2026 Toyota Grand Highlander vs. 2026 Honda Pilot: Which Three-Row SUV Fits Your Family?
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander vs. 2026 Honda Pilot: Which Three-Row SUV Fits Your Family?
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander and 2026 Honda Pilot are the segment's two most cross-shopped three-row SUVs, and they answer the same question differently. Honda builds one V6 and builds it well. Toyota builds three powertrains and lets you pick your priority.
Where Each One Wins
| Category | Winner | The Margin |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | Grand Highlander | Up to 36 combined vs. 22 combined |
| Powertrain choice | Grand Highlander | Gas, Hybrid and Hybrid MAX vs. one V6 |
| Peak horsepower | Grand Highlander | 362 hp (Hybrid MAX) vs. 285 hp |
| Third-row legroom | Grand Highlander | 33.5 in. vs. 32.5 in. |
| Complimentary maintenance | Grand Highlander | ToyotaCare included; Honda offers none |
| Starting price | Grand Highlander | LE undercuts Pilot Sport by $135 |
| Standard touchscreen | Tie | 12.3 in. standard on every trim, both SUVs |
| Cargo behind third row | Honda Pilot | Measured differently by each automaker |
| Maximum towing | Tie | 5,000 lbs. when properly equipped |
If efficiency, powertrain choice or included maintenance top your list, the Grand Highlander is the stronger buy. If maximum published cargo volume decides it, the Pilot has the edge.
Pricing and Trim Lineup
Ten Grand Highlander configurations across three powertrains, against seven Pilot trims sharing one engine
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander — Full Lineup
| Model | Starting TSRP | Powertrain | EPA City / Hwy |
|---|---|---|---|
| LE | $43,755 TSRP | 2.4L Turbo Gas | 21 / 28 |
| XLE | $46,525 TSRP | 2.4L Turbo Gas | 21 / 28 |
| Hybrid LE | $47,105 TSRP | 2.5L Hybrid | 36 / 32 |
| Hybrid XLE | $48,275 TSRP | 2.5L Hybrid | 37 / 34 |
| Limited | $51,255 TSRP | 2.4L Turbo Gas | 21 / 28 |
| Hybrid Limited | $54,605 TSRP | 2.5L Hybrid | 36 / 32 |
| Hybrid Nightshade | $55,585 TSRP | 2.5L Hybrid | 36 / 32 |
| Platinum | $56,940 TSRP | 2.4L Turbo Gas | 20 / 26 |
| Hybrid MAX Limited | $57,585 TSRP | 2.4L Turbo Hybrid MAX | 26 / 27 |
| Hybrid MAX Platinum | $61,670 TSRP | 2.4L Turbo Hybrid MAX | 26 / 27 |
Grand Highlander grades and pricing per Toyota's published 2026 Grand Highlander model lineup.
💰 TSRP
Total Suggested Retail Price (TSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, processing, and handling fees, which are subject to change at any time. TSRP excludes taxes, title, license, dealer-installed options, accessories, fees and charges. TSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
2026 Honda Pilot — Full Lineup
| Trim | Starting MSRP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|
| Sport | $43,890 MSRP | FWD standard, AWD available |
| EX-L | $46,190 MSRP | FWD standard, AWD available |
| TrailSport | $52,090 MSRP | AWD standard |
| Touring | $52,790 MSRP | AWD standard |
| Touring Blackout | $53,990 MSRP | AWD standard |
| Elite | $55,190 MSRP | AWD standard |
| Black Edition | $56,690 MSRP | AWD standard |
Pilot trims and pricing per Honda's published 2026 Pilot configurator and pricing release.
💵 MSRP
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
What the Price Ladders Tell You
| Matchup | Grand Highlander | Honda Pilot | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry point | LE — $43,755 TSRP | Sport — $43,890 MSRP | Toyota $135 less |
| AWD family buy | Hybrid LE — $47,105 TSRP | EX-L AWD — $48,290 MSRP | Toyota $1,185 less |
| Top of the range | Hybrid MAX Limited — $57,585 TSRP | Black Edition — $56,690 MSRP | Toyota $895 more |
The middle row matters most to family shoppers: the Hybrid LE lands below an all-wheel-drive Pilot EX-L with AWD standard and 34 combined MPG against 21. At the top, Toyota asks a modest premium for 362 horsepower the Pilot has no answer for.
A full grade-by-grade walkthrough lives in our 2026 Grand Highlander overview, and the hybrid range is broken down further in our Grand Highlander Hybrid guide.
