Which is bigger: Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander?

The Honda Pilot is generally bigger than the Toyota Highlander. As of the 2024–2025 model years in the U.S., the Pilot is longer, wider, and rides on a longer wheelbase, and it offers slightly more cargo room—especially with all three rows in use. Below is a closer, data-driven look at how the two popular three-row SUVs compare.

How the two SUVs measure up

Both models are family-focused three-row crossovers, but their footprints differ. The latest-generation Honda Pilot (redesigned for 2023 and largely unchanged for 2024–2025) grew in size, while the current Toyota Highlander (introduced for 2020, updated in 2023 with a new engine) remains a bit more compact. Measurements vary slightly by trim and equipment.

Exterior dimensions

The following figures summarize key exterior dimensions from recent model years, showing how much space each SUV occupies on the road and in your garage.

• Overall length: Honda Pilot ≈ 199.9–200.2 in (trim-dependent) vs. Toyota Highlander ≈ 194.9 in
• Wheelbase: Honda Pilot ≈ 113.8 in vs. Toyota Highlander ≈ 112.2 in
• Width (without mirrors): Honda Pilot ≈ 78.5 in vs. Toyota Highlander ≈ 76.0 in
• Height: Honda Pilot ≈ 71–72 in (trim/suspension varies) vs. Toyota Highlander ≈ 68–69 in (roof rails and trim vary)

Taken together, the Pilot has the larger footprint: it’s notably longer and wider, sits on a slightly longer wheelbase, and is generally taller, contributing to a roomier cabin and a more substantial road presence.

Interior space and cargo capacity

Interior volume and cargo room are critical for family buyers. While both vehicles seat seven or eight (depending on whether you choose second-row captain’s chairs), the Pilot leverages its bigger exterior to deliver marginally more usable space.

• Passenger volume: Honda Pilot ≈ 158 cu ft vs. Toyota Highlander ≈ 141–144 cu ft (trim/roof configuration depend)
• Cargo behind 3rd row: Honda Pilot ≈ 18.6 cu ft vs. Toyota Highlander ≈ 16.0 cu ft
• Cargo behind 2nd row: Honda Pilot ≈ 48.5 cu ft vs. Toyota Highlander ≈ 48.4 cu ft
• Max cargo (seats folded): Honda Pilot ≈ 87.0 cu ft vs. Toyota Highlander ≈ 84.3 cu ft

The difference is most noticeable with all three rows up, where the Pilot offers more space for strollers and groceries. With rows folded, both are generous, though the Pilot still holds a slight edge.

What about the Toyota Grand Highlander?

Shoppers sometimes confuse the Highlander with Toyota’s Grand Highlander, a separate, larger model introduced for 2024. The Grand Highlander is bigger than both the regular Highlander and the Honda Pilot. If maximum Toyota-branded space is your priority, the Grand Highlander is the one to consider—otherwise, in a direct Pilot vs. Highlander comparison, the Honda is the larger vehicle.

Bottom line

If you want the bigger SUV between the two, choose the Honda Pilot. It’s longer, wider, and roomier in most key metrics. The Toyota Highlander counters with a slightly smaller footprint that can be easier to park and maneuver, while still offering competitive cargo space with the second and third rows folded.

Summary

The Honda Pilot is bigger than the Toyota Highlander in overall length, width, wheelbase, and most cargo and passenger-space measures for the 2024–2025 model years. The Highlander remains a well-packaged three-row with a tidier footprint, but the Pilot provides more space where it counts if maximum room is your priority.

What SUV is better than the Toyota Highlander?

The Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride are often considered better alternatives to the Toyota Highlander, offering more powerful engines, upscale interiors, and more standard features at a potentially lower starting price. The Honda Pilot provides a more comfortable ride and is better for adventurous families, while the Mazda CX-90 offers a more luxurious and engaging driving experience. Other strong contenders include the Chevrolet Traverse, which wins in certain comparison categories, and the Volvo XC90, which provides superior third-row space and higher cargo capacity.
 
This video compares the Hyundai Palisade and Toyota Highlander: 52sEdmunds CarsYouTube · Oct 4, 2024
Key Alternatives to the Toyota Highlander:

• Hyundai Palisade:
  • Pros: More powerful engine with more horsepower, quieter operation, more luxurious interior, often a lower starting price. 
  • Best For: Families seeking more power, a premium feel, and excellent value. 
• Kia Telluride:
  • Pros: Offers an upscale interior, more standard features, and more cargo space than the Highlander. 
  • Best For: Buyers looking for an excellent overall package in a family SUV. 
• Honda Pilot:
  • Pros: Superior comfort for families and a higher degree of off-road capability compared to the Highlander. 
  • Best For: Adventurous families who prioritize comfort and capability. 
• Mazda CX-90:
  • Pros: Delivers a more luxurious and refined experience with its high-quality interior and engaging driving dynamics. 
  • Best For: Drivers who want a more premium and engaging driving experience than the typical Highlander offers. 
• Chevrolet Traverse:
  • Pros: Often considered a winner in direct comparisons, potentially offering superior features and a more appealing design. 
  • Best For: Those who want a strong competitor with innovative features and potentially better specs. 
• Volvo XC90:
  • Pros: Offers significantly more third-row headroom and legroom, greater cargo space, and a luxurious, minimalist interior design. 
  • Best For: Larger families or those who prioritize passenger comfort and ample cargo room. 

