2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2023 Honda Pilot was completely redesigned, boasting a more rugged and substantial appearance. Its upright grille and boxier styling not only made it look larger but also contributed to its actual increase in size, being 3.4 inches longer, up to 1.5 inches wider, and 0.8 inches taller than its predecessor. These changes complemented the all-terrain-capable TrailSport model, which featured legitimate off-road enhancements such as a one-inch taller ride height, unique 18-inch wheels, chunky all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates. The interior took a more conventional styling route, remaining attractive and functional, with materials quality meeting elevated class standards. Overall, the 2023 Honda Pilot emphasized function over form, offering a tidy and utilitarian aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner retained its classic, albeit outdated, design, having last been redesigned for the 2010 model year. Despite a few refreshes, it was in need of a serious makeover. Its boxy shape and flared fenders gave it a brawny and stable stance, suitable for off-road adventures. The TRD Pro model enhanced this rugged personality with underbody skid plates, all-terrain tires, and a beefy tubular roof rack. However, the interior showed its age with old-school styling and last-generation technology features, such as an analog instrument panel and a small eight-inch infotainment touchscreen. While the interior had hard plastic surfaces, it provided cushioned panels for comfort. The 4Runner's nostalgic design was reminiscent of the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler, but it lacked modern touches.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was equipped with a new 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all models and standard on the Elite and TrailSport trims. The Pilot offered quick initial acceleration and a pleasant engine hum, though it wasn't particularly sporty. It prioritized comfort over performance, with a soft brake pedal and feather-light steering. The TrailSport model added an inch of ground clearance and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities without sacrificing on-road composure.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The TRD Pro model came standard with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case. On pavement, the 4Runner felt slow, with noticeable rear-end squat during acceleration and a noisy engine. Its soft suspension resulted in body roll and residual bounces, but it excelled off-road. The 4Runner's tall tire sidewalls and soft suspension absorbed larger road imperfections, though passengers prone to motion sickness might need precautions on bumpy roads.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior was more conventional compared to other new Honda models, offering a handy dash shelf for the front passenger. The entry-level trims featured a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a nine-inch display. The Pilot provided ample storage and convenience features, including a stowable second-row center seat and abundant space in the second row for adults. The third row was less inviting, but the Pilot offered up to 114.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row folded flat.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior design appeared outdated, but its layout was easy to use. It offered excellent outward visibility and sturdy handles for off-road adventures. The front seats provided ample space, though the steering wheel's limited telescoping range might be an issue for taller drivers. The second row offered abundant legroom, but headroom was limited. The 4Runner could hold up to 89.7 cubic feet of cargo with the rear seats stowed, featuring an almost flat load floor. It lacked remote seat releases and a powered liftgate but included party speakers and a sliding glass rear window.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's EX-L trim and higher offered a larger infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, and USB ports in every row. Higher trims included a multi-view camera system, head-up display, and a fully digital instrument panel. The infotainment system was functional, with quick responses and a logical layout. Features like Honda's CabinTalk and a Wi-Fi hotspot added to its appeal.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the small eight-inch touchscreen was challenging to use while driving. The TRD Pro model featured a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system, though road noise often obscured the music. Additional terrain controls were located in the headliner console, with dials for Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select. The 4Runner lacked some off-road-specific apps and gauges found in competitors.

The 2023 Honda Pilot had not yet been rated by the NHTSA, but it received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard Honda Sensing safety features included forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. Higher trims added low-speed automatic braking and parking sensors. The Pilot's safety features functioned well, with no false alarms during testing.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with four out of five stars from the NHTSA for overall and frontal crash protection. The IIHS gave it "Good" ratings for moderate frontal overlap and side protection tests but noted "Marginal" and "Poor" results in the small overlap frontal test. The 4Runner included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and a blind-spot monitor. The TRD Pro and Limited trims added a surround-view camera system, though the 4Runner's alerts were sometimes oversensitive.