The midsize three-row SUV market is bustling with options, but two standout contenders are the 2021 Toyota Highlander and the 2021 Honda Pilot. In this detailed comparison, we'll delve into the design, performance, and functionality of both vehicles to help you make an informed decision.
2021 Toyota Highlander vs 2021 Honda Pilot: Midsize SUVs Compared
When it comes to aesthetics, the 2021 Toyota Highlander and the 2021 Honda Pilot offer distinct styles. CarGurus experts rate the Highlander at 8 out of 10 and the Pilot at 7 out of 10 in terms of look and feel.
The Highlander is anything but boring in terms of design. Its bold front end, characterized by wide headlights and an assertive grille, sets it apart from the crowd. The side profile features a character line reminiscent of the Supra sports car, giving it a touch of sportiness. The rear, with its Lexus-inspired taillights, exudes sophistication. Toyota also introduced the XSE trim with a sportier appearance and the upscale Limited trim for a more luxurious feel.
Inside, the Highlander impresses with top-notch fit and finish. The interior of the Limited trim, in particular, showcases impeccable quality, boasting tan leather seats and stylish wood accents.
The Pilot, on the other hand, has a more understated exterior design. While Honda made efforts to enhance its appearance with the 2019 refresh and the Black Edition, the Pilot's styling remains an acquired taste. However, it offers multiple trim levels, including the new Special Edition and the blacked-out Black Edition, catering to different preferences.
Performance
Performance is a crucial aspect of any SUV. CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Toyota Highlander at 6 out of 10 and the 2021 Honda Pilot at 8 out of 10, indicating that the Pilot has an edge in this category.
Under the hood of the Highlander, you'll find a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. While it may not win drag races, it provides smooth and reliable performance for daily driving. The Highlander's soft suspension prioritizes comfort over sportiness, but the XSE trim does offer some sportier features for those seeking a bit more excitement.
The Honda Pilot boasts a 3.5-liter V6 engine as well, generating 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It offers a responsive and refined driving experience, with a nine-speed automatic transmission and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The Pilot's torque-vectoring AWD system enhances on-road performance, providing confident handling and a comfortable ride.
Form and Function
The functionality of a three-row SUV is essential for families on the go. CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Toyota Highlander at 7 out of 10 and the 2021 Honda Pilot at 9 out of 10 in this category.
The Highlander excels in providing comfort and functionality. It features clever storage solutions, including spacious shelves ahead of the front seats for personal items and a wireless charging pad in higher trims. The second-row seats offer ample legroom, and the third-row is suitable for children or short trips to accommodate more cargo space.
With the third row folded down, the Highlander offers 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down.
The Honda Pilot offers generous space for families, with seating for up to eight people when equipped with a second-row bench seat. The front seats are comfortable, with optional heated and ventilated seats. The second-row captain's chairs are nearly as comfortable as the front seats and slide forward to ease access to the third row.
The Pilot also excels in terms of storage, with numerous compartments and thoughtful touches, including a large center console and plenty of in-cabin storage options. The cargo space behind the third row is 16.5 cubic feet, expanding to 46.8 cubic feet with the third row folded down and a maximum of 83.9 cubic feet with all rear seats down.
When it comes to technology, the 2021 Toyota Highlander and the 2021 Honda Pilot offer varying experiences. CarGurus experts rate the Highlander at 7 out of 10 and the Pilot at 5 out of 10 in this category.
Toyota equips the Highlander with a range of tech features. Models below the Limited trim come with an 8-inch touchscreen, while the Limited offers a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen as an option. The top-tier Platinum trim comes standard with the 12.3-inch display. Both systems are user-friendly.
Navigation, however, is an additional cost, and its effectiveness may vary. While it excels in providing directions to specific addresses, it struggles with locating points of interest compared to Google Maps. Fortunately, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard across the Highlander lineup.
