2023 HONDA PILOT VS. 2024 TOYOTA GRAND HIGHLANDER

In the world of mid-size SUVs, two brands that come to mind are Honda and Toyota. Both brands competed fiercely to make the superior mid-size SUV over the years. For 2023, Honda has built the Pilot completely new from the ground up and Toyota has revealed a whole new SUV on its own, the Grand Highlander.

Both SUVs are meant to comfortably seat the entire family but they both have a different approach. The Honda Pilot is known for its practicality and build quality whereas the Grand Highlander is a more premium and luxurious SUV with a refined interior and driving experience. In this article, we will discuss both SUVs and find out which of the two is superior.

The Pilot Hauls People With Ease

For 2023, the Honda Pilot comes in six trim levels: LX, Sport, EX-L, Touring, TrailSport, and Elite. The base price starts at $37,645 and comes with only one powertrain. The Pilot comes with the same 3.5 liter V6 from the previous model but makes more power.

The trim that may stand out the most to buyers is the TrailSport model, which is Honda's take on an off-road version of the Pilot. Honda has made some notable upgrades to the TrailSport to make it a proper off-roading SUV. Honda added an off-road-tuned suspension, which includes a one-inch lift for additional ground clearance. They also added a skid plate as well as the TrailWatch camera system which uses four exterior cameras to help drivers when they are off-roading. All these features and more are exclusive only to the TrailSport.

When it comes to the powertrain, the V-6 produces 285 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque as opposed to the previous generation which made 280 horsepower. Front-wheel drive is standard while all-wheel drive is optional. The front-wheel drive model has an estimated EPG of 19 MPG in the city, 27 MPG on the highway, and a combined EPA of 22 MPG. The all-wheel drive model has a slightly worse gas mileage with an estimated EPA of 19 MPG in the city, 25 MPG on the highway, and a combined EPA of 21 MPG.

All models come with a new 10-speed automatic transmission which shifts smoothly. The engine is more responsive than the previous generation and the steering is more precise and refined. In terms of driving, the Pilot has a tight steering circle which makes maneuvering around town much easier than other mid-size SUVs. The powertrain is also refined which gives a smooth and comfortable ride. With all the extra power, the front-wheel drive model can tow up to 3,500 pounds and the all-wheel drive model can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The Pilot Is Spacious Enough For The Whole Family

All models come standard with a 7-inch digital gauge cluster as well as a 7-inch infotainment screen. The TrailSport, Touring, and Elite models come with a larger 9-inch infotainment screen and only the Elite model comes with a larger 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across all trim levels.

The Pilot has one of the most spacious cabins in the segment. All models can seat up to eight passengers but the EX-L trim can be optioned with second-row captain’s chairs which seat seven passengers. The TrailSport comes standard with the captain’s chairs and the Touring and Elite models come with a second-row seat design which can be removed and stored away when not needed. With 39.3 inches of headroom and 32.5 inches of legroom, the third row is spacious enough for children as well as adults.

The Grand Highlander Offers More Powerful and Efficient Powertrains

The Grand Highlander comes in five trim levels: XLE, Limited, Platinum, MAX Limited, and MAX Platinum. The base price starts at $43,070 which is significantly higher than the Pilot. Toyota offers two engine choices and three powertrains for the Grand Highlander. The gasoline engine makes 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque and the base hybrid engine makes 245 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.

The Hybrid MAX models come with a more powerful hybrid engine which makes 362 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard while all-wheel drive is optional. As far as efficiency goes, the gas powertrain has an estimated EPA of 24 MPG combined for the XLE front-wheel drive; the hybrid has an estimated EPA of 36 MPG combined for the XLE front-wheel drive and the Hybrid MAX has an estimated EPA of 27 MPG combined.

The gasoline engine comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The smaller hybrid engine comes with a CVT transmission while the more powerful hybrid engine comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission. When it comes to driving, both gasoline and hybrid powertrains offer a relaxing and smooth driving experience. Even though the steering is light, it can still go through corners easily. When it comes to towing, it is the same as the Pilot. The front-wheel drive model can tow 3,500 pounds and the all-wheel drive can tow 5,000 pounds.

The Grand Highlander Is Not Just A Bigger Highlander

Toyota has taken a different approach with the Grand Highlander. Unlike most of its other vehicles, the Grand Highlander was built with luxury and comfort in mind and this becomes evidently clear when you step inside the Grand Highlander. The interior of the Grand Highlander has a surprisingly premium feel with good materials across the door panels and the dashboard. At first glance, the cabin seems to share some aspects with Toyota's luxury brand, Lexus.

The overall layout and aesthetics like the steering wheel and the infotainment are very similar to some Lexus vehicles. All of this just proves that Toyota didn't intend to make the Grand Highlander like the regular Highlander. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, as well as a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, is standard across all models, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

By merely hearing the name, one might think that the Grand Highlander is just a bigger Highlander. Although that is true, the Grand Highlander is a completely new vehicle that is not just a bigger version of the Highlander. Not only is the Grand Highlander larger than the Highlander in every way, but it also looks completely different.

The Grand Highlander can seat 7 or 8 depending on the trim and the seat configurations. The cabin is impressively spacious for the passengers to enjoy the ride. The third row has 37.2 inches of headroom and 33.5 inches of legroom which is more than sufficient for children and adults can also sit comfortably. When it comes to technology, the Grand Highlander comes with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, as well as a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, which is standard across all models, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In conclusion, the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Grand Highlander are two formidable contenders in the mid-size SUV segment. When it comes to deciding which one to buy, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and priorities The Pilot excels in practicality and overall value. It is also a solid choice for those who are interested in off-roading.

On the other hand, the Grand Highlander offers a much more premium package and better fuel mileage. It is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious and refined SUVs Toyota has made in recent history apart from Lexus. Regardless of which SUV you choose to buy, they both prioritize safety and comfort for the whole family.

2023-06-11T00:10:50Z dg43tfdfdgfd