2026 Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot: Battle of the Family SUVs

Thinking a midsize SUV with three-rows of seating might be your next new ride? You’ve got lots of options, including the ever-popular 2026 Toyota Highlander vs 2026 Honda Pilot. Both of these best-sellers are love4d for their reliability, their family friendliness, and their top-of-the-line tech. However, if you really dive into it, the 2026 Toyota Highlander comes out on top in more than one area. These include (but aren’t limited to) fuel efficiency, value, hybrid models, and everyday drivability.

We know it’s never easy to choose a new ride… and we’re here to help. Our expert team here at Toyota of Orlando is breaking down these two competing SUVs to help you decide which one meets your needs. Let’s compare the 2026 Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot!

2026 Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot: What to Know About Price & Value

We know that price is one of the first things buyers nowadays take into consideration. The bottom line? You’ll get more flexibility with the 2026 Toyota Highlander. Here’s what you should know.

2026 Toyota Highlander Starting Price

• LE: around $40,000
• XLE: around $43,000
• Limited: around $47,000
• Platinum: around $51,000
• There are hybrid models available across multiple trims

2026 Honda Pilot Starting Price

• Sport: around $41,000
• EX-L: around $44,000
• Touring: around $48,000
• Elite: around $54,000

Bottom line: The pricing between these two competitors is close. But when you really look at the Orlando Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot, you’ll see that you get more options with Toyota. We offer a hybrid model of the Highlander across several trips, which means you can get that fuel efficiency you need without having to sacrifice space.

Let’s not forget that Toyota also usually includes more standard driver-assistance technology and convenience technology on its lower trims, which means more long-term value on this Orlando Toyota SUV.

And we can’t forget resale value. Toyota SUVs are consistently some of the strongest in retained value and have low ownership costs.

Sounds like a win to us!

Performance Comparison: The Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot

You’re going to get smooth power delivery and confident highway driving in both the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, but it’s achieved in different ways. Here’s what we mean.

2026 Toyota Highlander Performance

The new Orlando Toyota Highlander comes standard with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that gives you:

• 265 horsepower
• 310 lb-ft of torque

It has an 8-speed automatic transmission, and offers both front- and all-wheel drive. The 2026 Toyota Highlander has a turbocharged engine, too. This means you get strong low-end torque for responsive acceleration. It gives you light and controlled steering as well, which means easier maneuvering (perfect for the Target parking lot).

Toyota also offers the new Toyota Highlander Hybrid again this year, which combines a gasoline engine with electric motors for a total system output of 243 net combined horsepower.

2026 Honda Pilot Performance

The Honda Pilot uses a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine producing:

• 285 horsepower
• 262 lb-ft of torque

It has a ten-speed automatic transmission, and comes with the option of front- or all-wheel drive. Its V6 engine gives you smooth acceleration and solid towing ability, but it sacrifices efficiency to get it. Some drivers might think they prefer a V6, but don’t forget that the 2026 Toyota Highlander has that turbocharged setup for better torque AND better fuel economy.

Towing Capacity in the Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot

Toyota Highlander

• Up to 5,000 pounds

Honda Pilot

• Up to 5,000 pounds

Yes, they offer the same max towing capability. However, don’t forget that the Highlander has an advantage because it can tow up to 5,000 lbs but gives you better fuel efficiency while doing it.

Fuel Efficiency: The Orlando Toyota Highlander Comes Out on Top

Fuel economy is one of the biggest differences between these SUVs so if saving gas is important to you, check out our Orlando Toyotas.

2026 Toyota Highlander MPG

Gas Models

• Up to 22 city / 29 highway MPG

Highlander Hybrid

• Up to 36 city / 35 highway MPG

2026 Honda Pilot MPG

• Up to 19 city / 27 highway MPG

The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid majorly outperforms the Honda Pilot when it comes to fuel efficiency… and the savings can add up, whether you’re a daily commuter, a road tripper, or both. On top of that, you can get better fuel efficiency in even the standard gas Toyota Highlander.

It’s also worth noting that Toyota’s hybrid system is proven, refined, and reliable after years of development. A lot of drivers low the seamless transition between the two power sources, especially in traffic. So if you want to save money on gas and have a solid daily drive time, choose this Orlando Toyota SUV.

