Quick Comparison |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feature | Honda Pilot | Toyota Highlander | Nissan Pathfinder | Hyundai Palisade | Acura MDX | Kia Telluride |
| Engine | 3.5L V-6 | 2.4L Turbo 4-cylinder | 3.5L V-6 | 3.8L V-6 | 3.5L V-6 | 3.8L V-6 |
| Fuel Economy | EPA-Estimated 19 City /27 highway/ 22 MPG combined* | EPA-Estimated 21 city /28 highway /24 combined MPG | EPA-Estimated 21 city /27 highway / 23 Combined MPG | EPA-Estimated 19 city / 25 highway / 21combined MPG | EPA-Estimated 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG | EPA-Estimated 20 city/ 26 highway /22 combined MPG |
| Seating | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 |
| Towing | Up to 5,000 pounds | 5,000 pounds | 6,000 pounds | Up to 5,000 pounds | Up to 5,000 pounds | 5,000 pounds |
| All-Wheel Drive | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available |
The Honda Pilot stands out with its proven 3.5-liter V-6 engine producing 285 horsepower and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, giving families the confidence to handle trailers, boats, and road trips with ease. The available i-VTM4® AWD system enhances traction and stability in changing road conditions, while the smooth 10-speed automatic transmission delivers refined performance for daily driving and long highway journeys alike.
By comparison, the Toyota Highlander relies on a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces less power at 256 horsepower. Other options also come with V-6 engines, but the Pilot offers a more balanced combination of strength, smooth power delivery, and everyday drivability.
Inside, the Honda Pilot is designed with families in mind, offering spacious seating for up to eight passengers and a flexible interior that adapts easily to changing needs. Features like the available stowable second-row center seat allow the cabin to transition smoothly between passenger and cargo duty, making the Pilot especially practical for growing families.
The Highlander and Acura MDX can accommodate up to seven passengers while still offering comfortable interiors; the Pilot offers more overall flexibility and capacity for larger families.
The Honda Pilot keeps drivers and passengers connected with available wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, along with configurable digital displays that make information easy to access at a glance. These features help make long drives and daily commutes feel more intuitive and enjoyable.
Competitors bring their own strengths: the Palisade also offers infotainment and comfort tech, including USB-C charging and available panoramic sunroofs, while the Acura MDX elevates the experience with premium technology such as Google built-in. The Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Highlander also deliver solid connectivity and safety tech packages. Still, the Pilot’s user-friendly approach helps it stand out for families who value simplicity and functionality.
Every Honda Pilot comes equipped with standard Honda Sensing®, a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies designed to support confidence behind the wheel. This commitment to safety across the entire lineup gives the Pilot a meaningful edge.
Toyota and Nissan offer advanced safety systems in the Highlander and Pathfinder, while the Palisade, MDX, and Telluride include robust safety features and available AWD across many trims. Even among this competitive group, the Pilot’s standard approach reinforces its role as a dependable family SUV.
The Honda Pilot delivers strong value with a competitive starting price, a powerful V-6 engine, standard safety technology, and available AWD. Its appeal is further strengthened by Honda’s reputation for long-term reliability and ownership confidence.
The Pilot maintains a compelling balance of capability, comfort, and everyday usability. The Nissan Pathfinder, Acura MDX, and Kia Telluride each offer appealing qualities, but the Pilot’s well-rounded nature continues to make it a standout in the segment.
The Honda Pilot stands out with spacious seating for up to eight passengers, a roomy third row, and flexible cargo options. While the Toyota Highlander, Nissan Pathfinder, Hyundai Palisade, Acura MDX, and Kia Telluride are all strong contenders, the Pilot’s balance of comfort, practicality, and everyday usability makes it especially well-suited for families.
The Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Toyota Highlander are all top picks for families, earning Kelley Blue Book’s Best Family Cars of 2025 recognition.** Each offers spacious interiors, flexible seating, and strong safety features. However, the Pilot offers more overall versatility for growing families, thanks to its seating for up to eight passengers, adaptable interior layout, and thoughtful family-focused design.
The Honda Pilot excels with user-friendly technology, multiple USB ports, and generous storage throughout the cabin. Compared with the Toyota Highlander, Nissan Pathfinder, Hyundai Palisade, Acura MDX, and Kia Telluride, it delivers a combination of interior space, smooth ride quality, and practical features that simplify daily driving for families.
For drivers comparing midsize three-row SUVs, the Honda Pilot stands out with balanced performance, versatile seating, and family-friendly technology. When comparing the Honda Pilot vs. the competition, the Pilot continues to offer a dependable blend of capability, comfort, and everyday value. Schedule a test drive today!
* 19 city/27 highway/22 combined mpg rating for 2WD trims. 19 city/25 highway/21 combined mpg rating for non-TrailSport AWD trims. 18 city/23 highway/20 combined mpg rating for TrailSport. Based on 2026 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.
** Source: KBB
