2019 Honda Pilot vs 2020 Toyota Highlander
Overview | |
MSRP$31,450 | MSRP$34,600 |
Listings152 | Listings260 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.3 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| |
2019 Honda Pilot Reviews SummaryThe 3-row crossover is the king of family vehicles. Sure, minivans remain a popular choice for large families, but there has been a pendulum swing from the days of blocky old Dodge Caravans to now. Having one or two children does not immediately necessitate a minivan, and there are plenty of useful, capable, and more nimble SUVs from which to choose. The 2019 Honda Pilot stands as one of the cornerstones of this 3-row SUV market. It’s large, versatile, and designed specifically with families in mind. It may not have the sliding doors or built-in vacuum of the Honda Odyssey, but for active families, a vehicle like this truly rivals a minivan in actual usability. The Pilot joined the SUV market in the early 2000s, at the height of the SUV craze and in the waning days of the minivan’s rule. With plenty of cabin space, moderate ability to get off the beaten trail, and V6 power, the Pilot was perfectly positioned for rising fuel prices later in the decade. As many consumers ditched their traditional truck-based SUVs to save on fuel, the Pilot only grew in popularity. The Pilot is now in its third generation, having received a mild refresh for 2019 that includes slightly updated front and rear styling. It also receives an updated infotainment system and, more importantly, it brings the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistance features as standard equipment. | |
2020 Toyota Highlander Reviews SummaryMidsize three-row SUVs are all spacious and powerful, but only the Toyota Highlander reaches the premium threshold for passenger comfort. Redesigned for 2020, the Highlander's revised styling and technology are secondary to its silent operation, soft ride, and cosseting interior. The upper trims feel and drive just like a Lexus, without the upcharge. There is nothing exciting about a Highlander, and yet, there is no other SUV in the $35,000 to $50,000 range that feels so effortless and tranquil. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine3.5L 280 hp V6 | Engine3.5L 295 hp V6 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity8 | Seating Capacity8 |
Horsepower280 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower295 hp @ 6600 rpm |
MPG City19 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway28 |
Engine | |
Engine Name3.5L 280 hp V6 | Engine Name3.5L 295 hp V6 |
Torque262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | Torque263 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
Horsepower280 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower295 hp @ 6600 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City19 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway28 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity8 | Seating Capacity8 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space16.5 cu ft | Cargo Space16.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight4036 lbs | Curb Weight4145 lbs |
Height70.6 in | Height68.1 in |
Length196.5 in | Length194.9 in |
Width78.6 in | Width76.0 in |
Wheelbase111.0 in | Wheelbase112.2 in |
Maximum Payload1509 lbs | Maximum Payload1685 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity5000 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $31,450 | $34,600 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.3 out of 10Read full review | 7.7 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| |
Summary | The 3-row crossover is the king of family vehicles. Sure, minivans remain a popular choice for large families, but there has been a pendulum swing from the days of blocky old Dodge Caravans to now. Having one or two children does not immediately necessitate a minivan, and there are plenty of useful, capable, and more nimble SUVs from which to choose. The 2019 Honda Pilot stands as one of the cornerstones of this 3-row SUV market. It’s large, versatile, and designed specifically with families in mind. It may not have the sliding doors or built-in vacuum of the Honda Odyssey, but for active families, a vehicle like this truly rivals a minivan in actual usability. The Pilot joined the SUV market in the early 2000s, at the height of the SUV craze and in the waning days of the minivan’s rule. With plenty of cabin space, moderate ability to get off the beaten trail, and V6 power, the Pilot was perfectly positioned for rising fuel prices later in the decade. As many consumers ditched their traditional truck-based SUVs to save on fuel, the Pilot only grew in popularity. The Pilot is now in its third generation, having received a mild refresh for 2019 that includes slightly updated front and rear styling. It also receives an updated infotainment system and, more importantly, it brings the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistance features as standard equipment. | Midsize three-row SUVs are all spacious and powerful, but only the Toyota Highlander reaches the premium threshold for passenger comfort. Redesigned for 2020, the Highlander's revised styling and technology are secondary to its silent operation, soft ride, and cosseting interior. The upper trims feel and drive just like a Lexus, without the upcharge. There is nothing exciting about a Highlander, and yet, there is no other SUV in the $35,000 to $50,000 range that feels so effortless and tranquil. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 3.5L 280 hp V6 | 3.5L 295 hp V6 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 8 | 8 |
