2025 Honda Pilot vs 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

$40,200 · Crossover

$46,820 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Honda Pilot and the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid often comes down to prioritizing immediate savings versus long-term fuel efficiency. The Pilot starts impressively lower at $40,200 compared to the Highlander Hybrid's $46,820, presenting a $6,620 upfront cost advantage. However, the Pilot returns a combined 22 MPG, significantly trailing the Hybrid's stellar 35 MPG combined rating, meaning yearly fuel stops will be far less frequent for Toyota owners. Power figures also differentiate them; the Pilot offers 285 hp, while the Hybrid provides a modest 243 hp. While the Pilot is physically larger at nearly 200 inches long, the Hybrid's AWD system and efficiency make it compelling for varied conditions. The Pilot appeals to budget-conscious buyers needing straightforward power, whereas the Hybrid targets those prioritizing reduced running costs and excellent city mileage.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The Highlander Hybrid wins for commuters due to its superior 35 MPG combined fuel economy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Honda Pilot

The Pilot is the better family hauler because its larger overall dimensions likely offer more usable interior space, despite slightly less cargo volume (18.6 cu ft vs 16 cu ft).

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Honda Pilot

The Pilot offers substantially more raw power with 285 hp compared to the Highlander Hybrid's 243 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Honda Pilot

The Pilot offers significant upfront value, starting $6,620 less than the hybrid counterpart.

Choose the Honda Pilot if...

You want the lowest initial purchase price, starting at $40,200.
You prefer greater raw horsepower, as the Pilot provides 285 hp.
You need the most physical footprint, with a length of 199.9 inches and 262 lb-ft of torque.

Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...

Fuel efficiency is your top priority, netting you 35 MPG combined.
You regularly drive in varied conditions, benefiting from the standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
You prefer a more compact size at 194.9 inches in length for easier city maneuvering.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda Pilot	Toyota Highlander Hybrid
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	2
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	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	hybrid
Horsepower	285 hp @ 6100 rpm	243 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 5000 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	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/27 MPG	35/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.5/499.5 mi.	598.5/598.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	17.1 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	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
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	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Toyota
Front Head Room	40.5 in.	39.6 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	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	4-way	8-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

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.	58.4 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	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Toyota
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	20 x 8.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/50R	P235/65R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How much money will I save on gas yearly by choosing the Highlander Hybrid over the Pilot?

The difference is significant; the Pilot gets 22 MPG combined while the Highlander Hybrid achieves 35 MPG combined, a 13 MPG advantage. While exact yearly savings depend on your driving habits, this efficiency gap translates to fewer fill-ups and lower overall operating costs over the vehicle's lifespan.

Is the Honda Pilot much larger than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

Yes, the Pilot is notably larger; it measures 199.9 inches long and 78.5 inches wide, compared to the Highlander Hybrid's 194.9 inches in length and 76.0 inches in width. This extra size in the Pilot typically translates to greater passenger comfort or slightly larger immediate cargo access at 18.6 cubic feet versus 16 cubic feet.

Which vehicle is quicker or more engaging to drive?

For pure power, the 2025 Honda Pilot is the winner, delivering 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque from its standard engine. The Highlander Hybrid focuses more on efficiency, producing a lower 243 hp, which suggests the Pilot will feel punchier during acceleration.

Does the lower MSRP of the Pilot justify the lower MPG?

The Pilot starts at $40,200, saving you $6,620 upfront compared to the Hybrid's $46,820. You must calculate if the money saved initially will outweigh the higher annual fuel expenditures associated with its 22 MPG rating.

Which car is better equipped for snowy or slippery roads?

The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), giving it an inherent advantage in slippery conditions. The 2025 Honda Pilot comes standard with Front Wheel Drive (FWD), which may require opting for a higher trim level to gain AWD capability.

Are the fuel requirements different between these two crossovers?

Fortunately, both vehicles use regular unleaded fuel, keeping fueling costs straightforward for both models. You do not need to budget for premium gasoline, regardless of which vehicle you choose.