2019 Toyota Highlander vs. 2019 Honda Pilot

The 2019 Toyota Highlander and the 2019 Honda Pilot have more name recognition than the vast majority of competing midsize SUVs, but how well do they measure up against one another? If you’ve only just started to compare the Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Highlander, you’ll quickly realize that they have a lot in common. Both offer three rows of seating, standard driver assistance safety features, and ample space for both passengers and cargo. Despite their similarities, drivers who value performance won’t be able to resist what the Highlander has to offer.

Performance: 2019 Pilot vs. Highlander

The 2019 Toyota Highlander still offers an I4 engine, but since a V6 is available on every trim — and standard on all models other than the baseline LE — we think it makes more sense to focus on this powertrain.

• Comparing the Pilot V6 vs. the Highlander V6, the Toyota has a small but significant edge. Although the Pilot and the Highlander generate near-equal amounts of torque (with 262 lb-ft and 263 lb-ft, respectively), the Highlander has a clear advantage in horsepower. It offers 295 hp, compared to 280 hp with the Pilot.
• If you choose a midsize SUV, you should be able to tow a trailer! The maximum Highlander towing capacity is the same as that of the Honda Pilot. With either, you’ll be able to pull 5,000 pounds.
• Both models come standard with an automatic transmission, but the Toyota offers 8 speeds, while the Honda offers 6. The Highlander transmission also includes a manual mode, so you can enjoy a closer connection with the road.

Crucially, in this comparison, only the 2019 Toyota Highlander is available as a Hybrid. With an electrified powertrain, the Highlander offers 306 hp, gets 30 mpg in the city, and 28 mpg on the highway. The Pilot fuel economy maxes out at 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

Handling and Stability: 2019 Highlander vs. Pilot

As we noted above, both the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander come equipped with an expansive suite of standard driver assistance safety features. When you’re trying to decide which is the better choice for your family, it’s the little differences that matter most. Here are just a few of the reasons that drivers prefer the Highlander when they’re traversing the city streets of Alpharetta and Johns Creek:

• When you’re trying to find parking, every inch counts! From bumper to bumper, the still-spacious Highlander is a full four inches shorter than its competitor.
• The Highlander is better at taking tight turns than the Pilot. The former’s turning radius is just 38.7 feet, compared to 39.4 feet in the Honda.
• Just as importantly, the Highlander is more evenly balanced from front to rear. Its weight distribution is 53% to 47%. This makes it much more stable than the Pilot, which has a front/rear weight distribution of 56.1% to 43.9%.

The Highlander also offers a driver alert monitor, a bird’s eye view camera, and downhill assist control. None of these advanced safety features are available in the Pilot!

Get Behind the Wheel at Beaver Toyota of Cumming

Comparing the Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Highlander, it’s clear which SUV has more to offer. However, drivers who are still doing their research might also be interested in seeing how the 2019 Toyota Highlander compares to the 2019 Ford Explorer and the 2019 Toyota 4Runner. No matter which Toyota vehicle you settle on, it’s easy to get a great deal when you come to Beaver Toyota of Cumming near Buford! Find a new Toyota Highlander model for sale today or check out our used inventory, browse our Toyota Highlander lease deals, and schedule your test drive tomorrow.

Toyota Highlander Inventory