2026 Toyota Highlander vs. 2026 Honda Pilot

If you are shopping for a three-row SUV, the 2026 Toyota Highlander and 2026 Honda Pilot are two of the most familiar choices in the segment. Both are designed for family duty, both offer comfortable road manners, and both appeal to buyers who want a dependable midsize SUV with room for passengers and cargo.

At McCarthy Toyota of Sedalia, we know that families comparing these two SUVs are usually focused on the same core questions: which one offers the better mix of seating, comfort, fuel economy, towing, everyday practicality, and value? This page brings those differences together in one place so you can compare them more easily.

Browse our new Toyota inventory, view current Toyota Highlander inventory, or explore the Toyota Highlander model page to learn more.

Quick Comparison

Key Differences

The biggest difference between these two SUVs is their positioning in the segment. The Honda Pilot is the larger vehicle overall, measuring longer, wider, and taller than the Toyota Highlander. That larger footprint gives the Pilot a more spacious third row and more total passenger volume.

The Highlander, meanwhile, plays the role of the slightly smaller, more maneuverable option. That smaller footprint can be helpful for drivers who want a three-row SUV without stepping too far into larger family-hauler territory. It also helps the Highlander maintain an efficiency edge over the Pilot in the estimated MPG figures shown here.

Both vehicles are competitive family SUVs, but they go about the job a little differently. The Pilot focuses more heavily on maximizing interior space, while the Highlander delivers a more size-conscious and efficiency-friendly approach with standard all-wheel drive.

What You Need to Know

2026 Honda Pilot

The Pilot earns an 8.5 rating and remains a practical three-row family SUV with a 285-hp V-6, seating for seven or eight, and a TrailSport model for buyers who want a little more outdoor attitude. For 2026, Honda gives every Pilot a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster.

The Pilot offers 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and can tow up to 5000 pounds when properly equipped with all-wheel drive. It is roomy, agreeable, and family-friendly, even if it may not feel as distinctive as some class leaders.

2026 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander earns an 8.0 rating and offers a 265-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder, seating for seven or eight depending on configuration, and standard all-wheel drive for 2026. Its cabin is comfortable, and it provides 23 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row while also towing up to 5000 pounds.

The Highlander's EPA estimates of 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway help reinforce its value as a more efficiency-conscious three-row SUV. While its third row is better suited to kids than adults, the Highlander remains a strong fit for buyers who want comfortable family transportation without stepping up to Toyota's larger Grand Highlander.

Fuel Economy & Range

On paper, the Highlander has the better fuel-economy story here. For families who regularly commute, road-trip, or cover a lot of highway miles, that difference can add up over time.

Warranty

Interior & Storage Space

The Pilot clearly has the edge in overall interior space. If you regularly carry adults in the third row or simply want a roomier cabin, the Honda is the stronger packaging choice. The Highlander still offers solid room for most family needs, but its third row is best suited for children.

Cargo Area Dimensions

The Highlander provides a little more room behind the third row, while overall maximum cargo figures are close. That means the Toyota may be more convenient when all three rows are in use, even though the Honda is the roomier passenger hauler overall.

Specifications

The Pilot has more horsepower, but the Highlander offers more torque lower in the rev range and comes standard with all-wheel drive in the configuration shown here. That combination can make the Toyota feel especially appealing for drivers who want confident all-weather capability.

Safety Ratings & Features

Exterior Dimensions

Tires & Wheels

Brakes

Find Your Ideal 3-Row SUV at McCarthy Toyota of Sedalia

If you are deciding between the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, the right answer often comes down to how you balance family space, standard all-wheel drive, fuel economy, and everyday comfort. The Highlander remains a strong choice for drivers who want a three-row SUV that feels efficient, stable, and easier to live with day to day.

Start by exploring our Toyota Highlander inventory, browsing our full new Toyota inventory, or learning more on our Toyota Highlander page.

If you are ready for the next step, our finance center can help you explore payment options, and our contact page makes it easy to ask questions or schedule your visit.

Helpful Research Resources

• Toyota Highlander official model page
• Honda Pilot official model page

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Toyota Highlander smaller than the Honda Pilot?

Yes. The Honda Pilot is larger overall, with more passenger room and a more spacious third row. The Highlander sits at the smaller end of the three-row SUV segment.

Which SUV gets better fuel economy?

Based on the comparison figures provided, the Toyota Highlander has better estimated fuel economy than the Honda Pilot.

Which SUV can tow more in this comparison?

The Toyota Highlander is rated to tow up to 5000 pounds, while the Honda Pilot trim shown here is rated at 3500 pounds.

Where can I shop for a Toyota Highlander near Sedalia?

You can browse Toyota Highlander inventory online with McCarthy Toyota of Sedalia or contact the dealership directly for current availability and model details.

Visit McCarthy Toyota of Sedalia

McCarthy Toyota of Sedalia is located at 3110 W Broadway Blvd, Sedalia, MO 65301. Call (660) 826-5400 if you would like help comparing Highlander trims, discussing financing, or planning your visit.