The Winner Is Obvious: 2023 Toyota Highlander vs 2023 Honda Pilot | AWD Torture Test & Off-Road

[@Bdub1952]

Building your own controlled environment was the best thing you could have ever done. Congrats to TFL for the excellent comparisons, overall content and forward thinking.

[@AHungryHunky]

It is great, as it establishes a baseline and makes comparisons across multiple vehicles easier, even if they are not in the same video. But I still think some good old raw trail footage is great, not for the best comparison tests but for just some action and drama

[@Bdub1952]

@@AHungryHunky absolutely. I'll never forget Roman flogging that little Suzuki SX4 up the Jeep trail so many moons ago. 😅

[@jensteiner1318]

I have the new 2023 Honda Pilot Touring!! This is my third pilot. I’ve had the 2011,2016 and now the 2023. They never disappoint!

[@brendanbaldridge1942]

So how do you like the 2023 vs the 2011? Is it as roomy as the 2011? The generation between the two just seemed too small. The wife really likes the boxier style of her 2012, but we haven’t actually seen a 2023 on a lot.

[@CriticalThinker27]

Our 2016 pilot's engine started knocking a rod which is a known issue from a manufacturing defect. Honda denied our good will request. We traded it for a Toyota. Honda is not accountable for their mistakes. Beware.

[@vj5225]

6:50 For the Highlander you have to turn traction control off to engage the 3rd wheel. This same test was done with a 4 runner and after traction was turned off it pulled out.

[@Vox-Populi]

Same was true for the 2001-2007 Sequoia. I never got stuck over 250,000 miles, even with street tires.

[@anon0054]

Turning traction control off?? Makes no sense.

[@vj5225]

@@anon0054 Have you ever seen the same tests done on a Highlander or 4Runner? I saw the same test performed and they failed in the same maneuver but once the traction control was turned off, it allowed all wheels to activate automatically as a default for more power allowing the truck to move off the stuck track. The way Toyota programs the traction control, it limits all wheels from spinning which is why it failed this test. I'm too old to be sitting here and making up stuff to get keyboard warrior points.

[@JohnJeep7]

I’m pretty impressed with the Pilot , the Highlander did very well for what 9/10 people would need , if you needed more off road it’s just logical to go to the 4runner or sequoia , Honda doesn’t offer something else more capable so I guess that’s why they put the extra effort into the off road variant of the Pilot , excellent comparison video Tommy 👍🏼

[@AE86FTS]

Well if you live in an area where with snows, the Highlander's performance is not acceptable. There will be scenarios where only one wheel has traction

[@JohnJeep7]

@@AE86FTS I do and have most of my life and I agree but I’m not sure of your point when I stated if you need more then buy something else lol

[@AE86FTS]

@@JohnJeep7 well you stated that the Highlander's will satisfy 9/10 people, implying that only 1/10 live in areas where it snows

[@Justmejbful]

Many fwd vehicles survive in snowy climates tho

[@plmn93]

​@@AE86FTS9 out of 10 drivers in snowy areas currently drive vehicles less capable than the Honda. Heck many of us got by just fine for decades with open diff 2wd. I don't think you understand what people actually need. Every storm I see capable vehicles in the ditch because some people believe AWD/4wd systems can defy the laws of physics.

[@joew8440]

In my 50 years of driving I have never encountered rollers. I must need to get out more. Joking, nice tests Tommy

[@erikcalonje8336]

Awesome comparison I have driven the 2023 Highlander AWD XSE and I will say it’s super comfortable on road and nice to see where the limitations are incase you go a little off road or in snowy situation… Keep up the good work guys!! You’re the best on KZbin!!

[@slavkochepasov8134]

The LED headlights is awesome! I am on Honda Ridgeline but it same great expedience with special LED headlights.

