2016 Honda Pilot vs. 2015 Toyota Highlander

2016 Honda Pilot

2015 Toyota Highlander

For available power, the 2016 Honda Pilot gives drivers an efficient engine that delivers impressive specs:

• The 2016 Honda Pilot has a 3.5L SOHC V6 engine that can produce 95 more horsepower (280 vs. 185) and 78 lb-ft more torque (262 vs. 184) than the 2015 Toyota Highlander LE’s standard 2.7 DOHC 4-cylinder engine.

• The 3.5L V6 for the new Pilot also outperforms the Highlander’s optional 3.5L DOHC V6 engine. The Honda engine produces 10 more horsepower (280 vs. 270) and 14 lb-ft more torque (262 vs. 248).

• The 2016 Honda Pilot generates superior power with a maximum towing ability of 5,000 pounds, whereas the Highlander can only tow 1,500 pounds.

• When it comes to highway fuel economy, the new Pilot returns an EPA-estimated 27 mpg* for the 2WD automatic versus the Highlander’s 25 mpg rating for its 2WD drivetrain.

The 2016 Honda Pilot has better convenience and safety features than the Toyota Highlander:

• The Honda Pilot has an available remote start feature that allows drivers to start the vehicle to avoid nasty weather. The Highlander doesn’t offer this option.

• The 2016 Pilot has a climate control system that will automatically heat or cool the interior to a specified setting when the remote start is engaged. The Highlander doesn’t offer automatic climate control.

• Select models of the most recent Pilot come with automatic wipers that turn on and off and adjust speed according the amount of moisture on the windshield. The Highlander only has variable speed wipers, but no automatic sensing technology.

• The new Pilot has an optional drift compensation system that will automatically adjust to road conditions making the Pilot easier to handle regardless of environment. The Highlander doesn’t offer a drift compensation system.

The 2016 Honda Pilot offers greater passenger and cargo volume than the 2015 Toyota Highlander:

• With all seats upright, the new Honda Pilot offers 18.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third seat. The Highlander offers only 13.8 cubic feet.

• With the third seat folded down, the Pilot can deliver 55.9 cubic feet of cargo room. The Highlander manages only 42.3 cubic feet with the back seat folded down.

• For maximum cargo capacity, drivers can lay both rows of seats flat, giving the Pilot a total of 109 cubic feet of available cargo space. The Highlander offers a maximum cargo volume of only 83.7 cubic feet.

• The new Pilot has more passenger volume, as well, with 152.9 cubic feet of cabin space, while the 2015 Highlander only gives passengers 144.9 cubic feet of room, which is a difference of 8 cubic feet.