VS
At a Glance
Power
285hp @ 6100
265hp @ 6000
Torque
262lb-ft @ 5000
310lb-ft @ 1700
Fuel
23 mpg est.
23 mpg est.
Towing
3500lbs
5000lbs
Engine
3.5 L/212ci
2.4 L/146ci
Choosing between the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Grand Highlander is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Honda Pilot delivers 285hp @ 6100 while the Toyota Grand Highlander produces 265hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Pilot returns 23 mpg est. while the Grand Highlander uses 23 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $42,195 for the Pilot and $42,260 for the Grand Highlander. 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 Grand HighlanderPlatinum AWD (Natl) 2026 - From $42,260
Performance
Power Output (hp)
285hp @ 6100
265hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
262lb-ft @ 5000
310lb-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
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
23 mpg est.
23 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
19 (Est)mpg
20 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
27 (Est)mpg
26 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18.5gal
17.8gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
200.1in
201.4in
Width (in)
78.5in
78.3in
Height (in)
71in
70.1in
Wheelbase (in)
113.8in
116.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4336lbs
4440lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
5000lbs
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
Rear Parking Aid
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ 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
Grand Highlander
Pros & Cons
Honda Pilot
Lower starting price ($42,195)
Few notable weaknesses
Toyota Grand Highlander
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Pilot or Grand Highlander?
The Pilot gets 23 mpg est. and the Grand Highlander gets 23 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Grand Highlander is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Pilot or Grand Highlander?
The Pilot produces 285hp @ 6100 and 262lb-ft @ 5000 of torque while the Grand Highlander delivers 265hp @ 6000 and 310lb-ft @ 1700 of torque. The Pilot is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Pilot and Grand Highlander?
The Pilot starts from $42,195 and the Grand Highlander from $42,260, a difference of just $65, 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 Grand Highlander?
The Pilot has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Grand Highlander can tow 5000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Pilot or the Grand Highlander?
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.