[@DanielDaniel1]

I swear Tommy I feel like I’m looking at your dad more and more on these videos. It’s been so cool watching you grow into your critical role to this channel and I feel like it’s not addressed

[@lastplaceracing6540]

The most amazing results from these tests are...they didn't spontaneously combust like the Dodge Hornet did 😅

[@micarthroadonis]

JDM all day lol

[@Mechanix360]

When did this happen? 😂

[@fernandowong4770]

​@@Mechanix36013:41

[@patrickrivard4030]

I own a Honda Pilot. I live in Canada and drive it in real world situations involving snow. The traction control system is useless. In deep snow, slush, or very slippery situations, i turn off the traction control. Yes i turn it OFF. What I have found with the traction system on, the computer cuts the power when there is wheel slip, which is the last thing you want. All this does is makes you sink and plows you deeper into the snow. With it off, the pilot responds a lot better by having all four tires spin at once without having any power cut, which allows you to build momentum. With the traction control off, you are relying on the Pilots limited slip differential system which is a lot better if you know how to take advantage of this system. You need to be confident on the gas and understand how to counter steer and yes, good quality snow tires are a must. You wouldn't want to go long distances in conditions like this, but if you want to get out of an unplowed parking lot or down a back lane to a plowed street, this has always worked best for me.

[@slotsmaster8877]

Do you have trailsports version as well?

[@albertatundra]

I also own a pilot in Canada, your issue is your tires. If you change to an AT tire, it is pretty much unstoppable in the snow.

[@TermlessHGW]

Honda's tourqe vectoring AWD is awesome in daily use. I've never taken my Ridgeline off-road but drive in snow in a hilly area. Never let me down once.

[@mct8888]

Highlander also has torque vectoring AWD in upper trims.

[@slavkochepasov8134]

I totally agree! Same daily experience with Honda's torque vectoring AWD on my Ridgeline in winter. Vectoring system is not only "get you unstuck" it feels like it puts back of your car back on straight line if had some slide at unexpected slippage. It works in both, in straight line move and in 90 turns.

[@gunesinan814]

​@@mct8888Why on higher trim levels but not standard? They made tons of money by spending almost no r&d for almost a decade on their dinosaur old models like 4runner and Lexus GX and still not making a torque vectoring diff not standard.

[@mct8888]

@@gunesinan814 dude I don’t know, cost savings for people who don’t care about that stuff. It’s barely noticeable to soccer moms.

[@jamesparker2413]

I build these cars (Honda Pilot )at the production plant, then work weekends and overtime repairing and diagnosing manufacturing issues. The Trailsport is an excellent crossover, and with HUD options, 1/4” thick underbody shields etc it’s a great vehicle.

[@toolstechgadgets]

amazing i am looking for honda pilot, i hope it wont dissapoint

[@chadh983]

Love this video. As a Canadian where winters can be harsh and where more vehicles on the road have awd than not this was fantastic comparison

[@IamGroot786]

Honda's IVTM-4 is totally underrated. I can attest that the Ridgeline rocks on the ice and snow.

[@jrt77339]

My 2 Cents Too many turbo engines have more problems than the V6 that they replace. Turbo or supercharger for towing or high performance where they were first used. Owners must follow oil changes using the shortest time or distance schedule to get the best life out of the turbo engines.

[@Sunshone7311]

Emissions are forcing the turbos, but the lack of reliability will push people toward electric. It’s totally the plan to get us to turn against our gas cars.

[@plmn93]

The Honda engine is not simple by any means. It too is highly reliant on technology of questionable reliability to push the limits of performance and economy.

[@jrt77339]

@plmn93 Your right they are all more complex with the EPA mandates. We have been running our Honda with the V6 with hundreds of thousands of miles now with only regular maintenance. So we are happy with it. Some family has had tubo seals go out on their turbo engines under warranty and then again out of warranty. I am old and was a diesel engine rebuilder in the 1960s and 70s. I still do most of the family's vehicle work. Haha I work cheap parts and meals is all.

[@JSVKK]

Honda's turbo has so many issues with fuel injector and oil dilution

[@shotgunreport]

The roller tests are great indicators of how well a vehicle's AWD is sorted out. Thanks.

[@winstondeocampo699]

Great test there Tommy. I just wonder in the future if you guys can do these tests with an actual load of passengers or cargo to see if their power trains have enough grunt to really tackle your tests.

[@johnthomas1928]

that's a great idea!!

