Honda Pilot vs Toyota Highlander

The 2022 Toyota Highlander sported a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design that caught many eyes. The flared fender arches and the slight upward kick of the third-row window cleverly masked its spacious interior, making it visually appear more compact than it truly was. Inside, the Highlander boasted a roomy cabin packed with clever storage solutions ideal for families, such as dedicated spaces for iPads and juice boxes.

When exploring the trim lineup, the XSE trim stood out. Its bold red interior, an option that could be paired with a subdued navy blue exterior, set it apart from other trims. This XSE trim also featured unique exterior styling, ambient interior lighting, and a sport-tuned suspension, emphasizing both style and performance. The trims ranged from the base L with standard 18-inch alloy wheels, pushbutton start, and a three-zone climate control system, to the well-equipped Platinum trim that came with adaptive headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a panoramic sunroof.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a significant redesign, achieving a more rugged and substantial appearance. It featured a more upright grille and boxier styling, emphasizing its increased size. The new dimensions, with the Pilot being 3.4 inches longer, up to 1.5 inches wider, and 0.8 inches taller, made it look more commanding on the road. Corresponding changes were made to the TrailSport model, which now boasted legitimate off-road enhancements such as a taller ride height, rugged all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates.

Inside, the Pilot's interior was more conventional but highly functional and versatile. Its materials were of commendable quality and aligned with elevated market standards, enhancing the vehicle's appeal. Overall, the Pilot's tidy, utilitarian look contrasted with the previous generation, smartly balancing function and form without losing appeal.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine that generated 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The transmission also featured tap-shift functionality and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters in certain trims, along with a drive-mode button offering Sport, Normal, and Eco modes. In AWD versions, additional Mud/Sand, Rock, and Normal modes were available.

The V6 engine shined during cruising and at highway speeds, providing ample pickup for overtakes with a satisfying exhaust note. The XSE’s sport-tuned suspension effectively managed body roll while maintaining comfort over road imperfections. Even on twisty on-ramps, the Highlander exhibited well-weighted steering, contributing to its composed handling. When properly equipped, the Highlander could tow up to 5,000 pounds with a max payload of 1,685 pounds in FWD L and LE trims.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Honda Pilot introduced an all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a new 10-speed automatic transmission. While FWD was standard on most trims, AWD was available on all and standard on the Elite and TrailSport trims. Initial acceleration response was quick, delivering smooth and confident power. The Pilot was tuned more for comfort than sporty driving, exhibiting light steering effort, which was advantageous in tight spaces but felt somewhat detached at higher speeds.

The TrailSport model increased ground clearance and added all-terrain tires, suitable for mild off-road adventures. Remarkably, it maintained on-road composure and comfort, making it a versatile choice for families who loved outdoor excursions. The Pilot cornered confidently but did not encourage aggressive driving. It was clear that comfort and everyday usability were prioritized over performance.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander was a marvel of interior space and practicality. It provided up to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space with second- and third-row seats folded. With just the second-row seats in use, the cargo capacity was 48.4 cubic feet, and with all seats deployed, there were 16 cubic feet behind the third row. The process of folding the seats was facilitated by quick-release latches and pull-straps, ensuring ease of use.

In terms of cockpit utility, the Highlander’s base L trim came with an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and numerous storage solutions. The XSE trim featured second-row captain’s chairs, allowing easier access to the third row and providing more space between passengers. However, the third row was best suited for short trips due to limited space for adults.

Conversely, the 2023 Honda Pilot embraced a more conventional interior layout compared to other Honda vehicles. While it lacked the horizontal mesh dash trim concealing air vents found in models like the CR-V, it offered practical features like a dash shelf for the front passenger. The LX and Sport trims came with a seven-inch touchscreen, with higher trims upgrading to a nine-inch display. The Elite trim featured a digital instrument panel and a head-up display, albeit the screen size felt modest.

The Pilot impressed with its stowable second-row center seat, which provided a useful pass-through for third-row access when needed. The second row was spacious for adults over six feet tall, but the third row had a lower seat cushion compromising thigh support for longer trips. With the third row up, cargo space was 22.4 cubic feet, expanding to 60.1 cubic feet with the second row folded, and a maximum of 114.3 cubic feet with all seats down, far exceeding the Highlander’s capacity.

Technology-wise, the 2022 Toyota Highlander came equipped with a functional 8-inch touchscreen that supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Though lacking wireless capabilities for Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, it combined screen functionality with hard buttons for a user-friendly interface. Higher trims offered a larger touchscreen, a digital instrument panel, and an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Pilot offered more advanced technology, especially in higher trims. Starting from the EX-L trim, buyers enjoyed wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless phone charging, and USB ports in every row. The top Elite trim added a head-up display and a fully digital instrument panel. The infotainment system was intuitive, with quick responses and a logical layout, despite its graphics not being particularly modern. Notably, the TrailSport and Elite trims featured the TrailWatch camera system, enhancing off-road awareness.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander impressed with its comprehensive Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, and automatic high beams. Higher trims featured additional safety options like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a surround-view monitor.

Safety in the 2023 Honda Pilot was emphasized through the standard Honda Sensing suite, encompassing forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and traffic-jam assist. Higher trims added low-speed automatic braking and parking sensors, while the TrailSport and Elite included sophisticated camera systems. The Pilot was expected to earn top safety scores, bolstered by its IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and anticipated high marks from NHTSA.