2016 Honda Pilot vs Toyota Highlander take on Gold Mine Hill Off-Road Review

( www.TFLcar.com ) The 2016 Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander are two popular family hauling Crossovers. In this TFLcar
off-road mashup review, Nathan and Roman take them up Gold Mine Hill to see which one is the better off-road ride.
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[@johnlopez3001]

Roman seemed annoyed with the performance of the Honda over the Toyota . I think his feelings were hurt .🤐

[@CanadianDirt]

Hahaha. I thought the same thing, the honda was a solid 4/5.

[@isaiahbaculpo7860]

I highly disagree with taking 1/2 a point off because of the push button transmission. This video was mainly designed to test the AWD systems, not the asthetics of the vehicle. And on top of that, the push button transmission shouldn't be judged otherwise because not everyone has the same opinion as you do. Aside from that, great review guys. I'm very impressed with how the new Honda Pilot has changed in so many ways from the quality of the vehicle, to the updated AWD System

[@davi3901]

truly

[@idahooutdoorsman69]

👌

[@joobaggs6886]

+Isaiah Baculpo can get the lower models with the 6 spd auto and normal shifter,for a lot less money too. plus the lx comes with 18 inch tires for better off roading. I wonder if they changed the driving mode to sand or mud for better off road traction too.

[@onomatopoeia162003]

+Isaiah Baculpo I believe most cars are having the push to start anyways. Like it's becoming a standard

[@kartboarder22g17]

+joo baggs I'm thinking not, and there lies the problem. Basically sounds like the Pilot is torque vectoring now with dual clutch. so basically 3 wheel drive vs. your standard 4x4 without a locker that is basically 2 wheel drive.

[@elviravirus8974]

the pilot should have gotten 4 stars

[@ScottsReviews]

I don't see how they tied this comparison when The Highlander barely made it up the first hill and the Pilot makes them both and they get scored 3.5 each.

[@vaxobasilidze2559]

Seems like marketing here... These cars were brand new and Toyota would be very upset if they threw mud on Highlander. To me, Pilot actually deserved 5/5, but Highlander failed the second test and almost failed the first one. Honda did not even need to play with traction controls

[@TheMrdons90]

all I've got to say is 5/5 for the Honda

[@ernestocarranza5302]

Sorry but it's not the car... It's the driver!!!

[@ill_minded9986]

I agree, not a fair test. Nathan's a better driver.

[@bMPtuning01]

But the rollers showed that honda awd system is superior than the toyota

[@joewolf5414]

I don't think they came to a complete stop in the Honda at the top of the hill either

[@rig48]

I'm liking that new pilot

[@TimJoseph08031990]

The differences between the 4Runner and Highlander are that the Highlander is a car-based platform, with a transverse engine layoutand AWD, and the 4Runner has a longitudinal engine layout with 4WD electronic transfer case. The Pilot did better than the Highlander, because of it's torque distribution of it's AWD system, which depending on the off-road setting acts like a 4WD vehicle.

[@Sidekick1107]

I love how you explain this systems between other systems of how the all wheel drive works very well great job sir

[@maliquechante2205]

That wasn't fair how does the Honda lose 1/2 point because of the push button transmission? I thought this test was based on off road worthiness

[@danielcarvalhoso7587]

For this test to be more accurate, it should've been the same driver

[@robertfranqui6487]

I have a 2017 Pilot and the push button shift was, at first, something I had to get used to. After that, I actually like it much more. Normal shifters are "in the way" and take up space. With the computer controlled shifter in the Pilot I just hit the "off" botton and it puts itself in park automatically. When you learn how to use it it is much more simple. -0.5? He made up his own personal judgement point just to get a lower score. Off road review and they bash a button. LOL

[@skirmich]

WOW! After seeing some "Supposedly better cars for Off-roading" failing this test I cannot fathom why you guys didn't give a full 5 star.... Even with the horrid push button transmission (Which is mainly subjective and opinion based) that AWD gained full stars alone for making it up the Gold Mine Hill.... Truly disappointed in the final score.

[@mightyspuds]

Agreed.And Im a firm believer in Toyota quality,but the Honda was a little beast on capability here.