[@IrfanArio95]

I'm so amazed by the Pilot, really excellent job Honda!! It's miles and miles better than the old AWD system they have

[@tameemuddin2583]

ehh I slightly agree. but the older system that was in the '22 pilot was still really good.

[@IrfanArio95]

@@tameemuddin2583 I'm talking about -+10 years ago when their AWD system was still rubbish.

[@denisekarolewski640]

They shouldn't have replaced with a turbo charged engine the six dollar their engine in Toyota. It was extremely reliable.

[@Kuhladestkyicky]

Honda’s AWD systems are top notch. Always have been.

[@kevinhsin630]

Thank you for these tests! Really helps with the purchase decision on our first SUV.

[@john-gr5gu]

what are you getting?

[@90cents49]

I think pilot got a slight advantage with all terrain tires, but still its the clear winner👍 6:10

[@n_conway7571]

Glad I bought a 2022 Highlander with the V6.

[@gerardm.5047]

Yup im going with the pilot for that reason

[@stevescramo592]

Do you go off road with your highlander? I have the same xle 2022 Highlander. Putting on better wheels and tires. Love the set up for camping with seats down. Fridge and Jackery fit nicely behind the front passenger seat with it pulled all the way up. good gas mileage.

[@n_conway7571]

@@stevescramo592 mine is a fancy grocery getter but I bought it for my wife who was driving a 2013 Hyundai accent. We were having a baby and couldn’t fit a car seat in it comfortably!

[@robertwoodruff6608]

Interesting test. We bought a new highlander and the engine sadly hasn’t held up for daily driving. It has serious acceleration issues of not providing power on take off and surging and bucking. I thought I was alone but found lots of online complaints for the same thing. Sadly selling it back as a lemon. My credit union says it’s the 3rd one for them.

[@-Jethro-]

Lol, it says “Limited AWD” right on the rear of the Toyota. 😂

[@fritty9927]

I’m a Toyota guy. I’ve owned FJ’s, Land Cruisers and Tundras. That being said; I also had two Ridgelines. In my opinion no one makes a better AWD system than Honda. They are a beast in the snow.

[@JJ-mh3hb]

Subaru

[@michaelwessels3148]

I would definitely say Subaru has the awd system pretty well nailed. At least as far as daily driving goes. The biggest difference maker overall (besides awd vs 2wd) is tires though.

[@Warex06]

+1 for Subaru’s symmetrical AWD with the low center of gravity of the boxer engines.

[@jgranger2002]

Boxer engine has always been subaru's selling point. It has also been the weakest link in all their cars.

[@meenam300zx]

Audi makes the best AWD.

[@RandomRads]

If you are buying a car with 3rd row seats, I'm assuming 3rd row is a priority. If so then nothing can beat Honda pilot. I drive 2017 Honda pilot. 100k miles no issues. Low maintenance. For a beast of that size, it's not sluggish at all. 18 mpg/23 mpg in cities/highways.

[@lesr9417]

The highlander limited has the torque vectoring diff, the xse doesn't. So you'll need to retest with a limited or higher trim.

[@PitinPR]

Both great family haulers! The Pilot, being the “TrailSport” model has more “trail-friendly” tires vs the Highlander tires look like more all season tires. The IVTM-4 system is probably more off-road tuned. I’d be interested to see how a Pilot Touring or Elite would do on this test. Great content guys, keep it coming!!!

[@alexandergatton3027]

I’d love to see the pilot compared against the outback wilderness. My wife and I are cross shopping these two at the moment. We might even wait for an updated passport since we don’t really need a 3 row, but I’d love to see a comparison of trailsport vs wilderness.