Which is more expensive, the Honda Pilot or the Toyota Grand Highlander?

The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander and 2025 Honda Pilot have starting prices that are very close, with the Pilot slightly lower. The Grand Highlander’s base LE trim starts at $40,860, while the Pilot Sport trim begins at $40,200. While the initial price difference is small, the Grand Highlander offers a two-year/25,000-mile free scheduled maintenance program and strong resale value, potentially making it a better value in the long run, according to Longo Toyota. 
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

• Toyota Grand Highlander: The base LE trim starts at $40,860. 
• Honda Pilot: The base Sport trim starts at $40,200. 
• Features: Both vehicles offer a range of features, including safety suites and infotainment systems. The Grand Highlander includes Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 and a 12.3-inch touchscreen on the base model. The Pilot has the Honda Sensing suite and a standard 8-inch touchscreen, with higher trims offering a 12.3-inch screen. 
• Value Considerations: The Grand Highlander’s free maintenance and strong resale value can offset the slightly higher initial price. 
• Trim Levels: Both vehicles offer higher trim levels with additional features and technologies, which will affect the final price. 

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

The Honda Pilot is better for maximum space, towing confidence, and potentially lower annual repair costs, while the Toyota Highlander is superior for fuel efficiency (especially the hybrid model), a more refined and quieter ride, a more premium-feeling interior, and ease of maneuverability. Choosing between them depends on your priorities: families needing maximum cargo and passenger room may prefer the Pilot, whereas those prioritizing a quieter, more comfortable, and efficient commute might lean towards the Highlander.
 
You can watch this video for a side-by-side comparison of the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander: 56sWhich Ride?YouTube · Apr 4, 2025
Choose the Honda Pilot if: 

• You need maximum cargo and passenger space .
• You frequently tow and want better performance and control .
• You want a quieter cabin: with features like Active Noise Cancellation.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if: 

• Fuel efficiency is a top priority, particularly with its hybrid option.
• A quieter, more refined ride is important .
• You prefer a more premium and upscale interior design .
• Maneuverability and a smaller footprint: are more appealing for your daily driving.

Key Differences to Consider 

• Space: The Pilot offers significantly more cargo space and a more accommodating third row than the Highlander. 
• Powertrain: The Pilot features a robust V-6 engine that inspires confidence for towing, along with an available Tow Drive Mode. The Highlander relies on a hybrid option for better fuel efficiency and uses a continuously variable transmission (eCVT). 
• Comfort and Noise: The Highlander generally provides a more refined and quieter ride, featuring an interior with higher-quality materials. 
• Technology: Both vehicles offer advanced safety features and modern tech, but the Highlander has an edge in interior technology and offers a quieter cabin as a standard feature. 
• Reliability: While both are strong in this area, the Pilot has earned high reliability scores and competitive annual repair costs according to some sources. 

Ultimately, your choice should align with your specific needs and preferences for family transportation.

What is the Honda equivalent to the Toyota Highlander?

The Honda equivalent to the Toyota Highlander is the Honda Pilot. Both are three-row SUVs that compete for the same buyers, offering a spacious interior and seating for up to eight passengers. The Pilot is a strong competitor, often praised for its powerful standard V6 engine, larger cargo capacity, and superior standard safety features compared to the Highlander.
 
You can watch this video to learn more about the comparison between the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot: 58sToyota USAYouTube · Mar 27, 2025
Key Similarities:

• Three-row seating: and passenger capacity for up to eight people. 
• Standard Honda Sensing suite: of advanced driver-assistance technologies. 
• Towing capability, with both SUVs able to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. 

Key Differences:

• Engine: The Pilot typically comes with a more powerful standard V6 engine, while the Highlander offers a turbocharged four-cylinder. 
• Size & Space: The Pilot is generally a larger vehicle, offering more interior volume and cargo space than the Highlander. 
• Features: The Pilot often includes features like standard one-touch folding second-row seats for greater practicality, and some trims offer a standard power liftgate, which is only available on higher Pilot trims. 
• Fuel Efficiency: The Highlander generally holds the edge in fuel economy compared to the Pilot.