The short answer
The Toyota Highlander wins on reliability and fuel economy; the Honda Pilot wins on 2025 crash-safety ratings. RepairPal rates the Highlander 4.0 versus the Pilot's 3.5, and the Highlander Hybrid delivers 35 mpg combined with no Pilot hybrid to match it. The Pilot counters with a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick and a slightly lower base price near $41,350.
Which is more reliable — the Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot?
The Highlander. RepairPal rates the Toyota Highlander 4.0 out of 5.0, ranking it 7th among 26 midsize SUVs, versus 3.5 for the Pilot in 13th place. The Highlander also costs about $53 a year less to repair — roughly $489 versus $542 — and both models beat the segment average repair cost of $573 a year.
The Highlander leads on both the overall score and annual repair cost, reflecting Toyota's broad reputation for long-term durability. The per-model figures come from RepairPal's Toyota Highlander profile and its Honda Pilot profile, which weight average repair cost, frequency, and severity. For the wider picture, see our guide to the most reliable car brands.
- Toyota Highlander: 4.0/5.0, ranked 7th of 26 midsize SUVs, ~$489/year in repairs.
- Honda Pilot: 3.5/5.0, ranked 13th of 26, ~$542/year in repairs.
- Both: below the $573/year segment-average repair cost — the Highlander by more.
Which gets better gas mileage?
The Highlander, by a wide margin. The 2025 Highlander Hybrid AWD earns 35 mpg combined, while the gas-only 2025 Pilot tops out at 22 mpg combined — about a 67% efficiency advantage for the hybrid. Even gas-to-gas the Highlander wins, at 24 to 25 mpg combined versus 21 to 22 for the Pilot, because Honda dropped the Pilot hybrid entirely.
That hybrid availability is the key split: the Highlander comes with a 2.4L turbo gas engine or a 2.5L hybrid, while the 2025 Pilot is offered only with a 3.5L V6. EPA estimates vary by drivetrain, so match like for like. The figures below come from the EPA fuel-economy data for the 2025 models.
| 2025 powertrain (EPA combined) | Toyota Highlander | Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Gas, FWD | 25 mpg (22 city / 29 hwy) | 22 mpg (19 city / 27 hwy) |
| Gas, AWD | 24 mpg (21 city / 28 hwy) | 21 mpg (19 city / 25 hwy) |
| Hybrid, AWD | 35 mpg (35 city / 35 hwy) | Not offered |
Does the Highlander or Pilot have more cargo and passenger space?
The Highlander holds slightly more cargo behind the third row — roughly 20.6 cubic feet versus about 18.6 for the Pilot — and both seat seven or eight depending on trim. The Highlander offers seven- or eight-passenger layouts; the Pilot seats eight, or seven in the off-road TrailSport trim. The cargo gap is modest, so weigh how each cabin fits your family.
Those cargo figures are approximate, drawn from multiple specification sources rather than a single manufacturer sheet, so treat them as directional. In practice the Pilot's wider, boxier body often feels more spacious in the second and third rows, while the Highlander's lower load floor can be easier to use. The best test is to sit in both with car seats or passengers installed.
- Toyota Highlander: 7 or 8 seats; about 20.6 cu ft behind the third row (approximate).
- Honda Pilot: 8 seats (7 in TrailSport); about 18.6 cu ft behind the third row (approximate).
- Test-fit: the Pilot's roomier-feeling rear rows may matter more than the cargo difference.
Which is safer according to crash tests?
The Pilot. The 2025 Honda Pilot earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick, while the 2025 Toyota Highlander earned no IIHS award after scoring Marginal in the institute's updated moderate overlap front test. For the 2025 model year, the Pilot holds the clear crash-safety advantage if a current IIHS award is part of your decision.
IIHS awards shift year to year as the institute raises its standards, and ratings can vary by trim and headlight package, so always confirm the exact model-year and trim before you buy. Verify current results directly at the IIHS Honda Pilot ratings page and check federal star ratings at NHTSA's ratings tool.
- Honda Pilot: 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick.
- Toyota Highlander: no 2025 IIHS award; Marginal in the moderate overlap front test.
- Verify by trim: headlight and feature packages can change an IIHS award.
