2024 Toyota Grand Highlander vs Honda Pilot Comparison
5 Important Questions and Answers About the Grand Highlander vs Honda Pilot
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What do the Critics Say?
In its matchup of these 3 row SUVs, Car and Driver makes it clear that the Grand Highlander is more likely to make the family driver happy. Specifically, they said the Grand Highlander is “much more enthusiastic as a driving partner”. In the end, that’s why they would favor the Toyota 3 Row SUV over its Honda competitor.
The magazine reported that the Pilot has a slow sprint time, unresponsive steering, and unimpressive braking. Reinforcing the conclusions in that comparison, the Grand Highlander has made it onto the Car and Driver 10Best list.
Meanwhile an Associated Press article, in conjunction with website Edmunds, gave the Grand Highlander a win in these categories: fuel economy and power, interior and technology, and pricing and value. It declared a tie in driving and comfort. In the end, they chose the Grand Highlander as the better SUV.
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What’s the Size Difference Between Honda Pilot vs Grand Highlander?
These two SUVs are very similar in size. However, the Toyota Grand Highlander is two inches longer, and its wheelbase is 3 inches longer.
Second row legroom favors the Honda Pilot. However, with 39.5 inches of legroom, the Toyota Grand Highlander has a 2nd row big enough for adults and tall teens.
On the third row, where legroom counts the most, the Grand Highlander pulls ahead by an inch. Few SUVs can claim 33.5 inches like this new Toyota 3 row SUV. Kelley Blue Book writes that this row is big enough for a 6' 4? adult.
When it comes to luggage and gear, the Grand Highlander cargo hold is two cubic feet bigger than the Pilot cargo hold. That’s really important when packing for a trip. Plus the numbers continue to favor the Toyota as you fold the second and third rows. A difference of ten cubes is even more significant.
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Why is the Grand Highlander Often Called a Premium SUV?
From the first trim level to the top tier, the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander has more style and amenities than the average SUV in this class and at this price point. The exterior is unique with a trapezoidal, hammerhead grille. This six-sided, multi-dimensional approach gives the front end a distinctive curb appeal.
Echoing its premium exterior, the interior boasts a higher level of craftsmanship with higher quality materials. The standard list includes more of everything that a shopper wants. Driver cockpits feel welcoming with a symmetrical dashboard design and a standard touchscreen that is 5.5 inches bigger than the Honda Pilot screen. It’s four inches bigger than the largest Honda touchscreen.
The available driver instrument screen is two inches bigger than the one available on the Honda. All told, when it comes to displays, the Toyota Grand Highlander earns the Grand in its title, especially compared to the Honda Pilot.
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What Do Drivers Need to Know About the Grand Highlander vs Honda Pilot?
If you are looking for the most fuel efficient 3 row SUV around, the Grand Highlander outshines the Honda Pilot every single time. You can get the Hybrid or Hybrid Max, but even the standard engine can net you better fuel economy. That’s always nice for the family budget.
Handling is better in the Grand Highlander, indicating an edge in ride quality as well. The Toyota’s extra torque gives it more punch right when the driver is trying to climb a hill or pass another car. The Hybrid Max is nothing short of phenomenal.
As for off-roading, the Honda Pilot TrailSport offers special off-roading equipment and powers. However, every all-wheel drive Grand Highlander has tricks of its own.A multi-terrain mode for help with rocky trails, muddy paths or desert sand is standard with gas-powered AWD or Hybrid Max Grand Highlanders. The hybrid models provide all-wheel drive with a special trail mode.
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How about Price and Value?
When it comes to price, you can save money by buying the cheapest Honda Pilot. However, when you start comparing the Grand Highlander price to the Pilot price by trim level or amenity, the equation starts to change.
You can get more for your money with the Toyota Grand Highlander. We’ve already illustrated how much better the dash tech is. In another example, ventilated seats are offered on more Toyota trim levels, making them cheaper than on the Pilot Elite.
The chart below illustrates how the Grand Highlander earns its pricetag. Plus it offers some features that you won’t find on the Honda Pilot. In addition to the hybrid and Hybrid Max powertrains, you can get a user profile face identification system, a digital rearview mirror, and second-row ventilated seats.
Conclusion
The 2024 and 2025 Honda Pilots are good 3 row SUVs. The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is simply a better one.
Schedule a test drive and see just how handsome, spacious, and accommodating this big 3 row SUV really is.
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