RELIABLE FAMILY FIGHT! -- 2023 Honda Pilot Elite vs. 2023 Toyota Highlander Platinum: Comparison

It's time for a NEW rematch! This is the ALL-NEW 2023 Honda Pilot vs the REFRESHED 2023 Toyota Highlander! These two have been battling for the hearts of American families for decades, and now they're going head-to-head again with the newest versions! SO which one will reign supreme??
Go ahead: CLICK to find out :) Also, be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and tap the notification bell if you enjoyed this review -- it helps us more than you can imagine!
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0:00 Intro
0:50 Pricing Comparison
1:34 Exterior Comparison
3:30 Interior Comparison
7:00 Rear Seats & Cargo Comparison
8:44 Test Drive & Impressions
13:25 Sound Level Readings (dB)
© Car Confections, LLC 2023. All rights reserved.
“Sampling the Latest Automotive Delicacies!”

[@lane5686]

Honda Pilot for me: 1) Naturally aspirated V6 and not turbocharged 2) Larger cargo room even with 3rd row seats up 3) Bigger interior/seats 4) Bulky enough to handle rough weather/terrain 5) Decent fuel economy 6) Again, no turbocharging nonsense and over the top gimmicky interior

[@Kanti12311]

AWD system is awesome too

[@zemo2332]

V6 will last 300K miles. Turbo 4 will last about 150K.

[@AAhmad3449]

@@zemo2332 4cyls been around for ages any could last with good maintenance

[@zemo2332]

@@AAhmad3449 I talked to several master mechanics and they told me that turbo needs to be replaced at 80K, 120K or 150K depending on your driving and maintenance, but no turbo 4 will last 250K or 300K. Turbo diesel will last 300K , but not turbo 2.4 gasoline. I had the same mechanic for the past 25 years and I trust his judgment.

[@lightshunshine3861]

@@zemo2332 Do you understand why Toyota changed the V6 NA to I4 turbo? because NA is more polluting and because its high emissions can increase the taxes paid, Toyota wants to focus on the European and Chinese markets which are strict with those regulations and generalize in all markets, namely using the i4 turbo, while Honda maybe even Nissan and including the Korean duo don't sell palisade , pilots and patfinders there, because even if they want to sell, they have to use a smaller engine with a turbo

[@brookebock4355]

The 3rd row space in the Highlander killed it for us. As much as we love Toyota, we reserved a Pilot so we can have a more comfortable 3rd row. Another thing that was a sell for us with the Pilot was the removable middle seat in the second row. My husband and I couldn’t agree between bucket seats and bench and that solved our problem!

[@alexkluh1407]

I’d choose the Pilot. I like the styling better, the more truck like angles, kind of reminds me more of a 4Runner. The style of the Highlander isn’t my favorite, reminds me of a big Subaru Outback.

[@josephpergola7171]

Reminds me of a station wagon

[@brandonyen7837]

Same me 😂

[@TheTruthCalls]

Funny, I have the exact opposite opinion. I think most mid-size and large SUV's are too boxy. The Highlander is one of the few that offers some curves. But hey, styling is subjective and it's whatever looks good to you. It's nice that we have so many options to choose from!

[@darriontunstall3708]

I would pick the Honda pilot

[@noniespam]

I would go with the Honda mainly because of the 3.5 naturally aspirated engine.

[@petermorse6707]

Amen brother.

[@360milliondollars]

Honda Pilot for me... Looks great, The V6 natural with no complications, bigger back seats, no known parts shortage, easier to fix when it ages, and if anything the 4 cylinder Highlander may not really get that MPG when the car is full of people with 4 cylinder.. also if the highlander's hybrid is old battery tech like in the Prius that degraded faster than a used Tesla (nickel/cobalt vs lithium)... that is a major NOPE for me because I would go for it as long as its Lithium Hybrid with a 8 Speed auto and a V6 but its a 4 Banger..Also, Pilot has a bigger after market, as I recall, than the Highlander.... And the driver seat in the Pilot goes back far enough for me...I have long legs...LOL

[@brydgeo007]

Honda had capitalized an extra year on the 3rd gen Pilot. And I think this is the right way to go with the Pilot... boxy and more truck-like just like the first and second gen. You will never go wrong either you go to Toyota or Honda. One is a little bit reliable, and the other is more versatile. Its just a matter of preference.

[@jtomtl]

V6 vs 4 popper, I am a Toyota fan but I am with Honda this time

[@collinmiller6988]

Not a fan of highlanders grills the last few years. Think the pilot looks better overall. Huge improvement from last gen Pilot exterior

[@TermlessHGW]

The only thing I don't like about the new Pilot is the front bumper. Somehow makes the car look like Bubba from Forest Gump.

