The 2025 Honda Pilot and Toyota Grand Highlander are two of the most highly anticipated SUVs of the year. Both vehicles offer a spacious interior, a powerful engine, and a variety of features that make them perfect for families. However, there are also a few key differences between the two vehicles. In this article, we will take a closer look at the 2025 Honda Pilot vs. Grand Highlander to help you decide which one is right for you.
One of the most noticeable differences between the two vehicles is their size. The 2025 Honda Pilot is slightly smaller than the Grand Highlander, which gives it a more nimble feel on the road. However, the Grand Highlander offers more interior space, which is ideal for families with a lot of gear. Both vehicles offer three rows of seating, but the Grand Highlander has a more spacious third row that can comfortably accommodate adults. The middle seats are also wider in the Grand Highlander, providing more legroom for passengers.
Another key difference between the two vehicles is their powertrain. The 2025 Honda Pilot comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Grand Highlander, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.5-liter inline-four engine that produces 243 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, but the Grand Highlander offers a slightly smoother ride. The Grand Highlander also offers a hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors for a total of 243 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid powertrain provides better fuel economy than the gasoline-powered engine, but it also comes at a higher price.
Interior Space and Versatility
Cabin Dimensions and Seating Capacity
The 2025 Honda Pilot and the Grand Highlander offer spacious and versatile interiors. The Pilot boasts a seating capacity of up to eight passengers, distributed across three rows. The Grand Highlander, on the other hand, comes standard with seating for seven, but can be upgraded to accommodate eight with an optional bench seat.
In terms of cabin dimensions, the Grand Highlander has a slight edge over the Pilot. It offers 141.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, compared to 152.9 cubic feet in the Pilot. However, the Pilot offers more cargo space, with a maximum capacity of 119.1 cubic feet behind the first row of seats. The Grand Highlander has a cargo capacity of 116.1 cubic feet behind the first row.
Interior Features and Amenities
Both the Pilot and the Grand Highlander offer a wide range of interior features and amenities designed to enhance comfort and convenience. These include:
| Feature | Honda Pilot | Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Tri-zone climate control | Standard | Standard |
| Panoramic sunroof | Available | Available |
| Heated and ventilated front seats | Available | Standard |
| Rear-seat entertainment system | Available | Available |
| Ambient lighting | Available | Available |
| Wireless charging pad | Standard | Available |
Hybrid and Electric Options
Honda Pilot Lineup
The 2025 Honda Pilot has yet to announce any hybrid or electric options. However, given the growing demand for electrified vehicles, it’s likely that Honda will offer at least one hybrid or plug-in hybrid variant in the future.
Toyota Grand Highlander Lineup
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is available with a choice of two hybrid powertrains: a standard hybrid system and a more powerful plug-in hybrid system. The standard hybrid system pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors for a combined 243 horsepower. The plug-in hybrid system adds a 18.1-kWh battery pack, allowing the Grand Highlander to travel on electricity alone for up to 30 miles. The plug-in hybrid system generates a combined 306 horsepower.
Comparison Table:
| Feature | 2025 Honda Pilot | 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Powertrain | Not yet announced | Standard |
| Plug-in Hybrid Powertrain | Not yet announced | Available |
| Combined Horsepower (Standard Hybrid) | Not yet announced | 243 |
| Combined Horsepower (Plug-in Hybrid) | Not yet announced | 306 |
| Electric-only Range (Plug-in Hybrid) | Not yet announced | Up to 30 miles |
2025 Honda Pilot vs. Grand Highlander: Which SUV Will Come Out on Top?
The Honda Pilot and Toyota Grand Highlander are two of the most popular SUVs on the market. Both vehicles offer a spacious interior, powerful engine, and a variety of features. However, there are some key differences between the two SUVs that could make one a better choice for you than the other.
Size
The Grand Highlander is slightly larger than the Pilot. It has a longer wheelbase and more cargo space. This makes it a better choice for families who need a lot of space for passengers and cargo.
Engine
The Pilot and Grand Highlander both offer a variety of engine options. The Pilot’s base engine is a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 280 horsepower. The Grand Highlander’s base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 243 horsepower. Both SUVs also offer a hybrid option.
Features
The Pilot and Grand Highlander both come standard with a variety of features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a rearview camera. The Grand Highlander offers a few more standard features than the Pilot, such as a sunroof and a power liftgate.
Price
The Pilot has a starting price of $38,490. The Grand Highlander has a starting price of $36,500. Both SUVs are available in a variety of trims, so the price will vary depending on the features you choose.
