Toyota 4Runner vs Honda Pilot: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Next Adventure Vehicle

Choosing the right SUV can be a challenge especially when deciding between two popular options like the Toyota 4Runner and the Honda Pilot. These two models are top choices among midsize SUVs but serve very different needs. In this article we’ll dive into the details of each SUV's strengths and weaknesses and help you figure out which might be the better fit for you. We'll go over performance interior features technology and more to ensure you have the right info for your choice.

Performance Comparison: Toyota 4Runner vs Honda Pilot

Power and Engine Options

Toyota 4Runner

• Engine: The Toyota 4Runner boasts a 4.0-liter V6 engine with 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque.
• Transmission: This SUV comes standard with a 5-speed automatic transmission.
• Fuel Economy: Known for its rugged capabilities, the 4Runner isn’t exactly fuel-efficient. It gets around 16 MPG city and 19 MPG highway.

The 4Runner is built for adventure with an engine that's more about torque than smooth city cruising. It’s perfect for those who love off-road trips and need a vehicle that won’t back down from tough terrain.

Honda Pilot

• Engine: Honda Pilot comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
• Transmission: The Pilot has a 9-speed automatic transmission which helps keep the ride smooth and adds to its fuel efficiency.
• Fuel Economy: The Pilot is more efficient than the 4Runner with around 20 MPG city and 27 MPG highway.

With better fuel economy and smoother handling the Pilot is designed for everyday use and family trips. It’s got enough power for road trips but doesn’t match the 4Runner’s rugged feel.

Off-Road Capabilities

For off-road enthusiasts the Toyota 4Runner is often the top pick. With features like Multi-Terrain Select Crawl Control and a locking rear differential the 4Runner is ready for rough trails. This is what gives it a unique advantage over the Pilot which is more of a family-friendly SUV and lacks serious off-road capabilities.

Honda Pilot is capable on dirt roads but it’s not made for aggressive off-road conditions. All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is available but it’s geared more towards handling adverse weather rather than challenging off-road trails. In short if your plans involve rock crawling or deep mud the Pilot might not be your ideal choice.

Interior and Comfort

Space and Seating

Toyota 4Runner

• The 4Runner has a two-row setup with an optional third row that brings seating up to seven passengers.
• Despite its spacious feel legroom in the third row is limited making it best suited for children or short trips.

Honda Pilot

• The Pilot is a true three-row SUV with comfortable seating for up to eight passengers.
• It has better legroom and a more spacious third row compared to the 4Runner making it more practical for families with older kids or larger groups.

Cargo Capacity

Cargo space is essential especially for road trips or weekend getaways. Here’s how these SUVs measure up:

Toyota 4Runner

• Standard Cargo: 47.2 cubic feet behind the second row
• Maximum Cargo: 89.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down

Honda Pilot

• Standard Cargo: 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row
• Maximum Cargo: 83.9 cubic feet with all seats folded down

The 4Runner wins out in terms of raw cargo space but it’s important to note that the Pilot’s interior is more flexible with its cargo arrangement options.

Technology and Features

Infotainment System

Toyota 4Runner

• The 4Runner’s infotainment system includes an 8-inch touchscreen Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
• While it’s functional some users find it feels dated compared to rivals in the segment.

Honda Pilot

• The Pilot boasts a 7-inch digital display that’s user-friendly with Apple CarPlay Android Auto and even Wi-Fi hotspot capability.
• The Honda Pilot’s system is generally seen as more intuitive with quicker response times.

Safety Features

Both the Toyota 4Runner and the Honda Pilot come equipped with essential safety features but there are some notable differences.

• Toyota 4Runner: Includes the Toyota Safety Sense-P suite with features like Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection Lane Departure Alert and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

• Honda Pilot: Includes Honda Sensing with features like Collision Mitigation Braking System Lane Keeping Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control. The Pilot’s safety features are more advanced and rated higher by the NHTSA and IIHS.

Unique Safety Drawbacks

While both SUVs offer ample safety features neither is without its drawbacks. Alex Collantes an SUV enthusiast says: “Toyota’s safety suite is solid but the 4Runner’s high ground clearance and off-road design mean that handling isn’t as nimble on city streets as the Pilot.” On the other hand the Honda Pilot’s AWD system isn’t as rugged for those who want to take on off-road trails frequently.

Fuel Efficiency: A Practical Look

Fuel efficiency is a key concern especially as gas prices fluctuate.

• Toyota 4Runner: Averaging about 16-19 MPG it’s definitely on the lower end of fuel efficiency. Not ideal for everyday commutes.
• Honda Pilot: With around 20-27 MPG the Pilot wins out in terms of fuel economy. Perfect for longer trips where gas savings matter.

If fuel efficiency is a top priority the Honda Pilot may have the edge but if you’re willing to trade off some MPG for adventure the Toyota 4Runner may be worth it.

Cost to Own: Toyota 4Runner vs Honda Pilot

Cost is always a consideration beyond the sticker price so let’s look at long-term expenses.

Initial Purchase Price

Toyota 4Runner

• The base model starts at approximately $40,000.
• Higher trims can easily go over $50,000.

Honda Pilot

• The Pilot’s base model comes in at around $37,000.
• Higher trims usually stay under $50,000 making it generally more affordable than the 4Runner.

Maintenance Costs

Over time both vehicles will require regular maintenance but there are some differences here as well.

• Toyota 4Runner: Known for reliability but the rugged features like off-road suspension can lead to higher maintenance costs.
• Honda Pilot: Lower long-term costs for standard parts but can be more expensive if there’s significant AWD repairs.

Pros and Cons

Toyota 4Runner Pros

• Exceptional off-road capabilities
• High resale value
• Spacious cargo capacity

Toyota 4Runner Cons

• Lower fuel efficiency
• Limited third-row legroom
• Outdated infotainment system

Honda Pilot Pros

• Better fuel efficiency
• Comfortable three-row seating
• Advanced safety features

Honda Pilot Cons

• Not built for heavy off-roading
• Limited cargo space with all seats up
• AWD capabilities are not rugged

Alex Collantes’s Final Thoughts

Alex Collantes shares a final perspective: “If you’re looking for an everyday family SUV with some adventure capability the Honda Pilot is a great choice. But if you’re all about the outdoors and want something more durable for off-road trips the Toyota 4Runner is the one to go with.”

In the end it comes down to your personal needs and lifestyle. The Toyota 4Runner offers a more rugged build and adventure-focused design while the Honda Pilot provides family-friendly comfort with a strong suite of safety and tech features. Both are fantastic midsize SUVs but only one will truly fit into your life the way you need it to.

Whether you’re hitting the trails or picking up the kids from school each of these SUVs has a unique appeal