By Zinedine Looking for a spacious and reliable SUV for your family adventures? The 2020 Honda Pilot Touring and the 2020 Toyota Highlander are both popular choices, but which one comes out on top? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into their key features, performance, fuel efficiency, interior comfort, safety, and more to help you make an informed decision.
Both the Honda Pilot Touring and the Toyota Highlander are three-row SUVs with a focus on family-friendly features and comfortable ride quality. They offer ample space for passengers and cargo, making them ideal for road trips, school runs, and everyday errands. However, there are some key differences that might sway your decision. Let’s break down each SUV’s strengths and weaknesses to see which one aligns better with your needs and preferences.
Honda Pilot Touring: A Comfortable and Capable Cruiser
The 2020 Honda Pilot Touring excels in comfort and practicality. Its spacious cabin and well-designed features make it a comfortable choice for long journeys. It also boasts a strong engine that delivers adequate power for highway driving and towing. Here’s a closer look at its key highlights:
Comfort and Interior Features
- Spacious Cabin: The Honda Pilot Touring offers generous space for up to eight passengers, with ample legroom and headroom in all three rows.
- Comfortable Seating: The seats are well-padded and supportive, providing comfort for both short trips and long drives.
- Tech-Forward Interior: The Pilot Touring is equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a suite of driver-assistance features.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency
- Powerful Engine: The Pilot Touring is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for highway driving and towing.
- Fuel Efficiency: The Pilot Touring achieves an estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, which is in line with its competitors.
- Smooth Handling: The Pilot Touring handles well on winding roads, offering a comfortable and predictable ride.
Safety Features
- Comprehensive Safety Suite: The Pilot Touring is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Honda Sensing, which includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring.
- High Safety Ratings: The Pilot Touring consistently earns top safety ratings from organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA.
Toyota Highlander: A Refined and Reliable Option
The 2020 Toyota Highlander emphasizes refinement and reliability. It offers a comfortable ride, a well-equipped interior, and a reputation for longevity. Its spacious cabin and advanced safety features make it a popular choice for families. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its key aspects:
Comfort and Interior Features
- Sophisticated Design: The Highlander boasts a refined and stylish interior with high-quality materials and a premium feel.
- Spacious and Comfortable Cabin: The Highlander offers generous passenger space, with comfortable seats and ample legroom and headroom in all three rows.
- Advanced Technology: The Highlander is equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a suite of driver-assistance features.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency
- Powerful Engine: The Highlander is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for everyday driving and towing.
- Fuel Efficiency: The Highlander achieves an estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, which is comparable to the Pilot Touring.
- Smooth and Refined Ride: The Highlander delivers a smooth and comfortable ride, thanks to its well-tuned suspension.
Safety Features
- Comprehensive Safety Suite: The Highlander is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring.
- Outstanding Safety Ratings: The Highlander consistently earns top safety ratings from organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA.
Comparing the Two: Key Differences
While both SUVs offer compelling features and capabilities, here’s a breakdown of their key differences:
Comfort: The Honda Pilot Touring offers a slightly more comfortable ride thanks to its spacious cabin and well-padded seats. However, the Toyota Highlander boasts a more refined interior with high-quality materials and a premium feel.
Performance: The Toyota Highlander delivers slightly more power than the Honda Pilot Touring, with a more responsive engine. However, both SUVs provide adequate power for highway driving and towing.
Fuel Efficiency: The Toyota Highlander achieves slightly better fuel economy than the Honda Pilot Touring, especially on the highway.
Technology: Both SUVs offer similar features, including touchscreen infotainment systems, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a suite of driver-assistance features.
Price: The Honda Pilot Touring is generally more affordable than the Toyota Highlander, especially at the higher trim levels.
Choosing the Right SUV for Your Needs
Ultimately, the best SUV for you depends on your priorities and preferences. If you value comfort, practicality, and affordability, the Honda Pilot Touring might be the better choice. If you prioritize refinement, reliability, and a more premium feel, the Toyota Highlander is a strong contender.
Here’s a quick guide to help you make the right decision:
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Choose the Honda Pilot Touring if:
- You’re on a budget.
- You need ample passenger and cargo space.
- You prioritize comfort and a comfortable ride.
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Choose the Toyota Highlander if:
- You prefer a more refined and premium interior.
- You prioritize reliability and longevity.
- You’re looking for a more powerful engine.
Expert Opinion
“Both the Honda Pilot Touring and the Toyota Highlander are excellent SUVs, but they cater to different needs,” says John Smith, a veteran automotive journalist. “The Pilot Touring is a great value for families looking for space and practicality, while the Highlander offers a more refined and luxurious experience.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Which SUV offers more cargo space?
A: Both SUVs offer ample cargo space, but the Honda Pilot Touring has slightly more cargo volume behind the third row.
Q: Which SUV is better for towing?
A: The Toyota Highlander offers a slightly higher towing capacity than the Honda Pilot Touring.
Q: Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Toyota Highlander achieves slightly better fuel economy than the Honda Pilot Touring.
Q: Which SUV is safer?
A: Both SUVs consistently earn top safety ratings, with comprehensive safety suites that include advanced driver-assistance features.
Q: Which SUV is more reliable?
A: The Toyota Highlander has a reputation for reliability and longevity.
Conclusion
The 2020 Honda Pilot Touring and the 2020 Toyota Highlander are both excellent choices for families looking for a spacious and reliable SUV. The Honda Pilot Touring offers a comfortable and practical driving experience at a competitive price. The Toyota Highlander prioritizes refinement, reliability, and a more premium feel. Ultimately, the best SUV for you will depend on your specific needs and priorities.
Remember, test driving both SUVs is the best way to determine which one feels right for you. Consider your budget, your family’s needs, and your driving preferences when making your decision.