2021 Honda Pilot vs Toyota Highlander
Whether you’re taking long trips up the coast or just commuting around town, SUV drivers in Panama City, Springfield, and Callaway, FL, need a vehicle they can count on. Luckily, there are two vehicles on the market right now that are as capable as they are reliable.
To help locals decide which vehicle is a better fit for their lifestyle, Honda of Bay County put together this informative comparison of the 2021 Honda Pilot vs. 2021 Toyota Highlander. Read ahead to learn how these two vehicles stack up when it comes to performance, cargo, and technology!
Pilot vs Highlander: Performance Specifications
The 2021 Pilot is standardly equipped with a high-performance 3.5L V6 engine. This engine puts out a whopping 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, and still gets an impressive EPA-estimated 20 city/27 highway MPG across all trims with 2-wheel drive (2WD).*
Pair this power output with the available Intelligent Variable Torque Management™ (i-VTM4®) All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System to unleash this vehicle’s 5,000-pound maximum towing limit when properly equipped. With the standard 2WD, you’ll still have 3,500 pounds of towing capability when properly equipped.
With the 2021 Highlander, you’ll receive a similar powertrain option. With the standard 3.5L V6 engine, you’ll get at least 280 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, along with a 5,000-pound towing capability when properly equipped.
Pilot vs Highlander: Interior Space
Although both vehicles have the ability to seat eight passengers, that is where the similarities end.
In the interior of the Honda Pilot, you’ll have a spacious 152.9 cubic feet of total passenger volume to split among the eight passenger seats. This includes 59.1 inches of front hip room and 62 inches of front shoulder room. Compare this to the Highlander’s 57.2 inches of front hip room and 59 inches of front shoulder room.
In addition to plenty of passenger space, you’ll also have plenty of room for all your belongings in the Pilot. With all eight seats in use, you’ll have 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold down the second- and third-row seats to maximize the cargo volume to 109 cubic feet. The Highlander will only give you 16 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats in an upright position and maxes out at 84.3 cubic feet of total cargo volume.
Pilot vs Highlander: Advanced Technology
In the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander, you can expect advanced technology features, including standard infotainment systems and tri-zone automatic climate control systems.
The latter feature allows each passenger to tailor their climate zone to their personal needs. However, the Pilot takes it a step further by including humidity control. You’ll be comfortable and dry no matter what the outside weather or the other onboard climate zones are doing.
As for the infotainment systems in these vehicles, you can expect to have a color high-definition screen and Bluetooth® wireless connectivity. A few extra features include Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration. These features allow you to stay connected to all your smartphone apps right on the infotainment screen.
2021 Honda Pilot vs 2021 Toyota Highlander: The Verdict
As you can see, the 2021 Honda Pilot and the 2021 Toyota Highlander have quite a bit to offer. However, we at Honda of Bay County believe drivers in Panama City, Springfield, and Callaway, Florida, will appreciate the Pilot’s standard high performance, extra cargo space, and advanced technology features.
Come experience the entirety of the Honda Pilot’s capabilities today by giving us a call to schedule your test drive!
*20 city/27 highway/23 combined MPG rating for 2WD trims. 19 city/26 highway/22 combined MPG rating for AWD trims. Based on 2021 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, and other factors.
