Toyota Highlander VS Honda Pilot
Choosing the right SUV for your family is a significant decision, one that balances performance, comfort, safety, and value. For drivers in the I-95 Corridor—from Milford to Fairfield and Westport to Norwalk—the choice often comes down to two top contenders: the Toyota Highlander and the Honda Pilot. Both vehicles are well-regarded in their class, but which one is the best fit for your needs? Comparing these two midsize SUVs across key categories will help you decide whether a new Toyota Highlander is the ideal choice for your next vehicle.
Performance & Powertrain
The Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot both offer robust performance, but they cater to slightly different driving preferences. The new Toyota Highlander comes equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that delivers 265 horsepower. This engine provides a smooth and responsive drive, making it an excellent option for both city driving and highway cruising along the I-95 Corridor. For those who need extra power, the Highlander also offers a hybrid option, which combines efficiency with performance, delivering up to 243 horsepower and excellent fuel economy.
On the other hand, the Honda Pilot features a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower. While the Pilot's engine offers more raw power, it does so at the cost of fuel efficiency. This might be a consideration if you frequently drive through urban areas like New Haven or Bridgeport, where fuel economy is crucial. Additionally, the Highlander's hybrid option makes it a more eco-friendly choice, which could be an important factor for environmentally-conscious drivers in places like Ridgefield and Woodbridge.
Interior Comfort & Space
When it comes to interior space and comfort, both the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot excel, but they offer slightly different experiences. The Highlander's cabin is known for its high-quality materials, thoughtful design, and an impressive array of standard features. With seating for up to eight passengers, it's a great choice for families in Trumbull, Monroe, and Easton who need a versatile and comfortable vehicle.
The Honda Pilot also offers seating for up to eight, but where the Highlander truly shines is in its upscale feel. The Highlander's interior is refined, with available leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic moonroof, creating a premium experience that rivals even luxury SUVs. The Pilot, while spacious, lacks some of the Highlander's refinement and attention to detail, making the Toyota Highlander a better choice for those who prioritize a luxurious driving experience.
Technology & Infotainment
Both the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot come loaded with technology and infotainment features designed to keep you connected and entertained on the road. However, the Highlander has the edge when it comes to user-friendly tech and advanced features.
The new Toyota Highlander comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which can be upgraded to a 12.3-inch display in higher trims. The system includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, ensuring you and your passengers stay connected whether you're driving through Stratford or heading out on a weekend trip to Danbury. Additionally, the Highlander offers an available JBL premium audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality for your favorite music, podcasts, or audiobooks.
The Honda Pilot also offers a touchscreen infotainment system, but its interface isn't as intuitive or responsive as the Highlander's. Moreover, the Highlander's available head-up display, which projects important information onto the windshield, and its 360-degree camera system provide an enhanced driving experience that's particularly useful in busy areas like West Haven or New Haven.
Safety Features
Safety is a top priority for both Toyota and Honda, and both the Highlander and Pilot come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. However, the Toyota Highlander has a slight advantage thanks to Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+, which includes a wide array of advanced safety technologies as standard on all models.
These features include a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, and road sign assist. This extensive list of standard safety features makes the Highlander an excellent choice for families in Fairfield or Westport who want peace of mind on every drive.
The Honda Pilot also offers a strong safety package with its Honda Sensing® suite, but it lacks some of the more advanced features found in the Highlander. For example, road sign assist and the head-up display are not available in the Pilot, giving the Highlander an edge in driver assistance technology.
Benefits of Buying a Highlander at Colonial Toyota
If you're leaning towards the Toyota Highlander, Colonial Toyota offers several compelling reasons to make your purchase with us. Serving the I-95 Corridor and surrounding areas, Colonial Toyota is committed to providing a superior dealership experience.
Better Price, Better Trust, Better Relationship, Better Experience
At Colonial Toyota, we believe that buying a car should be more than just a transaction—it should be the start of a long-term relationship. That's why we focus on offering not just a better price but also better trust, better relationships, and a better overall experience. Our team is dedicated to helping you find the perfect Highlander that fits your needs and budget, whether you're interested in purchasing outright or exploring a Highlander lease.
Ironclad Warranty for Life
One of the biggest advantages of buying a Highlander from Colonial Toyota is our Ironclad Warranty for Life. This comprehensive warranty covers your vehicle for as long as you own it, giving you unparalleled peace of mind. Whether you're driving through Milford, Norwalk, or any of the surrounding areas, you can trust that your investment is protected.
Fasttrac Sales & Service
We understand that your time is valuable, which is why we offer Fasttrac Sales & Service. This streamlined process is designed to make your car buying and servicing experience as quick and convenient as possible. From the moment you step into our dealership to when you drive off the lot, you'll enjoy a hassle-free experience that puts your needs first.
Conclusion: Why the Toyota Highlander Is the Better Choice
When comparing the Toyota Highlander and the Honda Pilot, the Highlander consistently stands out as the superior choice in terms of performance, interior comfort, technology, and safety. For drivers along the I-95 Corridor—from Milford and Fairfield to Danbury and Bridgeport—the Highlander offers a perfect blend of luxury, practicality, and reliability.
At Colonial Toyota, we're proud to be your Highlander dealer, offering a wide selection of new Toyota Highlanders to suit every need and preference. With our commitment to better prices, better trust, better relationships, and a better experience, choosing Colonial Toyota means choosing a dealership that's as dependable as the vehicles we sell. Visit us today to explore the benefits of buying a Highlander and discover why it's the perfect SUV for your family.
