2025 honda pilot vs toyota highlanderThe 2025 Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander stand out in the popular three-row SUV segment. Each vehicle offers unique advantages if you're looking for a reliable, spacious SUV for your family. In this article, our team at Ciocca Honda of Williamsport compares features of the latest Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander to help you make an informed decision.

Specifications and Pricing

The 2025 Honda Pilot has a starting MSRP of $40,200 for the base Sport trim, while the Toyota Highlander begins at $39,520 for the LE model. The top-of-the-line Honda Pilot Black Edition trim is priced at $54,580, while the Highlander's top trim, the Platinum, is priced at $51,925.

The Honda Pilot is 199.9 inches long, 78.5 inches wide, and has a ground clearance of 7.3 inches. The Highlander is slightly more compact at 194.9 inches long and 76 inches wide, with a ground clearance of 8 inches. The Honda Pilot edges ahead regarding cargo space, offering 18.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The Highlander provides 16 cubic feet, 48.4 cubic feet, and 84.3 cubic feet in the same configurations.

Engine, Power, and Efficiency

The 2025 Honda Pilot features a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, which is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain delivers smooth acceleration and confident passing power on highways.

The 2025 Toyota Highlander has a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, which is coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the Highlander offers less horsepower, it compensates with higher torque output. Fuel efficiency favors the Highlander, which achieves 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. The Pilot provides 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Safety Features and Ratings

The 2025 Honda Pilot has earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and received a safety score of 9.3 out of 10. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Toyota Highlander has received an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating and a safety score of 9. It matches the Pilot's standard safety equipment with forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Both vehicles have received five-star overall ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, demonstrating their commitment to passenger protection.

Comfort, Design, and Technology

The Honda Pilot interior features standard heated front seats and a power-adjustable passenger seat. The cabin offers excellent visibility and high-quality materials throughout, with generous headroom and legroom across all three rows. The new Honda Pilot also offers excellent accessibility to the third row.

The Toyota Highlander's interior features luxurious, quality materials, particularly in higher trim levels. Heated front seats and power-adjustable passenger seats are optional. The sophisticated interior emphasizes refined aesthetics and attention to detail in material choices.

Exterior and Interior Design Aesthetics

The 2025 Honda Pilot features a bold front grille and practical roof rails. The TrailSport trim adds skid plates and all-terrain tires for enhanced capability, while the Black Edition comes with 20-inch gloss black wheels and red accents. The Toyota Highlander presents an aerodynamic profile with a V-shaped grille and sleek body lines. The XSE trim offers 20-inch wheels and premium paint options, emphasizing modern sophistication over rugged utility.

Seating Comfort and Cargo Space

The Honda Pilot provides 40.5 inches of front headroom, 40.2 inches in the second row, and 39.3 inches in the third row. Legroom measures 41 inches up front, 40.8 inches in the second row, and 32.5 inches in the third row. The Toyota Highlander offers 41.1 inches of front headroom, 39.4 inches in the second row, and 36.1 inches in the third row. Legroom dimensions are 42 inches for front passengers, 38.7 inches in the second row, and 28 inches in the third row.

Technology and Infotainment Features

The 2025 Honda Pilot comes standard with a 7-inch touch-screen display, with a 9-inch upgrade available. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are included, with wireless connectivity in higher trims. A 12-speaker Bose premium audio system and a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster are available on select models.

The Toyota Highlander features a standard 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Higher trims can be equipped with a larger 12.3-inch display and an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system.

Towing Capability, Ride Quality, and Handling

With front-wheel drive, the 2025 Honda Pilot's towing capacity is 3,500 pounds, which increases to 5,000 pounds in all-wheel drive. The 2025 Toyota Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Honda Pilot's refined suspension system delivers confident handling and exceptional ride quality, while the 10-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth gear changes. The TrailSport trim offers enhanced off-road capability with increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires.

The Toyota Highlander enhances comfort with its well-tuned suspension and responsive steering. The turbocharged engine delivers strong low-end torque for urban driving, though it can feel less energetic at highway speeds. Both SUVs maintain composed handling through corners and stable highway cruising.

Discover the Honda Pilot at Ciocca Honda of Williamsport

While both SUVs offer compelling features, the 2025 Honda Pilot stands out with its superior cargo space, powerful V-6 engine, and comprehensive standard safety features. If you're in Muncy, Pennsylvania, we invite you to visit Ciocca Honda of Williamsport to experience the 2025 Honda Pilot firsthand. Our knowledgeable team will walk you through its exceptional features, help you explore your financing options, and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to schedule a test drive to help you decide whether the new Honda Pilot fits your lifestyle.

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