[@Dobemandan]

What a totally useless and unscientific test! Also why not lock the center diff on the highlander makes a massive difference? Snowflakes? Really? Not your best work guys!

[@dannyboy1984]

Locking the center diff wont help at all ! It just send the power to the back wheels equally with the front ! What i saw here was that the Highlander lacks in traction control and is not able to send power to the opposite wheel ! Open diff suck until you have a E locking differentiel or a good traction management the can brake the wheel with less traction and send it back to the one with more traction

[@edgarmadrid64ify]

You guys didn't lock the diff on the highlander. its there for the same reason so if one wheel is spinning then what it does it lock all, so all of the spin at the same rate/speed. the highlander is good when someone the knows how to drive it... DRIVE IT.

[@oliviaelizabeth28]

Yes! Thank you. I was looking for comment like this. I learned how to drive on that same car (obviously not the one in the video) XD and it's amazing

[@davisguy100]

+Edgar Madrid total ! why didn't they push the damn button!?!

[@mjfamgo6563]

@@shg327 do you have a highlander? Dont see anything at 4:45 because its not a press down button. Lol

[@MCWormGuy]

@@shg327 at 4:45 the image is outside the vehicle.... please check the time again, and let us know... I cannot find it and have tried because I had the same question these guys had.... the button is on the left hand side of the steering wheel, and not easy to see for the driver, much less the camera. I don't think they used it.

[@GotterAdventure]

The VTM-4 system in my 2007 Honda Pilot is awesome off-road. I bet this Pilot would be awesome off-road too with a 2” lift, all terrain tires, and sway bar disconnects.

[@mightyspuds]

Agree! That looks like a vehicle that would be amazing if outfitted a bit.

[@myetoob23]

I have yet to find videos of any properly modded 3rd gens being put to good use 😔

[@Cherrymerrymuffin]

The Pilot kills the Highlander in awd. I sell these things and had both on the lot during our last 18-24" snow storm. Push all the buttons on the Toyota and it peels out. The Honda just goes. I got to test the CRV, RAV4,Highlander, and Pilot, 4 runner, and Ridgeline. Honda all the way! far superior. I do like Toyota's 4runner.... just the system is waaaaayyy better on the Hondas.

[@supreme858]

@ joel rangel I wouldn't touch cherry with a 34.5 ft pole

[@Steven-gv1ke]

I agreed with everything you said UNTIL you added the 4Runner into the mix. If you think anything Honda builds will outperform a 4Runner in a situation that requires AWD, you are sadly mistaken. The 4Runner is regarded as one of the top offroad vehicles in the world, rivaling Jeep Wranglers. Thousands of 4runners have made it through the Rubicon trail, something a Honda owner could only dream of.

[@f181234]

Steven Pace please don’t compare a 4- runner to a wrangler the wrangler is way superior

[@mightyspuds]

Honda trumps Toyota.This Lexus owner is gobsmacked!

[@roellopez6638]

ive never had a problem with my stock 2017 rav4 in 10" of snow and drove through a huge snow storm like nothing and almost bald tires.

[@mr.c493]

I really like them both and my 2006 highlander is still running great with 143000 miles. And I'm planning on putting 100,000 more. I will buy either one. It only comes down to which car dealer gives me a better deal. They both do what they are meant to do which is being a family hauler.

[@CynicalBastard511]

Jeremy Clarkson would beat them in a 1999 BMW 528i Touring using nothing but speed and POWERRRRR.

[@zengunslinger]

and declare it is the most capable car... (pause) ...in the world

[@mtt3870]

That button is not to lock the differential, that button makes it a full time AWD, so the system does not have to determine if it needs to send torque to the rear wheels. It disengages it self at 25MPH. I dont think it makes much of a difference. It should have been a diff-lock, and it looks like it, but it is not.... Got that info., from the Highlander's manual.

[@peasofcake]

maybe Nathan should drive the Toyota?

[@JW77]

Why is the push-button transmission such a big deal to you? I don't get it. I tried 2016 MDX and it's totally fine to me.

