Best Choice for Families: 2016 Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Highlander
In the world of midsize SUVs, two models that stand out in 2016 are the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander. These SUVs are favorites among families for their spacious interiors, solid performance, and reliable brands. But choosing between the two isn't easy. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which one best meets your needs.
2016 Honda Pilot: Functionality at Its Best
The Honda Pilot has been a family favorite for years, known for its functionality and spaciousness. In 2016, Honda revamped its design, making it more modern and stylish than its boxy predecessors. With three rows of seats, the Pilot comfortably accommodates up to eight passengers.
Engine and Performance
The 2016 Honda Pilot comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission (or a nine-speed in higher trims), it provides a smooth ride and responsive acceleration.
- Pros: The V6 engine offers solid performance, with enough power for highway merging and light towing.
- Cons: Some drivers report that the nine-speed transmission can be clunky, especially at lower speeds.
Fuel Economy
With 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, the Pilot's fuel economy is respectable for its class. The Eco Assist™ system helps drivers maximize efficiency, though actual mileage can vary with driving habits and conditions.
Drawback: The Pilot’s fuel economy may not be as high as some competitors, especially if you’re mostly driving in the city.
Interior Comfort and Space
Inside the Honda Pilot, you'll find a cabin designed with families in mind. Key features include:
- Tri-zone climate control for customized comfort in each row
- 8-passenger seating with plenty of legroom, even in the third row
- A large cargo area that expands with the rear seats folded down
Potential Drawback: While the Pilot is spacious, some users feel the interior materials are less premium compared to others in its class.
Technology and Safety Features
Honda doesn’t skimp on technology in the Pilot. The Honda Sensing® suite includes features like:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
These features, combined with an easy-to-use infotainment system, make the Pilot ideal for safety-conscious families.
Quote from Alex Collantes: “The 2016 Honda Pilot has great tech for safety. The Honda Sensing suite really gives peace of mind on long trips with the family.”
Drawback: Some users report that the touchscreen can be sluggish and lacks a physical volume knob, making it a bit frustrating to use.
2016 Toyota Highlander: Comfort and Reliability
The Toyota Highlander takes a different approach, with a focus on a smooth, quiet ride and refined interior materials. It's an SUV that prioritizes comfort while still offering the functionality needed by families.
Engine and Performance
The Highlander also features a 3.5-liter V6 engine in its higher trims, delivering 270 horsepower and a solid performance similar to the Pilot.
- Pros: Smooth, quiet operation with a refined feel, ideal for long highway trips
- Cons: Not as quick on acceleration as the Pilot, and the handling feels more suited for comfort than agility
Fuel Economy
The Toyota Highlander gets 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, slightly above average for a vehicle of its size and class.
Potential Drawback: While fuel economy is decent, some users note that the Hybrid variant, which offers better mileage, comes at a premium cost.
Interior Comfort and Quality
Toyota takes a more luxurious approach with the Highlander’s interior. Notable features include:
- 7-passenger seating (with optional captain’s chairs in the second row)
- High-quality materials in the cabin, giving it an upscale feel
- An easy-to-use infotainment system with physical buttons for convenience
Drawback: The Highlander offers less overall cargo space than the Pilot, which might be a drawback if you regularly need to haul large items.
Technology and Safety Features
The Highlander comes equipped with Toyota’s Safety Sense™ which includes:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
Quote from Alex Collantes: “The Highlander is smooth and comfortable with a very premium feel. It might not be as spacious as the Pilot but it’s certainly luxurious for its class.”
Drawback: While intuitive, the Toyota infotainment system lacks Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ support in this model year, which may disappoint tech-savvy families.
Pilot vs. Highlander: Head-to-Head Comparison
Dimensions and Space
Both vehicles offer three-row seating, but they differ in terms of passenger and cargo space:
| Feature | Honda Pilot | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | Up to 8 passengers | Up to 7 passengers |
| Cargo Space (cu ft) | 16.5 (behind 3rd row) | 13.8 (behind 3rd row) |
| Max Cargo Space (cu ft) | 83.9 | 83.7 |
Towing Capacity
For families who tow trailers or boats for weekend adventures:
- Honda Pilot: Up to 5,000 lbs with AWD
- Toyota Highlander: Up to 5,000 lbs with V6 engine and AWD
Safety Ratings
Both the Pilot and Highlander received top marks in safety tests, making them excellent choices for family travel. However, the Honda Pilot earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating when equipped with the Honda Sensing package.
Pros and Cons of Each SUV
Honda Pilot Pros
- Spacious interior with plenty of cargo room
- Advanced Honda Sensing safety features
- Available 8-passenger seating
Honda Pilot Cons
- Transmission quirks with the nine-speed
- Less luxurious interior materials compared to the Highlander
- Touchscreen responsiveness could be improved
Toyota Highlander Pros
- Premium interior quality and quiet cabin
- Smooth, comfortable ride
- Toyota Safety Sense™ comes standard
Toyota Highlander Cons
- Smaller cargo area compared to the Pilot
- Lacks Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ support
- Higher trims can get expensive especially with the Hybrid
Final Verdict: Which SUV is Right for You?
Choosing between the 2016 Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander really depends on your needs:
-
Choose the Honda Pilot if:
- You need maximum seating and cargo capacity
- You value advanced safety features and are tech-savvy
- A practical family SUV with some towing capacity is what you’re looking for
-
Choose the Toyota Highlander if:
- Comfort and a quiet cabin are top priorities
- You prefer higher-end interior materials
- You want a reliable SUV with a smooth ride for long trips
Conclusion: Both the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander are top choices in the midsize SUV category for 2016. Each has unique strengths, from the spaciousness of the Pilot to the refined comfort of the Highlander. Ultimately, your decision will come down to which features matter most to your family’s lifestyle.
Note: This article is intended to help prospective buyers weigh their options. For an even better idea, test drive both models and experience their features first-hand.