Why You Should Buy a 2021 Honda Pilot And Not A 2021 Toyota Highlander

Toyota and Honda are the top contenders for safe, useful, dependable, fuel-efficient, and reasonably priced SUVs. But not every SUV made by these Japanese automakers satisfies all of those criteria. While the 2021 Toyota Highlander and 2021 Honda Pilot are both good choices in the midsize SUV segment, each performs better in a separate category.

For the 2020 model year, Toyota totally revamped the Highlander. The latest generation has a potent V6 engine, an 8-inch touch screen infotainment system, and smartphone app integration as standard features. Additionally, it boasts larger cargo space than the previous model and is fitted with a broad range of cutting-edge driver-assist technologies.

Even though it has received numerous upgrades over the years, the Honda Pilot last underwent a redesign in 2016. Like the Highlander, the Pilot has a V6 engine and various active safety features as standard. This Honda will be equipped as standard in 2021 with a nine-speed automated transmission and dual-zone automatic temperature control. The Pilot’s touchscreen and smartphone connectivity, however, are optional.

The Pilot and Highlander have been a go-to favourite for those who love them. That is why we have created this comparison. By doing so, you can observe which midsize SUV excels in the areas that are most important to you as well as which SUV wins out overall.

2021 Toyota Highlander vs. 2021 Honda Pilot Price 

The MSRP of the 2021 Toyota Highlander is $34,810, which is expensive for a midsize SUV. There are four mid-range trim options available, with prices ranging from $37,010 to $43,765. Starting at $46,965, the Highlander Platinum is the highest model. Depending on the specification, all-wheel drive costs an extra amount.

The base price of the 2021 Honda Pilot is $32,250. It’s more expensive than most of its classmates, even if it’s less pricey than the Highlander. Starting costs for other trims range from $34,930 to $48,420. The most expensive Black Edition trim costs $49,920, but it includes all-wheel drive as standard. The Pilot is the clear-cut winner when it comes to price.

2021 Toyota Highlander  vs 2021 Honda Pilot Cargo Space

 The Highlander features competitive cargo space among midsize SUVs thanks to its 2020 facelift. 16 cubic feet of space are available behind the third row. There are 48.4 cubic feet of additional capacity when the third row is folded down. The Highlander has a total load volume of 84.3 cubic feet when both rear rows are folded.

A Pilot is a superior option in this situation, despite the Highlander’s cargo utility. With both rows folded down, it has a massive 109.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 55.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 18.5 cubic feet behind the third row. A power liftgate and a hands-free power liftgate are features of both midsize SUVs.

2021 Toyota Highlander vs. 2021 Honda Pilot Interior Quality

Personal preference will determine which interior you prefer amongst these SUVs. Both are elegant and well-made. As you climb the career ladder, you’ll discover certain plastics in lower trim levels and more expensive materials. While the cabin of the Highlander is fairly uninteresting, particularly in lower trims, the cabin of the Pilot is beginning to look dated in comparison to newer or recently updated competition.

2021 Toyota Highlander vs.  2021 Honda Pilot Connectivity and Infotainment System

A user-friendly 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and five USB ports are all standard on the 2021 Highlander. Although the system’s graphics aren’t as spectacular as some of its competitors, it is simple to learn and includes redundant tactile controls. You can choose a 12.3-inch touch screen with extra features. Also offered are a quality JBL audio system and wireless device charging.

The standard Pilot has few technological features, like the majority of Honda automobiles. You receive two USB ports, Bluetooth, and a 5-inch display. But if you go one level up from the base model, you’ll receive an easy-to-use 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A rear-seat entertainment system, wireless device charging, and other conveniences are also offered.

2021 Toyota Highlander vs. 2021 Honda Pilot Fuel Economy

The 2021 Highlander gets 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, according to the ratings. These are respectable figures for a midsize, three-row V6 SUV. By choosing an all-wheel drive, these predictions are reduced to 20 and 27, respectively.

A front-wheel-drive vehicle The all-wheel-drive Highlander and the Honda Pilot both get estimated fuel economy ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The Pilot with all-wheel drive gets 1 fewer mile per gallon on the freeway and in the city. But, we have the fuel efficiency of the Highlander, but the difference isn’t much. 

Toyota Highlander 2021 vs. 2021 Honda Pilot: Ride and Handling

You will experience a comfortable ride, especially on more difficult roads, whether you select the Highlander or the Pilot.  The Honda, on the other hand, provides excellent steering while the Toyota provides little feedback. Furthermore, while neither midsize SUV is very nimble, the Pilot drives more assuredly and drives far more like a smaller car than the Highlander.

2021 Toyota Highlander vs. 2021 Honda Pilot: Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The midsize three-row SUVs, the Toyota Highlander and the Honda Pilot are both excellent choices. They have excellent cabins, high safety ratings, quick acceleration, large cargo capacities, and competitive fuel efficiency.  However, the Pilot usually prevails in this conflict, if only by a small margin.

The Highlander is a much better choice if you’re searching for an SUV that is really dependable in this situation. It is also slightly safer and more fuel-efficient than the Pilot, and it offers more standard equipment. But the Pilot is less expensive, plus it has better handling, stronger acceleration, and more room for passengers and baggage.