VS
At a Glance
Power
285hp @ 6100
278hp @ 6000
Torque
262lb-ft @ 5000
317lb-ft @ 1700
Fuel
23 mpg est.
—
Towing
3500lbs
6000lbs
Engine
3.5 L/212ci
2.4 L/146ci
Choosing between the Honda Pilot and the Toyota 4runner is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Honda Pilot delivers 285hp @ 6100 while the Toyota 4runner produces 278hp @ 6000. Pricing starts at $42,195 for the Pilot and $42,070 for the 4runner. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Honda PilotSport 2WD 2026 - From $42,195
Toyota 4runnerSR5 2WD (Natl) 2026 - From $42,070
Performance
Power Output (hp)
285hp @ 6100
278hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
262lb-ft @ 5000
317lb-ft @ 1700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.5 L/212ci
2.4 L/146ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
23 mpg est.
—
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
19 (Est)mpg
—
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
27 (Est)mpg
—
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18.5gal
19gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
200.1in
194.9in
Width (in)
78.5in
77.9in
Height (in)
71in
72.6in
Wheelbase (in)
113.8in
112.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4336lbs
4455lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
6000lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Pilot
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Tied
Practicality
4runner
Pros & Cons
Honda Pilot
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Toyota 4runner
Lower starting price ($42,070)
Higher towing capacity (6000lbs)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Pilot or 4runner?
The Pilot produces 285hp @ 6100 and 262lb-ft @ 5000 of torque while the 4runner delivers 278hp @ 6000 and 317lb-ft @ 1700 of torque. They produce closely matched power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Pilot and 4runner?
The Pilot starts from $42,195 and the 4runner from $42,070, a difference of just $125, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Pilot or 4runner?
The Pilot has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the 4runner can tow 6000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Pilot or the 4runner?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.