If you’ve been looking around at full-size SUVs to buy, you’ve probably come across the 2021 Toyota Highlander and the Honda Pilot. Both vehicles impress in their own way, but with all of their modern advancements and available features, comparing the two can be overwhelming. That’s why our team at Panama City Toyota created this head-to-head guide. We’ve compared trim levels, powertrain, interiors, and technology to help you decide which vehicle fits your needs best.
Available Trims
Image via Flickr under CC BY 2.0 by Zytonits
The Toyota Highlander comes in six trim levels: the L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. Four of these trims feature a hybrid powertrain option. Every model features Toyota’s Smart Key system for keyless entry, which is integrated into the rear liftgate, and push-button start. You also get premium LED projector-beam headlights and daytime running lights on every Highlander model. LED fog lamps come standard on all Highlanders except the L trim.
Lower trims on the Highlander feature 18-inch alloy wheels, while the upper trims roll on 20-inch wheels in either alloy or chrome finish. The Highlander’s exterior features an aggressive front fascia and sculpted sides for an athletic appearance.
The Honda Pilot comes in seven trims: the LX, EX, EX-L, Special Edition, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition. Every Pilot features LED headlights without projector-beam capability and LED taillights. Honda also equips every model except the base LX trim with LED fog lamps. Honda’s smart key system isn’t available on the LX either.
Lower trims on the Pilot use 18-inch alloy wheels, and though the upper trims switch to 20-inch alloy wheels, no chrome option exists. The exterior design on the Pilot looks ordinary with an un-inspired box-like body type.
When you compare the exterior style and available trims, the Highlander comes out on top. Even though it has one fewer gas-powered trim, it features four hybrid trims and an athletic and attractive styling that looks ready for anything.
Available Powertrain Options
Every Highlander model with a gas powertrain uses the same 3.5-liter V-6 engine with dual overhead cams, 24-valves with variable valve timing with intelligence, and auto start/stop technology. Toyota pairs this engine with its Direct Shift-8AT electronically controlled automatic transmission. This powertrain puts out an impressive 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque.
Toyota’s hybrid trims come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder D4S Atkinson-Cycle engine with double overhead cams and 16-valves with variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i). It uses three permanent magnet synchronous electric motors: two on the front and one on the rear. This powertrain gets a combined net system of 243 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque.
The Pilot uses a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with a single overhead cam and 24 valves. Honda mates this to a nine-speed automatic transmission with shift-by-wire technology. This powertrain puts out 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque.
You can’t ignore the numbers when comparing the two gas-powered engines. Add in the hybrid as an option, and the nod has to go to the Highlander when you compare the powertrain options.
Interior Comfort And Convenience
The Highlander seats up to eight passengers comfortably. Upper trims come with leather seats with heating and ventilation and a second-row captain’s chairs option. A panoramic moon roof offers spectacular views and fresh air. The XSE trim features signature sport-inspired red leather seats with black trim for a unique look and feel. Cargo volume in the Highlander totals 16.0 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet behind the second row, and 84.3 cubic feet with the second and third-row seats stored.
Tri-zone climate control keeps all Highlander passengers comfortable. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability allow you to sync your smart devices for hands-free operation. A Qi wireless charger in the center console comes standard on every trim, and an 8-inch touch screen runs all your infotainment and navigation systems. Toyota’s available digital rearview mirror streams a wide-angle live view from behind.
On the Pilot, you get available leather seats with heating and ventilation, a second-row captain’s chairs option, and a small moonroof standard with an available upgrade to a larger panoramic moonroof. The Pilot comes with a Qi wireless phone charger as well. An 8-inch touch screen runs the Pilot’s infotainment system, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity give you hands-free operation.
You get a tri-zone climate control standard on the Pilot. Cargo volume in the Pilot measures 16.5 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, and 46.8 cubic feet behind the second row. With all the seats stored, the total cargo area opens up to 83.9 cubic feet.
Both interiors are remarkably similar in standard equipment and available options. Technology, comfort, and cargo volume differences are negligible. When you compare these two vehicles, they grade out even.
Driver-Assist Systems
Toyota equips every Highlander model with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a suite of driver-assist technologies designed to keep you safe. The suite includes a pre-collision system with low-light pedestrian detection that scans the road ahead for possible obstacles. The system sends visual and audio alerts and will automatically brake should you be slow to react. You also get full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, and road sign assist. An available front and rear parking assist with an automatic braking system help you avoid collisions when parking.
Honda includes Honda Sensing, their suite of driver-assist technologies, with every Pilot. This suite contains similar systems to the Highlander’s, such as forward collision warning, emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. These systems provide visual and audio alerts and can intervene with emergency brake support or steering correction to help mitigate or avoid an accident.
These two vehicles have almost identical driver-assist technologies. The difference comes with the park assist system available on the Highlander, which the Pilot doesn’t offer. Therefore, a slight edge goes to the Highlander when you compare the two.
After a thorough review of both vehicles, you see the Highlander rise above the Pilot. The Highlander has incredible style, more powertrain options, and a more powerful engine. Plus, it has all the comfort and technology you want in a modern SUV. The overall edge goes to the Highlander.
At Panama City Toyota, we have the most expansive selection of Toyota Highlanders on our West 15th Street dealership in Panama City, Florida. We invite you to browse our inventory online or visit us any time. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will happily show you the best features of the Highlander and let you take one for a test drive. You can contact us today to learn more about the Highlander or to schedule a test drive.
