2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign, presenting a more rugged and substantial appearance. Its upright grille and boxier styling not only made it look bigger but also increased its dimensions, being 8.6 centimetres longer, up to 3.8 cm wider, and 2 cm taller than its predecessor. These changes complemented the all-terrain-capable TrailSport model, which gained legitimate off-road parts like a 2.5 cm taller ride height, unique 18-inch wheels, chunky all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates. The interior took a more conventional styling route, remaining attractive and functional, with materials quality meeting class expectations. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard in Canada, and the overall aesthetic emphasized function over form without sacrificing attraction.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid maintained its previous design with minimal changes, introducing a new Cypress Green paint colour. The current-generation Highlander was over-styled, with exaggerated forms and a visually aggressive design. Inside, the cabin continued the super-sized theme with large air vents, a giant 12.3-inch touchscreen, and big climate control knobs. However, the multi-layered dashboard's mismatched textures and tones, along with reflections from the display and black plastic trim, made the interior visually overwhelming. The primary controls felt inexpensive, and the interior quality was questionable, though the vehicle was notably quiet on the road.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was powered by a new 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system was standard. The Pilot offered quick initial acceleration and adequate power, with a soft brake pedal for smooth stops. It cornered well for a three-row SUV, prioritizing comfort over sporty driving. The off-road-capable TrailSport variant increased ground clearance by 2.5 cm and featured all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities without sacrificing on-road comfort. The Pilot's towing capacity reached up to 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs).

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. The electric motors assisted acceleration and allowed for low-speed electric-only driving. However, the gas engine's 175 lb-ft of torque limited high-speed passing power, and towing capacity was 1,588 kg (3,500 lbs). The Highlander Hybrid offered Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with AWD and a Trail mode for light off-road work. Its Predictive Efficient Drive system aimed to maximize fuel efficiency, though it returned 8.2 L/100 km on the evaluation loop, higher than the expected 6.7 L/100 km. The driving experience was unengaging, with soft suspension tuning and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that detracted from driving excitement.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior featured a conventional design with a handy dash shelf for the front passenger. The entry-level Sport trim had a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a nine-inch display. The Touring trim offered a multi-view camera system, head-up display, and fully digital instrument panel. The Pilot excelled in storage and convenience features, with a stowable second-row centre seat providing a useful pass-through for third-row passengers. The second row offered ample space for adults, while the third row was less inviting but suitable for short trips. Cargo space was generous, with up to 3,219 litres available behind the front seats.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid accommodated seven or eight people, with most models featuring second-row captain’s chairs. Standard equipment included three-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, with higher trims offering additional comfort features. The second-row captain’s chairs provided comfort, but accessing the third row was challenging, and the seats were best for occasional use. The Highlander offered a useful dashboard shelf and a wireless charging pad, but storage areas were unlined, and the centre armrest storage console was complex. Cargo space measured 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,387 litres with the second-row seats folded.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's EX-L trim and above featured a larger touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a wireless phone charger, and USB ports in every row. The Touring trim added a multi-view camera system, head-up display, and fully digital instrument panel. The infotainment system was functional, with quick responses and a logical layout, though the graphics were not particularly modern. Additional features included Honda's CabinTalk, a navigation system, Bose premium audio, and a remote monitor.

For 2023, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, with upper trims receiving a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system. The Limited trim featured a 12.3-inch display with over-the-air software updates, dual-device Bluetooth pairing, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Connected service plans were standard, with Remote Connect allowing remote access to vehicle functions. The Drive Connect service plan offered an Intelligent Assistant and cloud-based navigation. The test vehicle included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system, though the graphics could be improved for better visibility.

The 2023 Honda Pilot received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, the highest available. Standard Honda Sensing safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, traffic-jam assist, blind-spot monitor, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign reader, automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims added front and rear parking sensors, surround-view, and multi-view camera systems. The advanced safety features functioned well, with no false alarms experienced during testing.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a road sign assist system. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was standard, with higher trims gaining front and rear parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The ADAS worked well, though it occasionally struggled with lane markings and rural roads. Safety Connect provided emergency assistance and collision notification, and the Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.