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With so many SUVs available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your family. You can make the decision easier by narrowing your options to a few trusted vehicles. If you need a three-row midsize SUV, the 2024 Toyota Highlander and 2024 Honda Pilot both have outstanding reputations for delivering quality and reliability at affordable price points. Still not sure which one to choose? We’ve put together this one-stop guide to help you compare the two.
2024 Toyota Highlander vs. 2024 Honda Pilot
For families looking for a three-row SUV, the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot have long been favorites for their space and versatility. In 2024, both automakers planned some exciting updates to the two SUVs, leading to a flurry of anticipation. Now that both SUVs have finally arrived, we want to help you decide between the two by providing an in-depth comparison of their performance, comfort, price, and other features.
Performance and Engine Options
Both the Highlander and the Pilot deliver a capable performance on the Jacksonville roads, but only the Toyota SUV comes with an optional hybrid powertrain. If you’re looking to save money on rising gas prices, choose a Highlander Hybrid, which comes equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors. The hybrid system makes a combined 243 horsepower. In gas-powered models, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine makes 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. With this powertrain, the Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Under the hood of a Honda Pilot, you’ll find a 3.5-liter V-6 engine. The Pilot delivers 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. With this engine, the Pilot can also tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Off-Roading Capabilities
While you won’t tear up the trails in either SUV, both the Highlander and the Pilot offer some off-roading capabilities if you find yourself on uneven terrain. The Highlander comes standard with front-wheel drive, but two all-wheel-drive systems are available. The optional dynamic torque vectoring all-wheel drive sends power to the rear wheels while managing the torque distribution between the left and right wheels, ensuring the SUV can keep a firm grip on the road. All-wheel-drive Highlanders also come with multiterrain select modes, including mud and sand, rock and dirt, snow, and normal, for better traction in all conditions.
The Pilot comes standard with front-wheel drive and offers all-wheel drive as an available option. The all-wheel-drive system allows the clutch packs to engage separately if one rear wheel loses traction on slippery roads. Five drive modes come standard in the Pilot, but some models add modes for trails and sand.
Interior and Comfort
The Highlander and the Pilot each offer seating for up to eight passengers. Some models of both SUVs come with second-row captain’s chairs, which reduce the passenger capacity to seven. Inside the Highlander, premium materials and creature comforts will elevate your ride, such as three-zone automatic climate control and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. Many models come with additional comfort features, such as heated front seats, leather-trimmed upholstery, and power lumbar support.
The Pilot also has a comfortable cabin made with high-quality materials. Similar to the Highlander, the Pilot comes standard with tri-zone automatic climate control. The base trim comes with a manual driver’s seat, but all other models have power-adjustable seats. Heated seats and leather upholstery are available on some trims.
Cargo Space and Practicality
Designed for on-the-go families, the Toyota Highlander offers a spacious cargo area. With up to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo volume, you’ll have more than enough room for luggage, gear, and larger items such as boxes or furniture. When you need all the seats for passengers, you’ll have 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row for groceries or backpacks. Both rear rows have fold-flat seats, so you can easily configure the arrangement to accommodate the passengers or cargo you’re carrying.
Like the Highlander, the Pilot also offers generous cargo space with the second and third rows folded flat. The SUV provides a maximum of 87 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the front row. With all seats upright, the Pilot has 21.8 cubic feet of cargo space.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Whether you choose a Highlander or a Pilot, you can feel confident that you’re keeping your family safe on the Duval County highways. Both SUVs come with state-of-the-art safety and driver-assistance features, which work together to keep drivers vigilant and proactively prevent accidents before they occur. Every 2024 Highlander comes with the Toyota Safety Sense system, which includes advanced technologies such as lane departure alert, automatic high-beam headlights, and road sign assist.
Similarly, the 2024 Pilot comes standard with Honda Sensing technologies. This suite includes forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and driver attention monitoring.
Technology and Infotainment
In the Highlander, you can stay connected and entertained, whether you’re commuting in Jacksonville or taking an extended road trip with the whole family. An 8-inch infotainment touch screen comes standard, while upper trims get a larger 12.3-inch screen. Wireless smartphone integration, Bluetooth wireless technology, and multiple USB charging ports come standard across the Highlander lineup.
The Pilot has plenty of infotainment features as well, but they fall short compared to the Highlander. A smaller 7-inch touch screen comes standard in the Pilot, and upper models get a 9-inch infotainment screen that’s several inches smaller than the Highlander display. The two lower trims don’t offer wireless smartphone connectivity, so you’ll need to use a cord to connect your phone.
Price and Value
The Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot both have well-deserved reputations for providing great value for families who need an affordable, spacious three-row SUV. The 2024 Highlander has a starting MSRP of $39,120, compared to a starting MSRP of $37,090 for the 2024 Pilot.
While the Pilot’s starting price is lower, the Highlander offers more standard features. As you advance in trim levels, the Highlander becomes an even better value. For example, the top-level gas Highlander trim has an MSRP of $49,575, while the highest Pilot trim starts at $52,480.
Buy a 2024 Toyota Highlander in Jacksonville, Florida
You can’t go wrong with either SUV, but the Toyota Highlander offers a better overall value for a three-row SUV. It comes with high-tech features and more standard amenities than the Pilot, and it’s available with a hybrid powertrain for additional fuel savings. If you’re ready to test-drive a new Toyota Highlander, come visit us at Keith Pierson Toyota in Jacksonville, Florida. We have an impressive selection of new Toyota models to help you find the right SUV for your family.
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