Let’s be honest, Honda and Toyota both make great cars. They’re often neck and neck for reliability, affordability, and tech. Where Honda typically shines is comfort. The interior of a Honda is almost always roomier than a Toyota, and seating is just more plush. But is that really all that differs between the two brands? Obviously, we can’t make a blanket statement for every single model, but we can tell you there are a few more advantages than just legroom for the 2025 Honda Pilot vs the 2025 Toyota Highlander. Let’s take a closer look (we’ll be fair, we promise!). We’ll be comparing the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L trim to the 2025 Toyota Highlander XLE (sheesh, even their names are similar).
Engine Specifications: Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Highlander
The 2025 Honda Pilot is equipped with a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 262 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. This powertrain is paired with a smooth 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, ensuring responsive acceleration and a dynamic driving experience.
In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Highlander features a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 265 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and a higher torque of 310 lb-ft at 1,700 rpm. While the Highlander’s engine offers impressive torque at lower RPMs, the Pilot’s V6 provides a higher horsepower output. In a car this big, that can make all the difference when traveling long distances at high speeds (like family road trips). It also means you won’t take ages to accelerate.
Which is Bigger: Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander?
As we predicted, the Honda Pilot is longer and wider than the Toyota Highlander. It measures 199.9 inches in length and 78.5 inches in width, which leaves room for a spacious interior for passengers and cargo. It has 4.5 more inches of legroom in the third row, which means teens and even adults can sit comfortably. It is also more than 2 inches taller than the Toyota, so most passengers will have plenty of head room. Ground clearance for the Pilot stands at 7.3 inches, which gives it that classic SUV lift without compromising accessibility.
The Toyota Highlander is slightly more compact, measuring 194.9 inches in length and 76 inches in width, with a ground clearance of 8 inches. The third row is especially cramped, with just 28 inches of legroom. While its smaller dimensions may appeal to those seeking a more compact SUV, the Pilot’s larger size translates to a more generous interior space.
Interior Features Of The Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Highlander
Both vehicles have amenities designed for comfort on long trips, including trizone climate control and a whopping 14 cup holders sprinkled throughout. But the 2025 Honda Pilot once again takes the edge on tech and comfort. It comes standard with heated front seats, a 10-way power-adjustable passenger seat, and four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat. There is an 7-speaker sound system, and the 2025 Honda Pilot has a few snazzy upgrades made with parents in mind:
- A Conversation Mirror: a convex mirror built into the sunglasses holder of the overhead console. It allows you to clearly view passengers all the way in the back.
- CabinTalk: this is an in-vehicle intercom system. Simply press the CabinTalk icon on the display audio screen, and the wireless mic will transmit what you have to say back to the third row. Bonus: any music that may have been playing will be paused while you make your announcement, which will most likely have to do with breaking up a fight or asking if anyone needs the toilet. It’s also useful if you spot a cool animal on the trip.
The Toyota Highlander, while offering a range of standard features, does not include heated front seats in its base model and provides a manually adjustable front passenger seat. While both vehicles offer advanced technology options, the Pilot’s standard features provide an edge in comfort and convenience.
2025 Honda Pilot vs. Highlander Cargo Space and Passenger Capacity
When it comes to cargo capacity, the Honda Pilot leads with 18.6 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 48.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a substantial 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down.
The Toyota Highlander offers 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.3 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The Pilot’s larger cargo capacity makes it the better choice for families and individuals who need more room for traveling essentials.
Which Gets Better Gas Mileage? Honda Pilot Or Toyota Highlander?
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Toyota Highlander holds an advantage, achieving 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. The Honda Pilot provides 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Still, the difference is fairly minimal considering the Honda’s bigger size and giddy-up V6 engine.
Test Drive a 2025 Honda Pilot At Our Denver Honda Dealership Today
While both the 2025 Honda Pilot and the 2025 Toyota Highlander are commendable SUVs, the Honda Pilot distinguishes itself with a more powerful engine, larger dimensions, superior standard technology features, and greater cargo capacity. These attributes make the Pilot a solid choice for drivers looking for a spacious and well-equipped vehicle to accommodate their lifestyle needs.
If you’re ready to let us prove how great this car is, stop by our dealership or give us a call to schedule a test drive. We have a full inventory of the 2025 Pilot in a variety of trims, including the EX-L. Hope to see you there!
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