[@reyperez3424]

Wait for the Passport I don’t recommend a CVT for AWD

[@cramias1]

I was cross shopping these two as well and really really interested in the trailsport, ended up pulling the trigger on an outback wilderness a few weeks ago. Deciding factors came down to $10k lower price, better mpg, and better ground clearance. But I still think the pilot would have been pretty sweet and I could have gone either way. If honda got the price difference a little closer it would have been a much harder decision

[@dazednconfusedrn]

wait for the passport. it will have more ground clearance than the pilot and won’t have a cvt like the subaru (best avoided)

[@markweaver1012]

You don't really need a side-by-side comparison -- if an offroadish crossover is on your shopping list, either one would be capable of far more than you're likely to need. If you do need/want more, then the next step up would be a Jeep GC with 4LO and air-suspension (with either 2 or 3 rows). There are plenty of videos of the Wilderness taking on challenging terrain, and quite a few with the Trailsport as well. If you don't need the 3rd row, the Wilderness will be a more nimble daily driver and use somewhat less gas. If you're going to be towing, the 5000# limit for the Pilot compared to 3500# limit of the Subaru may be important. Drive both and see which one makes you grin more.

[@emral1vang]

I had a 2022 outback wilderness and traded it for a 2023 Honda pilot touring and never looked back. Go test drive both. The Honda is a lot smoother and is much quicker in sport mode.

[@truth959]

I really like these slip tests. It really shows what the vehicle can do/can't do.

[@ronladuke7235]

We have a 2004 pilot with 300000 kilometres on it, It has a vtm button on the dash that locks the front and rear axle in first second and reverse below 20 miles per hour but it doesn’t have traction control. Although it has always got the job done!

[@melissamonfort6539]

Nice review, but if I need my Highlander or Pilot to do this, I'd buy the 4Runner.

[@hockeyholic8]

This such a cool unique test you guys do, can't get more apples to apples than this. Honda put up unexpectedly good showing! A bit disappointing for the Highlander, but awesome for prospective buys to be aware of limitations.

[@ljefferies2012]

I think it makes sense to make the Highlander mostly a road vehicle that has AWD just for the occasional inclement weather. I bet just as many, if not more, Highlanders are sold without AWD to be honest. I hate that car manufacturers even put something like a "rock mode" on a Highlander. I do like the Pilot looks compared to the Highlander, but the 4runner still looks better 13 years later. Given the 4runner is the true off-roader for Toyota, the Honda has to try and play double duty to compete. Would be interesting to get a Limited 4runner with the full time 4wd to compare. That specific trim seems to be the go to choice for those moms that want to look cooler than their Highlander/Pilot counterparts.

[@fredmoss4540]

Honda would naturally put system in the Pilot. The Ridgeline and Passport have it. They will again get upgraded IVTM4 AWD like Pilot. Driving Sports TV did real world in of the Acura Super Handling AWD vs Honda IVTM4 AWD System. They are mechanically simular but tuned differently. That was 2019 and they upgraded the systems. 2023 Ridgeline and Passport would still have that same IVTM4. They will get new like 2023 Pilot. Unknown if Ridgeline and Passport will get more than 1 capable trim like TrailSport Pilot.

[@atmartens]

I'd be willing to bet that Honda's Pilot and Passport with AWD and Acura's RDX and MDX with SH-AWD would all pass pretty easily. The Acura's ground clearance would be an issue, but Honda and Acura by far make one of the best AWD systems.

[@sefkjess]

Great review. In the market for a Pilot and would love to see a comparison between the Trail Sport i-VTM4 w/ Trail Torque Logic AWD vs the EX-L standard i-VTM4 system. Debating between the bench seats and the AWD system trade-off.

[@isaacpahl690]

Trail torque logic allows for electronic differential locking

[@pauljayvlogs489]

I have a 02 jetta 2.0 slow w a 5 speed manual and 250k. Its worth $12. But gets me everywhere i need to go. 😂 These new car prices quickly deflate my desire for an "upgrade" aka setback. Love the vids guys. Ty!

[@yissibiiyte]

I'll buy it for $13

[@pauljayvlogs489]

@@yissibiiyte sentimental value is priceless:)

[@GreyGuy]

Are we going to talk about the difference in tires? Wow. The Highlander had standard A/S ones - whereas the Pilot clearly had some rugged off-road ones.

[@TantanShi]

Yep clearly not an equal comparison.

[@Poitierj93]

That’s exactly what i said

[@trailrunnah8886]

Tires don't matter on the rollers.

