Should we buy a Honda Pilot vs Toyota Highlander and why?

Anonymous
Planned to go buy the Highlander. Drove it, crawled around the inside of it, picked out the exact one I wanted on the lot. And just couldn't pull the trigger because the 3rd row is so useless, and we don't even use the 3rd very often. It's practically like sitting on the floor. Didn't get the Pilot either so can't speak to it, but just agreeing with others that the 3rd row in the Highlander is embarrassingly small compared to other similarly sized vehicles.
Anonymous
I adore my Highlander but we really don't use the 3rd row at all as it's tight and takes up all of the trunk space when it's up (we also only have 2 kids). For a family of 5, I'd probably look for something bigger.
Anonymous
Hondas notoriously have transmission problems. Go Toyota
Anonymous
On my second Highlander. 150,000 miles. Safe, comfortable, trustworthy. Will get a new one shortly without hesitation
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:Hondas notoriously have transmission problems. Go Toyota


I think tranny issues only on 9 speed. If you get 6 speed maybe ok.

3rd pilot way more useful.

I think pilot can tow more too?
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Hondas notoriously have transmission problems. Go Toyota


I think tranny issues only on 9 speed. If you get 6 speed maybe ok.

3rd pilot way more useful.

I think pilot can tow more too?


Sorry no same towage
Anonymous
I thought we would end up with a highlander or pilot. We were Toyota diehards - have only ever bought Toyotas. However, after looking at Consumer Reports and test driving, we ended up with a Hyundai Palisades.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:I’m getting ready to buy my third Highlander. I like the way it looks better than the Pilot, so I never test drove one, but I love my Highlanders. It is so reliable. Never had a breakdown. No crazy garage bills. I get it loaded, with leather seats, seat warmer, etc., so I really enjoy driving it. Probably can’t go wrong with either, but you won’t regret a Highlander. GL


Me too!
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:I thought we would end up with a highlander or pilot. We were Toyota diehards - have only ever bought Toyotas. However, after looking at Consumer Reports and test driving, we ended up with a Hyundai Palisades.


How do you like it? Never heard of it but just looked it up & it looks great! I have a Highlander now and don’t love it.
Anonymous
While Toyota’s are more reliable, I prefer Honda’s.

Back in 2012, I decided on the Pilot over Highlander. And back in February 2020, I bought an Acura RDX over the Lexus NX.

Toyota/Lexus seems to be a little boring when it comes to looks and the way it drives.
Anonymous
I test drove both extensively last year before deciding to go with the Honda Pilot. What nudged me over to the Honda was Apple Car Play and the slightly larger third row seating.
Anonymous
Our Highlander had so many recalls. I would go with Honda.
Anonymous
We have only two kids, but we need the optional 3rd row when relatives are in town or when we carpool with kids' friends. I agree the Highlander 3rd row is not great for all the time, but for optional use, it is perfect for us. The Highlander was important because we wanted another hybrid (I retired my Ford Escape hybrid). It's been a year and I still love the Highlander.

With 3 kids, your final choice might be different as you'll use the 3rd row much more than we do. But the hybrid is nice. I typically get 26-27 mpg in my Highlander hybrid.
Anonymous
Our Hondas have been super reliable and had no issues with transmission.

Anyway, I was making the same choice last fall and I bought Pilot. The had identical features except Toyota used their own navigation that looked like it was from 90s and Pilot has Android/Apple AutoPlay, when you convect your phone you use phone navigation, it sends messages notifications, etc. That sold me.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:Our Hondas have been super reliable and had no issues with transmission.

Anyway, I was making the same choice last fall and I bought Pilot. The had identical features except Toyota used their own navigation that looked like it was from 90s and Pilot has Android/Apple AutoPlay, when you convect your phone you use phone navigation, it sends messages notifications, etc. That sold me.


Just bought a Highlander on Saturday and it has the Apple car play.
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