[@xwishuweremex]

Hey, Roman and Nathan - thanks for the great video. Is there a difference between the all wheel drive system on this particular Pilot, since y'all were driving the Elite? How would the LX, EX, EX-L fare on this test?

[@williamcrews1525]

Good review as always guys🤙

[@guyanaguy7512]

I was waiting for this video, thanks for listening 😊

[@w0bblyd0inkb0ink]

Excellent review, thank you, I have to keep adjusting the volume as levels are very different for comment vs music.

[@bbitun19]

Good video. I wonder if how both cars performs if both drivers switch places. I think sometimes driver also makes a difference. By the way Pilot has a 20 inch wheels as well.

[@MrBobbyBrown2006]

Wow! I am surprised by this result. I thought each vehicle would perform about the same. Great video, interesting results!

[@zengunslinger]

I'm a big fan of this channel, but i think it's interesting that when they test 4x4s and trucks they use all the tools -- lock the diffs, turn traction control on and off, use the crawl control and traction management system, etc., however, when they test crossovers and "soft" off road vehicles, they either don't use the same tools or deduct points for using them. The Honda made it up to the top on crappy tires, just imagine if it had all terrain tires. I bet Nathan could get the Toyota to the top too.

[@dalecocking2907]

hey guys i love your off road videos keep em comin

[@hectorg1192]

Ilike the awd comparison tests. Please continue doing segments like this.

[@Iloveyounot]

I have a 2016 pilot touring awd and I love it.

[@gtballou3968]

Glad that you guys actually take these vehicles off road to check real world capabilities. On the Honda, did you engage the VTM-4 button to "lock" the rear axle diff? If you did I missed it. People place too much emphasis on locking the center diff. The rear diff is the important one.

[@Josh-179]

I always found it odd that the one time these guys or any other tester gets a Highlander with the optional running boards that lower clearance it's for an off road test.

[@GrizzlyDaveCowboy]

You mention in this and other videos that the stock tires are not the best for snow and light off road use. What would you recommend without sacrificing too much on the ride and highway use? I used to be a big fan of the Michelin LTX M+S but haven't really looked lately.

[@darrylbarnes8894]

Why doesn't the system send power to wheels on the ground when others are up in the air?

[@galant310]

this is not a good review of these type of vehicles off road traction system, it seems that the persons conducting these tests are ignorant of the vehicles' technology especially in the Honda. how these traction control system help the vehicle is like this: the driver must floor the accelerator to enable the system to select which wheel has better traction, if you do not give the vehicle gas it will not climb. these vehicle with traction control and climb with slippage! don't expect it to operate as if it has a low range or locking front and rear differential. even the Mitsubishi pafero uses traction control and to overcome loss of traction off road the driver must floor the peddle enabling the vehicle to select on its own which wheel has better traction and still it does so with a little slippage. I think that automotive journalists must educate themselves on different manufacturers tech before creating misleading reviews and tests of these vehicles

[@subazealand9158]

+kishon Palmer Totally agree with you. I have seen many videos of TFL (which I really like) but it seems they can't make tyres spin, or it's not in the car agreement, but they definitely should know many SUV has electronic systems that they need or a minimum of speed in the wheel spinning or time to react. Let's say the Outlander needs 12MPH to really "lock" the wheel which is spinning to send the power to the other wheel. In the way this guys are driving the car will never climb as they stop at the first moment when the wheel loose contact.

[@galant310]

Baltazar Campos Nieto exactly! thanks i taught i was the only one that observed that. you are quite good

[@subazealand9158]

Yes, I saw with the videos with Subaru, the misadventure with the new Forester in the snow was just because they didn't give the time to X-Mode to work out what was happening there. People think because the push a button it's already "engaged" like a mechanical thing. By the way, they always say in the videos they test the cars and no drivers ability in off road, so saying this... it's a great reason to make the electronic work hard!

[@NIGHTMAREuki]

+kishon Palmer Tototas AWD systems in Rav4 and HIghlanger are garbage

[@subazealand9158]

Yes is true, is not the best system in the Highlander, although is also true that traction control needs the wheel slippage to overcome and get the control. In my experience with the Highlander, I'd say it wont be able to climb it, but it will do better than in this test. The AWD in the Highlander is mostly to bring safety in all conditions, but not in "all roads".