[@acomment5991]

Not a fan of the Highlander’s grille

[@adamesd3699]

I think the general consensus is that the Pilot is the better choice if you plan to keep your SUV for the long term. Yeah, Toyota has a reputation for quality, but the Pilot’s combination of naturally aspirated V6 and normal auto transmission indicates really strong long-term reliability. Also, that trick removable 2nd row middle seat in the Pilot is an excellent idea. Finally, the Pilot has an actually usable 3rd row that can accommodate adults. The 3rd row in the Highlander is for little kids or emergency use only. The Highlander does have a really cool digital rear view mirror on higher trims, which the Pilot doesn’t offer. And the Highlander’s better fuel economy is significant, especially the hybrid Highlander (the non-hybrid version drives much better than the hybrid version, though). But the Pilot wins or draws in pretty much every other category.

[@jsfbay1]

I missed the transmission differences you're talking about. They are both torque-converted automatics, right? Two extra gears doesn't really change anything does it?

[@adamesd3699]

@@jsfbay1 Both transmissions are fine. The difference in the powertrain is the turbo for the Highlander vs the V6 for the Pilot.

[@Richard-xv7yf]

The honda 3.5 isn't breaking any reliability records either. Worked on many relatively low mileage ones

[@adamesd3699]

@@Richard-xv7yf Recent Honda 3.5 V6’s? I know the cylinder deactivation caused some issues for older ones, but not sure if that’s been resolved.

[@jsfbay1]

@@Richard-xv7yf Can you tell us what sort of issues you've seen?

[@VisualObserver]

I would go with Pilot.

[@allenparks8706]

I would go with CX-90.

[@VisualObserver]

@@allenparks8706 I don’t see cx-90 in the video 😂

[@alexzman85]

Honda is trash in reliability now.

[@mohammedabidurrahman4711]

Can't wait to see the comparison between Grand highlander vs pilot.

[@issavibez394]

Toyota

[@hybridstiger]

N/A V6 > Turbo I4. I will take the smoothness and refinement of a N/A V6 over a torqueky Turbo I4 in a midsize family.

[@ThePyroKnight]

Great video. Seems like the $1,000 difference at the end wasn't enough to reward Toyota with a point. The Honda definitely has them beat because you're getting a lot more for practically the same price tag

[@jsfbay1]

Agree - did I hear you say there had to be a 5% difference for a category? Well $1k on $50k is less than 5%!

[@issavibez394]

Less reliable

[@aramis8231]

This difference is misleading, at least for the time being because there is no way you can get now the Pilot for MSRP. I tried to get it around two weeks ago and they tried to sell me the Pilot more than $4000 over MSRP at Germain Honda of Naples, but I hear Honda's dealerships are doing that nationwide. Crazy and not worthy.

[@rleung2001]

Toyota remota starter charge $9 a month.

[@LoialCreative]

@@aramis8231 Here on the east coast, it's the opposite. Highlanders are going for around $6k-8k over MSRP and you'll have to wait at least a month if you're lucky but more likely several months. Meanwhile, I found a large handful of Pilots at dealerships in the area, either available today or within the next month at the latest, and they're all going for MSRP.

[@DisneyMusicVideos]

I've always been much more of a Toyota guy, but would have to go with the Pilot this time mainly for the engine, V6 over turbo 4 any day. I also love the new styling of the Pilot a bit more than the Highlander.

[@tinhinnh]

timing chain would be nice

[@spursdynasty7378]

V6 over turbo crap any day 😂

[@kgisabeast]

The last gen highlander looked better. This new one reminds me of a Subaru

[@hybridstiger]

@mrthree Timing chains have their pros and cons vs Timing belts.

[@everydayfun9531]

Screw the Turbo Crap aint buying in that Bull**** naturally aspirated all the way!

[@funharry3567]

I will go with the pilot. I love the Honda Engine and looks

[@jebril]

It sounds so good if you're a guy youll be happy with it lol

[@MSzudera]

I’d love to see the Pilot VS. the Grand Highlander

[@paleobrownie1474]

Exactly! Grand highlander hybrid max for me !! 34 mpg & 362 HP

[@josephpergola7171]

That switxh to the 4 cylinder engine by Toyota is a deal breaker for me. The Highlander is too heavy of a vehiicle for that engine. While the turbo does give it more torque, it adds complexity and strain on the smaller engine. I worry about longevity.

[@petermorse6707]

Bang on .

