Comparing the 2024 Toyota Highlander vs. 2024 Honda Pilot

Are you in the market for a family-friendly SUV but also want the latest technology features? The 2024 Toyota Highlander and 2024 Honda Pilot are both popular options that can offer the comfort and convenience you need. But how do they compare? Let’s take a close look at the most important features of both vehicles to help you make an informed decision.

Technology Comparison

One of the most important tech features in any vehicle is the infotainment system, and both the Highlander and Pilot offer impressive entertainment systems. The 2024 Highlander comes standard with a 8-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch touchscreen is available as an option. Both are compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. Plus, the Highlander’s JBL audio system offers crisp, clear sound. Meanwhile, the 2024 Pilot comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 9-inch touchscreen is an option. Both are also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Staying connected on the go is a top priority for many drivers today, and both the Highlander and Pilot have this covered. The 2024 Highlander comes standard with Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling passengers to connect their devices. It also offers up to five USB ports, so charging your device on-the-go is never an issue. The 2024 Pilot also comes with Wi-Fi connectivity, but only USB charging ports in the front of the vehicle.

Safety Comparison

Both SUVs come with a range of safety features, but the 2024 Toyota Highlander takes things a step further. Standard safety features on the Highlander include a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, and automatic high beams. The Pilot also comes with a suite of safety features, including the Honda Sensing driver assistance package, which includes features such as forward collision warning and lane departure warning. However, in order to get some of the advanced safety features that come standard on the Highlander, you will need to upgrade to a higher trim level.

When it comes to safety, crash test ratings are often the first thing people consider. In this category, both the 2024 Toyota Highlander and the 2024 Honda Pilot receive high marks. The Highlander received a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Pilot also received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, the Highlander scored slightly better in the frontal and side crash tests, giving it a slight edge over the Pilot in this category.

Safety is not just about crash test ratings and safety features. Reliability is also an important factor to consider when choosing a vehicle. In this category, the 2024 Toyota Highlander again comes out on top. According to J.D. Power, the Highlander is the most reliable midsize SUV on the market. The Pilot, on the other hand, is known to have some reliability issues, particularly with its transmission.

Exterior Comparison

The 2024 Toyota Highlander comes with a sleek and modern design that combines style and practicality. Its sharp, straight lines make it stand out in a crowd. The grille is larger than its previous models, and the headlights are positioned in a more sophisticated manner. The Highlander also boasts 20-inch wheels that give it a solid and confident stance. On the other hand, the 2024 Honda Pilot has a more conservative design. It features narrower headlights and a less prominent grille, which gives it a less aggressive look. However, the Pilot has a longer body, wider fenders, and more muscular wheel arches, making it a bit more rugged.

Both vehicles feature LED headlights and taillights that illuminate the road and enhance their visibility in low light conditions. However, the Toyota Highlander also comes with standard Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) that automatically turn on when you start the car. The car’s LED fog lights automatically engage and disengage based on the car’s movement. The Honda Pilot has LED headlights with an automatic on/off switch but lacks DRLs and automatic fog lights.

The 2024 Toyota Highlander has 20-inch alloy wheels that have a unique design that further enhances its exterior appeal. The wheels also feature a unique finish that complements the car’s color, making the car look more refined. In contrast, the Honda Pilot has 18-inch wheels as standard and offers 20-inch alloy wheels on its higher trims. However, it comes with a more common wheel design that isn’t as attention-grabbing as the Highlander’s.

Pricing Comparison

The base price of the 2024 Toyota Highlander starts at $40,515, which includes an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 295 horsepower. The Highlander is available in seven trim levels, with the top-of-the-line Platinum trim coming in at $50,970. The Highlander offers standard features such as Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, an infotainment system with an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.

On the other hand, the 2024 Honda Pilot has a starting price of $38,465 for the base LX trim, which includes a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower. The Pilot is available in six trim levels, with the top-of-the-line Elite trim starting at $53,855. The Honda Pilot comes with standard features such as a multi-angle rearview camera, push-button start, a 7-inch infotainment screen, Bluetooth, and a seven-speaker audio system.

When we compare the base trim levels of both SUVs, we can see that the Toyota Highlander is slightly more expensive than the Honda Pilot. However, when we look at the higher trim levels, the price difference between the two SUVs flips, with the Highlander’s top trim level being almost $3,000 less expensive than the Pilot’s top trim level.

Another factor to consider is the cost of ownership. According to Kelley Blue Book’s 5-Year Cost to Own Awards, the 2024 Toyota Highlander has a lower cost of ownership than the 2024 Honda Pilot. This is based on factors such as depreciation, fuel costs, insurance, and maintenance and repair costs. The Highlander is projected to cost $49,679 over five years, while the Pilot is projected to cost $52,680 over the same period.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 2024 Toyota Highlander and the 2024 Honda Pilot are both excellent choices for anyone looking for a reliable, spacious, and feature-packed SUV. While the Highlander is slightly more expensive than the Pilot at the base level, it offers more fuel efficiency and a lower cost of ownership over time. On the other hand, the Honda Pilot offers a slightly lower starting price and may be a better choice for buyers on a tight budget. At the end of the day, the choice between these two SUVs will depend on your needs, preferences, and budget. We hope that this comparative pricing analysis has been helpful in making your decision a little easier.

2024 Toyota Highlander at Westside Toyota

Thanks for reading our article comparing the 2024 Toyota Highlander versus the 2024 Honda Pilot. Westside Toyota is proud to offer the Toyota Highlander for sale to customers in Ohio. Our Professional Sales Staff is standing by to help you with your purchasing decision. Call, click or stop by our Toyota dealership in Cleveland today!