2023 Honda Pilot vs the 2023 Toyota Highlander

Redesigned and modernized, the new 2023 Honda Pilot focuses on comfort, safety, reliability and roominess (seating eight). With its squared-off body style, athletic hood and large grille with wide openings, the Pilot is genuinely burly in appearance. Especially considering that it’s more powerful, thanks to advanced mechanics, which have also improved the vehicle’s fuel economy.

On the other hand, with three rows of seats, the Toyota Highlander is the best-selling midsize SUV in Canada. For 2023, it has received several improvements in terms of mechanics and technology. Although it’s less exhilarating to drive, it’s still a rational choice for families looking for reliability, good resale value and low fuel consumption.

2023 is a good year for the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander

The 2023 Honda Pilot comes in five versions, including the Black Edition. All of these feature a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 3.5 L V6 engine. This powertrain, generating 285 hp (262 lbf·ft of torque), includes the Variable Cylinder Management® (VCM) system, which automatically engages either three or six cylinders, according to driving conditions. Consequently, fuel consumption is lower, especially since the Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist™) enables the driver to monitor efficiency at the wheel. The variable torque management all-wheel drive system comes standard, as do the Integrated Drive Modes (IDM), enabling the driver to go from Sport, Normal, Snow, Tow (up to 5,000 lb) and more with ease.

As for the 2023 Toyota Highlander, we’re looking at a 2.4 L inline-four turbo engine (265 hp/310 lbf·ft), which is surprisingly fuel-efficient (9.8 liters per 100 km city/highway) considering its power. A hybrid version is also available, offering a combined 243 hp with fuel consumption as low as 6.6 liters per 100 kilometers. The inline-four works with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid powertrain features a continuously variable transmission (CVT). No fewer than ten different versions are available! The most affordable ones (LE and XLE) are less expensive than the entry-level models of the Pilot.

Two SUVs with a lot to offer

With the 2023 Honda Pilot, all of the minor gaps in terms of esthetics, ergonomics and technology have now been filled. Everything’s there or almost there: luxury, comfort and a full complement of active (Honda Sensing®) and passive safety technologies. Not to mention connectivity features and an optional 9-inch touchscreen.

We can say the same for the cabin of the 2023 Highlander. The center screen is now as large as 12.3 inches (depending on the trim level) and the workmanship is more sophisticated. However, at 2,387 liters, its maximum cargo volume is lower than that of the Honda Pilot (at 3,219 liters).

Contact us for more information about the Honda Pilot