[@jdizzle312]

It’s been already tried and true with many 4 popper turbos. Engineers have been aware of this exact concern since the 90s. Toyota wouldn’t give up its reliability reputation either.

[@Hernsama]

That engine has been out since 2021, if I’m not mistaken.

[@lightshunshine3861]

Do you understand why Toyota changed the V6 NA to I4 turbo? because NA is more polluting and because its high emissions can increase the taxes paid, Toyota wants to focus on the European and Chinese markets which are strict with those regulations and generalize in all markets, namely using the i4 turbo, while Honda maybe even Nissan and including the Korean duo don't sell palisade , pilots and patfinders there, because even if they want to sell, they have to use a smaller engine with a turbo

[@JP-zh6ss]

I drove a turbo Passat for over 200k miles without any problem whatsoever and the engine was still running perfectly when I sold the car. Turbos are great,they give you more torque less weight, less consumption and can be perfectly reliable when maintenance is done properly. I would be more concerned with potential carbonization issue with direct injection V6.

[@karenc4692]

Awesome video comparing and contrasting! Thanks

[@JP-zh6ss]

I like both of them but I wouldn't make a choice before looking at the new Mazda CX 90 to be unveiled in a couple of days!

[@AAhmad3449]

Who gets excited for a mazda?

[@sharijackson3985]

@@AAhmad3449 people who care about the driving experience.

[@AAhmad3449]

@@sharijackson3985 Mazdas don’t drive nice though imo

[@lightshunshine3861]

@@AAhmad3449 u didnt try

[@piffstar82]

@Ahmad G. and they are now made by Toyota so good reliability as well.

[@northernfpv9562]

Actual real world availability should factor into this too. I ordered a Platinum Highlander Hybrid in Toronto 16 months ago, and Toyota still has no idea when/if it'll ever be delivered. Meanwhile, I contacted a Honda dealer today about a Black Edition (Elite) Pilot that they advertised on AutoTrader and I bought it on the spot. It's not the perfect vehicle, with fuel economy being the real drawback - especially compared to a Highlander Hybrid - but it does look a heck of a lot cooler than the Highlander. I had a 3rd gen Pilot and loved it. It got stolen so I wanted to check out the Highlander. Too bad Toyota couldn't deliver. Glad to be getting another Pilot!

[@marksmith4582]

Highlander without question! Having been a Toyota owner 4 previous times. Their quality for me is fine. I am impressed with the new turbo 4 cylinder engine. Toyotas tried and true 3.5 V6 is still an excellent option on other models. Thank you for sharing this Drew and Mason! Well done! Mark in Iowa.

[@marcussmith7813]

Does the 4cyl turbo require premium fuel?

[@Toklat]

You are alone

[@marksmith4582]

@@Toklat I don’t hardly think so!

[@RGF1749]

The Pilot offers 2nd row “bench” on its top trim, while the Highlander only offers captain chairs. That eliminates the Highlander as an option for me. 7:43

[@jsfbay1]

Yes, this is a big deal for our family. We need room for 3 people in the 2nd row! I'm curious to see if the new Mazda CX-90 will sell a top-trim model with a 2nd-row bench - hardly *anyone* offers this outside of Honda and Acura (Pilot and MDX.) Ford Explorer is the only mainstream vehicle I know besides these two that lets you have a bench in a top trim.

[@RGF1749]

I’m also curious to see if the Grand Highlander will offer a 2nd row bench. Wish all manufacturers had it as an option at least.

[@danny4289]

The Limited comes with a bench as an option. Not sure about the platinum.

[@persaud101]

Toyota guy right here. I would go with the Pilot all day even over the Sequoia forget about the Highlander which I test drove couple months back and was underwhelmed big time… Pilot should have bench seating option in the trail sport and a bigger infotainment screen and it would be a home run…

[@kstan1257]

So couldn't you just order the middle seat for the trail sport and make it a bench seat? I'm sure the mounting hardware is there isn't it?

[@persaud101]

@@kstan1257 I am not sure I will have to ask the dealer

[@josejuniealberto5537]

You cant go wrong either of the 2. They're both very reliable and durable

[@daltonshull4077]

Drove both. Planned in a Highlander. Bought a 2023 Pilot last Saturday.

[@HarmeetSingh-uh2qg]

You guy did amazing job. Thanks a lot

[@CarConfections]

Glad you liked it! Thank you 😊

[@gsbrooks6]

Got a Highlander Hybrid XLE. Plenty of get up. Mileage is avg. 32. Great car. Both Honda and Toyota appear to b good cars. Also have RAV 4, my main reason for Toyota is resale and we have a good Service Center. Good customer support. Sold my 2 Prius's. Also good cars. Never a problem.

