2021 Toyota Highlander vs. 2021 Honda Pilot: Choosing Toyota means getting more value

Families or active buyers looking for a spacious three-row SUV are in luck. There are a ton of options on the market and they all seem to be getting better. That said, looking at the popularity of the models in the segment, two names come out on top in the minds, wallets, and hearts of buyers: the 2021 Toyota Highlander and the Honda Pilot.

Both the Highlander and the Pilot jockey for the title of best-selling mid-size SUV, and both cater to clients looking for a little more comfort, luxury, and refinement. That said, the 2021 Toyota Highlander has the advantage when it comes to horsepower, performance, and overall value. It’s also more comfortable than the Pilot and enjoys better resale value.

Better value in the 2021 Toyota Highlander

The starting MSRP for the Highlander lineup begins at $40,150, much lower than the entry Pilot at $44,261. You can buy the highest-grade all-gas Highlander for as low as $51,690, a much better price than the equivalent Pilot at $58,161. In other words, the 2021 Toyota Highlander costs less than the Pilot while delivering better value.

It is also possible to get a hybrid engine in the 2021 Toyota Highlander which, ultimately, isn’t available in the 2021 Toyota Pilot. Toyota Highlander hybrids start at $45,490, which is a lower price than five out of six Pilot model MSRPs so you don’t have to pay more to enjoy the advantages of a hybrid powertrain in the new Highlander. The Hybrid Synergy Drive system produces a net 243 horsepower while achieving a combined fuel economy of just 6.7 L/100 km. The Pilot doesn’t offer a hybrid model. 

More power too

There’s a more powerful option in the 2021 Highlander when it comes to gas-powered models. A 3.5-litre six-cylinder that generates 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque comes standard, delivering 15 extra ponies over the Pilot’s base engine. You will feel the difference on the road.

Toyota's and Honda's 3.5-litre, six-cylinder competitors have even greater differences with fuel efficiency. The Highlander earns an economy rating of 11.8 L/100 km and 8.6 L/100 km (city/highway), but the Pilot falls behind with a rating of 12.4 L/100 km and 9.3 L/100 km in the same conditions. 

More comfort and better features

The Highlander now offers the advanced Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 system. It offers innovative driver assistance and safety technologies, including several not offered on the Pilot. These unique technologies include: Lane Tracing Assist, Risk Avoidance (Semi-Automated Emergency Steering to Avoid Pedestrian, Bicyclist or Vehicle), Left Turn Intersection Support, Front-to-Front Risk Detection, and Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Bicycle Detection. The Pilot also has a range of safety features, but they aren’t as advanced as the Highlander’s.

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