2019 Honda Pilot vs Toyota Highlander: The Ultimate Family SUV Comparison
When looking for a family-friendly SUV, two models come to the forefront: the 2019 Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander. Both are known for their reliability, ample seating, and strong performance in the midsize SUV category. However, each comes with its own advantages and limitations. This in-depth comparison will help you decide which of these SUVs suits your needs.
Introduction to the 2019 Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander
A Brief Overview of Both Models
The Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander are both midsize SUVs aimed at families looking for space, comfort, and reliability. The 2019 models continue to impress with their features and dependability, but each vehicle has unique strengths:
- Honda Pilot: Known for its spacious interior, strong V6 engine, and user-friendly features.
- Toyota Highlander: Praised for its smooth ride, advanced safety features, and hybrid option.
Key Similarities Between the Pilot and Highlander
- Both seat up to eight passengers (with specific trims)
- Advanced safety features are standard on both
- Both offer optional all-wheel drive
Key Differences Between the Pilot and Highlander
- The Pilot has a larger cabin and more cargo space
- The Highlander offers a hybrid powertrain option for better fuel efficiency
Performance and Engine Options
Engine Specifications and Capabilities
When it comes to performance, both SUVs come with powerful engines that handle a variety of terrains well. Here’s a breakdown:
Honda Pilot Engine
- 3.5-liter V6 engine
- 280 horsepower
- 6-speed or optional 9-speed automatic transmission
Toyota Highlander Engine Options
- 3.5-liter V6 engine with 295 horsepower
- 8-speed automatic transmission
- Optional 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine for those who want better fuel economy (185 hp, less powerful)
- Hybrid option available: 3.5-liter V6 combined with an electric motor for improved MPG
Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency plays a big role when comparing family SUVs, especially for long-distance drivers.
- Honda Pilot: 20 MPG city / 27 MPG highway (FWD), 19/26 (AWD)
- Toyota Highlander: 21 MPG city / 27 MPG highway (V6 FWD), and even better with the hybrid version (29 MPG city / 27 MPG highway)
Verdict on Performance
The Toyota Highlander takes a slight lead in terms of fuel efficiency with its hybrid option, making it a good choice for eco-conscious drivers. However, Honda Pilot provides a more powerful standard V6 engine.
Interior Design and Comfort
Seating and Passenger Space
For families, interior space and comfort are critical. Let’s look at how each model compares:
- Honda Pilot offers 8-passenger seating on most trims with an option for second-row captain’s chairs, reducing capacity to 7 but adding comfort.
- Toyota Highlander also seats up to 8 but tends to feel slightly more cramped, especially in the third row.
Pros and Cons of Interior Space
- Honda Pilot: Spacious with plenty of legroom, ideal for larger families.
- Toyota Highlander: Feels a bit more compact, which might be a drawback if you need the third row regularly.
Cargo Space
Cargo capacity is another important factor. Families often need extra room for groceries, sports gear, or travel luggage.
- Honda Pilot offers 83.9 cubic feet with all seats down, one of the largest in the class.
- Toyota Highlander has 83.7 cubic feet when the seats are down but slightly less accessible due to the overall design.
Verdict on Interior Space
The Honda Pilot has a slight advantage in cargo space and passenger room, making it a more spacious option overall.
Technology and Infotainment
User Experience and Features
Infotainment systems and technology are essential in today’s family vehicles. Here’s what each SUV brings to the table:
Honda Pilot Tech Features
- 8-inch touchscreen on EX trim and above
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Rear entertainment system available on higher trims
- Multiple USB ports and a cabin intercom
Toyota Highlander Tech Features
- 8-inch touchscreen standard
- Entune™ infotainment system, but lacks Android Auto
- Optional JBL premium sound system
- Available Bird’s Eye View Camera
Verdict on Technology
While both models have solid tech features, the Honda Pilot has a slight edge with its Android Auto compatibility and user-friendly interface, making it ideal for families with diverse device preferences.
Safety Features
Safety is a priority for any family vehicle. Both Honda and Toyota are known for their commitment to safety, but how do these models compare?
Standard Safety Features
- Honda Pilot: Honda Sensing® suite, which includes Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure Mitigation, and Adaptive Cruise Control.
- Toyota Highlander: Toyota Safety Sense™ P, with Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Automatic High Beams.
Safety Ratings
Both the 2019 Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander received excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Additional Safety Options
- Honda Pilot offers Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert on higher trims.
- Toyota Highlander offers a Bird’s Eye View Camera for a 360-degree look around the vehicle.
Verdict on Safety
Both models are nearly equal in terms of safety, but the Toyota Highlander’s Bird’s Eye View Camera offers additional visibility, which some drivers might prefer for parking and close-quarters maneuvering.
Driving Experience and Handling
Ride Quality
The 2019 Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander deliver smooth, comfortable rides, but each offers a slightly different driving experience.
Honda Pilot Driving Feel
- Responsive handling for a midsize SUV
- Smooth ride, even on rough roads
- Some users report the 9-speed automatic transmission can be a bit jerky in certain situations
Toyota Highlander Driving Feel
- Comfortable, quiet cabin
- Handles well, but not as sporty as the Pilot
- Hybrid model is exceptionally quiet and smooth
Steering and Suspension
Both vehicles have solid suspensions that can handle everyday driving comfortably. The Toyota Highlander leans toward a softer ride, while the Honda Pilot feels a bit sportier and more responsive.
Verdict on Driving Experience
For those who prefer a more engaging drive, the Honda Pilot is the better choice. The Toyota Highlander will appeal to drivers seeking a relaxed, quiet ride.
Pros and Cons of Each Model
Pros of the 2019 Honda Pilot
- Spacious interior with more cargo capacity
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility
- More powerful standard V6 engine
Cons of the 2019 Honda Pilot
- The 9-speed transmission can be less smooth
- Higher trims can be pricey
Pros of the 2019 Toyota Highlander
- Hybrid model available for better fuel economy
- Smooth and quiet ride quality
- Bird’s Eye View Camera enhances visibility
Cons of the 2019 Toyota Highlander
- Third row and cargo space slightly more compact
- No Android Auto support
Owner Opinions and Real-World Insights
"After testing both the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander I felt the Pilot had a slight edge in terms of cabin space and tech features" – Alex Collantes
According to Alex Collantes a recent owner of the 2019 Honda Pilot "I loved the spacious interior which fit my family comfortably and the Android Auto feature was a big plus but the nine-speed transmission did feel a little rough at times especially at lower speeds"
Final Verdict: Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander?
Choosing between the 2019 Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander largely depends on your priorities:
- Choose the Honda Pilot if you need maximum space a more powerful V6 engine and Android Auto compatibility.
- Go with the Toyota Highlander if you’re looking for a smoother ride and a hybrid option for better fuel economy.
FAQs
What is the seating capacity of the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander?
- Both the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander can seat up to 8 passengers depending on the trim and seating configuration.
Which SUV is better for fuel economy?
- The Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers the best fuel economy at 29 MPG city. The standard V6 engines are comparable with a slight edge to the Highlander.
Is the Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander safer?
- Both models come with comprehensive safety suites and have received strong safety ratings making them reliable options for families.
In the end each SUV has its strong points but understanding what matters most to you will make the decision easier