Fuel Economy: The Gap Honda Cannot Close
Honda does not offer a hybrid Pilot — this separation is structural
EPA Ratings by Configuration
| Configuration | EPA City / Hwy / Combined |
|---|---|
| Grand Highlander Hybrid XLE FWD | 37 / 34 / 36 |
| Grand Highlander Hybrid AWD (LE, XLE, Limited, Nightshade) | 36 / 32 / 34 |
| Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX AWD | 26 / 27 / 27 |
| Grand Highlander Gas FWD | 21 / 28 / 24 |
| Grand Highlander Gas AWD (Limited, Platinum) | 20 / 26 / 22 |
| Honda Pilot 2WD | 19 / 27 / 22 |
| Honda Pilot AWD (non-TrailSport) | 19 / 25 / 21 |
| Honda Pilot TrailSport | 18 / 23 / 20 |
Grand Highlander ratings per Toyota's published 2026 Grand Highlander EPA estimates. Pilot ratings per Honda's published 2026 Pilot specifications.
What That Looks Like Over a Year
Illustrative comparison at 15,000 miles per year, using EPA combined ratings.
| Vehicle | Combined MPG | Gallons Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Highlander Hybrid XLE FWD | 36 | ~417 |
| Grand Highlander Hybrid AWD | 34 | ~441 |
| Honda Pilot AWD | 21 | ~714 |
An all-wheel-drive Grand Highlander Hybrid uses roughly 270 fewer gallons a year than an all-wheel-drive Pilot. In California, that difference compounds quickly.
Range and Refueling
- The Grand Highlander Hybrid carries a 17.8-gallon tank.
- At 34 combined MPG, that works out to roughly 600 miles between fill-ups.
- Every Grand Highlander runs on regular 87-octane fuel.
⛽ Fuel Economy
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
Powertrains and Performance
Three Toyota engines against one Honda V6
Grand Highlander: Three Choices
| Powertrain | Output | Transmission | Available On |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L Turbo Gas | 265 hp / 310 lb-ft | 8-speed automatic | LE, XLE, Limited, Platinum |
| 2.5L Hybrid | 245 hp combined | Electronic CVT | Hybrid LE, XLE, Limited, Nightshade |
| 2.4L Turbo Hybrid MAX | 362 hp / 400 lb-ft | 6-speed automatic | Hybrid MAX Limited, Hybrid MAX Platinum |
Honda Pilot: One Choice
| Powertrain | Output | Transmission | Available On |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L V6 | 285 hp / 262 lb-ft | 10-speed automatic | Every trim |
Drivetrain Availability
| Vehicle | How All-Wheel Drive Is Offered |
|---|---|
| Grand Highlander | FWD or AWD on gas trims; AWD standard on Hybrid LE and above, with FWD offered on Hybrid XLE; Full-Time Electronic AWD standard on both Hybrid MAX models |
| Honda Pilot | FWD standard on Sport and EX-L with i-VTM4 AWD available; AWD standard on TrailSport, Touring, Touring Blackout, Elite and Black Edition |
Towing
| Configuration | Maximum Towing |
|---|---|
| Grand Highlander Gas (2.4L Turbo) | 5,000 lbs. |
| Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX | 5,000 lbs. |
| Grand Highlander Hybrid (2.5L) | 3,500 lbs. |
| Honda Pilot AWD | 5,000 lbs. |
| Honda Pilot 2WD | 3,500 lbs. |
Both top out at 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The difference is that Toyota reaches that number on its least expensive powertrain as well as its most powerful one. Towing figures per Toyota's published capability specifications; Pilot figures per Honda's published 2026 Pilot specifications.
🚚 Towing and Payload
Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner's manual and the vehicle's door-jamb label for specific capacities.
Space, Seating and Cargo
Why the cargo numbers are not a straight comparison — and where Toyota genuinely leads
The Honest Cargo Picture
Toyota and Honda do not measure cargo the same way. Honda's 2026 Pilot figures use the SAE J1100 standard, which includes floor space between seating rows; Toyota's do not. A straight number-to-number comparison is not apples-to-apples, so here is what each automaker publishes.
| Measurement | Grand Highlander (Toyota) | Pilot (Honda) |
|---|---|---|
| Behind third row | 20.6 cu. ft. | 22.4 cu. ft. |
| Third row folded | 57.9 cu. ft. | 60.1 cu. ft. |
| Both rows folded | 97.5 cu. ft. | 113.7 cu. ft. |
On the numbers each brand advertises, the Pilot carries more. If raw cargo volume decides it for you, that is worth knowing.
Where the Grand Highlander Earns Its Name
The Toyota advantage in this cabin is usable third-row seating, and those dimensions are directly comparable.
| Dimension | Grand Highlander | Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 116.1 in. | 113.8 in. |
| Overall length | 201.4 in. | 200.1 in. |
| Third-row legroom | 33.5 in. | 32.5 in. |
| Third-row headroom | 37.2 in. | 39.3 in. |
| Front headroom | 41.5 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front legroom | 41.7 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Ground clearance | 8.0 in. | 7.3 in. (8.3 in. TrailSport) |
The Grand Highlander's wheelbase runs 2.3 inches longer than the Pilot's while the body is only 1.3 inches longer overall, and that extra span goes into the third row. Toyota quotes 153.3 cubic feet of total passenger volume.