[@aadeorukhkar]

Superb comparison! Very helpful to have it side by side!

[@CarConfections]

Thanks! Glad you liked it!

[@josecamachohernandez4756]

Let’s wait for the Grand Highlander which Toyota will release in February 8 in Chicago. That would be the real comparison. Keep the good work Car’s Confection!

[@naveenthemachine]

Prepare to be disappointed 😂 Knowing toyota this will be a huge letdown. You’ll all be disappointed with it. I can say the grand Highlander lost badly to every rival before we even see it It won’t be anywhere near as attractive or as luxurious or as feature rich or as well built or spacious or as exciting. It’ll just be another boring Toyota suv that’s not competitive

[@kokopuffs5789]

@naveenthemachine but, but, but......... Toyota reliability......... 🤣🤣🤣 ....GTFOH!! Toyotas are boring. who wants to keep an underwhelming vehicle for so many years just because it is barely more reliable than the rest?

[@CarConfections]

Thanks! We look forward to covering the Grand Highlander next week!

[@naveenthemachine]

@@kokopuffs5789 what makes you think a turbo 4 hybrid w a 6 speed auto will be instantly reliable?

[@LDND1013]

@@CarConfections So you will be reviewing the grand Highlander before it’s debut at the Chicago auto show? I am looking forward to it 😊

[@saimashehzadi2743]

I think the pilot and I think y’all should’ve gave a extra point for the Honda pilot seatbelt safetys

[@drivescene6747]

The previous Gen Highlander was so much better looking than this new one and this new Pilot is a lot better than the previous one. For the previous Gen, I would choose the Highlander but for this generation, the Pilot wins hands down.

[@flipturn5998]

What a great critique, guys!! Love the split screen and point-giving through the review! We’ll done!!

[@CarConfections]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed 😁

[@muhammadfarhad4853]

I chose Honda pilot

[@ramgtjax]

Pilot. It’s got the V6 still

[@mymartinez21able]

Honda Pilot. I had a second generation I recently parted with and I loved it! I’m in an Accord now since I was waiting for this new generation to come out. The only thing I’m wondering about is the headlights; are they similar to the Accord’s? I’ve talked with a few other Accord owners (2019 - 2022) and our only complaint is that we feel like the headlights do not illuminate the road very well.

[@achaz23]

If they're the same or better than our 2022 Pilot Black, they're great! I like driving my wife's Pilot far better than my 2012 Toyota Venza at night. Much better visibility and lighting. I wanted a Honda Crosstour but couldn't find one inside of 500 miles when I bought my Venza. Still beats the crap out of my 2002 Civic.

[@aramis8231]

Not only that Marissa, I already tried a Pilot here in the area where I live (Naples) and I can tell you I was disappointed. Not only the infotainment system screen looks ridiculous on cabin so big, but the car's power was not want I expected. Maybe my experience was tainted becuse I tested drove a 2023 Ford Explorer the day before and it was great the way I drove, that the Honda Pilot was not even close. I had high hopes on this new Pilot and was waiting for it to come out to the market but I will definitely be waiting until Honda revises some of the things I think the car needs to get fixed. First and foremost, more power. Just 285 HP will no do for me. HONDA needs to do better considering the Explorer gets 300 HP to 400 HP depending on the engine on the trim you get with better fuel economy. Second, they need to get rid of that small screen on the Honda's infotainment system, and very important, Honda's dealerships have to stop trying to steal people by charging $4000 or more over MSRP 🙄

[@ijl05]

That 4-cylinder turbo from the Highlander sounds terrible 😢. I’ll stick with the V6 in the Pilot.

[@petermorse6707]

I ALSO.

[@jebril]

The V6 in the Honda is an amazing engine sounds so good.

[@ladas1106]

Honda Pilot V6 for me. Toyota's 4 cylinder is a deal breaker. Plus, the Highlander's raised transmission tunnel in the rear seat also makes the Pilot an easier choice.

[@petermorse6707]

v6 all the way.

[@plmn93]

Pilot's seats are quite low to the floor, not very comfortable if you're over 6' tall despite what the numbers claim. Be sure to drive before you decide.

[@arthur719]

Pilot wins on exterior, highlander wins on interior. Highlander wins on the engine. That low end torque is all the matters for 99% of drivers. Great video keep up the good work!

[@chrispnw2547]

The heavier a vehicle gets the greater load on the 4-cylinder turbo. I suspect with a full load the Highlander will not achieve the higher fuel economy it claims. The V6 with 10 gears will be far more refined and predictable under load.

