2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Honda Pilot

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, all featuring standard all-wheel drive. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, offered a premium feel, though its black mats were challenging to clean. The interior, with quality materials and a minivan-like front seat design, did not favour the Pilot's overall aesthetic appeal.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma, giving it a rugged front appearance, but the side design introduced unnecessary visual weight. The rear echoed the trapezoidal grille, resulting in a disjointed overall design compared to more cohesive competitors. Inside, the asymmetrical dash and metallic styling element added interest, while the infotainment pod was conveniently placed. The Bronze Edition featured unique bronze accents and light grey fabric upholstery, which attracted dirt and lacked durability. The Softex synthetic leather was less convincing than alternatives, and the third row had uncomfortable hard plastics.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring all-wheel drive. It offered a smooth and refined driving experience, with a fuel efficiency of 10.9 L/100 km. The Pilot's suspension provided a comfortable ride and athletic handling, aided by its torque-vectoring system and 20-inch alloy wheels. However, its off-road capability was limited by modest ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, delivering 243 horsepower. It featured a continuously variable transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with an electric motor powering the rear axle. The Highlander Hybrid accelerated to 100 km/h in just over eight seconds. The ride quality was soft, with the suspension smoothing over bumps, and the cabin remained quiet on highways. However, the engine's drone during acceleration and hill climbs was off-putting, and the handling was not sporty but adequate for a family vehicle.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, seating up to eight with a bench second-row seat. The Black Edition featured comfortable leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. Second-row captain’s chairs were nearly as comfortable and slid forward for third-row access. The Pilot provided 524 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,583 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum of 3,092 litres. Storage was abundant, with compartments throughout the cabin.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's front seats were well-cushioned, though the driver's door armrest was awkwardly placed. Storage options included trays and a large centre armrest bin. The second-row seats were spacious, with sliding and reclining captain’s chairs or an optional bench. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space measured 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,370 litres with seats folded, and a maximum of 2,387 litres. Higher trims included a hands-free power liftgate.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim added wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a premium audio system. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 115-volt power outlet and HDMI port. However, the system's small screen and limited HondaLink services were drawbacks.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid included an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option on top trims. The system was responsive, with physical shortcut buttons and climate control knobs. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging on higher trims. Navigation and a JBL audio system were available on Limited and Platinum trims. The larger screen's glossy surface could reflect light, obscuring visibility.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came with Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Touring trim added blind-spot monitoring. The Pilot received a five-star NHTSA rating and "good" IIHS ratings, with some exceptions.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieved a five-star NHTSA rating and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The Platinum trim offered a surround view camera and head-up display. The systems generally worked well but required fine-tuning for smoother operation.