[@mrgold3591]

That were the tires supplied from the factory.

[@kpokfposkf]

its a test on how AWD system shifts power to the tire(s) that have traction aka. on the ground. This is a test on power, not traction (tire), even if you put F1 tires with tires sticked on the ground, you're never getting off those rollers

[@finerbiner]

I own a 4runner and an MDX. Unless the snow is a foot deep, the MDX is a better choice in bad weather.

[@commbubba1990]

you let the left front have traction on highlander and right front on the pilot. typically right front gets the power on an open diff. would have liked to see the same orientation used across the comparisons.

[@90cents49]

I noticed that too👍

[@stevennevins6643]

The Pilot Trail Sport is running on AT tires. It looks like highway tires on the Highlander. That’s a big uncontrolled variable.

[@GabrielTF106B]

Isn’t a factor in rollers.

[@wjgrandcherokee]

I wonder if you tried the system with the traction control off, what it would do? My Tacoma with traction control off will not limit wheel speed, but will still allow the brakes to stop the spinning/slipping wheel. Then giving more power to the wheel with grip.

[@jlaw1901]

Honda has really been impressing lately

[@pedros5352]

Honda zawsze imponuje

[@ahill209]

Pretty impressive for Honda. In Toyota's defense, their 4Runner is more suited for off-roading. I drove an AWD Pilot for 8 years. Loved that vehicle.

[@wanderpoltv4990]

The v6 highlander would be awesome.

[@singular9]

It looked like the honda had a more offroad tire with bigger tread blocks which could be helping it literally grip on to the rollers. The issue in these tests isn't just the wheel spin but rather, tire grip.

[@nycad2484]

Did this Highlander have the optional torque vectoring AWD system?

[@davewilson7602]

Yes

[@Valencio1031]

I have a 2022 highlander hybrid... love the gas mileage

[@carlos8040ca]

The pilot has a natural V6 vs 2.4 turbo in the Highlander, The Pilot has an edge and wins the battle. I never been a fan of Turbo engines

[@kylewetzel2094]

Great comparison! That Honda checks a lot of boxes, just wish it could tow a 6500lb travel trailer then I would downsize from my Ram 1500!

[@Adam-nv9zo]

Honda has really impressed with this AWD system 👏 👏 👏

[@mattofjax]

Toyota made a video discussing this issue and they said they designed the traction control in a manner that it fails this test but if you hold the traction control button down for five seconds until the VCT is disabled it will pull right off and apply even power to each wheel

[@Luckyu2c]

I wonder how the new Grand Highlander Hybrid Max will do on this test?

[@tanyastalking8495]

Ok so I owned a 21 4 runner and recently I borrowed my dads 23 Trailssport Pilot and big difference between the two. First I notice the breaking system was the biggest difference between the two vehicles, Toyota def wins there!!!! I felt very confident breaking with Toyota versus the pilot for just about the same size vehicle. The pilot however did have a great “get up” compared to the delayed pick up with the 4Runner. However, Honda comes with a suite of standard features that you only get with higher model Toyotas. We also have the 22 pilot and unfortunately after lots of wear and tear a lot of those features stop working; remote start, kick truck lift, and the bottoms to flip the sits up. All in all my money in with Toyota a clear winner always. But we are enjoying the pilot.

[@dragodavidCE]

I hope you got a that all fix under warranty... I agree about stick with Toyota though Honda corporate is Garbage

[@andrewb9435]

did left front only for the highlander but changed to right front only for the pilot, why didn't you do left front only for both ?

[@DurangoRTGuy2019]

Honda’s AWD system is great I loved it in my 2019 Passport, shame the rest of the car was junk. I’d like to see a how a Grand Cherokee L does in this test

[@andersonrodriguez8258]

Junk? What issues u had ?