[@almassengale]

But will it hold up as well? I've had much better luck over the years with non-turbo engines.

[@CarConfections]

Thanks!

[@arthur719]

@@almassengale I can promise you Toyotas 4 cyl turbo engine will outlast Hondas 10 speed automatic transmission. I would be more worried about wonky transmissions in Hondas than the engines in Toyota.

[@navi_exl]

The honda pilot is always the best choice. They always kept the tried and true V6 engines in them since 2003.

[@jackibagbaga7638]

Got 2005 pilot, 175k and still runs great. I replaced the alternator once but other than that just regular maintenance belts, oil, tire, brake pads replacement.

[@dumitrascuclaudiu7097]

You Made the Best Side By Side Cars Review , i Ever see, 0n Yt!! Good Job!

[@CarConfections]

Thanks! 😃

[@vinceclark9193]

I like the Pilot ! You can't beat the 3.5 v6 !!!

[@petermorse6707]

No v6 no Highlander for me.

[@TheTruthCalls]

I guess it depends on what's important to you. I'm tired of the gas bills so I opted for a 2023 Highlander Hybrid and it's 36 MPG. In my mind that beats the 3.5 V6.

[@redwolfmendoza]

I Test drove a 2023 Honda Pilot a few days ago and Yes I agree, the transmission is very smooth and makes it pleasurable to drive.

[@almassengale]

For my family the Pilot would be the easy choice. The better third row, extra cargo room, and removable middle seat make a difference. That said were our needs only for two rows and an occasional use third row the Highlander's smaller size might be appealing. Back when we had fewer kids the fact that the Highlander was a few inches shorter and narrower than a Pilot and fit better in our very tight garage was a huge plus that made us get one. Didn't love that generation of car but the size is a nice inbetween size for some people.

[@noniespam]

Listening to you guys talk during the driving test it seems the road noise is much higher in the Highlander.

[@Valencio1031]

We've had Highlander since 2004... and we have 2022 highlander hybrid and i love the fuel efficiency, i dnt need power since i drive most of the time in the city...

[@CoralSea]

The Pilot has torque vector AWD which is superior over the Highlander AWD.

[@danny4289]

Incorrect. The XSE, Limited, and Platinum trim Highlanders also have torque vectoring AWD just like Hondas i-VTM4

[@CoralSea]

@@danny4289 they’re not real torque vectoring. They use brakes to mimic it but true torque vectoring like the Honda’s

[@danny4289]

@@CoralSea incorrect again. Not sure what you’re talking about or where you’re getting your information from but the rear axle can receive up to 50% of the engine torque. The rear differential contains electromagnetic couplers for each wheel that can distribute part or all of that torque to either rear wheel. When you’re talking about using brakes and what not that’s more for stability control

[@JoeE.]

I also want to see a comparison between the Pilot and the Pathfinder.

[@arhamkhakwani5851]

Pilot. It’s not even close. Though I’d also argue that the Highlander is even better than the Pathfinder.

[@lionintu]

@@arhamkhakwani5851 it's definitely not an argument. Pathfinder comes in third.

[@Pdep90]

@@arhamkhakwani5851 matter of opinion

[@arhamkhakwani5851]

@@Pdep90 that’s true. However, just by the specs, the Pilot surpasses the Pathfinder. Though I know the Pathfinder is an amazing vehicle for families.

[@odnamorvr3053]

The Pathfinder crushes the Pilot

[@lbnelli]

I would go with a pilot! I have had my 2005 Honda pilot for 18 years and it is just now letting me know it's over me! Hahahaha

[@fakedazzleful]

Nice. I had a 2006 Honda pilot but had to sell it due to transmission problems.

[@lbnelli]

@@fakedazzleful oh sorry. I have luckily not had my transmission issues until recently. I am hoping for the release of a black edition 2023 pilot in the summer. Canada already has it.

[@vegetar7886]

My 05 pilot has 230,000 miles, been great and reliable I haven't changed anything but a timing belt and what comes with it and breaks, oil changes that's it, I also taking hunting every year never been stuck in snow ect

[@drcldiao2]

I would go for the Honda because of its V6 and size of the engine as well as its 10 speed transmission. I also like the new look and its larger size. Having a Turbo, like the Highlander, is a pain on the neck when it breaks down and very expensive to fix.

[@atulyaop2803]

Best 3 row suvs. I will say the highlander is good. Keep up the good work.

[@muhiyadenfarrah]

Once again you did it right , today 02-18-2023 I test drive the Honda Pilot and I love it, currently I am driving BMW x4 and I am ready to switch to the Honda pilot !

