Toyota Grand Highlander vs. Honda Pilot: The Ultimate SUV Face-Off in 2025

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander and the 2024 Honda Pilot are still the most talked-about SUVs in a market that is always changing. Both models represent the pinnacle of three-row midsize SUVs, offering a blend of comfort, capability, and advanced technology. While both vehicles are highly competitive, each brings unique strengths to the table, making the choice between them more about priorities than superiority.

Pricing and Trim Level Overview

Toyota Grand Highlander:
Starting at approximately $42,355, the Grand Highlander is positioned slightly above the standard Highlander and just below the Sequoia. Toyota offers three powertrain options, including hybrid variants. Higher trims like the Hybrid Max can reach nearly $54,940, offering premium features and enhanced performance.

Honda Pilot:
The Pilot starts at about $41,650, which is a little less than the other two. At the top end, the Elite AWD version is priced close to $53,855. Honda focuses on value-packed trims like TrailSport and Elite, all of which use a singular 3.5-liter V6 engine.

Verdict: Pricing is nearly identical, but Toyota delivers more standard tech and hybrid options, while Honda focuses on ruggedness and value in financing.

Dimensions and Space Comparison

Exterior Dimensions:

• Grand Highlander: 201.4 inches long, 78.3 inches wide and 70.1 inches tall
• Pilot: 199.9 inches long, 78.5 inches wide and 71 inches tall

Interior Space:

• Third-Row Legroom:
  • Grand Highlander: 33.5 inches
  • Pilot: 32.5 inches
• Second-Row Legroom:
  • Pilot: Up to 41 inches
  • Grand Highlander: Up to 41.7 inches
• Cargo Capacity:
  • Grand Highlander: 20.6 cu ft behind third row, 97.5 cu ft max
  • Pilot: 18.6 cu ft behind the third row, up to 87 cu ft

Verdict: The Grand Highlander offers more cargo space and roomier third-row seating, making it a more comfortable choice for families with growing kids or road trip enthusiasts.

Interior Comfort and Seating

Both SUVs offer seating for up to eight passengers, with options for captain’s chairs in the second row. The Honda Pilot stands out for its second-row versatility, allowing the center seat to be removed or stowed for better access to the third row.

Meanwhile, the Toyota Grand Highlander emphasizes luxury, with features such as ventilated second-row seats, a digital rearview mirror, and even face-recognition technology for driver preferences.

Verdict: The Pilot wins for seating flexibility; the Grand Highlander wins for upscale comfort and innovation.

Also Read: 2025 Ford Mustang GTD: The Ultimate Evolution of American Muscle

Performance and Engine Choices

Toyota Grand Highlander:

1. 2.4L Turbocharged Inline-4 – 265 hp
2. 2.5L Hybrid – 245 hp and up to 36 mpg
3. 2.4L Hybrid Max – 362 hp, 0–60 mph in 6.3 seconds

Honda Pilot:

• The engine is a 3.5L V6 with 285 hp and a 10-speed automatic gear.

Verdict: The Grand Highlander is the clear winner in terms of powertrain variety, especially with its fuel-efficient hybrids. The Pilot is strong and reliable, but it doesn’t have a hybrid choice.

Off-Road Capability and Ride Experience

Honda Pilot TrailSport:
Designed for light off-roading, the TrailSport trim features skid plates, all-terrain tires, and enhanced suspension. It’s a great option for those who seek adventure beyond the pavement.

Toyota Grand Highlander AWD:
Though not a dedicated off-roader, the Grand Highlander comes equipped with Multi-Terrain Select on AWD trims, allowing for some off-road control on gravel, mud, and snow.

Verdict: The Pilot’s TrailSport offers genuine off-road capability. However, the Grand Highlander works very well for general use and handling in all kinds of weather.

Technology and Infotainment

Toyota Grand Highlander:

• 12.3-inch touchscreen standard
• 12.3-inch digital driver display
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• USB ports in every row
• Digital key and facial recognition tech
• Optional 11-speaker JBL premium audio

Honda Pilot:

• 7-inch touchscreen (base), 9-inch on higher trims
• 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster
• Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto
• 2 USB ports per row
• Optional 12-speaker Bose audio system

Verdict: Toyota edges out Honda with a larger base touchscreen and more futuristic features like digital keys and facial recognition.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Both SUVs are loaded with modern safety tech, including:

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane-Keeping Assist
• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Blind-Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

Safety Ratings:

• Honda Pilot: IIHS Top Safety Pick+
• Toyota Grand Highlander: Good overall, but missed top marks in small overlap crash tests

Verdict: Honda takes the win here with superior crash-test ratings and a longer track record of safety consistency.

Fuel Efficiency and Ownership Costs

Toyota Grand Highlander:

• Regular Hybrid: Up to 36 mpg
• Turbo: ~24 mpg combined
• Hybrid Max: ~27 mpg

Honda Pilot:

• V6: ~21–22 mpg combined

Ownership Costs:

• The Grand Highlander’s hybrid variants offer significant fuel savings.
• Honda Pilot’s maintenance costs are moderate but higher in fuel consumption.

Verdict: Toyota wins on fuel economy, especially with hybrid powertrains offering real savings over time.

Conclusion: Which SUV Is Right for You?

Feature	Winner
Price & Value	Tie
Interior Space	Grand Highlander
Seating Comfort	Tie
Engine Options	Grand Highlander
Tech & Infotainment	Grand Highlander
Off-Road Capability	Honda Pilot
Safety & Ratings	Honda Pilot
Fuel Efficiency	Grand Highlander

Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if:

• You want a hybrid or high-performance hybrid powertrain
• You value cargo space and upscale comfort
• Fuel economy and future tech are top priorities

Choose the Honda Pilot if:

• You need a rugged SUV for light off-roading
• Safety ratings and tested reliability matter more
• You prefer more traditional SUV design with intuitive tech

By considering what matters most—be it fuel economy, interior space, off-road ability, or safety—you’ll be able to confidently choose between these two SUV titans. Both the Toyota Grand Highlander and Honda Pilot offer compelling reasons to take the driver’s seat, but your ideal ride depends on your unique driving lifestyle.