2022 Toyota Highlander 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, with AWD as standard. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, offered a unique aesthetic. However, the interior, with its flat dashboard and minivan-like feel, did not significantly elevate the Pilot's appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander boasted a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design. Its flared fender arches and third-row window design gave it a compact appearance, despite its spacious interior. The XSE trim, with its bold red leather interior and navy blue exterior, stood out with unique styling and a sport-tuned suspension. The Highlander offered a range of trims, each with increasing levels of comfort and technology, culminating in the luxurious Limited and Platinum trims.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a torque-vectoring AWD system, provided a smooth and refined driving experience. The Pilot's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.0 L/100 km in combined driving, with the test vehicle achieving 10.9 L/100 km. Its suspension system offered a comfortable ride and surprisingly agile handling, though its off-road capabilities were limited by modest ground clearance.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander also featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine, but with slightly higher output at 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD provided a balanced driving experience, with drive modes for various conditions. The Highlander's sport-tuned suspension in the XSE trim reduced body roll while maintaining comfort. It could tow up to 2,268 kilograms, making it a versatile choice for families needing extra capability.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, seating up to eight with a second-row bench. 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 higher trims, providing comfort and easy access to the third row. The Pilot excelled in storage solutions, with numerous compartments and a generous cargo capacity of up to 3,092 litres with seats folded.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander provided up to 2,387 litres of cargo space with seats folded, and 453 litres behind the third row. Its interior was designed for practicality, with deep door pockets and versatile storage solutions. The XSE trim featured second-row captain’s chairs, enhancing comfort and accessibility. While the third row was less spacious for adults, the overall interior layout was family-friendly and functional.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered additional features like wireless charging and a premium audio system. The system was functional but lacked some modern conveniences, such as a tuning knob and intuitive voice recognition. The Touring trim added a rear-seat entertainment system, enhancing family road trips.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, complemented by hard buttons for ease of use. The XSE trim included a wireless charging pad and multiple USB ports. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and premium audio system were available on higher trims, offering a more immersive experience. The Highlander's infotainment system was praised for its straightforward layout and functionality.

The 2021 Honda Pilot included the Honda Sensing suite, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. While effective, the system was not as refined as newer versions. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came with Toyota Safety Sense, featuring forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and dynamic radar cruise control. It also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Highlander's safety systems were active and sometimes overly sensitive, but it earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.