2023 Honda Pilot vs Toyota Highlander

SUVs have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they offer many of the benefits of a conventional car but with added space and increased versatility. SUVs are now the fastest-growing segment in the automotive market and show no signs of slowing down. Consequently, automakers have been scrambling to gain a larger piece of the pie, and as a result, there are now more SUVs on the market than ever before. Two of the most popular SUVs on the market are the 2023 Honda Pilot and the 2023 Toyota Highlander.

Both vehicles are excellent options, but which one is right for you? Do you go with the tried-and-true Honda Pilot, or switch it up and go with the Toyota Highlander? It’s a tough decision to make, but don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this showdown of the 2023 Honda Pilot versus the 2023 Toyota Highlander, we’ll pit these two SUVs against each other in several categories and see which one is worthy of your hard-earned cash.

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Powertrain, Transmission, and Performance

2023 Honda Pilot via automobiles.honda.com

Let’s start under the hood. Although we don’t have the official numbers, Honda reckons the 2023 Pilot will boast an upgraded powertrain. The current model features a 3.5-liter V-6 petrol engine with 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. So, the new 2023 model could see a power bump to at least 300 horsepower and over 270 lb-ft of torque.

In contrast, the Highlander’s V-6 has been replaced by a new turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four. It makes a healthy 265 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This is a 30-horsepower dip from the V-6 it replaces but a 47 lb-ft torque increase. So, the new turbo-four is both more powerful and fuel-efficient. Hybrid fans will also be happy that the Highlander will continue to be available as a gas-electric vehicle with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder that works with electric motors to churn out 243 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque.

The 2023 Pilot will come standard with a nine-speed automatic transmission, while the Highlander will have an eight-speed unit. Front-wheel drive will be standard on both, but all-wheel drive will be optional. While we don’t have performance figures for the new Pilot yet, the current model will do zero to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. The Highlander is a bit slower, managing zero to 60 mph in eight seconds. However, it’s worth noting that the Highlander is significantly heavier than the Pilot. So, the performance difference between the two isn’t as big as the zero to 60 times would suggest.

Although it’s a close call, the new Honda Pilot has the edge over the Toyota Highlander in terms of power and performance.

Exterior and Interior Design

The 2023 Honda Pilot will get a complete visual makeover, with a new front end that’s in line with the styling of the smaller CR-V SUV. So, you can expect a new grille, headlights, and bumper. The back end will also get a redesign with new taillights, a revised bumper, and a possible roof-mounted spoiler. Meanwhile, the 2023 Toyota Highlander will get a much more subtle makeover. Top-of-the-line models get power-folding exterior mirrors, and the XLE and XSE trims add a hands-free power liftgate.

On the inside, we’re expecting the 2023 Pilot to get a complete interior redesign. Of course, with everything new and shiny, things might become overly complicated, but Honda is no stranger to infotainment systems, so we’re confident they’ll get it right. The Honda Pilot will get upscale materials and a host of tech goodies, along with plenty of space for passengers and cargo.

On the flip side, the Highlander boasts a larger 12.3-inch media screen, which is standard on Platinum and Limited trims. The digital instrument cluster is also 12.3 inches on these two trims. The XLE and XSE get an 8.0-inch infotainment display as standard, but the 12.3-inch unit is optional. As for materials, they’re high-quality giving the Highlander a modern and upmarket feel.

So, in terms of design, the new Pilot just about pips the Highlander to the post as the more stylish SUV thanks to its more radical redesign. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preference.

Trim Levels, Pricing, and Availability

For the 2023 Honda Pilot, we expect the familiar EX, EX-L, and Touring trim levels to return with the addition of a new offroad-focused TrailSport trim. Off-road goodies for this new model include all-terrain tires, skid plates, and a special suspension setup. Touring and Elite trims will also most likely make a return. As for the 2023 Toyota Highlander, it’ll once again be available in L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum trim levels.

Although the Honda Pilot gets a significant redesign for 2023, pricing is only expected to rise slightly. We wouldn’t be surprised if the new model started in the low $40,000 MSRP range, with the higher Touring and Elite trims topping at around the $50,000 mark. Even though the Highlander ditched two cylinders for 2023, pricing went up. The new model starts at around $37,755 MSRP, and fully loaded, the Platinum trim will set you back $49,275.

As for availability, the 2023 Honda Pilot is expected to go on sale in early 2023. The 2023 Toyota Highlander has already hit showroom floors and is available for purchase now.

Which One Should You Pick?

Both the 2023 Honda Pilot and the 2023 Toyota Highlander are excellent choices if you’re looking for a spacious and practical SUV. They both boast comfortable, well-appointed cabins and plenty of space for passengers and cargo. They’re also both packed with the latest tech goodies.

So, which one should you pick? The best answer is to test drive both. See which one feels better to you and fits your needs. However, if we had to pick one, we’d go for the 2023 Honda Pilot. It’s a bit more stylish and, although it’s slightly more expensive, it’s worth the extra money. Do you agree? Please give us a call at (513) 793-7777 and let us know.

Performance Kings Honda is your local Honda dealer in Cincinnati, Ohio. We have an extensive selection of new and used vehicles and offer various financing options to suit your needs. Visit us today and take a test drive. We’re confident you’ll be impressed with what the 2023 Honda Pilot has to offer.