Good evening, folks! We have an extra special show for you tonight: a true clash of the titans to see which of these legends from the Land of the Rising Sun has the best family SUV.
In the blue corner, weighing in at about 4,100 pounds and hailing from Princeton, Indiana, we have the 2023 Toyota Highlander!
In the red corner, weighing around 4,300 pounds, the hometown favorite from Lincoln, Alabama, the almighty 2023 Honda Pilot!
Both of these full-size SUVs look like they have something to prove, and both have been impressive contenders for years, so it looks like we have a proper scrap on our hands. Let’s keep our gloves above the serpentine belt, we want a good clean fight here.
Now, let’s get ready to rumbllllllllllllllllle!
Round 1: Interior Space
The opponents touch gloves and size each other up. For our first round, we’ll see them duke it out on arguably the most important feature for the best 3-row SUV: passenger and cargo space.
Both midsize SUVs have similar available seating configurations. The 7-passenger layout features second-row captain’s chairs, which can be folded flat for extra storage space and easier access to the third row. The 8-passenger setup boasts 60/40 split bench seating. At first glance, the pair appear to be an even match.
If we look closer though, we can see one has a clear advantage:
|
|
2023 Honda Pilot |
2023 Toyota Highlander |
|
Headroom (1st/2nd/3rd) |
40.5 in./40.2 in./39.3 in. |
41.2 in./39.4 in./36.1 in. |
|
Shoulder room (1st/2nd/3rd) |
61.9 in./61.7 in./59.5 in. |
59.0 in./58.7 in./55.0 in. |
|
Hiproom (1st/2nd/3rd) |
58.4 in./57.4 in./44.6 in. |
57.2 in./57.0 in./45.6 in. |
|
Legroom (1st/2nd/3rd) |
41.0 in./40.8 in./32.5 in. |
42.0 in./38.7 in./28.0 in. |
|
Total passenger volume |
158.4 cu. ft. |
141.8 cu. ft. |
|
Cargo volume (behind 3rd) |
18.6 cu. ft. |
16.0 cu. ft. |
|
Cargo volume (behind 2nd) |
48.5 cu. ft. |
48.4 cu. ft. |
|
Cargo volume (behind 1st) |
87.0 cu. ft. |
84.3 cu. ft. |
As we can see, out of these two family SUVs with three-row seating, it’s barely a contest. The 2023 Pilot’s interior allows for considerably more head and legroom in the middle and rear rows, making the Honda much better suited for larger passengers like teenagers and adults. A few inches here and there may seem trivial, but when you’re rolling around with seven or eight people in one vehicle, every centimeter counts—if you need any proof, just look at the gap in total passenger volume.
Cargo space in the Pilot abounds as well, making the Pilot the best large SUV of its class for everything from cross-country road trips to Sunday supermarket stops, and everything in between. In addition, the middle-row seats in the Honda Pilot can be removed in certain trim levels, which allows for that much more versatility.
The bell rings and the fighters return to their corners. The Highlander looks like it’s starting to break a sweat, while the Pilot looks like it’s just getting started.
WINNER: 2023 HONDA PILOT
Round 2: Technology
Our SUVs have had time to catch their breath, and it’s time for Pilot vs. Highlander round two.
Both have an impressive array of standard and top-line infotainment and convenience features: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Sirius XM, and Wi-Fi hotspot capacity are all available. Both also include an assortment of USB ports, plus 12-volt and 120-volt outlets for ample charging options. The higher-end Toyota trim has a slightly larger center infotainment screen, but the Honda has a more robust optional 12-speaker Bose sound system with a subwoofer. The Pilot also has an available CabinTalk PA system, which allows for much more ease of conversation while on the road.
The two midsize SUVs have an equally solid selection of advanced driver assistance systems. Both include:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warning
- Lane-keeping assist
- Auto high beams
- Road sign assistance
Both also have exterior camera views to aid in tight situations, but the Pilot does have a couple of tricks up its sleeve. The Honda Sensing system also includes more comprehensive blind spot and cross-traffic monitoring across all trims. The Pilot also comes standard with traffic jam assist, and driver attention warning, which will notify motorists if it detects driver fatigue.
It’s a close round, but the Pilot takes this one by the skin of its grille.
WINNER: 2023 HONDA PILOT
Round 3: Performance
Now, for the final round, it’s time to see what our challengers have going on under the hood.
The Pilot and Highlander both come with two different drivetrain options: front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive. FWD offers a lower sticker price and a slight reduction in weight, and the AWD provides more stability in less-than-ideal road conditions.
The similarities also include multiple drive mode configurations, including zippy sport mode, as well as settings that optimize for mud and snow. Hill start assists and hill descent control is present in both as well. They also have an identical maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
So, how do their road performance and utility differ?
The Pilot rocks a 10-speed transmission and a 3.5L V6 engine, which puts out 285 horsepower and creates 262 lb.-ft. of torque. It also has an extra configurable drive mode geared specifically for stabilizing the vehicle while towing heavy loads.
The Highlander, on the other hand, has an 8-speed transmission with a 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder, which gets noticeably less horsepower at 265, but more lb.-ft. of torque at 310.
Possibly the greatest difference is the Pilot TrailSport, though. With this edition, Honda has implemented multiple features for the absolute finest performance on any terrain. TrailSport-specific features include:
- TrailWatch exterior camera system
- 18-inch all-terrain tires
- An extra inch of ground clearance
- Steel underbody skid plates
- High-strength tow recovery points
- All-season floor mats
With TrailSport, Honda has sought to create the best 3rd row SUV for any road and weather condition, and it floats like a butterfly whether you’re camping out in the backwoods, or driving the kids to school in deep snow. The Highlander, on the other hand, simply can’t keep up, and it looks like it’s down for the count.
WINNER: 2023 HONDA PILOT
Ding Ding Ding!
The Honda vs. Toyota battle for the ages draws to a close, and the judge’s scores are in: the Highlander is a fine vehicle and it made a valiant effort, but the Pilot takes the champion’s belt as the best three-row SUV of 2023! Better luck next year, Toyota.
Are you looking for an affordable SUV near you? Roper has a Honda Pilot for sale with your name on it. Our dealership is located at 902 N. Rangeline Rd. in Joplin, Missouri. Give us a call at (417) 625-0800 and ask about the awesome specials we’re running!
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