[@renzodelacruz7281]

Test out the new 2018 toyota highlander hybrid vs the 2019 honda pilot awd please on there offroading please

[@SilverScarletSpider]

Fact is Honda Pilot is the better off-road AWD and family 3 row suv. The push button shifter design is based off of similar BMW and Lamborghini pioneered designs. The EX-L trim still offers a traditional shifter.

[@salfont]

Did you guys ever engage the "Snow Mode" button on the Highlander. We had some pretty heavy snow in NYC last winter and that seemed to make a big difference in the Highlanders I rode in. Still pretty impressive for the Honda Pilot. Just curious, is this the same system that's in the Acura MDX?

[@rodneychan]

Just wonder did you guys lock the differential in the highlander or pilot???

[@1jco]

Could the Highlander of benefitted from locking the diff? If so why not use it on the test?

[@HikingHarter]

Did your highlander have locking diff? My 2015 highlander has a button that will force four wheel drive, would that have helped? Love my highlander and it has gotten me through some muddy situations where I probably shouldn't have had it, but it worked like a champ. Oh and if you think the Bridgestone are bad new, try them with 20k on them, ugh! Next winter I'm replacing.

[@LESTR97]

Never thought I'd see a Highlander do a burnout.

[@Steven-gv1ke]

If you watch the "diagonal test" videos on KZbin, the Honda Pilot and the Kia Sorento are the best. I would really like to see you test a Kia Sorento on Gold Mine Hill.

[@waltercid2691]

Could you please elaborate on why the push start transmission is not a good idea? I am thinking on buying a pilot with the 9 speed auto trans, thanks!

[@lawfin14]

hey, hit 400k! congrats!

[@chemicalcorral]

Darn it Nathan.. you were supposed to say Gold Mine Reviews, not real world reviews (thoughts of Roman), hahahaha. Thanks for the review TFL

[@ahndajong]

Great video. What terrain setting did you have the Honda in?

[@professional7481]

just a heads up, your grading scale used snowflakes, yet no snow was in the video

[@blackericdenice]

Great video guys.

[@glsracer]

Hopefully you'll get the Highlander hybrid and be able to take it on this trail. It would be interesting to see how the hybrid synergy drive MGR handles rear traction off road...

[@davi3901]

I love tfl car but I feel that the 1\2 points off the Honda just because it's a button transmission should be for a drive review not offroad so in my opinion 4/5 but it's still a good video, thank you Tflcar

[@baileal]

You gave it a 3.5 stars before it made it to the top of the hill. When it made it to the top of the hill you still gave 3.5 stars?

[@muneebk97]

keep up the great work!

[@sssmeee]

moral of the video...you guys don't know how to work the awd systems of these cars....

[@andrewmeekens1778]

For me the Honda wins 4 out of 5 because the Honda make the hill !!!!!!!

[@VictorTemchenko]

Did you have the Highlander with the Locked Diff enabled? I climb hills like that with mine with the Center lock down.

[@jesselamba6604]

I love that you guys use factory tires on these kind of tests. I feel most people don't bother equipping their vehicles with the correct tires, and I see these tests as a perfect way to see how a vehicle will perform in the event you get stuck in a muddy/snowy situation.

[@TheTreb68]

Welcome back nathan!!!!!!

[@ericpullen3717]

OK I'm still a bit new to the awd system I have a 2017 kia sorento awd on uneven ground in snow after a few seconds when stuck only the wheels with traction spin when I press the 4x4 lock all 4 wheels really spin at the same time but that changes after 20 to 25 mph the awd we see here need serious work I see two dead wheels here

[@mslotay]

Thank you so much for the detailed off road review. I was waiting for this comparison test from long time as your reviews are so real that you can take buying decision based on that. I am planning to buy family SUV with light off road capabilities and I was elevated towards highlander because it's driving dynamics, reliability and interior design(lexus alike) but was not sure it's off road capability in contrast to new pilot's. I don’t like new pilot's interior however pilot is more fuel efficient, powerful and better AWD system (looking at your review certainly pilot has better AWD system). I am going to re-evaluate my decision. Thanks again and keep it real always.

