2024 Toyota Grand Highlander 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 contributed to its increased dimensions. The fourth-generation Pilot was 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, including 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, functional, and versatile. Materials quality met class expectations, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard in Canada. Overall, the 2023 Honda Pilot emphasized function over form, offering a tidy and utilitarian aesthetic.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was a true crossover built on the TNGA-K platform, sharing its underpinnings with the regular Highlander, RAV4, Sienna, and Camry. It was not a body-on-frame vehicle, with a towing capacity capped at 2,268 kilograms. The Grand Highlander stretched 5,115 millimetres in length and sat atop a 2,950 mm wheelbase, offering a spacious interior. Its styling drew inspiration from rugged vehicles, with a conservative yet blockier design compared to the smaller Highlander. The Grand Highlander was available in three trims: XLE, Limited, and Platinum, with varying interior materials. It offered a comfortable and well-built road-trip experience, with quality materials and seamless fitment. Toyota's reputation for mechanical reliability extended to the Grand Highlander's interior, promising durability over time.

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, with adequate power and a pleasant engine hum. The brake pedal was soft, suitable for a family SUV, and easy to modulate. The Pilot cornered well for a three-row SUV, with noticeable body roll but no alarming rebounds. It was tuned for comfort rather than performance, with feather-light steering. The off-road-capable TrailSport model increased ground clearance by 2.5 cm and featured all-terrain tires, adding a subtle vibration on pavement. Towing capacity was up to 2,268 kg. The Pilot balanced on-road composure and comfort with moderate all-terrain capabilities, making it ideal for family duties and outdoor adventures.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three engine options: a 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder with 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, a 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid with 245 combined net horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, and the Hybrid Max powertrain with 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. In Canada, all powertrains came with all-wheel drive. The Hybrid Max delivered impressive acceleration, with a zero-to-60 time of 6.3 seconds. The standard gas-engine Grand Highlander accounted for 85% of sales. The Grand Highlander was larger and tougher to maneuver than the smaller Highlander, with some body roll and numb steering feel. The brakes were solid, with linear pedal feel, and acceleration was adequate. Toyota offered three drive modes: Sport, Eco, and Normal, with additional modes for gas-only and Hybrid Max models. Sport mode tightened steering and throttle response, while Eco mode dulled them. Normal mode was the preferred setting.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior was more conventional compared to other new Honda vehicles, featuring 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's touchscreen seemed small for the available space but was adequate. Primary controls for climate and drive modes were logically placed, with a large rubberized shelf for phones and a wireless charging pad. The Pilot offered clever storage and convenience features, including a stowable second-row centre seat, providing a centre pass-through for third-row passengers. The second row had ample space for adults over six feet tall, while the third row was less inviting. Cargo capacity was 635 litres behind the third row, expandable to 3,219 litres with seats folded. A power tailgate was standard, with hands-free operation on higher trims.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was larger than its primary rivals, with a length of over 5 metres and a 2,950 mm wheelbase. It offered more storage space, with a total cargo capacity of 2,761 litres, surpassing the Telluride. Behind the second-row seats, there were 1,640 litres, and with all three rows up, 583 litres were available. The Grand Highlander provided a spacious and comfortable interior, with good outward visibility and ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in every row. A six-foot adult could comfortably sit in the third row.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's EX-L trim level offered a larger touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a wireless phone charger. The Touring trim added USB ports in every row, a multi-view camera system, head-up display, and fully digital instrument panel. The infotainment touchscreen was functional, with quick responses and a logical layout. Honda's CabinTalk worked as an interior PA through the audio system. The Touring trim included a navigation system, Bose premium audio, and remote monitor.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a significant improvement over Toyota's old interface. An intelligent assistant was available via a connected-services subscription, handling tasks like adjusting temperature and changing radio stations. The subscription also included cloud-based navigation and 24/7 live agent assistance. Standard features included dual-device Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an 11-speaker JBL stereo on Limited and Platinum trims. Streaming audio integration and Sirius XM satellite radio were available.

The 2023 Honda Pilot received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. 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 driver attention monitor. EX-L and higher trims added front and rear parking sensors, while the Touring trim included surround-view and multi-view camera systems. The adaptive cruise control maintained a smooth gap to the vehicle in front.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander had not yet been crash-tested or rated by NHTSA or IIHS. However, it included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert with steering assist, lane-tracing assist, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The updated lane-departure alert identified three-dimensional objects, reducing false warnings. Traffic jam assist and a head-up display were exclusive to the Platinum grade. Adaptive cruise control offered four following-distance settings.