[@marypeterson1011]

The Pilot is more visually appealing and has improvements where it needed them. I just put an order in for a ‘23.

[@hashimmian9640]

i traded in my 2023 toyota highlander with 2023 honda pilot elite i like the pilot better

[@Slim1986]

I would pick the pilot!

[@danielclark5049]

I'm not sure if they said it or not but what is the overall MPG on the pilot?

[@gregoryjefferson6311]

16 Pilot Owner here . Poorer fuel economy & all , give me a FWD Touring Pilot please .

[@malikqadeer2341]

My favrat honda pilot 💕💜💗💯

[@SnoopiFL5]

I would go pilot

[@TwoPair72]

Use the larger screen size from the Accord, real exhaust outlets and the brown interior more available. Add an option to the Elite adding a power tilt/telescoping wheel, digital rear view mirror and ventilated second row seats. I’m sold.

[@tommckay6354]

Pilot is great, but with hybrid and 45% better fuel economy, highlander is better

[@almassengale]

Depends on your needs. If you will regularly be using the third row the Pilot pulls away. If a smaller and more fuel efficient car is what you want a Highlander Hybrid is tough to beat.

[@MrAsh-cw5cq]

I like the pilot

[@tyhome1]

With the improvement of the overall look of the Pilot, I bought one and love it.

[@francoisw]

Pilot all the way! As good as the Highlander is, it looks like my grandma’s SUV...

[@michaelcarr8320]

I owned a 6cy Toyota sienna 2005, was time to upgrade. The new sienna's are turbo 4cy and that is a no for me. Saw too many vehicles on a mountain road not able to get enough power to pass. We still needed space since we have kids at home and the wife wanted something "cooler", so we made a list of the top 5 , 3 row suv. It came down to honda pilot and Toyota highlander. The deciding factor was #1 Honda Pilot has a better AWD system, #2 Honda pilot has a 6cy engine. So Honda pilot was the winner for us. (sometimes life is more than mpg)

[@user-cn4ih4ro2u]

Leased the Toyota Highlander platinum.. Known Toyota Reliability.. 12 inch screen compared to Honda’s 2 inch screen. The 4cyl Turbo is the same as the 6, no turbo lag, with half the emissions for out planet .. the platinum trim is like being inside of a Lexus.. plus great fuel economy!

[@jaybanthony]

I think they are both ok but I couldn't justify spending 50k plus for either one of them. I think these manufacturers are losing the plot.

[@barbz_zayne]

right??

[@ProVishGaming]

Especially with rising interests and monthly payments, it’s ridiculous to drop 50 grand on a car

[@redcapote4760]

@@ProVishGaming So don't. There are other options that aren't 3 row SUV's capable of going off the pavement, such as an Accord for $27k. My $25k Accord is a TON of car for the money, and looks like a $40,000 car.

[@ProVishGaming]

@@redcapote4760 TBH accord for 27k for a mid-level model is eh. Back in the day, 26k got you a fully loaded accord with nav and v6. But yeah I agree with your point that there are other types of vehicles that give more bang for your buck.

[@redcapote4760]

@@ProVishGaming Times and prices have changed, friend. That's $27k for a BASE model Accord (LX), but I have to be honest, my $25k 2020 base model feels like a lot of car for $25k. It's roomy as heck, it feels bigger inside than an E-Class. And it has features standard on a base model that you pay extra for on an E-Class. But yea, back in the day I had a V8 GMC Sierra regular cab for $23,000 and now you can't touch that for under $45,000. Everything practically doubled in 15 years. Is the Pilot about $5-6k too pricey? Yea, I think so, but I think the Elite will be all the car I could want or need for the next 5-6 years, so I plan on getting a 2024 model towards the end of this year.

[@billnewberry6295]

I bought a Highlander at the end of 2022, but had considered the Pilot. Knowing that there was more room in the Honda's third row was one of the main factors, but that's not a seat I will use that much. I've also been burned with first model year vehicles in the past - notably the 2020 Explorer - so that made me more hesitant. Whereas this generation Highlander has been around for a while, so there's history behind it. I like the reliable technology of a gear selector... plus it gives me something to rest my hand on! Last reasons are Toyota's have a better reputation for reliability in my eyes, and being a tall man - 36-inch legs - Honda's have never really proven to me that they can build legroom into their vehicles.

[@D0NTsmokeCRACK]

As a tall person myself I feel the opposite. I’ve never really fit in any Toyotas other then the full sized offerings while I fit fine in most Hondas. Hence the two Hondas in the driveway right now. Toyota was my first choice on paper but when we went to the dealer they were both quickly ruled out.