[@TFLcar]

You are most welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@wcjeep]

Be sure to test the Highlander seats. They lack lower back support. The dash controls are a long reach for shorter drivers. The new upper end Pilot has the ZF 9spd transmission. Not a great platform.

[@mslotay]

+wcjeep Thanks for your inputs. You are right, ZF 9 speed is overkill. I am tossing between pilot ex-l awd with nav and highlander xle awd, so ex-l has 6 speed transmission. I test drove highlander as well, seats are comfortable according to my body posture and dash looks beautiful, luxurious and managed to me (I am short guy). The fact that concerned to me highlander's off road ability compared to pilot's. And pilot has edge over power and fuel efficiency. At the same time after test driving both the vehicles I feel highlander is more engaging than pilot. Kind of confused :( I am still evaluating my final decision.

[@wcjeep]

+Manjeet Lotay my problem with the ZF 9spd transmission is how it works in the Jeep Cherokee. It's not good. Supposedly there are some changes for the Honda version. However, the ZF 9spd is subject to class action lawsuit under the Acura vehicles.

[@johnl2728]

+Manjeet Lotay The highlander has a rear locking differential. If off roading capability is most of your concern. Honda has no chance.

[@A_guan]

How does the pilot compare to the mdx? Off road wise is it the same system in the mdx

[@ricardofarias8936]

Can you guys try the 2016 explorer vs 2016 pilot

[@wantsanewvehicle]

+Ricardo Farias Explorer, hands down.

[@BernonCars]

Pilot ❤️

[@Agent77X]

Explorer not design for off-road use! I think you brought in the name "Explorer"! Try a Jeep or Land Rover! Honda maybe since it been used in some countries that have rough terrain! Explorer is a city only vehicle!

[@Joshuastem5622]

no ford's suck

[@NIGHTMAREuki]

+Ricardo Farias Explorer has a joke or AWD system, will be similar result to Highlander

[@triyonohendry1747]

What is the best between two cars? What is your recommendation to buy the cars? Toyota or Honda?

[@glsracer]

If you get the new XC90, please attempt this trail. Also I'm glad you took the new Pilot out, it really proves that they've improved the AWD system vs the CR-V and RDX (sans SH-AWD).

[@BeeeHonest]

Did you guys try 2016 MDX on that hill? I really like to find out how MDX handle that!

[@christianj252]

The guy lets off the gas at the wrong time and they also expect either car to make the hill. Biases off the charts, man!

[@ktl2001]

Can you take the MDX up this road? I want to see if the SHAWD system in action.

[@Sergei__v]

Incredibly good performance on the Pilot. What a great truck!

[@LogovoCA]

Thanks, the review was very helpful and it seems I have a new obsession now for not-quite-mini-van. What are your thoughts about 9-speed transmission in Pilot Touring vs 6-speed in any other trim? Is it really worth it? I think the weird buttons control is also Touring only.

[@vaxobasilidze2559]

If only touring also had 6 speed transmission... 9 speed gives a little better fuel economy and maybe a slightly better acceleration, but switching gears too often damages the ride comfort. Also Honda's 6 speed transmission is well tested through the years of exploitation and has already earned trust, while 9 speed is relatively new technology even for 2022. It's hard for me to trust it, because I'm going to buy a used car now, not a brand new. Therefore, it really depends on what you prefer. Better equipped car, with slightly better fuel economy or well tested, trustworthy transmission (I'm not saying that 9 speed is bad and gets damaged easily, but I just don't know how it performs in a long term). Honestly, I'm still thinking if I should go with EX-L or Touring...

[@billyjoejimbob56]

@@vaxobasilidze2559 I was asking myself the same questions five years ago. The 9-speed trans is from ZF and it has proved to be a bit troublesome in other car brands.... FCA, JagRover to name two. We bought a 2017 EX-L AWD with the 6AT and 18 inch wheels. 5 years and 70K later... no regrets. The only feature I wish we had is the perforated leather seats with memory settings. If I were in your shoes, find a nice clean EX-L. Ours is not for sale. We will be driving it another 5 years!

