The Honda Pilot Elite and Toyota Grand Highlander Limited are the two top contenders for a family-friendly SUV. Each has spacious interiors, state-of-the-art technology, and strong performance.
These family-friendly SUVs have three rows of seating, generous cargo space, and basic safety features. However, they differ in performance, fuel efficiency, comfort, and technology and are better for slightly different tastes.
The Honda Pilot Elite is the best of its class regarding flexibility and off-road ability and is very suitable for families who like outdoor activities. Meanwhile, if you’re after a fancier interior, better fuel economy, and the latest tech, the Toyota Grand Highlander Limited is a luxurious and efficient everyday family vehicle.
When we compare the Honda Pilot Elite and Toyota Grand Highlander Limited, we will break down the main differences to help you choose which fits your lifestyle and budget best.
Honda Pilot Elite vs Toyota Grand Highlander Limited
| Feature | Honda Pilot Elite | Toyota Grand Highlander Limited |
| Base Price | $53,755 | $59,520 |
| Horsepower | 285 hp | 265 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 2.4L Turbocharged Inline-4 |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| 0-60 mph | 7.2 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Fuel Efficiency (Combined) | 22 MPG | 24 MPG |
| Cargo Space (Max) | 87.0 cubic feet | 97.5 cubic feet |
| Seating Capacity | Up to 8 (with optional removable middle seat) | Up to 7 (with captain’s chairs) |
| Infotainment Screen | 9-inch touchscreen | 12.3-inch touchscreen |
| Safety Features | Standard: Lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring | Same, with optional hands-free driving assist |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 pounds | 5,000 pounds |
| All-Wheel Drive | Standard | Available |
| Off-Road Capability | TrailSport trim with hill descent control | Not specifically designed for off-road |
| Interior Highlights | Removable second-row middle seat for flexible seating | Spacious third row, extra storage options |
| Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles basic | 3 years / 36,000 miles basic |
Engine Specifications and Performance
SUV performance is one of the main things to consider when comparing these SUVs. The Honda Pilot Elite has a 3.5 litre V6 engine with 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
The pairing of this engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission is smooth but may be too lazy for those who like to get from point A to B in a hurry. The Honda Pilot’s powertrain is designed for a calm, comfortable ride that families on family road trips and everyday commuters can appreciate.
On the other hand, the Toyota Grand Highlander Limited is equipped with a 2.4-litre turbocharged inline-four engine rated at 265 horsepower and a big 310 lb-ft of torque. The Grand Highlander gains this higher torque at lower RPMs, giving it an edge in low-speed power and an advantage for city driving, light towing, and quick manoeuvring on the highway.
This engine is paired with a Toyota 8-speed automatic transmission. This transmission complements the engine’s torque well, being strong on low-speed pull and a little more responsive than the Honda Pilot.
Fuel Efficiency
Another massive factor is fuel economy, especially for families with much ground to cover. However, the Toyota Grand Highlander Limited has a slight edge in this one, as it’s estimated to get 24 MPG combined on the all-wheel drive (AWD) model. Toyota’s smaller, turbocharged engine, tuned for city driving and long-distance efficiency, is a major reason why this is so fuel efficient.
Meanwhile, the Honda Pilot Elite will get you around 22 MPG combined. The difference may seem small, but it timed up if you typically head out on the road in the city over time. However, this difference makes the Grand Highlander a good choice if fuel efficiency is important to your family, so you’ll save on long-term fuel costs and receive good performance.
Interior Comfort and Space
SUVs are family-friendly, with space and comfort for their interiors, more than enough for families with many passengers and cargo. That slightly longer wheelbase helps out there because the Grand Highlander’s cabin is more spacious, even in the third row. The second and third rows on the fold-down provide up to 97.5 cubic feet of cargo space, ample for large items, sports equipment, or luggage for family vacations. This SUV also has a thoughtfully designed cabin with numerous cup holders and storage compartments.
On the other hand, the Honda Pilot makes 87.0 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. While slightly less spacious than the Grand Highlander, it makes up for it with a unique feature: a second row with a removable middle seat. That flexibility means families can flip between bench or captain’s chairs in the second row, which the Grand Highlander can’t provide. Families with children who frequently reconfigure seating arrangements for varying numbers of passengers or cargo love the Pilot’s seating arrangement.
Between the two, both SUVs have excellent legroom in the second and third rows, but the Grand Highlander’s longer body makes it the winner when it comes to passenger comfort in the third row. The Grand Highlander might feel a bit more spacious and comfortable to those with large families or those with a habit of using all three rows.
Technology and Safety
These SUVs also differ in their infotainment system. The Honda Pilot’s 9-inch display is dwarfed by the Toyota Grand Highlander’s 12.3-inch screen, which is larger and visually more immersive. The larger screen size allows drivers and passengers to work with maps, media and other features more easily. The clean, modern look of Toyota’s system also aligns well with the dashboard, making the cabin look more appealing.
