For families, commuters, and weekend adventurers alike, midsize SUVs offer the perfect balance of comfort, capability, and practicality. Among the most trusted names in the category, the 2025 Toyota Highlander and 2025 Honda Pilot continue to stand out—not just for their badge, but for what they deliver on the road. Whether you’re looking to cut fuel costs, haul gear, or simply keep everyone happy on a long trip, this guide breaks down how these two SUVs stack up in the areas that matter most to real drivers.
🔍 Looking for a broader overview? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best SUV in 2025.
✅ Quick Overview
| Feature | 2025 Toyota Highlander | 2025 Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | ~$39,000 | ~$40,500 |
| Engine Options | 2.4L Turbo / 2.5L Hybrid | 3.5L V6 (Gas Only) |
| MPG (Best Option) | Up to 36 MPG (Hybrid) | Up to 27 MPG |
| Seating Capacity | 7 or 8 | 7 or 8 |
| Cargo Space (Max) | 84.3 cu. ft. | 113.7 cu. ft. |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 5,000 lbs | Up to 5,000 lbs |
| Infotainment | 12.3″ Display, Wireless CarPlay/AA | 9″ Display, Wireless CarPlay/AA |
| AWD Available | Yes | Yes |
1. Real-World Driving Experience
Toyota Highlander
Owners of previous Highlander generations often praise its smooth, quiet ride and refined cabin feel. In 2025, Toyota elevates the experience with the turbocharged engine replacing the old V6, offering more torque and slightly better fuel economy. The hybrid model, in particular, wins fans with its ultra-quiet electric start and excellent city mileage.
Pros:
- Outstanding hybrid efficiency (especially for city drivers)
- Luxurious ride with top-tier trims
- Less engine noise than Pilot on highways
Honda Pilot
The 2025 Pilot retains the beloved V6 engine, offering a more responsive throttle and stronger highway passing power. Honda’s new TrailSport trim also makes it more appealing to adventurous drivers seeking light off-road capability.
Pros:
- Powerful and smooth V6
- Excellent steering feel
- TrailSport trim adds AWD & off-road appeal
Verdict: If fuel efficiency and daily comfort are your top concerns, the Highlander hybrid is your friend. For highway punch and a slightly more engaging drive, the Pilot takes the lead.
2. Interior Comfort & Family-Focused Features
Both vehicles cater well to families—but in slightly different ways.
Highlander
Toyota focuses on high-quality materials and a quiet cabin. While the third row is a bit tight for adults, it’s fine for kids. Highlights include:
- Tri-zone climate control standard
- Available heated and ventilated seats
- Optional panoramic sunroof
Pilot
Honda shines with its interior space and usability. The third row is roomier, and cargo space is far more generous, making it ideal for big families or road-trippers. Key features include:
- Removable second-row middle seat
- Class-leading cargo space
- CabinTalk™ intercom system
Verdict: The Pilot is the better choice for larger families and those who prioritize cargo room. The Highlander is more luxurious in higher trims, especially with the Platinum package.
3. Technology & Infotainment
Highlander
Toyota finally answers critics by upgrading to a 12.3-inch touchscreen in most trims, with a user-friendly interface and and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.. Digital gauge clusters are now standard on XLE and above.
Pilot
Honda’s tech suite feels a bit dated compared to Toyota’s newer UI. While functional, the 9-inch screen can feel cramped. However, it still offers wireless connectivity and a head-up display in top trims.
Verdict: Toyota takes the edge in 2025 with a cleaner, larger, and more modern system. That said, Honda’s reliability and simplicity still appeal to many.
4. Safety & Driver Assistance
Toyota Highlander
Comes with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which includes:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane tracing assist
- Pre-collision with pedestrian detection
- Road sign assist
Toyota’s system is among the best in its class, with smoother intervention and fewer false alarms.
Honda Pilot
Honda Sensing includes similar features, but the lane keep assist is more aggressive, which some drivers dislike. New for 2025 is Traffic Jam Assist for semi-autonomous driving in low-speed conditions.
Verdict: Both are among the safest SUVs in their class, but Toyota’s system feels more polished. Honda claws back ground with innovative touches like Traffic Jam Assist.
5. Fuel Economy & Sustainability
| Powertrain | Highlander (Hybrid) | Highlander (Gas) | Pilot (Gas Only) |
| City MPG | 36 | 22 | 19 |
| Highway MPG | 35 | 29 | 27 |
| Combined MPG | 36 | 25 | 22 |
If reducing fuel costs and emissions is a top priority, the Highlander Hybrid is the clear winner. Honda currently does not offer a hybrid Pilot, although rumors suggest it’s coming in 2026.
6. Ownership Costs & Reliability
Toyota Highlander
Toyota’s reputation for long-term reliability and low maintenance costs continues into 2025. The hybrid model is especially efficient, and owners report few issues over 100,000 miles.
Honda Pilot
Honda also scores high in reliability rankings. Maintenance costs are slightly higher than Toyota’s, and gas mileage impacts fuel expenses. However, Honda’s build quality ensures durability.
Verdict: Toyota edges out Honda slightly in ownership cost, thanks mainly to hybrid efficiency.
7. Which Should You Buy?
Here’s a summary based on your lifestyle and needs:
| You Should Choose… | If You Value… |
| 2025 Toyota Highlander | Fuel efficiency, quiet comfort, cutting-edge infotainment |
| 2025 Honda Pilot | More cargo space, stronger engine, off-road readiness (TrailSport) |
Final Thoughts
In a battle this close, the winner depends on you—the driver. If you want a vehicle that quietly saves fuel while keeping the family comfortable and entertained, the 2025 Toyota Highlander is tough to beat. But if you need space, versatility, and a bit more muscle, the 2025 Honda Pilot stands tall.
Either way, you’re getting a vehicle that’s safe, reliable, and ready for the road ahead. As Google’s May 2024 helpful content update emphasizes, this guide was built to help you—real people—make a decision that works for your real life.
🚗 Want to go deeper on the Highlander? Read our Complete Buyer’s Guide to the 2025 Toyota Highlander.
Have you test-driven either SUV? Share your experience in the comments📌 This guide is part of our SUV Showdown Series on TopNextCars.com. Stay tuned for more in-depth comparisons and expert reviews.
FAQs: 2025 Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot
The 2025 Toyota Highlander, especially the hybrid model, wins in fuel efficiency with up to 36 MPG combined. The Honda Pilot offers a maximum of 27 MPG.
Yes, the Pilot provides significantly more cargo space (up to 113.7 cu. ft.) and a roomier third row, making it a better fit for larger families.
The Honda Pilot TrailSport trim is better suited for light off-roading, thanks to features like enhanced all-wheel drive and extra ground clearance.
Yes, both models offer wireless smartphone integration, though the Highlander features a larger and more advanced touchscreen system.
Both have excellent reputations, but the Highlander has a slight edge due to Toyota’s history of lower maintenance costs and proven hybrid reliability.
The Highlander Hybrid is the better pick for city driving thanks to its quiet electric start, smoother acceleration in traffic, and superior MPG.