2025 Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Highlander: Performance, Comfort, and Value

A Three-Row SUV Showdown

The 2025 Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Highlander is a battle between two popular three-row SUVs. Both are known for roomy interiors, smooth rides, and family-friendly amenities. Honda of Tomball takes a look at both.

As two top choices for families, the 2025 Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander offer an excellent blend of comfort and practicality. If you have both of these SUVs on your shopping list, you might be wondering how to decide between them.

Admittedly, it's a hard choice as they have plenty to offer in every area. The choice will likely come down to your specific needs and lifestyle.

Straightforward Trim Levels and Options

Pricing on the Highlander and Pilot is quite similar throughout the model lineup. Both SUVs have a straightforward trim breakdown and options. You won't lack comfort in either SUV, but the Honda Pilot leads the way with more cabin space and a bevy of standard niceties like heated front seats and a power-adjustable passenger seat. These features are only optional for the Toyota Highlander. Both SUVs have fairly cramped third rows, but it works if you need them for children.

You’ll have plenty of cargo space in both SUVs. However, once again, the Honda Pilot comes out on top with more cargo space than the Highlander. The numbers break down to 18.6 cubic feet of space behind the third row compared to 16 cubic feet for the Highlander. Both SUVs have excellent interior build quality, and the base Pilot has a much nicer interior than many base models in this class.

2025 Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Highlander: Performance Considerations

When it comes to standard features in the 2025 Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Highlander, both SUVs make out pretty well. The Pilot has a slightly smaller touchscreen than the Highlander, and wireless smartphone integration is optional compared to standard on the Highlander. However, where the Pilot lags a bit in infotainment, it makes up for it with better performance. It makes 285* horsepower with a V6 and delivers brisk acceleration.

The Highlander's 265* horsepower four-cylinder feels lackluster in comparison and tends to drone under heavy loads. The Pilot's engine is quieter and more powerful, and it also shifts more smoothly with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Similarly, the ride and handling take top marks for the Pilot. It boasts confident handling with minimal body roll, while the steering feels a little too light on the Highlander, which can diminish confident driving.

Find Your 2025 Honda Pilot at Honda of Tomball

At Honda of Tomball, we think the 2025 Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Highlander matchup comes out in favor of the Pilot. Honda's midsize SUV delivers in all the right categories with powerful performance, tight handling, and a roomier, more comfortable interior.

The Pilot also takes top marks for safety with its Top Safety Pick+ designation* from the IIHS. Visit Honda of Tomball today to find out more about the 2025 Honda Pilot and take one for a test drive.