[@plmn93]

@@D0NTsmokeCRACK I'm 6'3" with a 36" inseam like the OP and I found the Pilot's seats way too close to the floor. My knees are in the air in every seat except the height-adjustable driver's seat. You have to go all the way up to the Elite to get height adjust in the passenger seat. Because of that it felt a lot more cramped than the specs would seem to indicate.

[@angelmichael8907]

i agree

[@tomdrummy4984]

Honda……for n/a v6 ! 🙂

[@Fanturama]

Ive been a Honda guy most of my adult life owning both 2008 and 2015 Honda Civics. I was on the market for a mid size family SUV. Safety and reliability were some of my most important qualities. Following this was fuel economy which was very important to me so I wanted a hybrid. I was very dissappointed in finding out the Honda Pilot doesnt offer such a variant. For that reason they were crossed off my list from the get go. I tried giving hybrid CRV a go and I liked it. But it was too small. I did see where the highlander does have a cramped 3rd row. But with a 2 year old and new baby on the way, that 3rd row is going to be used only by kids in a cinch anyways. When our kids get bigger we can always upgrade to something like the Grand Highlander. It really fixes that problem of the og highlander. Time will tell if I end up regretting my purchase.

[@preoksaha4504]

All the pilot needs is a bigger screen and a bench seat for the second row for the trail sport it would be the perfect vehicle! I’m getting sick of captain’s chairs 💀

[@360milliondollars]

I was thinking that if a dealer were to sell the middle seat in the Elite can you place it in the Trail Sport or maybe an after market will supply such a thing because I think the Pilot has a bigger after market than the Highlander and with the new ones out now with a natural V6 it should be an after market for the vehicle. If they still have the connection spots in the Trail version it may be possible to add it in after market if dealer or Honda not selling direct to customer.

[@dimav975]

​@@360milliondollars не сможете, так как у капитанских кресел свои подлокотник которые будут мешать

[@xBeeGee]

I want the v6

[@9tube1]

As the owner of 2004 Pilot and a 2017 Pilot who would never drop down from a V-6, my obvious choice is the Pilot

[@christiangandolfo1107]

Do either “elite” or “platinum” have ambient interior lighting around the dash and door panels?

[@barbz_zayne]

Both of them do, both have them in the dash and front door panels and door handles, but only the Highlander brings the lighting into the back with the door handles.

[@twiatrok1]

Elite has in floor and handles

[@zemo2332]

V6 over turbo4 any day.

[@michaelchoun747]

Pilot please thank you cause of the look IMO

[@farcinue]

Hybrid Highlander for the mpg for me. Plus, the new Pilot looks like a late 1990s Isuzu Rodeo.

[@taimahshu4920]

Honda's AWD system runs circles around the Toyota. Which would you rather drive in a snow storm.

[@1MarkKeller]

Honda, we want that 12.3" screen from the Accord in the Pilot/Passport/Ridgeline/Odyssey for next year as an option, if not standard. Please

[@shararihamideh1608]

I think honda will add it in since there is a cutout near the infotainment system that looks like it can accommodate a 12.3 inch screen

[@_Nik_464]

Honda pilot. Not sure how they compared them in video but cargo space 1.5 times more in pilot with 3rd row up. And it is noticeable. Also the “box” idea is a really nice. I can put smaller items, close the “lid” and put heavier items on top. I think next they really need to make a small refrig zone in there. V6 vs v4 is also noticeable. 3rd row space wins and the overall design. Plus toyota dealerships add more markup typically, 42k msrp xse they wanted to sell for 49k and still I was offered to wait ~2weeks for it. Honda max markup that I had seen at local dealerships was 3k. So the Toyota dealerships eat the official diff and ask for even more.

[@dstalley8623]

Pilot is for me! I have a 2009. Looking forward to the upgrade of the 2023! Great review!

[@CarConfections]

Thanks!

[@krmanahan3904]

Honda is known for comfortability and spacious. Thats the only reason i love honda

[@sospicious]

i love how all the comments are saying the pilot is a better choice.

[@shadyguyeast1776]

I hope Toyota is taking notes of the longer wheelbase of the Honda Pilot for the grand highlander

[@naveenthemachine]

I doubt it. Toyota is incapable of taking notes in anything 😂 If anything it’ll be a huge letdown

[@matthewgrayson8]

The pilot looks good, very clean design.

[@jm4774]

Besides the 4 cylinder turbo being an issue for me, Toyota also charges a subscription for their Nav system and remote start. Each one requires a subscription! Last I looked, Nav was around $16/mo and remote start was $8/mo. That doesn't make me happy for the Highlander.