[@vaxobasilidze2559]

@@billyjoejimbob56 The only thing that attracts me to Touring is a much better audio system, which EX-L does not have. Otherwise, EX-L all the way

[@leadnsteel]

Why even bother rating tires? All the stock tires on these new suvs are thin and shit with no tread designed for the street. First thing I would do if I had one of these is change tires right away to more aggressive ones

[@williamnaidu178]

guys can you please do a gold mine hill test with the new 2019 ascent if possible.

[@newchannel1231]

impressive test

[@HDsgs114]

I like the off road videos you guys do with the crossovers, but I would like a more in depth comparison as well. Such as road road manners of each vehicle and interior comfort. I'm a tall guy and interior legroom in the front and back seats are important to me.

[@billthestinker]

Is it true this 9 speed transmission has been big problem in Acura MDX?

[@RobertBarth1]

What mode was the Pilot's terrain management system in?

[@brianheidler8927]

When will you guys review the Honda Accord

[@mrvwbug4423]

So what happened to the cliffhanger? Having been out there myself I'm going to guess that vehicles were getting too scratched up on that really narrow north part of the Switzerland Trail?

[@C0NT3NDER]

Now is the new pilot elite AWD or 4X4 system?

[@thomasnguyen5639]

Did you lock the center?

[@stewartmurray4658]

How is climbing a hill in the dry in anyway like driving on snow?

[@joemichel8908]

will you guys be willing to take a gls benz to see how far????

[@jeremiahsoltis7222]

why wasn't the snow button pushed on the highlander? that changes everything on the awd system and I bet it would launch up the last hill also u didn't lock the ad system

[@TheTaurus1988]

Good thing the highlander has a rear diff lock button. I would have just engaged that before going up the hill.

[@cuzimaluzer777]

what would be a better tire choice for the pilot?

[@tribunation]

Love my '14 Highlander. No problems in the snow at all. I don't have running boards. Next time to make it fair get a highlander with no running boards.

[@jordanhernandez8990]

I love my 2017 Honda Pilot AWD Touring 😁 184,000 miles and going strong 💪

[@quaterfield]

Why don't you guys try the Toyota Sienna AWD. I wanna see how far it can go up there. Thanks.

[@GTor1226]

Wonder if either of these wouldve made it with no issue with some tires made for off-roading.

[@justinmack773]

Which drive mode did you use in the Pilot?

[@eugeneleshchenko3226]

The button shifting is only available on the highest trim levels. The rest of the trims are still lever-shift...

[@AzamKhan-hm4wb]

Wait why is the push button gear shift bad? Is it because it's unusual?

[@ad-venturer305]

Tflcar do you ever test 4x4 or awd manual transmissions, as its pretty clear CVT is useless, auto maybe good..but....manual?

[@THEpicND]

I have a 1st gen highlander (2004) that has the better awd system. I have yet to test it offroad but the thing that really irks me is that there is no way to disable traction control on that vehicle

[@seatownkid821]

Did they take the same drive line with the Pilot, unfortunately that part was edited out.

[@AwesomesMan]

How would a new outback compare to these??

[@4OOQ]

Still don't understand the reasoning of this "snowflake scale". It doesn't seem as a very accurate method of effectively evaluating a car. Don't get me wrong, I've been a fan of TFL since the early years but I just can't make sense of this scale. Roman loves to remove a "snowflake" every time a CVT is involved...meaning a Nissan or other CVT heavy manufacturer could probably never get good score.

[@3113jp]

SO much difference depending on the line taken and how loose the surface is/is not.

[@EGGINFOOLS]

Ill never understand why people hit the brake or completely let off the gas as soon as they start to crest over the hill.

[@twicetwilight]

extremely impressed with hondas push to improve their awd competency. i think offering sh-awd across the board would be great too. take it from a guy who has owned 5 hondas, and 2 subarus. i had a crv awd that would always get stuck in the mud when we parked on the gravel portion of our driveway. i eventually switched to a forester . this pilot will give the upcoming tribeca a run for its money i think.