2019 Honda Pilot vs 2019 Toyota Highlander West Chester PA

Features & Specs

Engine power

280 horsepower

185 horsepower

Engine displacement

3.5-liter

2.7-liter

Transmission

6-speed automatic

6-speed shiftable automatic

Engine configuration

V6

Inline-4

2019 Honda Pilot vs 2019 Toyota Highlander

The midsize SUV segment has many stars in it, all of which make it difficult to figure out which one shines the brightest. All of the options out there are dedicated towards making a midsize SUV that the entire family will love, but two of them immediately stand out from the rest. The 2019 Honda Pilot and the 2019 Toyota Highlander are exceptional vehicles, made by companies that truly understand what it means to be family-friendly and reliable. We are here to break down these two SUVs and figure out which one you should be driving home, to soccer practice, and to work. To start it off, the 2019 Pilot receives a few new updates, including new technology features, Honda Sensing for every trim, a nine-speed transmission that shifts better than ever, and a few minor styling updates. The 2019 Highlander also includes some styling updates, along with making Toyota Safety Sense P standard on every Highlander. But, which SUV is better? Keep reading down below as we figure out which midsize SUV reigns supreme!

2019 Honda Pilot Power & Handling

The Honda Pilot comes with one standard engine. That engine is a 3.5-liter V6, which can produce up to 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is the standard drivetrain, however, you can opt for all-wheel drive if that's more your speed. On every trim, with the exception of the base trim, the addition of all-wheel drive comes with a terrain management system. The standard transmission is a six-speed automatic transmission, while the Touring and Elite models feature a nine-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive trims will get you up to 5,000 pounds of towing, and front-wheel drive models will get you up to 3,500 pounds.

2019 Toyota Highlander Power & Handling

Two engines are available with the Highlander. The base model, which many consider to be lacking, is a 2.7-liter inline-4 which can produce 184 pound-feet of torque and 185 horsepower. Compared to the engine that can be found, even on the base model, in the Pilot, this engine seems to be thrown in as an afterthought. The other available engine is a 3.5-liter V6, which creates 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, as is a six-speed automatic transmission. You can opt for all-wheel drive on the V6 engine. The inline-4 engine is also only capable of towing 1,500 pounds, so if you're looking for a midsize SUV that can tow, then you'll definitely need a higher trim level for the Highlander.

2019 Honda Pilot Features & Design

There are five different trim options that you can find with the 2019 Pilot. These trims include the LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite. The base model LX comes with automatic high-beam assist, 18-inch alloy wheels, lane keeping assist, automatic LED headlights, road departure mitigation, active noise cancellation, frontal collision warning with automatic braking, air conditioning, adaptive cruise control, 60/40-split folding third-row seats, a 7-speaker audio system, a multi-angle rearview camera, and a 5-inch touchscreen. Another option, the EX, adds blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, LED fog lights, satellite radio, heated mirrors, HondaLink and CabinControl, remote ignition, an 8-inch touchscreen, keyless entry, one-touch slide-and-fold second-row seats, a terrain management system, a power-adjustable driver's seat, tri-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats. The highest trim, Elite, includes a wireless charging pad, captain's chairs, ventilated front seats, automatic wipers, a heated steering wheel, power-folding mirrors, and a panoramic sunroof.

2019 Toyota Highlander Features & Design

Four trim levels are offered with this SUV. These include the LE, LE Plus, XLE, and SE. The LE trim includes features like five USB ports, a tow package for V6 models, windshield wiper de-icer, heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators, seating for 8 with second- and third-row 60/40-split fold-flat seats, integrated backup camera, Bluetooth, a 6.1-inch touchscreen, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Another option, the LE Plus, adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, tri-zone automatic climate control, satellite radio, an 8-inch display monitor, an eight-way power driver seat with lumbar support, height-adjustable power rear liftgate, fog lights, and Fabric and SofTex-trimmed seats. The sporty trim SE includes a sport tuned front and rear suspension, black leather-trimmed seats with silver stitching, Dark Paint treatment, and 19-inch alloy wheels with a black finish.

Conclusions

While both of these midsize SUVs are at the top of their game, the 2019 Honda Pilot outpaces the Highlander in every category. Not only does the Pilot come in one standard engine throughout the available trim levels, but it also has impressive towing capabilities. The Highlander is simply lacking with the standard engine, and the lack of more trim levels. Want to learn more about the Pilot? Stop by our dealership today to check out our 2019 Pilot inventory!