Honda Pilot vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid was a versatile SUV that offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged gas engine, a hybrid system achieving up to 36 mpg, and the powerful Hybrid Max with 362 horsepower and full-time AWD. The Grand Highlander was available in several trims, from the base LE to the luxurious Platinum, with prices ranging from $43,855 to $61,770. The design took cues from the popular RAV4, resulting in a larger, more spacious version with seating for up to eight and ample cargo space. Inside, the Grand Highlander prioritized functionality, with logically arranged controls and decent material quality, though some hard plastics were present. The climate system was user-friendly, but the infotainment interface had room for improvement, particularly with its small volume knob.

The 2026 Honda Pilot underwent a makeover, adopting a more rugged, truck-like appearance with a larger grille and standard roof rails. The interior retained its spacious and versatile layout, with upgrades like larger infotainment and instrument panels. The top trims featured diamond-quilted synthetic suede seats with contrasting stitching, adding a touch of luxury. The Pilot's practicality remained a strong point, with flexible seating options and ample cargo space. The updates for 2026 didn't drastically change the Pilot's core appeal, which was its tasteful design and practicality. The interior materials and construction met or exceeded class expectations, making it a solid choice for families.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max was built for performance, featuring a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with electronic full-time AWD and two electric motors, producing a total of 362 horsepower. This setup allowed the Grand Highlander to accelerate swiftly, with a traditional six-speed automatic transmission that avoided the droning typical of CVTs. While the Hybrid Max sacrificed some fuel efficiency, achieving 27 mpg compared to the standard hybrid's 36 mpg, it offered a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. During testing, the Hybrid Max averaged 23.3 mpg on a mountainous route and 26 mpg on a mixed city and highway route. The powertrain provided confident acceleration, with electric motors eliminating turbo lag. The ride quality was soft and isolating, though road undulations could cause some vertical and lateral movement. Handling was secure but limited by early tire squeal and understeer. Visibility was excellent, aided by multiple camera views, though the front camera's frequent screen takeover was a minor annoyance.

The 2026 Honda Pilot retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Sport and EX-L trims offered FWD, with AWD available, while other trims came standard with AWD. The Pilot's acceleration was adequate, with a responsive V6 that sounded more confident than a four-cylinder. The brake pedal was soft, suitable for a family SUV, though occasional downshifts caused minor lurches. Honda improved the steering for 2026, enhancing feedback and stability. The Pilot handled curves confidently but wasn't sporty, maintaining its family-friendly demeanor.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered comfortable seating across all three rows, with nearly 100 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. However, unlined storage areas could contribute to cabin noise, and underfloor storage was limited. The Platinum trim featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery, adding an upscale touch. The front and second-row seats were heated and ventilated, with supportive cushions. The rear doors were long, making child seat installation challenging, and their sharp corners could cause dents. The second-row captain's chairs provided a pass-through to the third row, which was comfortable for adults and tall teens. Cargo space behind the third row was 20.6 cubic feet, expanding to 57.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97.5 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2026 Honda Pilot's cabin remained spacious and versatile, with a removable second-row center seat that could be stowed under the cargo floor. The center seat was best for smaller passengers, while the outboard seats offered ample legroom and comfort. Access to the third row was easy, with a button folding the second-row seat forward. The third row was suitable for smaller adults and children, though thigh support was limited. Cargo space behind the third row was 22.4 cubic feet, with a large underfloor bin available. Folding the third row increased capacity to 60.1 cubic feet, or 48.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats in their rearmost position. With both rows folded, the Pilot offered 112.4 cubic feet of cargo space. The front seats provided ample storage, with a long tray, large cupholders, and a spacious center armrest bin.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system across all trims, with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel available on higher trims. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music. Toyota Connected Services offered features like a Wi-Fi hotspot, collision notification, and a digital voice assistant. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the inability to view multiple main-menu screens simultaneously and the low-contrast font were drawbacks. The voice assistant responded accurately to commands, and the Platinum trim included a head-up display, digital rear-view mirror, and surround-view camera system. The JBL audio system exceeded expectations.

The 2026 Honda Pilot upgraded to a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument panel. Physical shortcut buttons were replaced with customizable on-screen shortcuts. The system was responsive and easy to use, with legible graphics and large tiles. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though a wireless phone charger was only available on the EX-L trim. The charging pad was temperamental, requiring precise phone placement. The Pilot retained unique features like multiple camera angles and the Cabin Talk intercom system.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist was standard but could be irritating in certain situations. The safety tech operated accurately, though lane-keep assist occasionally strayed too close to lane markers. The Grand Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but missed the IIHS Top Safety Pick due to headlight performance and frontal-impact protection.

The 2026 Honda Pilot's crash test scores were unavailable, but it was expected to perform similarly to the 2025 model, which received high ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS. The Honda Sensing suite included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The safety features generally worked well, though the forward collision warning was overly sensitive.