2020 Honda Pilot vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Toyota Highlander presented a design that was subtly refined from its predecessor, with a slanted tailgate glass and more pronounced body panel creases. The trapezoidal theme was evident in various elements, including the tailgate's license plate cutout and the slimmer headlights. The vehicle featured projector-beam LED headlights across all trims, with the higher trims, Limited and Platinum, boasting prettier LED running lamps and new 20-inch alloy wheels. The interior of the Highlander was where it truly shone, with quality fit and finish, silver-painted accents, and a multi-layered dash. The colour palettes were pleasing, and the Limited trim offered a luxurious three-tone interior. The Highlander's cabin was noted for its padded surfaces and rich textures, rivaling only the Kia Telluride in its class.

The 2020 Honda Pilot shared the dynamic styling of the Honda lineup, with thin LED headlights and a multi-tiered grille. Its design cleverly masked its size, giving it a more svelte appearance. Inside, the Pilot featured a modern cabin with a semi-digital instrument panel, though it was criticized for the use of hard plastics in some areas. The Pilot offered a range of trims, from the value-oriented LX to the luxurious Black Edition. Each trim added various features, such as leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and advanced tech options. The Pilot's cabin was spacious and comfortable, with a focus on family-friendly features like a conversation mirror and CabinTalk, which projected the driver's voice to rear passengers.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. This engine delivered 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, providing brisk acceleration. The eight-speed automatic transmission made full use of the engine's power, though it required a heavy foot for a kickdown. The Highlander's steering was loose, and its suspension was soft, leading to a ride that was more about comfort than control. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander offered a smooth and quiet driving experience, akin to a Lexus. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the FWD model rated at 11.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.3 on the highway. The AWD version had slightly different figures, and the hybrid model offered even better fuel economy.

The 2020 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. All trims came with standard AWD, and the engine was paired with either a 6-speed or a 9-speed automatic transmission, depending on the trim. The 9-speed transmission provided more refined acceleration and improved fuel efficiency. The Pilot's ride was tuned for comfort, making it ideal for commutes and road trips, though it lacked athleticism. The Intelligent Traction Management System offered various drive modes for different conditions, enhancing the Pilot's versatility.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander offered seating for eight, or seven with the optional second-row captain's chairs. The second row was versatile, with generous legroom and easy access to the third row. The Highlander's cargo space was ample, with 453 litres behind the third row, 1,359 litres behind the second, and 2,378 litres with both rows folded. The interior featured practical storage solutions, including shelves integrated into the dash and multiple cupholders. The controls were simple and legible, though the wireless charging pad could be cumbersome.

The 2020 Honda Pilot provided a spacious cabin with seating for eight, or seven with the optional captain's chairs. The third row was adult-friendly, offering plenty of head and legroom. The Pilot's cargo capacity was impressive, with 1,583 litres available with the second and third rows folded. The interior was designed for family use, with numerous storage spaces and features like a conversation mirror and CabinTalk. Higher trims offered a power liftgate and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander featured an infotainment system that felt outdated, with low-resolution screens and a lack of onboard apps. The 12.3-inch touchscreen on the Platinum trim was underutilized, as it always displayed climate and efficiency information. However, the Highlander did offer a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch display in the instrument cluster. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, and a JBL audio system on higher trims.

The 2020 Honda Pilot came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was criticized for its confusing layout and lack of a tuning knob. Higher trims added navigation, a rear entertainment system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Touring and Black Edition trims featured an upgraded audio system and a wireless charging pad.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Highlander received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a 2020 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

The 2020 Honda Pilot was equipped with the HondaSensing suite, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Optional safety features included parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring. The Pilot earned a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and received top scores from the IIHS.