Clash of the Three-Row Titans: 2026 Highlander vs. Honda Pilot
Two Three-Row Heavyweights Square Off for 2026
Shopping for a three-row SUV that hauls the whole crew without feeling like a bus? You've probably got two names circled on your list already. Both seat up to eight, both tow a loaded trailer, and both have earned loyal fans who swear by them. Picking one comes down to the details, and that's where these two start to pull apart.
- The Highlander offers a hybrid that hits 35 mpg combined, while the Pilot sticks with a single gas V6.
- The Pilot's 285-hp V6 out-muscles the Highlander's 265-hp turbo four on paper.
- Both top out around $55,000 fully loaded, so trim choice matters more than badge loyalty.
What's Under the Hood
Pop the hoods and you'll find two different philosophies. Honda keeps things classic with a 3.5L V6 that makes 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired to a 10-speed automatic. It's smooth, it's been around long enough to prove itself, and it loves to rev. Toyota went a different route. Its gas Highlander runs a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 265 horsepower and a stout 310 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic. That extra torque shows up early, which helps when you're merging onto I-91 with a full load of kids and gear.
Fuel Economy and the Hybrid Question
Toyota plays a card here that Honda can't match for 2026. The Highlander Hybrid teams a 2.5L engine with electric motors for 243 combined horsepower and an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined. That's a big jump over the gas Highlander's 21 city, 28 highway, and 24 combined with all-wheel drive. Honda offers no hybrid Pilot this year, so the closest you'll get is 19 city, 25 highway, and 21 combined on AWD trims. Over a year of Connecticut commuting, that gap adds up fast at the pump. Anyone weighing the 2026 Toyota Highlander vs. Honda Pilot on running costs will feel the difference every fill-up.
How the 2026 Highlander and Pilot Stack Up by Trim
| Category | 2026 Toyota Highlander | 2026 Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Base Trim and Price | XLE, $45,870 | Sport FWD, $42,395 |
| Engine | 265-hp 2.4L turbo 4-cyl | 285-hp 3.5L V6 |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Hybrid Available | Yes, 243 hp, 35 mpg combined | No |
| Gas Fuel Economy (AWD) | 21 city / 28 hwy / 24 combined | 19 city / 25 hwy / 21 combined |
| Standard Seating | 7 (8 optional on select trims) | 8 (7 on TrailSport) |
| Max Towing | 5,000 lb gas / 3,500 lb hybrid | 5,000 lb AWD / 3,500 lb FWD |
| Max Cargo (seats folded) | 84.3 cu ft | Up to 113.7 cu ft (TrailSport) |
| Standard Touchscreen | 8.0-in (12.3-in available) | 12.3-in |
| Top Trim and Price | Platinum $53,525 (Hybrid Platinum $55,275) | Black Edition, $55,195 |
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Space, Seating, and Hauling
Both SUVs carry up to eight people, though Honda makes seven-passenger seating standard only on the TrailSport with its captain's chairs. A second-row bench is available on a few Highlander trims if you need that eighth seat. On cargo, the Pilot stretches a little longer overall and quotes up to 113.7 cubic feet behind the front seats on the TrailSport. Toyota lists up to 84.3 cubic feet with every row folded flat. Towing lands in a familiar spot for both. Gas Highlanders and AWD Pilots each pull up to 5,000 pounds with the right equipment, while the Highlander Hybrid and front-drive Pilot top out at 3,500 pounds.
Tech and Safety That Comes Standard
Honda gave the 2026 Pilot a tech bump, putting a 12.3-inch touchscreen and Google built-in on every trim. Step into the Highlander and you get an 8-inch screen standard, with a 12.3-inch upgrade on higher grades. Each one comes loaded with factory-installed driver aids. Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ and Honda Sensing each bundle automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, and blind spot monitoring as standard. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included on both, so your phone connects the second you climb in.
Finding the One That Fits Your Family
So which one belongs in your garage? If saving fuel ranks high and you want a hybrid without stepping up to a bigger or pricier vehicle, the Highlander makes a strong case. If you'd rather have the bigger V6, a touch more cargo room, and a rugged TrailSport trim built for weekend trail runs, the Pilot answers that call. Each is a dependable family hauler that holds its worth well, so you really can't go wrong. The right pick just depends on how you drive and where you're headed.
See Both Three-Row SUVs at Toyota of Wallingford
We know choosing between two SUVs this close is easier when you can sit in both. At Toyota of Wallingford, we keep the new Highlander and Highlander Hybrid on the lot so you can test the seats, fold the rows, and feel that turbo torque for yourself on a quick drive around Wallingford. Our team is happy to walk you through each trim, line up the numbers against whatever else you're cross-shopping, and answer the questions a spec sheet can't. When you're ready for a little joyride, swing by, and we'll set you up. We've spent years helping central Connecticut families land on the right fit, and we'd love to do the same for yours.