Interior Comfort & Passenger Space in These Family SUVs

Both of these family rides have three rows of seating available, but their cabin layouts are slightly different. Here’s what you should know when it comes to the interior comparison of the 2026 Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot.

2026 Toyota Highlander Interior

The new Toyota Highlander’s interior is focused on comfort, quiet, and top-notch materials. Toyota is dedicated to continuously refining their cabins, and the 2026 Highlander feels more premium than ever before. Available features this year include:

• SofTex® or leather-trimmed seating
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Panoramic moonroof
• Heated second-row seats
• 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
• Ambient interior lighting

You’ll find that the front seats are supportive and comfortable, and the second row is spacious enough to stretch out. On top of that, the cargo space behind the third row is perfect for groceries, school runs, and daily errands. You can fold that third row flat to make plenty of space for road trips, too.

2026 Honda Pilot Interior

The interior of the 2026 Honda Pilot revolves around max volume and family usability. Here’s what you can expect available:

• Leather-trimmed seating
• Panoramic roof
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Removable second-row middle seat
• Larger cargo area overall

Yes, you’ll get slightly more third-row and cargo space in the Honda Pilot. However, many drivers prefer the 2026 Highlander because of its more upscale feel (thanks to the premium materials and quiet drive time).

Technology Features: How Do They Compare in the 2026 Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot?

We know that today’s drivers want advanced tech for connectivity, infotainment, and more. Both the 2026 Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot deliver. Here’s what you should know before you shop.

2026 Toyota Highlander Technology

Available Highlander tech features include:

• 12.3-inch touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
• Wireless smartphone charging
• JBL® premium audio system
• Digital rearview mirror
• Multiple USB-C charging ports
• Cloud-based navigation system
• Over-the-air updates

It’s worth noting that Toyota’s infotainment system has improved pretty significantly as of late. It’s more responsive and the graphics are higher quality, and you have the option of a larger touchscreen for a more modern appearance.

2026 Honda Pilot Technology

The new Honda Pilot offers:

• Up to a 9-inch touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
• Bose premium audio
• Wireless phone charging
• Digital instrument display

We’ll admit that Honda’s system works overall, but the new 12.3” display option in the Orlando Toyota Highlander feels more advanced and modern-looking. This new Toyota also has a cleaner dash layout and a more premium feel when it comes to tech.

Safety Comparison for these Family SUVs

It’s well-known that both Toyota and Honda have solid safety reputations. However, Toyota continues to lead the pack with one of the most comprehensive safety suites in the automotive industry.

2026 Toyota Highlander Safety Features

Every new Orlando Toyota Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0, which includes:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
• Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Road Sign Assist
• Automatic High Beams
• Blind Spot Monitor
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

Additional available safety features include:

• Panoramic View Monitor
• Front and rear parking assist
• Traffic Jam Assist

2026 Honda Pilot Safety Features

The new Honda Pilot includes Honda Sensing®, featuring:

• Collision Mitigation Braking System™
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Blind Spot Information System

Both of these SUVs perform well in crash testing, but Toyota has a slightly more comprehensive and user-friendly safety system in everyday driving scenarios. Toyota’s driver-assistance systems also tend to work more smoothly and naturally.

Which SUV Is Better for Your Family: Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot 

The answer really depends on your priorities. Here are our thoughts on the 2026 Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot when it comes to your daily drives.

Choose the 2026 Honda Pilot if:

• You want maximum cargo room
• You regularly use the third row for adults who need the space
• You prefer a traditional V6 engine

Choose the 2026 Toyota Highlander if:

• You want significantly better fuel economy
• You value hybrid efficiency
• You prefer a more refined driving experience
• You want upscale technology features
• You prioritize long-term value and reliability

For many families, the Orlando Toyota Highlander is the better balance between comfort, efficiency, technology, and practicality.

Test Drive the 2026 Toyota Highlander Today

Ready to see for yourself in person? Take the 2026 Toyota Highlander for a spin at Toyota of Orlando. We’re open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Mall at Millenia.

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