2025 Honda Pilot vs 2025 Toyota Highlander

$40,200 · Crossover

$40,320 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Honda Pilot explodes onto the scene boasting a spirited 285 hp, positioning it as the powerhouse contender against the efficient 2025 Toyota Highlander. While the Pilot is visibly larger at 199.9 inches long, giving it an advantage in utility with 18.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Highlander’s 16 cu ft, the Highlander strikes back with superior fuel economy, achieving 25 combined MPG versus the Pilot's 22 combined MPG. Though the Highlander’s 265 hp engine offers superior low-end grunt with 310 lb-ft of torque, the Pilot compensates with greater peak power and a more involving 10-speed automatic transmission. Both crossovers start around $40,000, but the Pilot sacrifices a slight efficiency edge for a more robust horsepower figure, making it the choice for those prioritizing acceleration feel over maximizing miles between fill-ups.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander wins for daily commuting thanks to its better fuel economy, achieving 29 highway MPG compared to the Pilot's 27 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Honda Pilot

The Pilot is better suited for families due to its superior cargo capacity of 18.6 cu ft versus the Highlander's 16 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Honda Pilot

The Pilot delivers a more engaging drive with 285 horsepower, beating the Highlander's 265 horsepower rating.

💰 Best Value

2025 Honda Pilot

Despite a similar MSRP, the Pilot offers 20 more horsepower for the money, slightly tilting the objective value proposition.

Choose the Honda Pilot if...

You prioritize maximum raw power, as the Pilot offers 285 horsepower.
You need the most utility, benefiting from the Pilot's larger 199.9-inch length and 18.6 cu ft cargo space.
You prefer the slightly more dynamic feel of a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

Maximizing fuel stops is key, given the Highlander’s 25 combined MPG rating.
You value low-end torque, where the Highlander dominates with 310 lb-ft versus the Pilot's 262 lb-ft.
You prefer a slightly smaller footprint for maneuvering, as the Highlander is 5 inches shorter in length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda Pilot	Toyota Highlander
Length	199.9"	194.9"
Width	78.5"	76.0"
Height	71.0"	68.1"
Wheelbase	113.8"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	Toyota
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Honda	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	285 hp @ 6100 rpm	265 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm	310 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Honda	Toyota
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/27 MPG	22/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.5/499.5 mi.	393.8/519.1 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	17.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Honda	Toyota
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Driver Vanity Mirror	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Toyota
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	240W	—
Speaker System	7	6
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Honda	Toyota
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Toyota
Front Head Room	40.5 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	59.0 in.
Front Hip Room	58.4 in.	57.2 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	4-way	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Toyota
Rear Head Room	40.2 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.8 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.7 in.	58.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.4 in.	57.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Toyota
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	20 x 8.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/50R	P235/65R V
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in

Suspension

Feature	Honda	Toyota
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Honda	Toyota
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	2 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 24000 mi.	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda Pilot and 2025 Toyota Highlander.

Which vehicle offers better highway cruising efficiency?

The Toyota Highlander (car2) is the clear winner for highway efficiency, achieving 29 MPG on the highway, besting the Honda Pilot's 27 MPG rating. This difference can translate to significant annual savings for high-mileage drivers.

Does the power difference between the two crossovers feel significant in daily driving?

Yes, the Honda Pilot’s 285 hp output is notably higher than the Highlander’s 265 hp, suggesting the Pilot will feel quicker during acceleration. However, the Highlander counters with 310 lb-ft of torque, meaning it might feel stronger pulling away from a stoplight.

Which crossover provides more room for luggage and gear?

The 2025 Honda Pilot offers substantially more dedicated cargo space at 18.6 cubic feet compared to the Highlander’s 16.0 cubic feet. Furthermore, the Pilot is physically wider and taller, contributing to an overall larger cabin volume.

Are the starting prices very different for these FWD models?

No, the starting MSRPs are nearly identical; the Pilot begins at $40,200 while the Highlander is just $120 more at $40,320. The decision here comes down to matching features and performance rather than initial cost savings.

How does the difference in transmission speed affect performance?

The Pilot utilizes a 10-speed automatic transmission, generally allowing for smoother shifting and keeping the engine operating in its optimal power band more frequently, which complements its higher horsepower peak.

Are both vehicles designed for high-octane fuel?

Fortunately for cost-conscious buyers, both the 2025 Honda Pilot and the 2025 Toyota Highlander are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, requiring no premium fuel for their standard engines.