Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot: The $4k difference is about to get even bigger

If you are on the market looking for a three-row midsize SUV, there's a high chance that you will run into the topic of Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot. There is no getting over the fact that these three-row SUVs are some of the best options if you want a combination between versatility and reliability. Ever since they were introduced onto the US market in early 2000, these Japanese midsize SUVs have earned a solid reputation and remained one of the most popular choices for SUV buyers.

The Honda Pilot versus Toyota Highlander discussion is still very relevant in 2026, considering the Honda Pilot received a facelift this year, and the Highlander will be transformed into full electric for the next model year. Join us as we research and help you decide which of these Japanese midsize SUVs is the better pick for you.

Generous Space & Solid Reputation: Pilot vs Highlander

Honda Pilot: Old Dog New Tricks

First introduced in 2003, and sharing the same chassis as the Honda Odyssey and Acura MDX, the Honda Pilot has had a huge focus on space and usability. The first-generation Honda Pilot even has enough seats for eight adults and a flat-folding second and third row that creates a spacious cargo space. Entering into 2026, the Honda Pilot is in its fourth generation, and the latest model year gives the Honda Pilot a minor facelift and more standard features across the entire lineup.

While largely retaining the same exterior silhouette, the facelift does bring a redesigned front fascia and new wheel styles to the Honda Pilot. As for the added technology and features, the infotainment system now has 5G Wi-Fi capability, while plenty of features such as power tailgate, post-collision braking system, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard across the entire range.

2026 Honda Pilot Pricing & Trims:

• Sport: $42,395
• EX-L: $44,695
• TrailSport: $50,595
• Touring: $51,295
• Touring Blackout: $52,495
• Elite: $53,695
• Black Edition: $55,195

Toyota Highlander: On The Brink Of Transformation

The current Toyota Highlander has been on sale since 2020, and the 2026 model year marks your last chance to get this Toyota midsize SUV in its gasoline-powered form, since the model itself will be going full electric for the next model year. However, being one of the longest-standing SUV models in the Toyota lineup, the Highlander has every reason to be your pick for a proper family SUV.

To start with, unlike the Land Cruiser and 4Runner, which have a huge focus on off-road performance, the Highlander is designed to be a family-friendly SUV from the ground up. The third row is standard for the entire model lineup with seating for up to eight people in its maximum configuration. On higher trims, there are captain's chairs for the second row, which gives off a premium vibe to this midsize Toyota SUV.

2026 Toyota Highlander Pricing & Trims:

• XLE: $46,270
• Hybrid XLE: $48,020
• XSE: $48,340
• Limited: $50,725
• Hybrid Limited: $52,475
• Platinum: $53,925
• Hybrid Platinum: $55,675

Honda Pilot vs Toyota Highlander Engine Specs: Hybrid Or V6?

These two midsize SUVs may share similar exterior dimensions and target buyers. However, the same thing cannot be said about their powertrain options, as both manufacturers have taken different approaches to the engine that's underneath the hood of these vehicles.

Honda Pilot: Old-school V6

Honda has taken a relatively old-school approach for the Pilot. There is only one engine option for the 2026 Pilot. The engine that powers the new 2026 model year remains the same form of engine that you will find on the first-generation Pilot. While it's not the same V6 that powers the new 2026 model, the fact that Pilot retains the same naturally aspirated V6 engine throughout its 20-year duration illustrates Honda's old-school design philosophy.

In terms of horsepower figure and performance, this 3.5-liter V6 produces 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It's paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission and is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive formats. The fuel economy is decent enough for a V6 powertrain, as you get 22 mpg combined for the FWD model and 21 combined mpg for the AWD models.

If you wish for better efficiency, Honda is currently working on a new hybrid powertrain, which we are expecting to see on the next-generation Honda Pilot.

Toyota Highlander: Four-cylinder And Hybrid

Compared to the old-school approach by Honda, Toyota has opted for something more mainstream in its engine options on the Highlander. Ditching the fuel-thirsty V6, Toyota has put a more efficient four-cylinder engine underneath the hood of the Highlander. Ever since the 2023 model year, the Highlander has been available with two powertrain options, a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four and a 2.5-liter inline-four hybrid.

Both of these inline-four engines are refined and efficient. The 2.4-liter turbo provides the most performance with 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid powertrain offers a decent 243 combined horsepower. The power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic or an ECVT depending on the engine you choose.

Efficiency is where the Highlander truly shines, as the gasoline model delivers a modest 24 MPG combined. The hybrid model, on the other hand, is capable of a whooping 35 mpg combined, making it one of the most fuel efficient models in its segment.

Interior Dimensions & Features: Family-focused

Being an SUV that has a huge focus on family use, the interior features should also be an important criterion that you should judge before considering any of these models. That being said, both the Highlander and Pilot are well-equipped even in their entry-level trim. As mentioned earlier, the new facelift gives the Pilot a handful of features that come as standard.

