Two of the most popular 3-row family SUVs go head-to-head. See how the 2026 Highlander compares to the Honda Pilot in pricing, features, performance, and real-world family usability.
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The 2026 Highlander starts at approximately $39,000 for a front-wheel-drive L trim, while the Pilot starts around $40,200. Both prices are competitive for 3-row SUVs, and both manufacturers offer regular incentives and lease specials.
The Highlander’s real pricing advantage emerges with the Hybrid option. Adding the hybrid powertrain increases the starting price by roughly $2,500–$3,000, but the fuel economy improvement pays dividends over time. If you drive 12,000 miles per year and gas averages $3.50/gallon, the Hybrid Highlander could save you $600–$800 annually compared to the Turbo, effectively paying for itself in 3–5 years.
The Pilot offers no hybrid option, so pricing is straightforward. However, the V6’s stronger performance and slightly larger interior may justify the premium for buyers prioritizing power and space over fuel economy. Both vehicles hold their resale value well, though the Highlander Hybrid historically retains value slightly better in the luxury used market.
Both the Highlander and Pilot are designed with families in mind, and they deliver on comfort, technology, and convenience in slightly different ways.
The Pilot’s 3.5L V6 delivers 290 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, giving it a noticeable edge in highway merging and acceleration. The 0–60 time is approximately 7.8 seconds, making it one of the quicker 3-row SUVs in its class. Fuel economy sits at 19 city / 27 highway (FWD) — respectable for a V6 but not exceptional.
The Highlander Turbo produces 245 horsepower and responds well to acceleration, though some drivers notice mild turbo lag at low RPMs. Fuel economy improves to 22 city / 29 highway (FWD). If you opt for the Hybrid, you’re looking at 36 city / 35 highway — a dramatic improvement that makes the Highlander Hybrid one of the most efficient 3-row SUVs on the market. Hybrid owners consistently report real-world fuel economy matching or exceeding these EPA estimates.
For families with long commutes or frequent road trips, the Highlander Hybrid’s superior efficiency reduces fuel costs significantly. For drivers prioritizing strong acceleration and a traditional V6 feel, the Pilot’s engine is the clear choice. Both handle well on city streets and highways, with composed suspensions that absorb road imperfections smoothly.
Highlander Hybrid — Get 36/35 EPA-estimated MPG. Perfect for families with 10,000+ annual miles and budget-conscious mindsets.
Honda Pilot — The V6 offers stronger low-end torque, quicker merging, and that traditional V6 rumble without turbo lag.
Honda Pilot — Slightly more interior room and max cargo space (87.8 cu ft vs. 84.7 cu ft). Matters if you haul frequently.
Highlander Hybrid — Fewer fuel stops, lower fuel costs, and smooth, quiet ride quality on highways. Great for families.
Highlander (especially Hybrid) — Toyota Hybrids hold value exceptionally well. Strong aftermarket demand in used market.
Tie — Both brands excel here. Highlander Hybrids and Pilot V6s are proven designs with excellent long-term track records.
Highlander — Easier third-row entry, quieter hybrid option, and one-touch seating controls. Safety Sense standard.
Highlander — Lower starting price, efficient engines, and hybrid option push total cost of ownership lower.
The 2026 Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot are both excellent 3-row family SUVs—this is genuinely a close matchup. Neither vehicle is definitively “better.” Instead, your choice depends on what you value:
Choose the Highlander if: Fuel economy matters to you, you want a hybrid option, you plan to keep the vehicle long-term, or you’re budget-conscious about total cost of ownership.
Choose the Pilot if: You prioritize acceleration and V6 power, you want maximum cargo space, or you prefer a traditional non-hybrid driving experience.
Both are spacious, reliable, safe, and packed with family-friendly features. A test drive in each will reveal which feel better suited to your driving style and preferences. Toyota of Naperville carries both brands in inventory, and our sales team can help you compare them side-by-side in person.
The Highlander Turbo (22/29 MPG) beats the Pilot V6 (19/27 MPG) by about 3–4 MPG across the board. The Highlander Hybrid, however, delivers 36/35 MPG—nearly double the Pilot’s efficiency. If fuel economy is a priority, the Hybrid Highlander is the clear winner. The Pilot offers no hybrid option.
The Honda Pilot has slightly more overall interior volume and a marginally larger third row, giving adults a few extra inches of legroom. However, the Highlander’s third row is also usable for kids and smaller adults, with easier entry/exit due to its seating design. For families with young children, both work equally well.
The Toyota Highlander, particularly the Hybrid model, typically holds resale value better than the Pilot. Toyota Hybrids are highly sought-after in the used market due to their reputation for reliability and lower fuel costs. If you plan to sell or trade in after 5+ years, the Highlander (especially Hybrid) edges out the Pilot slightly.
Both vehicles come with comprehensive safety packages: the Highlander includes Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (adaptive cruise, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision warning) as standard on all trims. The Pilot offers Honda Sensing 360, which includes a surround-view camera and refined collision mitigation. Both earn top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. In practice, they’re comparable in safety.
The Pilot starts around $40,200 compared to the Highlander’s ~$39,000—about a $1,200 difference. However, when you factor in fuel costs over 5–7 years, the Highlander Hybrid ($41,500–$42,000) often becomes the better overall value despite the higher sticker price, saving $600–$800 annually in fuel.
Yes! Toyota of Naperville carries the full Highlander lineup (Turbo and Hybrid). While we don’t sell Honda vehicles, our team is happy to help you compare and answer questions about both. Call (630) 524-4216 to schedule a test drive of the Highlander, and we can provide detailed comparison information to help your decision.
Whether you choose the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, or another model entirely, our team at Toyota of Naperville is here to help. We’ve been serving Naperville, Bolingbrook, Aurora, and the Chicago suburbs since 1988. Stop by for a test drive or call us to discuss your options.
