Choosing the right vehicle is always an issue for buyers especially when options abound just like it is in the midsize crossover segment. Some of the vehicles in this segment include Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Buick Enclave, Dodge Durango, Hyundai Santa Fe and Nissan Pathfinder. These are all worthy competitors, but which of these is the best? Let’s start by comparing the first two vehicles in our list.
Which of these two do you think would win a 2013 Honda Pilot vs 2013 Toyota Highlander contest?
2013 Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot Design and Features Comparison
Critics are divided about the Pilot’s interior fit and finish. While some believes that the interior was tastelessly designed, others are of the opinion that retaining the basic look makes the vehicle attractive. But everybody agrees that the Pilot is a standout package for family practicality. On the other hand, many people think the Highlander lacks real flair, but no one will argue with the charm that radiates from this well-built vehicle.
Apart from the down-market appearance of its cabin, the Pilot has some cool and easy-to-use interior features like a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, tri-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch center display screen, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a rearview camera, a USB/iPod interface, an auxiliary audio jack and a seven-speaker sound system with a CD player. The Highlander also comes equipped with most of these impressive features.
Powertrains and Performance comparison
The 2013 Honda Pilot is well equipped with decent standard features, but its performance on the road is not as impressive as one would expect. Performance from the Pilot’s 250-horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque, 3.5-liter V-6 engine paired with a five-speed automatic transmission is sluggish and a step behind its rivals. On the other hand, the 2013 Toyota Highlander boasts of two impressive powertrain- 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, 2.7-liter inline-4 engine paired with front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic, and a 3.5-liter V-6 paired with five-speed automatic to deliver 270 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque.
Safety features comparison
The Pilot has built a reputation as a top safety achiever over the years. 2013 Pilot’s standard safety features include antilock brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags among others. The 2013 Highlander also comes with its own standard safety features which include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, a driver-side knee airbag, full-length side curtain airbags, active front head restraints and Hill-start assist. But unlike the Honda Pilot, the Highlander does not have a Third Row Head Restraints and Electronic Parking Assist.
The Honda Pilot has a MSRP of $29,520, while it is $30,395 for the Highlander.
The 2013 Toyota Highlander is a worthy three-row crossover to look at. It may not be as spacious as the Pilot, but it is easier to drive, it has a better driving dynamics and a more decent handling. The driving impression and agility of the 2013 Honda Pilot is unconvincing, and due to the vehicle’s boxy dimension, it is not easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
Although the Highlander’s friendly disposition and versatility are unrivalled, with a marginally better fuel economy, a longer feature list and a roomier interior among many other advantages, the Honda Pilot 2013 wins my vote as a better pick when compared to the similarly priced Toyota Highlander 2013 model.
1 comment
Jason
March 19, 2013 at 10:26 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Toyota Highlander definitely has an upper hand over the Honda Pilot. With a 6 speed transmission V6 engine and 270 hp, Highlander is expected to produce a better throughput. The availability of the car in a hybrid version gives an added advantage. Honda Pilot only adds a benefit in its seating structure by adding an additional seat.