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Which is bigger, the Honda Pilot or the Toyota Highlander?

The Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander are both popular midsize SUVs, but which one is bigger? The Honda Pilot is slightly larger than the Toyota Highlander in terms of overall dimensions and cargo space.


Exterior Dimensions


The Honda Pilot measures 196.5 inches long, 78.6 inches wide, and 70.6 inches tall. In comparison, the Toyota Highlander is 194.9 inches long, 76 inches wide, and 68.1 inches tall. The Pilot is about 1.6 inches longer, 2.6 inches wider, and 2.5 inches taller than the Highlander.


Interior and Cargo Space


The Honda Pilot offers more interior passenger volume than the Toyota Highlander. The Pilot has a total passenger volume of 152.9 cubic feet, while the Highlander has 141.3 cubic feet. The Pilot also has more cargo space, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row and 83.9 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, compared to 16 cubic feet and 84.3 cubic feet for the Highlander.


Seating Capacity


Both the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander are available in 7- or 8-passenger configurations. The Pilot can seat up to 8 people, while the Highlander can seat up to 8 as well.


Conclusion


In summary, the Honda Pilot is the larger of the two midsize SUVs, with slightly bigger exterior dimensions and more interior passenger and cargo space. The Pilot offers a bit more room for passengers and their belongings compared to the Toyota Highlander.

Which is better, a Honda Pilot or a Toyota Highlander?


The Honda Pilot is better for families needing more space and rugged capability, while the Toyota Highlander is a strong choice for those prioritizing fuel efficiency and a more maneuverable size, especially with its hybrid option. The Pilot boasts a larger, more family-friendly interior and a more powerful V6 engine, whereas the Highlander offers better fuel economy, a more compact feel, and an available hybrid model. Both are capable family SUVs that can tow up to 5,000 lbs.
 
This video provides a comparison of the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander: 56sThe Fast Lane CarYouTube · May 2, 2023

Feature Honda Pilot Toyota Highlander
Best for Families needing maximum space and third-row access Families prioritizing fuel efficiency and maneuverability
Engine 3.5L V6 (285 hp) 2.4L Turbo 4-cylinder (265 hp)
Hybrid Option No hybrid option available Hybrid option available
Fuel Economy Lower (e.g., ~22 mpg combined for FWD) Higher (e.g., ~25 mpg combined for FWD, 36 mpg city for hybrid)
Cargo Space More total and standard cargo space Slightly less total and standard cargo space
Third Row More adult-friendly Can feel tight for adults
Off-Road Capability Available with rugged TrailSport trim More focused on pavement, but capable on "soft roading"
Towing Up to 5,000 lbs Up to 5,000 lbs
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What Toyota car is equivalent to Honda Pilot?


The Toyota Grand Highlander is the closest Toyota equivalent to the Honda Pilot in terms of size and passenger capacity. The Toyota Highlander is a smaller alternative, more comparable to the Honda Passport. The Pilot is larger and offers more third-row legroom and cargo space than the standard Highlander.
 
This video compares the Toyota Grand Highlander and the Honda Pilot: 57sSam CarLegionYouTube · Jan 14, 2024

  • Toyota Grand Highlander: This is a larger, three-row SUV from Toyota that is a direct competitor to the Honda Pilot, particularly when it comes to maximizing passenger and cargo space. 
  • Toyota Highlander: This is a mid-size three-row SUV that is smaller than the Pilot, with less space in the third row and cargo area. It is often compared to the Honda Passport, which is also a two-row SUV. 

This video compares the Toyota Highlander and the Honda Pilot: 59sCar Help CornerYouTube · Mar 22, 2023



How big is the Highlander compared to the pilot?


Yes, the 2025 Honda Pilot is a full five inches longer and 2.5 inches wider than the Toyota Highlander, and these exterior discrepancies are very evident in passenger legroom and cargo storage. The Pilot SUV stretches 199.9 inches long (or 200.2 inches in the TrailSport trim) and 78.5 inches wide.



What is the Honda equivalent of Toyota Highlander?


The Honda equivalent to the Toyota Highlander is the Honda Pilot. Both are midsize SUVs with three rows of seating, but the Pilot is generally larger, offers more standard horsepower, and often has more cargo and passenger space compared to the Highlander. 
You can watch this video to see a visual comparison of the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander: 57sAutomotive Car ReviewsYouTube · Aug 19, 2024

  • Size and space: The Pilot is physically larger and typically provides more cargo and third-row passenger space than the Highlander. 
  • Engine and performance: The Pilot comes standard with a more powerful V6 engine, while the standard Highlander uses a smaller turbocharged four-cylinder. 
  • Features: The Pilot has more creative storage options and standard one-touch fold-flat second-row seats, notes DARCARS Honda Fairfax. 
  • Towing: Both can tow around 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, but the Pilot includes a Tow Mode for added control. 
  • Off-road capability: While the Highlander has a refined look, the Pilot offers a dedicated TrailSport trim with off-road features like skid plates and a specific suspension tuning. 

This video compares the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Grand Highlander: 1mToyota USAYouTube · Mar 27, 2025


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Kevin Bennett

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Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.