When exploring the competitive landscape of three-row sport utility vehicles, the 2025 Honda Pilot and the 2025 Toyota Highlander consistently emerge as leading contenders. Both models from Japanese manufacturers offer attractive features such as comfortable cabins and top-tier safety evaluations from the NHTSA. Although the Honda Pilot typically has a slightly lower starting price, the Highlander is a close second. Despite their apparent similarities, these two SUVs possess distinct characteristics that could influence a family's vehicle selection based on their specific travel requirements.
A significant divergence between these family-friendly vehicles lies in their interior dimensions. Both the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander are designed to accommodate seven or eight occupants across three rows. However, the Pilot boasts a slightly longer wheelbase, measuring 113.8 inches compared to the Highlander's 112.2 inches. This seemingly minor difference of about an inch and a half translates into a noticeable increase in interior volume for the Pilot. In terms of cargo capacity, the Pilot provides 18.6 cubic feet with all three rows in use, surpassing the Highlander's 16 cubic feet. When the third row is stowed, their cargo volumes become more comparable, with the Pilot offering 48.5 cubic feet and the Highlander 48.4 cubic feet. Folding down both the second and third rows further extends the Pilot's lead, reaching 87 cubic feet against the Highlander's 84.3 cubic feet.
Passenger comfort also leans in favor of the Pilot, which offers a total passenger volume of 158.4 cubic feet, significantly more than the Highlander's 141.8 cubic feet. This advantage is particularly evident in the third row, where the Pilot provides 39.3 inches of headroom and 32.5 inches of legroom. In contrast, the Highlander's third row measures 36.1 inches for headroom and 28 inches for legroom, potentially making it less comfortable for adult passengers on longer journeys.
However, the Toyota Highlander gains an edge in fuel efficiency. For two-wheel-drive configurations, most 2025 Pilot models achieve approximately 19 miles per gallon in urban driving and 27 miles per gallon on highways. The 2025 Highlander, when similarly equipped, demonstrates better efficiency, reaching up to 22 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway. Opting for all-wheel drive in the Honda Pilot results in a decrease of two miles per gallon on the highway, while the Toyota Highlander's all-wheel-drive variants experience a reduction of one mile per gallon in both city and highway ratings. A notable advantage for the Highlander is the availability of a hybrid version, which starts at $46,820 and delivers an impressive 35 miles per gallon in both city and highway conditions, a powertrain option not available for the Pilot.
Regarding performance, the Honda Pilot, with its standard 3.5-liter V6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission, produces a higher horsepower of 285 and 262 pound-feet of torque. The Toyota Highlander, equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, generates 265 horsepower but a superior 310 pound-feet of torque. While the horsepower difference is minimal, the Highlander's higher torque figure is crucial for towing capabilities. Both SUVs can tow up to 5,000 pounds, but the Pilot achieves this only with all-wheel drive; its two-wheel-drive models are limited to 3,500 pounds. The Highlander, thanks to its greater torque, can tow up to 5,000 pounds regardless of its drivetrain configuration. The cost difference for all-wheel drive is also a factor, with the Highlander's upgrade costing an additional $1,600, while the Pilot's is $2,100. This could lead to significant savings for Highlander buyers who prioritize towing capacity without needing all-wheel drive.
Ultimately, both the 2025 Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander present compelling options within the three-row SUV category, each with distinct strengths and weaknesses. The Pilot excels in passenger and cargo volume, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize spaciousness. Conversely, the Highlander stands out with its superior fuel economy, particularly its hybrid offering, and a more robust towing capacity across all drivetrain options. The decision between these two capable vehicles will largely depend on individual priorities regarding interior space, fuel efficiency, and towing needs. Prospective buyers are encouraged to experience both models firsthand to determine which best aligns with their family's lifestyle and demands.