Which is cheaper to buy and own?
They are essentially tied at the base gas trim. The 2025 Honda Pilot Sport runs about $41,350 delivered ($39,900 MSRP plus $1,450 destination), versus roughly $40,970 for the Highlander LE. The Highlander Hybrid jumps to about $47,470 to start. On upkeep, the Highlander averages about $53 a year less in repairs — $489 versus $542.
So the gas models open within a few hundred dollars of each other, while choosing the Highlander Hybrid adds a clear premium. The Pilot base price is confirmed in Honda's Pilot pressroom; Highlander pricing is per Edmunds and may vary by region and dealer. See our guide to the annual cost to own a car for how price, fuel, and upkeep add up beyond the sticker.
- Honda Pilot Sport (gas, base): about $41,350 delivered.
- Toyota Highlander LE (gas, base): about $40,970 (secondary source).
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid (from XLE): about $47,470 (secondary source).
Should you choose the Highlander Hybrid or stick with the gas model?
If fuel economy is your priority, the Highlander Hybrid's 35 mpg combined far outpaces the 24 to 25 mpg of the gas Highlander — for a roughly $6,500 price premium over the gas LE. The gas model is cheaper up front and fine for low-mileage drivers; the hybrid recovers its premium fastest for high-mileage commuters who keep the SUV for years.
The math turns on annual miles, local fuel prices, and how long you keep the vehicle, so run your own numbers rather than assuming a fixed payback. A driver covering 15,000-plus miles a year sees the hybrid's edge sooner than someone driving 6,000. Either way the hybrid also delivers quieter low-speed driving and lower tailpipe emissions. Compare the all-in picture using our cost-to-own guide.
- Pick the gas Highlander if: you want the lowest price and drive modest annual miles.
- Pick the Highlander Hybrid if: you drive a lot, value 35 mpg, and keep cars several years.
- Either way: the Pilot offers no hybrid, so this trade-off is unique to the Highlander.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot?
The Highlander. RepairPal scores the Toyota Highlander 4.0 out of 5 — 7th among 26 midsize SUVs — versus 3.5 for the Pilot, which ranks 13th. The Highlander also averages about $489 a year in repairs versus $542 for the Pilot, and both beat the segment average of $573.
Which gets better gas mileage, the Highlander or Pilot?
The Highlander, by a wide margin. The 2025 Highlander Hybrid AWD earns 35 mpg combined while the gas-only 2025 Pilot tops out at 22 mpg combined. Even gas-to-gas the Highlander wins, at 24 to 25 mpg combined versus 21 to 22 for the Pilot. Honda dropped the Pilot hybrid, so there is no hybrid Pilot to match it.
Does the Highlander or Pilot have more cargo and passenger space?
Both seat seven or eight, and the Highlander holds slightly more cargo behind the third row — roughly 20.6 cubic feet versus about 18.6 for the Pilot. The difference is modest. The Pilot's wider, boxier body often feels roomier in the second and third rows, so test-fit both with your family before deciding.
Which is safer according to crash tests, the Highlander or Pilot?
The Pilot. The 2025 Honda Pilot earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick, while the 2025 Toyota Highlander earned no IIHS award after scoring Marginal in the updated moderate overlap front test. If a current crash-safety award is a priority, the Pilot has the clear edge for the 2025 model year.
Which is cheaper to buy and own, the Highlander or Pilot?
They are essentially tied at the base gas trim — the 2025 Pilot Sport runs about $41,350 delivered versus roughly $40,970 for the Highlander LE. The Highlander Hybrid jumps to about $47,470. On upkeep, the Highlander averages about $53 a year less in repairs, $489 versus $542.
Should you choose the Highlander Hybrid or stick with the gas model?
If fuel economy is your priority, the Highlander Hybrid's 35 mpg combined far outpaces the 24 to 25 mpg of the gas Highlander, at a roughly $6,500 price premium. The gas model costs less up front and suits low-mileage drivers; the hybrid pays back fastest for high-mileage commuters who keep the vehicle for years.
Sources
CarsLens is editorial guidance, not individualized advice. This comparison draws on RepairPal, the EPA (fueleconomy.gov), the IIHS, Honda's Pilot pressroom, and Edmunds.