The Touring trim on the Honda Pilot might be your best choice if you are looking for optimal value. Being the middle ground of the Honda Pilot, the Touring trim offers plenty of features as standard, such as a panoramic moonroof, Bose sound system, as well as a multiview camera system. For the premium vibes, there's the Elite and Black Edition at the top, which come standard with diamond-quilted seats and faux wood trim.

The Highlander remains the same, good-old Toyota we are used to. It's friendly and unassuming to get along with. There's enough physical buttons to control the features that you need while driving without getting distracted. Things get a little fancier higher up, with the Limited and Platinum trims getting a bigger 12.3-inch gauge cluster and infotainment screen as standard. With the most investment, you also get leather-trimmed front seats and an eleven-speaker JBL sound system on these top-spec Highlander models.

Interior Space: Pilot With The Upper Hand

What buyers in this segment care about the most when considering these midsize SUVs is very likely the interior space and cargo capacity. While the Pilot and Highlander both provide a decent amount of interior space for their passengers, there can only be one winner if we compare the spec table. In terms of rear legroom, headroom, and even cargo capacity, the Honda Pilot is superior to the Highlander.

Thanks to a longer wheelbase and overall length, the Honda Pilot is able to offer 40.2 inches of headroom for the second row and 39.3 inches for the third row passengers, which is above the 39.4 inches and 36.1 inches of headroom that you get on the Highlander. It's the same story for the legroom as well. The Pilot has 40.8 inches for the second row and 32.5 inches for the third row, while the Highlander only has 38.7 for the second row and 28 inches of legroom for its third row passengers.

As for cargo capacity, the Honda Pilot has a maximum of 87 cubic feet if you fold the seats down. Under the same configuration, the Toyota Highlander is only good for a cargo capacity of 84.3 cubic feet.

Highlander vs Pilot: Which Is The One To Buy In 2026?

If you compare the Honda Pilot to the Toyota Highlander, side by side, the first thing you might notice is the $4k difference in their starting price. However, if you dig deeper into their spec sheets and history, you will understand they are two midsize Japanese SUVs with different design philosophies. You also need to consider how these two cars hold their value:

Resale Value: Which SUV Is The Best Investment?

According to CarEdge, the Honda Pilot will retain around 52% of its value over the course of five years, while the Highlander retains 60%. That would suggest that the Toyota option is better for those who may want to resell after a few years of ownership.

Looking at price trends for the Highlander, these remain relatively stable and show low volatility at this time - with an all-new EV version on the horizon, it's likely these final model year examples will depreciate quite well. The Honda Pilot has similarly stable price trends making this a good buy right now.

While it might be down to personal preference to decide which one comes out on top, we would recommend the Honda Pilot if you are looking for a capable three-row SUV in this price range. Considering it's received a newly refreshed exterior and new features as standard for 2026, compared to the current fourth-generation Highlander that has been on the market for over six years, the Pilot is a more modern and sensible choice.

That being said, if you want a more efficient engine and better mpg figures, the Highlander with its hybrid powertrain is still the top choice. Even so, for those who are considering stepping into the electric realm, as the Highlander EV will hit the market next year with a brand-new design and an all-electric powertrain.

A Potential Third Option?

We won't have time to go into as much detail as the main event of this article, but we feel as though buyers who are looking for an affordable family SUV should take a look at the Hyundai Palisade as a potential option. It lacks the Highlander and Pilot's reputation for reliability. However, Hyundai makes up for its reputation with the best warranty coverage in the industry (the powertrain warranty lasts for 10 years or 100,000 miles, for example).

The Palisade is also offered in both gas-only and hybrid powertrains, with both options starting at lower prices than either the Pilot or Highlander. The base model with a gas engine starts at $39,435, and the cheapest hybrid option starts at $44,160.

On that note, the powertrains themselves aren't too shabby, considering the competition. Buyers can choose between a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 hybrid sytem that makes 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. Hyundai generally offers the same or more features for less money. It might be a cheaper car, but the Palisade comes well-equipped at every trim level.

Source: Honda, Toyota, CarEdge

FAQ

Q: Is a Honda Pilot as big as a Toyota Highlander?

In terms of overall length and wheelbase, the current 2026 Honda Pilot is slightly larger than the Toyota Highlander.

Q: What is the Honda equivalent to the Toyota Highlander?

The Honda equivalent to the Toyota Highlander is the Honda Pilot.

Q: What is the Toyota equivalent to the Pilot?

The Toyota equivalent to the Honda Pilot is the Highlander.

Q: What is the difference between Honda Pilot and Toyota Grand Highlander?

The main differences between the Honda Pilot and Toyota Grand Highlander are the engine options, exterior dimension and interior space.