The Honda Pilot’s 9-inch touchscreen is slightly smaller but easy to use. Its infotainment system has standard connectivity features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, seamlessly incorporating smartphones into passengers’ devices. However, the Toyota system adds extra connectivity features, which makes it a little more tech-savvy.
Regarding safety tech, both SUVs include two bags with advanced driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. The Toyota Grand Highlander, however, takes this one step further by offering an optional hands-free driving feature that helps when traffic gets heavy. Toyota has an edge for people who do a lot of stop-and-go traffic, as this feature is unavailable in the Honda Pilot.
Off-Road Capability and Driving Dynamics
For families who love to hit the road trips or do some off-roading occasionally, driving characteristics and off-road capability could be important. The Toyota Grand Highlander provides a smooth and responsive ride on city roads and highways. Both carry high torque at lower RPMs, making it easier to accelerate from a standstill or pass vehicles. But its suspension and handling have been tuned with comfort in mind rather than off the beaten track.
However, the Honda Pilot has different intentions, aiming for stability and control. In particular, if you opt for a TrailSport trim of the Pilot, it ships with all-terrain tyres and hill descent control, and it’s more likely to be equipped to handle off-road excursions. If you plan to take your SUV off the pavement, or at least onto unpaved roads or trails, the Honda Pilot might be a better bet, especially in TrailSport form.
Cost and Value
The Honda Pilot Elite is slightly more expensive than the Toyota Grand Highlander Limited in cost. Those extra tech features, a roomier cabin, and better fuel economy help justify the Grand Highlander’s premium price. However, the Honda Pilot is a good value for what you get, and you are willing to pay for it, thus appealing to budget-conscious families that want to give up nothing, at least in terms of basics.
The Honda Pilot offers good value to families who want advanced features but at a price and are willing to trade off some luxury for flexibility and off-road capabilities. But if you need interior space and a modern tech suite, you should pay the extra for the Toyota Grand Highlander.
Final Verdict: Which SUV Is Better?
Both the Honda Pilot Elite and Toyota Grand Highlander Limited are excellent SUVs, each catering to different family needs:
If you want spacious interiors, high fuel efficiency, and advanced tech features like a larger touchscreen and hands-free traffic assist, go with the Toyota Grand Highlander Limited.
Choose the Honda Pilot Elite if you want flexible seating options, off-road capabilities (especially with the TrailSport trim), and a slightly smaller price.
FAQs
Which SUV offers better fuel efficiency, the Honda Pilot Elite or the Toyota Grand Highlander Limited?
While the Toyota Grand Highlander Limited gets a slightly better MPG combined of 24 MPG AWD, the Honda Pilot Elite can only give you around 22 MPG combined. That’s because Toyota’s turbocharged 4 cylinder engine is tuned for city driving and fuel savings on the longer distances.
Can the Honda Pilot or Toyota Grand Highlander handle off-road driving?
The Honda Pilot is better equipped for off road driving where the TrailSport trim is concerned. It has all terrain tires, hill descent control and other features about it that make it suitable for rough terrains. Being more focused on comfort and city driving, the Toyota Grand Highlander can handle light trails, but it doesn’t have the off road capabilities that the Pilot’s TrailSport setup offers.
Which SUV is more spacious for passengers and cargo?
The Toyota Grand Highlander is much roomier in the third row and in the cargo area. The seats folded down give it up to 97.5 cubic feet of cargo space, compared to the Honda Pilot’s 87.0 cubic feet. The Grand Highlander also gives a bit more leg room in the third row, which makes it a better choice for larger families, or if you frequently use all the seats.
Does the Toyota Grand Highlander Limited have any special tech features that the Honda Pilot Elite doesn’t?
The Honda Pilot Elite doesn’t have the luxury of some advanced tech features that the Toyota Grand Highlander Limited does. The features include a 12.3 inch touchscreen versus Honda’s 9, and an optional hands free driving assist for stop and go traffic. The Grand Highlander also features a larger screen and more driver assist technology available.
Conclusion
The Toyota Grand Highlander Limited is all about family comfort, space, and a modern tech experience. A luxury family vehicle, it’s efficient and convenient for daily driving and long road trips. Alternatively, for more practical-minded families who want flexibility, off-road capability, and reliable performance, the Honda Pilot Elite is a slightly lower-priced product.
Either the Honda Pilot Elite lends itself to rugged adaptability, or the Toyota Grand Highlander Limited for an almost over-the-top blend of comfort and technology. The SUV you choose will be ready for everything that modern family life throws your way. Ultimately, it will come down to what’s important to you: a spacious, tech-packed cabin or a practical, adventure-ready vehicle.
Sources:
- Honda Official Site – For detailed specs and features of the Honda Pilot Elite, visit Honda.com.
- Toyota Official Site – For comprehensive Toyota Grand Highlander Limited information, see Toyota.com.
