2021 Toyota Highlander versus 2021 Honda Pilot

At first look, the 2021 Toyota Highlander and the 2021 Honda Pilot might seem like very similar vehicles. They’re both SUVs with third-row seating, convertible seats that allow for sizable cargo space and passenger capacity, and a variety of package options. So how are you to discern which is the better choice?

At Lancaster Toyota, we’re happy to assist you in choosing a vehicle that’s right for you and your family. The Toyota Highlander has been completely redesigned from the inside out for 2021, sporting a bold new look, better fuel efficiency, and upgraded performance features. But let’s get into the specifics. How does the 2021 Toyota Highlander and the 2021 Honda Pilot compare?

Which SUV has better Safety Features: the Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander?

Both Toyota and Honda offer a suite of safety features to keep you and your passengers safe on the roads around Lancaster. With Honda, you get Honda Sensing® which comes with Collision Mitigation Braking, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, and Traffic Sign Recognition.

With Toyota, you get standard Toyota Safety Sense® which comes with a Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Automatic High Beams, Road Sign Assist, and Lane Tracing Assist to help drivers stay alert and aware of the road around them. In addition, the Highlander comes with Safety Connect® that includes Emergency Assistance, Stolen Vehicle Locator, Roadside Assistance, and Automatic Collision Notification for a quick response in the event of an incident. And as if that wasn’t enough, Toyota also included the Star Safety System™ so every driver behind the wheel of a Highlander has Traction Control, Brake Assist, Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, and Smart Stop Technology. For this category, the winner is a no brainer.

Which SUV has better Performance Features: the Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot?

When it comes to performance, the Highlander is once again the clear winner. On the base model, with the 3.5L V6 engine, the Highlander has a horsepower of 295@6600 paired to an 8-speed variable transmission that can tow up to 5,000 lbs. In comparison, the Pilot puts out 280@6000 horsepower with a 6-speed variable transmission that can only tow up to 3,500 lbs at the maximum. That’s a lot less gear that you can take with you when you want to take the whole family camping.

The Highlander still has a feature that was introduced in 2020, called Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-K), that gives it a stiffer unibody structure and enables even more comfort, safety, and capability than ever before. The high-strength steel allows finer tuning for the front strut and rear multi-link suspension, which enhances agility, makes for a smaller turning circle, and also contributes to a smoother, quieter ride.

Looking for a hybrid? The new-generation Highlander Hybrid model offers Best-in-Class MPG at 34 combined MPG, while the gas version offers up to 24 MPG combined. Unfortunately, the 2021 Pilot doesn’t have a hybrid version and the most fuel efficiency you’ll get is 23 MPG combined.

Which SUV is more Comfortable, the Toyota Highlander or the Honda Pilot?

Due to their spaciousness and road-smoothing performance features, modern SUVs are some of the most comfortable vehicles on the market for Lancaster families. Luckily, the Highlander became even more comfortable with its 2021 update. This new generation features more space, with an added 2.36 inches to the cargo area and 1.2 inches between the second and third-row for more legroom. Plus, the interior has been redesigned to include more convenient technology and premium materials for a softer and more comfortable ride.

Comparing this to the 2021 Honda Pilot, the Highlander has an extra inch of front headroom for taller drivers and three more USB charging ports. The Highlander also offers wireless charging on every one of its five trims except the L and LE, whereas the Pilot only offers it on its top trim, the Pilot Elite. Both vehicles offer second-row heated seats, which the kids will love, and a heated steering wheel for those freezing Lancaster mornings. Ask our team at Lancaster Toyota for more information about the many useful features on the 2021 Toyota Highlander that enhance the driving experience for the entire family.