid for its 36 MPG combined and $39,520 starting price. How could this fit a budget-conscious family?
These stories highlight how priorities shape the decision. What’s most important to you—space, cost, or efficiency?
Conclusion
What will you choose for your next family SUV of Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot? The 2025 Toyota Highlander excels in fuel efficiency, especially with its hybrid option, and offers a lower starting price, making it ideal for budget-conscious or eco-friendly drivers. The 2025 Honda Pilot stands out with its spacious interior and off-road capability in the TrailSport trim, perfect for larger families or adventurers. Reflect on your needs—whether it’s saving on gas, needing extra room, or venturing off-road—and test-drive both to find your perfect match in 2025.
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