2019 Honda Pilot vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

2019 Honda Pilot
2019 Honda Pilot
$31,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2020 Toyota Highlander
2020 Toyota Highlander
$34,600MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Honda Pilot
$31,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Toyota Highlander
$34,600MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$31,450

MSRP

$34,600

Listings

933

Listings

716

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Pros

  • Standard advanced safety features

  • Spacious

Cons

  • Poor handling

  • Uninspired styling

2019 Honda Pilot Reviews 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.

2020 Toyota Highlander Reviews Summary

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.

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.5L 280 hp V6

Engine

3.5L 295 hp V6

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

8

Seating Capacity

8

Horsepower

280 hp @ 6000 rpm

Horsepower

295 hp @ 6600 rpm

MPG City

19

MPG City

20

MPG Highway

27

MPG Highway

28
2019 Honda Pilot
2019 Honda Pilot
$31,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Toyota Highlander
2020 Toyota Highlander
$34,600MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Honda Pilot
$31,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Toyota Highlander
$34,600MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$31,450
$34,600
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.6

4.5

Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10

Read full review

7.7 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Standard advanced safety features

  • Spacious

Cons

  • Poor handling

  • Uninspired styling

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
Look and feel

2019 Honda Pilot

9/10

2020 Toyota Highlander

7/10

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.

Picture of 2019 Honda Pilot
Picture of 2019 Honda Pilot
Picture of 2019 Honda Pilot
Picture of 2019 Honda Pilot
Picture of 2019 Honda Pilot
Picture of 2019 Honda Pilot
Picture of 2019 Honda Pilot
Picture of 2019 Honda Pilot
Performance

2019 Honda Pilot

8/10

2020 Toyota Highlander

6/10

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.

Form and function

2019 Honda Pilot

9/10

2020 Toyota Highlander

9/10

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.

Technology

2019 Honda Pilot

8/10

2020 Toyota Highlander

7/10

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.

Safety

2019 Honda Pilot

9/10

2020 Toyota Highlander

9/10
Both the 2019 Honda Pilot and the 2020 Toyota Highlander offer a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The 2020 Highlander has been awarded a 2020 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

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.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

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.

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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.

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