Honda
Pilot
Toyota
Highlander
Honda Pilot vs Toyota Highlander: 2022 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Toyota Highlander comes out ahead of the Honda Pilot on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Pilot
Overall
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability, practicality, and driving experience. The Pilot is consistently praised as a durable, high-mileage family vehicle capable of reaching 250,000+ miles with proper maintenance. Owners express deep emotional attachment, describing their Pilots as dependable partners through major life events.
Best version to buy
Second Generation (2009-2015) models, specifically the 2013-2015 years, are frequently cited as the most reliable and desirable used examples. These are described as "tried and true," benefiting from resolved early-generation issues while retaining the simpler, proven 3.5L V6 and 5-speed automatic transmission.
Known issues
- ⚠Rust and corrosion (particularly in Northeast climates on older generations): affects rear unibody, subframe mounting bolts, transmission fluid lines, and catalytic converters. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Transmission problems (varies by generation): 2002-2003 models have "junk" transmissions; 2005-2008 models can experience torque converter shudder; 2023+ models with the 10-speed automatic exhibit jerkiness, gear hunting, and poor low-spee…
- ⚠Timing belt maintenance: critical service required approximately every 105,000 miles on V6 engines; failure leads to catastrophic engine damage. Frequency: very frequent (as a maintenance point, not a defect).
Highlander
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain. The Highlander is widely recognized as a reliable, practical, and comfortable family SUV, praised for its solid build quality, good ride comfort, and strong resale value. Long-term owners of older generations, particularly those with V6 engines and 6-speed automatics, report exceptional reliability with minimal issues.
Best version to buy
For gas models, the 2015-2016 model years are very frequently recommended as the peak of reliability, featuring a proven V6 and 6-speed automatic. For newer models, the Hybrid variant is overwhelmingly recommended over the gas-only version due to its reliable eCVT transmission, superior fuel economy, and avoidance of the problematic 8-speed automatic.
Known issues
- ⚠8-speed automatic transmission failures (whining, complete failure): Primarily affects non-hybrid (gas) models from approximately 2017-2022. Repair costs are reported to be around $7,000+. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Transmission problems in gas models: General reports of issues, clunkiness, and unreliability with the 8-speed automatic in model years 2017-2022, and isolated mentions for 2023. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Engine transition concerns: Apprehension about the long-term reliability of the newer turbocharged 2.4L 4-cylinder engine compared to the older, proven 3.5L V6. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Toyota Highlander is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Honda Pilot, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Honda Pilot is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Not sure which one fits you?
Answer a few questions and get a personalized recommendation.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Honda Pilot or the Toyota Highlander?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Honda Pilot or the Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander seats more passengers than the Honda Pilot on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Honda Pilot is classed as a SUV, the Toyota Highlander as a SUV.
Which has better fuel economy, the Honda Pilot or the Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander is more fuel-efficient on paper: 10.2 L/100km combined versus 11.8 L/100km for the Honda Pilot, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Honda Pilot or the Toyota Highlander?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Toyota Highlander than the Honda Pilot. See the known issues comparison above.