How Does Toyota Grand Highlander Compare to Honda Pilot?
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs. 2025 Honda Pilot
General Comparison
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 last year, taking many of the attributes Highlander owners know and love in an even roomier, more capable package. Does Grand Highlander have what it takes to lead the Pilot in the quest for best family crossover? Read on and find out.
| 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander | 2025 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″ |
| 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 |
| Power Liftgate | Standard | Available |
| Ventilated 2nd row seats | Available | Not Available |
| Power passenger seat | 8-way, available | 4-way, available |
| SiriusXM® Satellite Radio & HD Radio | Standard | Available |
| Standard Infotainment Screen | 8″ | 7″ |
Performance & Efficiency
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 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.
Interior Space
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.
Value
Grand Highlander also has an advantage with some key features standard, even on the new-for-2025 LE grade, that aren’t standard on the base Pilot. From conveniences like a power liftgate to infotainment features like satellite radio and a larger touch screen, Grand Highlander gives you more to start. Toyota even offers some available luxury features that Honda does not, like ventilated seats in the 2nd row. Your front passenger in most Grand Highlander trims can fine tune their comfort with 8-way power adjustment – Pilot offers only up to 4-way adjustment.
Value also comes 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.
Conclusion
While the Honda Pilot remains as a popular choice in 3-row crossovers, the Toyota Grand Highlander is quickly establishing itself as a leader in large 3-row crossovers. 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.
Pinehurst Toyota in Southern Pines goes further with the peace of mind provided by the 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!