[@DurangoRTGuy2019]

@@andersonrodriguez8258 Story time. Popping in the speakers that no matter how many wiring harnesses they replaced it wouldn’t fix it. I think they should’ve tried a new head unit myself but I could be wrong. But after 7 trips to the dealer for it and having the entire interior of the car torn apart I didn’t trust it to not catch on fire either and I just didn’t want it. The transmission would randomly drop into neutral if I would start to roll then punch it to dart across an intersection or something and I almost got side swiped because of it stalling out. The auto high beams never worked right, the forward collision would randomly brake even though I hit the button to turn it “off.” I got it right when they first came out and I understand you should never buy the first model year of a vehicle but I thought being a Honda it would be okay. It’s ironic that the 2019 Dodge Durango R/T I bought to replace the Passport has been problem free for 3 years compared to the Honda that was in the shop more than I had it

[@brettperkins4643]

Very unusual for a Honda to be that problematic

[@CC_Marauder]

Passport owners are well aware of those common problems in the 2019+ PP's. They are real issues.

[@normcheers1726]

@@DurangoRTGuy2019 Similar problems with my 22 Ridgeline RTL-E , auto high beams constantly switch on and off, forward collision going off on two lane roads, wireless charger that does not actually charge, reverse button not registering pushes, head unit freezes with car play, and passenger window motor half as fast as the rest of the windows to open or close.

[@BillyBobTup]

I have a 21 Ridgeline, great all purpose vehicle. Before that, I had a 2008 RL, now my son drives it, never a problem, GREAT in snow. Boy was I disappointed to realize that my new RL had worse angles and slightly less ground clearance than my 2008, when I was hoping for a slight improvement. I have never had the nerve to take the new one off road, not with 7.6" ground clearance(good grief) and only a bit over 20º approach angle. I have been waiting for better ground clearance and angles and skid plates in either a Pilot or Ridgeline. To my utter amazement, they lifted this Pilot an inch but still managed to have worse approach angle than my already poor Ridgeline. WTH Honda? That wonderful AWD system(the best?) completely hindered by the angles. But, Kudos on the skid plates. Oh well, maybe the newer Ridgeline will get er done. I love my Ridgelines, but I'd love them even more with a "trail" option that actually had a reasonable amount of ground clearance and improved angles. Just watch the Truck King test of the new Pilot ( a Trail model I think? ), they go to cross a ditch that most other vehicles do, and they abort due to fears of the front bumper being ripped off. Then TFL's Nathan gets stuck in a desert/Moab mud hole. Of course, anyone can get stuck in the mud, but this one did not look all that deep(but maybe it was). Most likely, high centered under the low front end. And yes, he complained about the 19 something degree approach angle messing up an otherwise excellent vehicle. And one with a GREAT AWD system.

[@derekng1714]

Great video! Can you do another j one with the pilot compared against the 4runner and sequoia? 😮

[@JarmelSingsKaraoke]

👏👏👏... HOPE EVERYONE HAS A BEAUTIFUL DAY ✌️

[@alexyakuba2805]

I wonder how they both perform on a sand. Some systems that do well on the rollers can overheat when constantly engaged on surfaces like sand or mud.

[@benniewalker312]

Impressed with the pilot. Like to see how the Subaru Ascent takes this course. Pretty sure you guys haven’t tried to off road one since you attempted to take one up Gold Mine Hill. I’m still holding out for a Wilderness Edition Ascent.

[@smrtguy77777]

The CVT is really the limiting factor in the Ascent, Subaru makes a great AWD system but they paired it with a transmission that is not at all meant for off roading.

[@haroldbeauchamp3770]

Let’s hope when the Ascent Wilderness debuts it’s with Aisin’s 8 speed traditional automatic transmission and not that cheap Jatco/Fuji garbage.

[@smrtguy77777]

@@haroldbeauchamp3770 It’s not, that trim is just a another trim, it’s too cost prohibitive to change a transmission just for a trim.

[@haroldbeauchamp3770]

@@smrtguy77777 I was thinking Subaru would do a next generation Ascent. It’s due for a redesign.

[@smrtguy77777]

@@haroldbeauchamp3770 The 2023 Ascent is the mid cycle refresh year, bigger screen, updated front end, etc. I don’t picture the 2nd gen arriving until the 2027MY. By that time the ascent might go BEV or plug in.

