Choosing a family SUV can feel like navigating a maze, especially when two titans like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot are vying for your attention. Both have built solid reputations over the years, offering space, versatility, and that all-important peace of mind. But as we look at the 2025 models, how do they stack up when you get down to the nitty-gritty?
Let's start with the sticker price, because that's often the first hurdle. For the 2025 model year, the Toyota Highlander LE FWD kicks things off with a base MSRP of around $40,320. Just a hair less, the Honda Pilot Sport FWD comes in at about $40,200. So, right out of the gate, they're practically neck and neck, leaving you to focus on what else they bring to the table.
When it comes to hauling groceries, sports equipment, or that ever-growing pile of holiday decorations, cargo space is king. The Pilot seems to have a slight edge here, offering 18.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up, compared to the Highlander's 16.0 cubic feet. Fold those seats down, and the Pilot stretches to 87.0 cubic feet, while the Highlander offers a still-generous 84.3 cubic feet. It's not a massive difference, but if maximizing every inch of storage is your priority, the Pilot might nudge ahead.
Under the hood is where things get interesting. The Highlander is packing a 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that delivers a respectable 265 horsepower. It also boasts a healthy 310 lb.-ft. of torque, which can be quite useful for getting up to speed. On the other side, the Pilot sticks with a tried-and-true 3.5-liter V6, pumping out a bit more power at 285 horsepower. However, its torque figure is lower at 262 lb.-ft. For those who appreciate a bit more pep, the Pilot's V6 might feel more robust, but the Highlander's turbocharged four-cylinder offers a different kind of responsiveness.
Fuel economy is always a big consideration, and here, the Highlander shows its strength. The 2025 Highlander LE FWD is EPA-estimated to achieve 25 mpg combined, with 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The Pilot Sport FWD, on the other hand, is rated at 22 mpg combined, 19 mpg in the city, and 27 mpg on the highway. Over the long haul, those extra few miles per gallon can add up, making the Highlander a potentially more economical choice for frequent drivers.
Both vehicles are designed to carry up to eight passengers, making them excellent choices for larger families or carpooling duties. When it comes to safety, both come equipped with a suite of standard features, including blind-spot warning, collision warning systems with automatic braking, and lane departure warnings. You'll find standard front airbags, stability control, and LATCH systems in both. However, the Pilot does offer cornering brake control as standard, which the Highlander doesn't list, while the Highlander includes knee airbags for the driver, a feature not standard on the Pilot.
Transmission-wise, the Highlander uses an 8-speed automatic, while the Pilot steps up with a 10-speed automatic. More gears can sometimes translate to smoother shifts and better efficiency, but both are well-tuned for their respective powertrains.
Ultimately, the choice between the 2025 Toyota Highlander and the Honda Pilot often comes down to prioritizing what matters most to you. If fuel efficiency and a slightly more potent torque figure are high on your list, the Highlander makes a compelling case. If you need that extra bit of cargo space or prefer the character of a V6 engine, the Pilot is a very strong contender. Both are solid, reliable choices that have earned their place in the competitive mid-size SUV segment.
