2020 Honda Pilot vs Toyota Highlander

If you’re shopping for a new family-friendly SUV in Connecticut, you may have already narrowed your choice down to the 2020 Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Highlander. Both vehicles are well-equipped, but only the Pilot offers standard V6 power throughout available trim levels, along with more space in the cabin for passengers and cargo. Find out which will best suit your needs in this Pilot vs. Highlander comparison from Honda of Watertown.

Pilot or Highlander: Performance & Fuel-Efficiency

Getting up to speed on I-84 while enjoying efficient fuel economy is the best of both worlds, and the Honda Pilot offers just that. See how the Pilot compares to the Highlander in terms of power and fuel efficiency:

• Toyota Highlander: The 2019 Toyota Highlander is powered by a standard 185-hp 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine that generates 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine allows the Highlander to earn a 20 mpg city and 24 mpg highway rating from the EPA. If you want V6 power, you’ll have to move up to the LE V6, which comes with a higher price tag than the entry-level Honda Pilot LX.
• Honda Pilot: All 2020 Honda Pilot models come with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. With this powerful engine, the 2WD, 6-speed automatic transmission equipped Pilot fuel economy is an EPA-estimated 19 mpg city* and 27 mpg highway*. The 2WD Pilot with the 9-speed automatic transmission has an EPA rating of 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway*.

Pilot or Highlander: Towing & Payload

If you are shopping for a midsize SUV, it’s likely that you’re expecting to benefit from robust towing and payload capacities. The Toyota Highlander can provide a payload capacity of 1,486 to 1,602 pounds, and with the optional trailer hitch, the entry level LE model can tow a maximum of 1,500 pounds. The Honda Pilot LX, however, has a payload capacity of 1,420 to 1,625 pounds, and when properly equipped it can tow up to 3,500 pounds with 2WD. If you upgrade to AWD, the Pilot towing capacity jumps up to 5,000 pounds. For Southbury families planning on towing a boat out to Burr Pond State Park, the Pilot is the better choice.

Pilot or Highlander: Interior Space

Both of these three-row SUVs offers seating for up to eight, but the 152.9 cubic feet of passenger volume in the Honda Pilot is eight cubic feet more than what you’ll get in the Toyota Highlander. That equals more comfort for your passengers. Even those in the third row, which is notoriously cramped in most three-row SUVs, will enjoy 57.6 inches of shoulder room in the Pilot, compared to 55 inches in the Highlander.

The Honda Pilot also provides more cargo space than the Toyota Highlander:

Honda Pilot Cargo Capacity

• Behind the third row: 16.5 cubic feet
• Maximum cargo space: 83.9 cubic feet

Toyota Highlander Cargo Capacity

• Behind the third row: 13.8 cubic feet
• Maximum cargo space: 83.7 cubic feet

The roomy and versatile Pilot interior makes it ideal for busy and active Torrington-area families.

Test Drive a New Honda Pilot at Honda of Watertown

Still not sure if the Pilot is the right choice for you? Check out our Honda Pilot vs. Honda Odyssey comparison, then contact us to schedule a test drive at Honda of Watertown. In our new Pilot inventory, you’ll find a wide assortment of Pilot configurations to choose from, and with our new vehicle specials, you’re sure to find the lease or finance offer that suits your budget. Apply for financing with us online, and get behind the wheel of an exciting new Honda Pilot today!

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*Based on 2020 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.