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2019 toyota highlander vs. honda pilot: the ultimate comparison for midsize suv buyers

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • The Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot are two of the most popular three-row SUVs on the market, offering spacious interiors, impressive performance, and a wide range of features.
  • In contrast, the Honda Pilot has a more refined and sophisticated appearance with a sleek silhouette and a chrome-accented grille.
  • Both SUVs offer a commanding presence on the road, but the Highlander may appeal to those seeking a more aggressive look, while the Pilot suits those who prefer a more understated style.

The Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot are two of the most popular three-row SUVs on the market, offering spacious interiors, impressive performance, and a wide range of features. If you’re in the market for a family-friendly SUV, it’s essential to compare these two top contenders to make an informed decision. This comprehensive comparison will dive into the key differences between the Toyota Highlander vs. Honda Pilot 2019 models, helping you choose the best SUV for your needs.

Exterior Design

The Toyota Highlander features a rugged and muscular exterior with sharp lines and a bold grille. In contrast, the Honda Pilot has a more refined and sophisticated appearance with a sleek silhouette and a chrome-accented grille. Both SUVs offer a commanding presence on the road, but the Highlander may appeal to those seeking a more aggressive look, while the Pilot suits those who prefer a more understated style.

Interior Space and Comfort

The Highlander and Pilot offer comparable interior space, with three rows of seating that can accommodate up to eight passengers. The Highlander’s interior is known for its spaciousness and comfort, with ample legroom and headroom in all rows. The Pilot’s interior is equally impressive, featuring plush seats and a well-appointed cabin. Both SUVs offer comfortable and versatile seating configurations, allowing you to adjust the seating arrangements to suit your needs.

Engine Performance and Fuel Economy

The Highlander comes with a choice of two engines: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, or a 3.5-liter V6 hybrid engine with 243 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. The Pilot is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. In terms of fuel economy, the Highlander hybrid boasts impressive EPA ratings of up to 36 mpg combined, while the Pilot delivers up to 23 mpg combined.

Safety Features

Both the Highlander and Pilot have earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). They come equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Additionally, the Highlander offers the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which includes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Pilot offers the Honda Sensing suite, which adds features like road departure mitigation and low-speed automatic braking.

Technology and Infotainment

The Highlander and Pilot both feature advanced infotainment systems with touchscreens and smartphone integration. The Highlander’s Entune 3.0 system offers a user-friendly interface and various features, including navigation, voice recognition, and a premium audio system. The Pilot’s Display Audio system is equally intuitive and provides access to similar features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Off-Road Capabilities

While both the Highlander and Pilot are primarily designed for on-road driving, they offer some off-road capabilities. The Highlander’s available all-wheel drive system and multi-terrain select feature enhance its traction on uneven surfaces. The Pilot also comes with all-wheel drive and an intelligent variable torque management system, providing improved handling and stability in various driving conditions.

Price and Value

The Toyota Highlander has a starting price of $31,330, while the Honda Pilot starts at $32,150. Both SUVs offer a range of trim levels with varying features and amenities. The Highlander’s higher starting price may be justified by its more spacious interior and available hybrid engine option. However, the Pilot offers competitive pricing and a generous standard equipment list.

Wrap-Up

The Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot are both excellent choices for families seeking a spacious and well-equipped SUV. The Highlander excels in interior space, comfort, and fuel economy, while the Pilot offers a sophisticated design, advanced safety features, and impressive off-road capabilities. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Information You Need to Know

Q: Which SUV has the most horsepower?
A: The Toyota Highlander‘s V6 engine produces 295 horsepower, while the Honda Pilot’s V6 engine generates 280 horsepower.

Q: Which SUV has the best fuel economy?
A: The Toyota Highlander hybrid offers the best fuel economy with up to 36 mpg combined, compared to the Pilot’s 23 mpg combined.

Q: Which SUV has a larger cargo capacity?
A: The Toyota Highlander offers a larger cargo capacity of 84.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, compared to the Pilot’s 83.9 cubic feet.

Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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