The three-row midsize SUV market is a crowded place to be, but two consistent options tend to get a lot of attention: the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander. The fact is that both are competent, family-focused SUVs. However, how they go about it is rather dissimilar, and that might be the very reason you might choose one over the other.
At Klein Honda, we're on the side of the Pilot, making us the ideal team to rely on when looking for a Honda Pilot for sale near Mountlake Terrace. Whether you are shopping online or visiting us in person, we will take the time to answer any questions you might have to help you narrow down your options. For now, keep reading to see how the 2026 Honda Pilot and 2026 Toyota Highlander compare.
Fundamental Differences
As mentioned, both the Pilot and the Highlander have a lot going for them, but their approach stems from different philosophies. For instance, the 2026 Highlander prioritizes fuel efficiency and conservative aesthetics, while the 2026 Pilot leans into usable space, more engine power, modernized technology, and a more rugged persona.
In other words, the latter might check more boxes for on-the-go drivers who need their vehicle to go with the flow. Still, when choosing between the two, it's good to take a closer look at where they overlap and where they diverge, with an eye toward what truly matters in real-world ownership.
Powertrain Performance
Under the 2026 Pilot's hood sits a proven 3.5L V6 that delivers strong power, the capability to haul heavier loads than you might expect, and the ability to manage highway passing with ease. That engine produces 285 hp and is paired with a ten-speed automatic. Additionally, you can opt for an all-wheel drivetrain (AWD) to add confidence on various terrains. All in all, the Pilot's powertrain delivers a solid and comfortable ride that is more than capable of getting you from one place to the next.
The 2026 Highlander's base form, by contrast, uses a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 265 hp. Every Highlander trim has an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all come standard with AWD. The fact that it doesn't offer a front-wheel drivetrain (FWD) option might be a game-changer for some, as FWD vehicles often have better fuel economy, lower maintenance costs, lighter curb weight, and more interior space.
The bottom line is that the 2026 Pilot's V6 delivers more power for tasks like towing and merging onto the highway, which is key for families who want their SUV to pull the family camper and for those who simply enjoy more get-up-and-go.
Maximizing Three Rows
While having a third row is a perk, that's not all you will need to consider. For instance, you might question whether it is usable for adults or if you can get car seats in and out without breaking a sweat, presuming they can fit back there at all. The good news is that the engineering team at Honda also asked those questions and more.
The result is that both the 2026 Pilot's second and third rows are well-balanced and smartly designed, whether you and your friends are heading out on the town for the night or you're in charge of getting your kids (and your neighbor's kids) to school and back home again for the week. Even better are the clever in-cabin solutions, such as stowable seats and storage cubbies, which ensure everything is organized and that you are maximizing your space.
Meanwhile, the 2026 Highlander's design team spent a lot of time ensuring the front row of the SUV was comfortable and that it offered competitive overall packaging. However, its third row is better suited for kids than adults, or even teens, which could limit just how much you can actually use it, depending on your needs.
Breaking down the numbers, you will find that the Pilot offers third-row passengers 32.5 inches of legroom, while the Highlander's third-row legroom measures 28 inches. Headroom is also a key metric, with the Pilot's rear row offering 39.3 inches compared to the Highlander's 36.1 inches. In short, if you need your third row to reach its full potential (and most drivers looking for a three-row SUV do), the Pilot might be the smarter choice.
Cabin Technology
Technology is another area where the 2026 Pilot starts to pull ahead, especially with its latest refresh. Some of the things you can expect as you slide into the driver's seat are a large 12.3-inch touchscreen display and a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster across all trims.
Additionally, you will be able to seamlessly connect to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, as well as the available 5G Wi-Fi, ensuring you and your passengers enjoy every mile of the trip. It is also worth noting that the latest changes included improvements with NVH (Noise, Vibration, & Harshness) insulation, which helps make the Pilot feel more refined, even when traveling at highway speeds.
For the 2026 Highlander, you can also enjoy a 12.3-inch touchscreen, but it is an option rather than standard. The standard is an eight-inch display. Still, you are able to connect a compatible phone to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to enjoy the latest episode of your favorite podcast. The Highlander's dash might also be considered more conservative than the Pilot's streamlined design, which gives the latter bonus points, particularly for drivers who want a more upscale cockpit experience.
Safety Technology
Both manufacturers are known for delivering safe and reliable vehicles, which is why both brands are household names. With that in mind, you will find many of the driver assistance features you are looking for, regardless of which SUV you choose, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and more. Plus, you will find that both SUVs rank well in crash-test ratings across the board.
Towing & Off-Roading
Towing was briefly mentioned earlier, but in order to truly compare these two SUVs, it deserves a closer look. The fact is that both the 2026 Pilot and the 2026 Highlander are capable of towing up to 5,000 lbs, which is more than enough for most SUV drivers. However, the Pilot's V6 engine may make the task seem less strenuous.
It is also worth mentioning that if your towing trip includes somewhat rugged terrain or if you simply want to enjoy a bit of off-roading, the Pilot's new TrailSport trim is a wise choice. It offers rugged styling, durable interior materials, underbody skid plates, a clever AWD system, and other off-road-focused touches that give you added confidence as you set off on your adventure. The Highlander, on the other hand, doesn't have a trim level that compares to the TrailSport.
Check Out the 2026 Honda Pilot Today
While the Toyota Highlander continues to be a dependable, efficient, and well-rounded SUV, the 2026 Honda Pilot offers a refreshed package that goes above and beyond what those looking for a three-row SUV might expect. All in all, it provides a potent combination of reliable performance, generous cabin space, modern technology, and versatile capability that better matches what Mountlake Terrace drivers need.
If you're ready to see the 2026 Honda Pilot up close, reach out to a member of our team online or stop by our dealership today. Either way, we are excited to help you find the right fit for your daily driving routine.