VS
At a Glance
Power
285hp @ 6100
265hp @ 6000
Torque
262lb-ft @ 5000
310lb-ft @ 1700
Fuel
20 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Towing
5000lbs
5000lbs
Engine
3.5 L/212ci
2.4 L/146ci
Choosing between the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Honda Pilot delivers 285hp @ 6100 while the Toyota Highlander produces 265hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Pilot returns 20 mpg est. while the Highlander uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $50,395 for the Pilot and $45,570 for the 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 PilotTrailSport AWD 2026 - From $50,395
Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD (Natl) 2026 - From $45,570
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
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
20 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
18 (Est)mpg
21 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
23 (Est)mpg
28 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18.5gal
17.9gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
200.4in
194.9in
Width (in)
78.5in
76in
Height (in)
72in
68.1in
Wheelbase (in)
113.8in
112.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4722lbs
4376lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
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
✓ 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
Toyota Highlander
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Pilot
Fuel Economy
Highlander
Value
Highlander
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Honda Pilot
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (20 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Toyota Highlander
Better fuel economy (24 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($45,570)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Pilot or Highlander?
The Pilot gets 20 mpg est. and the Highlander gets 24 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The 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 Highlander?
The Pilot produces 285hp @ 6100 and 262lb-ft @ 5000 of torque while the 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 Highlander?
The Pilot starts from $50,395 and the Highlander from $45,570. The Highlander is cheaper by $4,825 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Pilot or Highlander?
The Pilot has a braked towing capacity of 5000lbs and the Highlander can tow 5000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Pilot or the 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.