You’ve narrowed it down to two of the most popular used family SUVs on the market, and now you’re stuck. The Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot debate is one buyers have been having for years, and for good reason. Both are genuinely solid choices, but they’re not identical, and the right one depends on what you actually need.
This guide breaks down the used versions of both the Highlander and the Pilot so you can compare them head-to-head on the stuff that matters: space, power, features, and long-term value. Whether you’re shopping in the USA or just starting your research, this is where to start.
Used Toyota Highlander vs. Used Honda Pilot: How Do They Stack Up?
Both the Toyota Highlander and the Honda Pilot are three-row midsize SUVs built for families. They’ve been competing directly against each other for over a decade, and both have earned strong reputations. But they each have a distinct personality, and that matters when you’re buying used.
The Highlander tends to attract buyers who prioritize a refined, car-like feel with a strong track record for reliability. The Pilot, on the other hand, has historically offered more raw interior volume and flexibility. Think of the Highlander as the polished option, and the Pilot as the practical workhorse.
Before you commit to either vehicle, run a free VIN lookup on any used listing you’re serious about. You’ll want to check for accident history, open recalls, and title issues before you get too attached.
Used Toyota Highlander vs. Used Honda Pilot: Power and MPG
Both the Highlander and the Pilot have gone through engine changes over the years, so what you get depends on the model year you’re shopping.
The Toyota Highlander used a 3.5L V6 engine through most of its third generation (2014 to 2019), producing around 295 horsepower. Starting with the fourth generation in 2020, Toyota switched to a turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder as the base engine, with a hybrid option continuing alongside it. The older V6-powered Highlander is smooth and well-proven. Many buyers actually prefer it over the newer turbo four.
The Honda Pilot stuck with a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 engine for the second generation (2016 to 2022), making around 280 horsepower. The third-generation Pilot (2023 and newer) moved to a turbocharged four-cylinder. If you’re buying used, the V6-equipped Pilot is still plentiful and has a long service record behind it.
On fuel economy, the two are closely matched in V6 form. Check EPA fuel economy data for the specific model year you’re considering, since ratings vary by trim and drivetrain. The hybrid Highlander pulls well ahead if fuel efficiency is a priority for you.
Neither vehicle was designed for off-road use, and in reality, most Pilots and Highlanders never see anything rougher than a gravel campsite driveway. AWD is available on both and worth seeking out if you deal with winter weather or slippery roads.
Used Toyota Highlander vs. Used Honda Pilot: Interior Space
This is where things get interesting, especially if you need that third row to actually be usable.
The Honda Pilot has traditionally offered more generous interior dimensions than the Highlander. The Pilot‘s cabin is wider, and the third row seat has historically had more legroom, making it a real option for adults on shorter trips. The Highlander‘s third row is tighter, which isn’t unusual for the segment, but it’s something families with older kids notice quickly.
Second-row seat comfort is strong in both. The Pilot offered a standard eight-seat bench configuration through much of its second generation, which is a practical option you don’t always find. The Highlander typically seats seven or eight depending on trim, with the captain’s chair setup available on higher trims offering more comfort but one less seat.
On cargo space, the Pilot generally edges ahead when all three rows are in use. Fold those seats down, and the gap between the two vehicles narrows, but the Pilot tends to hold its lead. If your family regularly travels with luggage and gear, that extra space is worth paying attention to.
The Highlander‘s interior tends to feel a bit more upscale, even in lower trims. Materials are generally nicer, and the overall aesthetic is more polished. The Pilot has improved a lot in recent generations, but the Highlander still wins on perceived quality for most buyers who compare the two side by side.
When you’re evaluating a used Pilot or Highlander in person, check the second and third row seat condition carefully. Families are hard on upholstery, and worn or stained seating is one of the most common issues on high-mileage examples of both vehicles.
Used Toyota Highlander vs. Used Honda Pilot: Standard Features
Both the Pilot and the Highlander made significant advances in standard safety technology starting around the 2016 to 2018 timeframe, so model year matters a lot here.
The Toyota Highlander began offering Toyota Safety Sense as standard equipment across most trims from 2018 onward. This package includes pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams. The updated TSS 3.0 suite, available on newer Highlander models, adds lane tracing assist and road sign recognition.
The Honda Pilot added Honda Sensing as standard equipment starting with the 2019 model year. This suite covers adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, collision mitigation braking, and traffic sign recognition. If you’re comparing a 2018 or older Pilot, check the specific trim carefully, because Honda Sensing wasn’t standard across the board in earlier years.
Both vehicles have performed well in safety testing historically. The Highlander and the Pilot have both earned strong scores from IIHS and NHTSA over the years. You can check ratings for specific model years through the NHTSA safety ratings database before you buy.
For open recalls, run the VIN through the NHTSA recalls database on any used vehicle you’re considering. This takes about two minutes and costs nothing. There’s no good reason to skip it.
In terms of infotainment, both brands have improved steadily, though neither was leading the pack in the 2016 to 2019 generation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto came later to Toyota than Honda, so if those features matter to you, check compatibility for the specific year you’re looking at. The Highlander added CarPlay support starting with the 2020 model year, while the Pilot offered it from 2019 onward.
Which Is More Reliable Long-Term?
This is the question most used car buyers end up at eventually. And honestly, both the Highlander and the Pilot have solid reliability track records. Toyota’s reputation for long-term dependability is well established, and the Highlander benefits from that. High-mileage examples with 150,000 or more miles are common, and they often still run well if they’ve been maintained properly.
The Honda Pilot is also a proven vehicle with a strong history, though it has had some well-documented transmission issues in certain model years. The second-generation Pilot (2016 to 2022) with the V6 and nine-speed automatic had some rough early years for transmission reliability. Later production years improved significantly, but it’s worth researching the specific model year you’re looking at before you buy.
Whatever you end up with, get an independent inspection from a mechanic you trust before signing anything. A $100 to $150 pre-purchase inspection can save you from a very expensive mistake, no matter how good the listing looks.
Which Used SUV Should You Actually Buy?
Here’s the honest answer: it depends on what your family actually does every day.
If you need a true eight-seat option with maximum interior volume and a usable third row seat for adults, the Honda Pilot is the stronger choice. It’s spacious, practical, and widely available in the used market. Look for a 2019 or newer Pilot to get Honda Sensing as standard equipment, and pay attention to transmission history on any V6 example you’re considering.
If you want a more refined driving experience with a slightly more upscale feel and Toyota’s long reliability track record behind you, the Highlander is hard to beat. The Highlander hybrid is also worth seeking out if you want to reduce fuel costs over time. It’s one of the most efficient options in this class.
Both vehicles are popular in the USA used market, and you’ll find plenty of options across different trim levels and price points. Use our browse used cars by make tool to compare available listings on the Highlander and Pilot side by side.
If financing is part of the plan, run your numbers through our car loan calculator before you start negotiating. Knowing your monthly payment ceiling ahead of time keeps you from getting stretched by a dealer who’s working the monthly payment angle.
Pick the model that fits your life, get it inspected, check the VIN history, and go enjoy the road.
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