[@life36899]

I believe a more compelling comparison would be the Pilot Elite against the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max. Two very different AWD systems but everday (not trail oriented) top trims from both manufacturers.

[@CrypticEnigma23]

You forgot to mention that the limited and platinum highlanders have a Torque vectoring AWD system which the model trim highlander you tested did not have. Torque vectoring all-wheel drive (AWD) is a system that improves a vehicle's handling, cornering, and traction by independently distributing torque to each wheel

[@user-m6y2t]

My dad bought me a highlander for my 19th birthday a few years back and it was awesome, especially since it was the first car I've ever droven, however my friend has a pilot, and it seems to perform offroad pretty well, but not as good as the highlander.

[@Adventures_with_nick]

Great test! Though I wish you mentioned the tire class difference. The pilot has an all terrain type tire while the Highlander has a more street dedicated tire

[@447ephesians6]

The Pilot has much more aggressive A/T tires on it compared to some do nothing all season tires on the Highlander. it is not an accurate comparison off road without the same rubber

[@CTRwannaB]

Do the Grand Highlander

[@broodewd]

I hope when Honda brings hybrid/phev to their SUV platforms itll have the same torque vectoring awd system.

[@mrgold3591]

Acura "had" the Sport Hybrid sh-awd system with the 17-20 MDX, 14-20 RLX, and 17-20 NSX. It had tq vectoring with regen braking and could operate in 1wd to 4wd depending on the performance needed, steering angle, lateral forces, and throttle position. The city/combined/hwy mpgs were the same with the sport hybrid powertrain. Not sure why Acura/Honda dropped this system.

[@SFAvgeek]

@@mrgold3591Acura dropped it to focus on evs and they stated Honda would be taking over the hybrid business

[@timbui5556]

Wonderful and informative comparisons of the 2 vehicles. Thank you!

[@stevevice9863]

The Pilot is taking some design ques from the 4Runner. The sloping "C" pillar has a real 4Runner vibe.

[@ldstirling]

Just saying...you're comparing the Honda Pilot Trailsport, off-road focused model, against the new Toyota Highlander Limited luxury trim model. I have no idea if that means the Pilot has a more aggressive AWD system than the Highlander in this situation, but one is definitely set up more for street. Again, just saying...

[@andersonrodriguez8258]

That 2.4 being around since the Nx came out I believe since 2016

[@matthewalexis]

The previous generation NX used the 2.0l 8AR-FTS engine. That engine was replaced by the new 2.4 turbo

[@lsft]

The 2.4 came out in 2022 as part of the 2nd gen NX.

[@JoseDiaz-qw7mg]

for me, the highlander didn’t have the adequate tires and suspensions to pass the first test. the pilot was made for offroad, while the highlander was made for city. a pilot vs 4runner would’ve been a fairer test

[@cptiii]

How is the Pilot vs. Bronco Sport Badlands for this test?

[@jesustrujillotileinstaller6133]

Excelente vídeo bro 👍👍👍👍👍

[@moss_mania]

I would love to see a similar comparison with Trailsport Pilot and Onxy Ascent.

[@Subsonic-g2n]

Wow… can you put the Palisade in these tests as well? I’ve been favoring the Highlander all this time and I think I just changed my mind.

[@nunnaurbidness3209]

Still find it hard to believe there is no V6 option on the Highlander.

[@RR-vf2bd]

I'm waiting for a new Highlander longer version available for testing

[@paddyvega]

Dude the tires 🛞 are a huge factor…. I have a 2020 Pilot and from the looks of it if the Highlander had off road tires …. As a proud Honda owner I can admit that the The highlander wudda smoke it

[@Brisco_County_Jr]

No it wouldn't have lmao. The highlander has a basic AWD system. Everyone knows this. IVTM 4 is far better.

[@GabrielTF106B]

You Pilot is AWD? Looks like you don’t know or understand Honda AWD system. And tires aren’t a factor on rollers or concrete.

[@jevgeniardassov]

Just to point out Hondas approach is different smaller alloy, thicker tyre and much more aggressive thread, definitely plays a role on the trail. Or was Honda some kind of Adventure spec?

