For over 20 years now, Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot have been rivals in family friendly crossovers. Both have reputations for longevity, durability, and resale value that make them the most popular choices around for those looking for SUVlike capability with more carlike dynamics. This rivalry has been enhanced with the introduction of the Grand Highlander for 2024, taking many of the attributes Highlander owners know and love in an even roomier, more capable package. For 2026, Honda has made several changes to the Pilot. Does Grand Highlander have what it takes to continue its lead over Pilot in the quest for best family crossover? Read on and find out.
| 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander | 2026 Honda Pilot | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard MPG, city/hwy/comb. | 21/28/24 | 19/27/22 |
| Max MPG, city/hwy/comb. | 36/34/36 | ^ |
| Max Available Horsepower | 362 | 285 |
| Available Hybrid | Yes | No |
| Standard Ground Clearance | 8″ | 7.3″ |
| Headroom, 1st row | 41.5″ | 40.5″ |
| Legroom, 1st row | 41.7″ | 41″ |
| Legroom, 3rd row | 33.5″ | 32.5″ |
| Hip Room, 3rd row | 45.7″ | 44.6″ |
| Cargo Volume, Seats Up, cu. ft | 20.6 | 18.6 |
| Maximum Cargo Volume, cu. ft | 97.5 | 87 |
| Ventilated 2nd row seats | Available | Not Available |
| Power passenger seat | 8-way, available | 4-way, available |
| SiriusXM® Satellite Radio & HD Radio | Standard | Not Available |
| Base MSRP | $41,660 | $42,195 |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 2 years/25,000 miles | 1 year/12,000 miles |
Honda Pilot has long offered only a single powertrain choice, a 3.5L V6 engine. Grand Highlander gives you a choice of three different powertrain options, offering more selection in finding something suitable for your needs. Its standard engine is a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that gets superior fuel mileage to the Pilot, with up to an estimated 24 mpg combined vs. the Pilot’s 22. The Toyota also produces more torque which is useful in getting a haul of people or cargo moving swiftly, with 310 lb-ft compared to the Honda’s 262 lb-ft.
For even more efficiency, Grand Highlander offers a hybrid option, significantly boosting fuel economy over 2026 Pilot. This is particularly beneficial for those who frequently commute or drive long distances, or places like school carpool lines. This boosts Grand Highlander economy to an estimated 36 mpg combined, excellent for a large crossover utility.
If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, Grand Highlander offers the Hybrid MAX powertrain option. Toyota Grand Highlander with this option puts out a stout 362 hp, nearly 24% higher than Pilot’s 285 hp. Even with superior power, the Hybrid MAX still allows for superior fuel economy with up to an estimated 26 mpg combined.
Verdict: The Toyota Grand Highlander offers superior performance abilities, with better standard and available fuel economy, more available horsepower, and still the benefit of great fuel efficiency from its two hybrid powertrain options.
While Honda Pilot has a lot of room for a 3-row crossover, Grand Highlander offers more overall. Whether in the front row with 41.5″ of headroom to the Pilot’s 40.5″, or in the 3rd row with more leg and hip room, Toyota also manages to gives you more cargo space at the same time with 2 more cubic feet behind the 3rd row. Not carrying passengers? Fold all seats down in both, and Grand Highlander has 10 more cubic feet of cargo volume.
Verdict: The Toyota Grand Highlander offers more room for people, cargo, or both.
Grand Highlander also has an advantage with some creature comforts you won’t find on Pilot. From infotainment features like satellite radio to luxury features like ventilated seats in the 2nd row that aren’t offered on Pilot, or an 8-way power front passenger versus Pilot’s 4-way adjustment.
Value starts with their base prices as well, where Grand Highlander starts lower than Pilot. This continues during ownership, such as with maintenance costs. Toyota provides 2 years or 25,000 miles of complimentary maintenance with ToyotaCare. And Grand Highlander’s safety is also enhanced by standard Toyota Safety Sense.
Verdict: The Toyota Grand Highlander offers more popular options standard plus more available luxury and convenience features.
While the 2026 Honda Pilot remains as a popular choice in 3-row crossovers, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander has established itself as a leader in large 3-row crossovers for Aberdeen families. In the Grand Highlander line, the Toyota offers more power available, more efficiency, more space, and more value. Combine that with Toyota’s reputation for reliability and longevity, and you’ll enjoy a Grand Highlander for many years to come. Those first miles will also see more value in your Grand Highlander’s ownership expenses, with complimentary ToyotaCare included on every new Toyota, giving you no-charge scheduled maintenance in the first 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. This is longer than Honda’s included 1 year/12,000 miles.
For reasons like this, Kelley Blue Book has named Toyota the best overall brand in resale value for 8 of the last 9 years, with Grand Highlander leading in resale among midsized SUVs. And for even more peace of mind in your ownership experience, Pinehurst Toyota in Southern Pines goes further with our Advantage Plan. Call, text or visit us today to see the capable Grand Highlander for yourself. Or see our other new Toyota comparisons to see how the full lineup stacks up. We look forward to helping you!