The 12.3-inch touchscreen is bright, crisp, and responsive, enhancing the overall tech experience. The JBL audio system offers good sound quality, though not exceptional. The screen does have its limitations, displaying certain apps within an 8-inch rectangle, raising questions about the value of the larger screen.
The 2021 Honda Pilot comes with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system across most trims, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text-messaging support, satellite radio, and basic HondaLink connected services. The new Special Edition adds wireless phone charging, while the Touring trim enhances the experience with navigation, HondaLink subscription services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a 10-speaker premium audio system, and more.
Though functional, the Pilot's infotainment system falls short compared to some rivals, with a relatively small screen and the absence of a tuning knob. Voice recognition may require specific prompts and pathways to work effectively. HondaLink subscription services are available mainly on higher trim levels.
The Touring trim offers a rear-seat entertainment system, a 115-volt power outlet, an HDMI port, and a Cabin Talk feature for easier communication with rear-seat passengers. The roof-mounted rear-seat entertainment system supports DVDs, Blu-Ray discs, and streaming audio apps.
Safety
Safety is paramount, and both the 2021 Toyota Highlander and the 2021 Honda Pilot prioritize it. CarGurus experts rate the Highlander at 10 out of 10 and the Pilot at 7 out of 10 in this category.
The Highlander benefits from Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), an advanced suite of driver assistance systems. It includes features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support. This technology enables the Highlander to recognize oncoming vehicles making left-hand turns at intersections, enhancing safety.
Additionally, the suite offers road-sign assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-tracing assist, and automatic high beams. The 2021 Highlander has earned a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the prestigious Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The 2021 Honda Pilot comes standard with Honda Sensing, a comprehensive package of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). It includes adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist systems. Starting from the EX trim, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning systems are added.
However, the Pilot's version of Honda Sensing is considered less smooth and refined in operation. It does provide reliable safety features, but the lane-departure warning system's feedback could be improved.
Crash-test ratings for the Pilot are generally favorable. The NHTSA awards it a five-star overall rating, despite a four-star front-passenger protection rating in frontal impacts. The IIHS gives the Pilot "good" ratings, though it receives an "acceptable" score for front passenger small overlap frontal-impact protection.
Cost is a significant factor for many buyers. CarGurus experts rate both the 2021 Toyota Highlander and the 2021 Honda Pilot at 7 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness.
When new, the 2021 Highlander started at an MSRP of $34,810, excluding the $1,175 destination charge. As you move up trim levels, prices increase accordingly. For example, the LE starts at $37,010, the XLE at $39,810, the XSE at $41,405, the Limited at $43,765, and the Highlander Platinum at $46,965. Adding all-wheel drive will incur an additional cost.
In terms of fuel economy, the V6-powered Highlander achieves an EPA-estimated rating of 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. When equipped with AWD, these numbers dip slightly to 20/27/23 mpg.
While pricing can approach $50,000 for higher trims, the Highlander offers excellent value, particularly for those who prioritize safety and comfort.
The 2021 Honda Pilot boasted a starting price a bit lower ($32,250). Known for its reputation for reliability and strong resale value, the Pilot an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers. Honda often offers competitive lease deals, making it an appealing option for families on a budget.
However, in terms of value proposition, the Pilot is considered average among its peers. It may not offer many freebies, and the warranty coverage meets the industry standard. While the Honda nameplate carries significant weight, the Pilot faces competition from newer and more sophisticated rivals.
Verdict
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Toyota Highlander is 7.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Honda Pilot scores 7.2 out of 10.
Choose 2021 Toyota Highlander if:
You prioritize advanced technology features and appreciate a larger, high-quality touchscreen.
Safety is a top concern, and you want a vehicle with top-tier safety ratings.
You are willing to invest in a vehicle that combines comfort and practicality, even at a slightly higher price point.
In summary, both the 2021 Toyota Highlander and the 2021 Honda Pilot offer their own set of advantages. The Highlander shines in terms of technology and safety, while the Pilot's reliability and affordability make it an appealing choice. Your decision should ultimately align with your specific priorities and budget.
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