[@79SkidooBlizzard]

I thought this was going to be a Highlander vs Pilot, it definitely appeared to be a Highlander video with a challenger that happened to a Pilot. The Highlander seemed to be the bulk on the video and then you would throw in some Pilot footage as the Pilot definitely was the clear winner in your Toyota bias test.

[@Brisco_County_Jr]

You have to film one more than the other when it takes longer to do the same thing. No bias involved.

[@sansinutube]

Is the 2023 Lexus RX 350 AWD turbo drivetrain basically the same as the highlander drivetrain , with torque vectoring AWD and multi terrain selector ?

[@jayhiggins5239]

Really appreciate the commentary on accelerator input. Very valuable insight A tough ask, it would be great to be able to actually throttle/pedal position during these tests.

[@rondail5675]

I prefer the V6!

[@hussainal-sadah8899]

Hi @tfl , which is more capable off-road , Pilot trailsport or Grand Cherokee L limited ?

[@joshj6669]

Good video. How much do the tires on the Honda trail sport count? The highlander looks like a limited with highway tires

[@teresasmith6084]

Does anyone know . . . When I compare the specs of the Honda Passport EXL and the TrailSport, I don't see any operational difference (motor/transmission/torque/whatever) except the type/style of the wheels/tires. I LOVE the look of the TrailSport, but don't care to pay the additional $$$ for the tires and "features" if not necessary. Our biggest off-road use would be sand on Hatteras beaches in NC. Does the TrailSport have any additional "ability" to handle different terrains beyond what the tires provide? We're also comparing the Passport to the Subaru OBW. I believe the OBW has 9.5" ground clearance versus 8.1" for the Passport.

[@wolverine350r]

Still want to see an Acadia AT4 and Explorer Timberline compared like this as well. Through an Ascent in there too.

[@NickXxx-q9f]

i VTEM4 the best awd system by far

[@TwoPair72]

I looked up and Honda, Subaru and Nissan top the list. Toyota makes it, but it’s in the middle. Still very good. It goes to show they know what they are doing and beating the competition.

[@victoriacabral262]

do you have this comparison for Subaru ascent vs Honda Pilot?! I love this. I havent seen it anywhere else and this is exactly what I've been wondering. thank you!

[@iann.8088]

The best part of this is now I know one of the motors for the new Tacoma.

[@chuckwalla2967]

Looks like Honda learned its lesson after that CR-V debacle few years back. I don't remember if it was Tommy or some other channel that did the roller test on it.

[@0HOON0]

The CR-V still isn't great.

[@plmn93]

CRV still has a lesser system. I believe Honda only puts this VTM in Pilots, Ridgelines, and Passports.

[@kpokfposkf]

lol? CRV has never used the same AWD system ever since its debut, Pilot always have one of the most superior AWD systems ever since 03, imagine an 03 AWD system having center diff lock and FULL-TIME AWD, now it has torque vectoring, literally nothing else is comparable in its class. (except maybe the bronco sports)

[@Brisco_County_Jr]

It's not the same name system in the crv. That is a very basic system. The pilot is more advanced and has been for an few years.

[@brentmac7994]

That poor dog in the back seat thinks he going on a ride somewhere. PSYCHE!

[@chuckwalla2967]

Haven't heard psyche since like the 80's.

[@paulh6517]

Were the tires similar in tread patterns on both vehicles? That makes a big difference.

[@davidr9876]

The rollers are good because when you do real-world traction tests, it's a tire test as much as it's a vehicle test.

[@davidlawrence1803]

Trail rated Pilot with beefy tires Vs a city based Highlander with standard all terrain tires not a fair comparison.

[@albertoperezvillena5397]

Love Alex's push on the Toyota 😂😂😂

[@CS-ow3io]

This Honda Pilot is a homerun. Nothing comparable for normal people. I've tested literally everything. I took the MDX but if I could've waited and got the Pilot trailsport in a color I could accept I would've taken it.

[@rmonroe135]

You should compare it to the pathfinder or qx60!

[@coryjones6131]

If only Honda would embrace hybrid technology more. I'd love to see a Pilot TrailSport Hybrid.