Honda Pilot vs Toyota Highlander

Compare the Honda Pilot Against the Toyota Highlander at Diamond Valley Honda

Here at Diamond Valley Honda, you can explore standout vehicles like the Honda Pilot here at our dealership in Hemet, CA, serving those from Temecula to Riverside, CA. With the Pilot, you're getting a standout three-row SUV that suits both families and individuals alike, as you can find plenty of appeal onboard and enjoy all its features. Of course, we know that those in areas like Menifee, Murrieta, and Lake Elsinore also want to see how it stacks up against other SUVs that are similar to it. That's why we've put together a comparison to showcase how the Honda Pilot has many advantages over the Toyota Highlander, for you to see why it's the right choice for you.

Compare Performance

The 2026 Honda Pilot features a 3.5‑liter V6 producing 285 horsepower. In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Highlander uses a smaller 2.4‑liter turbocharged four‑cylinder engine making 265 horsepower, so for those who want standout power and responsiveness, the Pilot is the ideal choice.

Both SUVs offer 5,000 pounds of towing capacity, but with the V6 of the Honda Pilot, you'll have that added bit of confidence when towing, knowing that you can bring along your small boat, watercraft, camper or trailer to your favored destinations.

Compare Passenger and Cargo Space

With the Honda Pilot, you're going to find a more spacious vehicle. It offers up to 173.5 cubic feet of interior volume, compared to the Highlander's 155.5 cubic feet. It also has the Highlander beat in cargo capacity: with all three rows of seating up, there's 18.6 cubic feet of room in the Honda Pilot, and up to 86.5 cubic feet of space when you fold all the seats down. By comparison, the Toyota Highlander comes up a little short with 16 cubic feet of room behind the third row, and 84.3 cubic feet of space when all the seats are folded down.

As a larger option, the Honda Pilot also provides more overall headroom, shoulder room, and legroom across its three tows over the Highlander.

Compare Features and Technology

The 2026 Pilot offers more premium and versatile features across its lineup with some notable highlights like a 12.3-inch touch display with customization, plus tri-zone climate control, and a multi-view camera system, along with a panoramic roof. The Toyota Highlander has many similar technology features, but it has a small base touch display, and doesn't offer upscale interior finishes on select options, making the Honda Pilot a wise choice for those in Hemet.

Compare Value

Drivers will find that the 2026 Honda Pilot offers more value at a lower MSRP cost over the Highlander for similarly-equipped vehicles, and provides you with more power, more cargo capacity, and flexibility for individuals and families. Alongside it being a reliable option that has been counted on for years, and with the right care, a vehicle that will last many miles, the Honda Pilot is the standout choice for you.

Learn More About the Honda Pilot Today

The team here at Diamond Valley Honda would be happy to discuss the 2026 Honda Pilot in greater detail with you and showcase all its appealing features. If you're ready to get started and learn more, stop in and see us where we'd be happy to provide you with more details and information so you can get behind the wheel of this standout vehicle and see why it is a popular choice in the area.