2021 Honda Pilot vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot was available in five trims in Canada, ranging from the LX to the Black Edition, with prices between $42,905 and $56,805. The Black Edition, which we tested, featured exclusive black leather upholstery with red accents and ambient lighting. However, the interior's minivan-like feel and the exterior's lack of excitement were drawbacks.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander stood out with its distinctive design, avoiding the blandness often associated with midsize SUVs. Its bold front end, wide headlights, and character lines gave it a unique presence. The Highlander introduced the XSE trim, adding a sportier look and some suspension tuning. Our test vehicle, the Limited trim, exuded luxury with chrome accents and a refined interior featuring tan leather seats and wood details. While the Highlander leaned towards luxury, it maintained practicality, offering comfort and convenience for families.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This power was delivered through a nine-speed automatic transmission and a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, which could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The Pilot offered a smooth and refined driving experience, with a fuel consumption rating of 11.0 L/100 km in combined driving. Its MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension provided a comfortable ride and surprisingly agile handling. However, its off-road capabilities were limited by modest ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine generating 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not designed for high-performance driving, the Highlander offered smooth and predictable operation. It compared well with competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride in terms of power. The XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, enhancing driving excitement. Despite its size, the Highlander handled corners with composure, thanks to its comfortable suspension.

The 2021 Honda Pilot provided ample space for families, seating up to eight with a second-row bench seat. The Black Edition featured comfortable leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, though the front passenger seat had limited adjustment. Second-row captain's chairs were standard on the Black Edition, offering comfort and flexibility. The Pilot boasted 524 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,583 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 3,092 litres with all seats down.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in interior functionality, featuring shelves for storage and a wireless charging pad in higher trims. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom, with available captain's chairs for added comfort. The third row was suitable for adults only if the second row was adjusted. Cargo space measured 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,150 litres with it folded, and a maximum of 2,245 litres with both rows down. The Highlander offered practicality for families, though its cargo capacity was less than the Pilot's.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Higher trims included navigation, wireless phone charging, and a premium audio system. The Touring trim added a rear-seat entertainment system and Cabin Talk feature. While the system was functional, it lacked some modern conveniences, and HondaLink services were limited to higher trims.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option on the Platinum trim. Both systems were user-friendly, with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The 12.3-inch screen was visually impressive but limited in functionality. A JBL audio system was available on higher trims, providing good sound quality. The Highlander's infotainment system was generally well-received, though navigation performance varied.

The 2021 Honda Pilot included Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, as standard. This package featured adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high scores from the IIHS.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support. It also included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring was standard. The Highlander earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.