Horsepower | 280 hp @ 6000 rpm | 295 hp @ 6600 rpm |
MPG City | 19 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 28 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 3.5L 280 hp V6 | 3.5L 295 hp V6 |
Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | 263 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
Horsepower | 280 hp @ 6000 rpm | 295 hp @ 6600 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 19 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 28 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 8 | 8 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 16.5 cu ft | 16.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4036 lbs | 4145 lbs |
Height | 70.6 in | 68.1 in |
Length | 196.5 in | 194.9 in |
Width | 78.6 in | 76.0 in |
Wheelbase | 111.0 in | 112.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 1509 lbs | 1685 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 3500 lbs | 5000 lbs |
The 2019 Honda Pilot boasts subtle visual updates, including futuristic headlights, a cleaner front valence, and a more distinguished rear design. Inside, it offers various trims with a range of features, from a 5-inch color display to a panoramic moonroof in the Elite trim.
The 2020 Toyota Highlander features a more modern exterior with trapezoidal design elements and slimmer headlights. Inside, it offers versatile seating configurations, generous legroom, and a three-zone climate control system.
The 2019 Honda Pilot is equipped with a V6 engine across all trims, providing solid acceleration and various transmission options. It offers intelligent traction management and competitive fuel economy, ranging from 18 to 27 mpg depending on the trim and drivetrain.
The 2020 Toyota Highlander also comes with a V6 engine, delivering brisk acceleration and impressive fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of up to 29 mpg on the highway for the FWD model.
The 2019 Honda Pilot offers adult-friendly third-row seating, ample storage spaces, and up to 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space. It provides a versatile and spacious interior suitable for family use.
The 2020 Toyota Highlander seats eight and offers generous legroom, versatile second-row seating, and ample cargo space, with up to 84 cubic feet when both rows are folded.
The 2019 Honda Pilot features a new infotainment system with a volume knob, rear entertainment options, and parent-friendly tools like CabinTalk PA system and wide-angle cabin mirror.
The 2020 Toyota Highlander comes with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and integration with Amazon Alexa, along with a large head-up display, 360-degree cameras, and a suite of electronic assists and safety features.
CarGurus highlights
The 2019 Honda Pilot edges out the 2020 Toyota Highlander with a slightly higher overall score. Therefore, the 2019 Honda Pilot is the recommended choice for consumers seeking a versatile, family-friendly SUV with a range of trims and features.
Choose the 2019 Honda Pilot if:
- You prioritize a spacious and versatile interior with adult-friendly third-row seating.
- You seek a range of trims with various features, from a new infotainment system to rear entertainment options.
- You are looking for a competitive starting price and good value for a midsize 3-row SUV.
Choose the 2020 Toyota Highlander if:
- You value generous legroom, versatile seating configurations, and ample cargo space.
- You prioritize advanced technology features, including a large head-up display and a suite of electronic assists and safety features.
- You are seeking a family-friendly SUV with a range of trim levels and additional features.
CarGurus highlights
The 2019 Honda Pilot edges out the 2020 Toyota Highlander with a slightly higher overall score. Therefore, the 2019 Honda Pilot is the recommended choice for consumers seeking a versatile, family-friendly SUV with a range of trims and features.
Choose the 2019 Honda Pilot if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a spacious and versatile interior with adult-friendly third-row seating.
- You seek a range of trims with various features, from a new infotainment system to rear entertainment options.
- You are looking for a competitive starting price and good value for a midsize 3-row SUV.
Choose the 2020 Toyota Highlander if:
Shop Now- You value generous legroom, versatile seating configurations, and ample cargo space.
- You prioritize advanced technology features, including a large head-up display and a suite of electronic assists and safety features.
- You are seeking a family-friendly SUV with a range of trim levels and additional features.
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.