[@TheTruthCalls]

J M Remote Start using the app requires a subscription. However, you also have remote start using the key fob and that does not require a subscription. In my opinion, the app is a PITA to use, and given the range on the fob, that's sufficient for me. YMMV

[@JohnErikMills]

Just bought a highlander hybrid. Would have bought the pilot if it came with a hybrid powertrain but no such luck.

[@farhaanchy]

design wise, tow and power wise I like the pathfinder.....Pilot looks like a bigger version of accord interior wise....

[@gestebu]

I like the Pathfinder except I'd hate to stare at that plain, ugly steering wheel every drive. Surely they could do one with more styling.

[@LexxLuther100]

That small baby screen in the Honda is not doing it. How come the New accord has a way bigger screen. Honda always does weird stuff like that. Honestly I’d get the Telluride, I think the interior is better.

[@kennethwalewski]

That dark brown leather interior on the 2023 Pilot looks good but I don’t even see it as an option on Hondas website at least not in the USA. Bummer I would probably buy it with that interior.

[@CarConfections]

It can only be combined with certain exterior colors, so if you keep changing the colors it'll pop up eventually

[@larrycornwell3974]

I will go Honda pilot I like the design and led lights it may be more expensive but it gives you alot

[@sportmodel3970]

When the Highlander had its last body change 2020 I had one. After years of owning Highlanders this design was disappointing. Besides the lousy four cylinder which has now been improved with turbo, it was nosy. But the surprise was the gunk that accumulated on the lower section of the drivers door during winter driving. I had never had this issue in any vehicle. Small stones and dirt were stuck in the rubber sealing. You would have to spray it out WITH THE DOOR OPEN or painstakingly scrub and pick out the stones from between the gasket material. Of course this isn’t a test you would ever do, but definitely consider.

[@TheKingkingg]

Both awesome, but Honda for me.

[@rf_v6]

Pilot. N/A V6. Superb AWD system. Fit and finish. Roomy. Exterior looks. and last, not that overrated toyota products.

[@vikashchandra8123]

For me it would be would I prefer the traditional shifter or more leg room on the third row

[@AHA500]

Seems the Pilot beat the breaks off the Highlander in the comments.

[@kroatoaneight-four]

Just a simple request: if you added a point to one over the other, please do mention quickly. I have to go back in the video to check when was the point added to, say, the Pilot. Thanks! I would also appreciate if all seats can be folded, can we have that shown in the video to get a "feel" of the size of the whole cargo area when all seats are down.

[@jefferybaxter1225]

Hello gentlemen. Good comparison video between the new generation Honda Pilot and new generation Toyota Highlander. It was close. Both vehicles are nice in their own way. My vehicle of choice between these two would be the Honda Pilot. The Pilot still retained the V6 engine, which is nice, has more overall space, especially in the cargo area and has a more rugged stance.

[@CarConfections]

Thank you, Jeffrey!

[@SK-xu4uk]

Pilot seems more appealing considering a whole package. The highlander can be cosidered in hybrid version though.

[@aaronh1230]

Add .5 point to Pilot for Paddle Shifters. Unusable 3rd row of Highlander is a deal-breaker and should award more points to Pilot. Isn't the whole point of a 3-row SUV is being able to use the 3rd row? Currently I get 30+ mpg in my Pilot Elite. Also, you didn't award points properly for cargo space. We had a Double BOB stroller that could slide straight into our Pilot, and our friend with a Highlander had to turn the same stroller sideways and remove the front wheel.

[@gordogabor]

The 2023 Toyota Highlander also comes with V6 3.5 L version AWD I just boat a week ago in Toronto. I loved the honda but didn't want it because they have a problem with 10 seeps automatic transmission

[@wluoma]

In your grading, you gave the Highlander a full point for 3mpg better milage and another half point for being able to know somebody may driving the same car in a hybrid version -- with no discussion of the hybrid's price or performance. You also awarded half a point for a 2% price difference. On the other hand, the pilot's infotainment screen and its integration are a huge dissapontment for me -- to the point where I am holding out for the 2024 Pilot since I'm sure that screen problem will have to be fixed by then.

[@evanarellano6239]

I just bought a 2023 Highlander Platinum Hybrid primarily for the fuel economy. Gas is $5.50 a gallon in California so the 36mpg was a priority. I've had Toyota 1990 22RE pickup, 2006 4Runner, 2004 Honda Odyssey & 2016 CRV. Will only buy from Honda & Toyota.