Seating Configurations
| Vehicle | Configurations Offered |
|---|---|
| Grand Highlander | Eight-passenger standard on LE and available on XLE and Limited; seven-passenger captain's chairs available on XLE, Limited and Platinum; Platinum is seven-passenger only |
| Honda Pilot | Seats up to eight, with a stowable second-row center seat on EX-L and above |
Our interior and third-row walkthrough covers the Grand Highlander cabin in more detail.
Technology and Safety
Standard equipment on both SUVs, plus independent crash-avoidance results
Standard Technology, Side by Side
Honda refreshed the Pilot's cabin tech for 2026, closing a gap from earlier years. Both SUVs now put a 12.3-inch touchscreen in every trim.
| Standard Equipment | Grand Highlander | Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Touchscreen | 12.3 in. | 12.3 in. |
| Digital instrument cluster | 12.3 in. on Limited and above | 10.2 in. on every trim |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | Standard | Standard |
| Climate control | Three-zone automatic | Tri-zone automatic |
| Power liftgate | Standard | Standard |
| Available premium audio | 11-speaker JBL | 12-speaker Bose |
| Driver-assist suite | Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 | Honda Sensing |
The Grand Highlander adds seven USB-C ports spread across all three rows. Moving up the ladder brings rain-sensing wipers and heated, ventilated front seats on Limited. Platinum and Hybrid MAX Platinum add a panoramic moonroof, head-up display, digital rearview mirror and Panoramic View Monitor.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 — Standard on Every Grand Highlander
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Lane Tracing Assist with Emergency Driving Stop System
- Automatic High Beams
- Road Sign Assist
- Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Independent Crash-Avoidance Testing
The IIHS publishes results for both SUVs. Neither one sweeps the board, so here is the full picture.
| IIHS Evaluation | Grand Highlander | Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Front crash prevention, vehicle-to-vehicle 2.0 | Good | Not yet tested |
| Front crash prevention, pedestrian | Good | Good |
| Moderate overlap front, updated test | Good | Acceptable |
| Side, updated test | Good | Good |
| Small overlap front | Acceptable | Good |
| Headlights | Acceptable | Good |
Full results and test detail at the IIHS ratings pages for the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander and the 2026 Honda Pilot.
The Pilot is stronger on headlights and small overlap front. The Grand Highlander leads in the updated moderate overlap front test, which measures second-row protection, and it is the only one of the two with a published vehicle-to-vehicle 2.0 result, avoiding a collision in eleven of twelve runs. It also carries a 5-star NHTSA overall rating, including 5 stars for side impact.
Warranty and Ownership Costs
Where the two brands match, and where they separate
| Coverage | Toyota Grand Highlander | Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Basic / bumper-to-bumper | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Corrosion perforation | 5 yr | 5 yr / unlimited mi |
| Hybrid battery | 10 yr / 150,000 mi | Not applicable — no hybrid Pilot |
| Complimentary scheduled maintenance | ToyotaCare, 2 yr / 25,000 mi | None offered |
| Roadside assistance | 2 yr / unlimited mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Toyota coverage terms per Toyota's published warranty information. Honda coverage terms per Honda's published new-vehicle warranty summary.
Reading the Table Honestly
- The warranties themselves are a wash. Both automakers offer 3/36 and 5/60.
- Honda's roadside coverage runs longer in years; Toyota's runs unlimited in miles.
- Two things separate them: ToyotaCare covers your first two years of factory-scheduled maintenance at no cost, which Honda does not match, and Toyota's 10-year, 150,000-mile hybrid battery coverage protects the component hybrid shoppers worry about most.
📜 Warranty
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle's warranty agreement. Consult your owner's manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.
Which One Should You Choose?
A decision framework, not a sales pitch
Match Your Priority to the Right SUV
| What Matters Most to You | The Better Fit |
|---|---|
| Fuel cost is a real line item in your budget | Grand Highlander |
| You want to match the powertrain to the job | Grand Highlander |
| Adults ride in your third row regularly | Grand Highlander |
| Included maintenance and hybrid battery coverage | Grand Highlander |
| Lowest starting price on a three-row SUV | Grand Highlander, by $135 |
| Maximum published cargo volume | Honda Pilot |
| A dedicated off-road trim | Honda Pilot TrailSport |
| A standard digital cluster on the base trim | Honda Pilot |
Still Deciding on Size?
Not sure the Grand Highlander is the right footprint? Our Highlander Hybrid vs. Grand Highlander Hybrid comparison breaks down the two Toyota three-rows. We also compare the RAV4 against the Honda CR-V and the Corolla against the Honda Civic.
The fastest way to settle it is to sit in both. North Hollywood Toyota serves drivers across North Hollywood, Toluca Lake, Valley Village, Studio City, Burbank, Sun Valley and Valley Glen from 4606 Lankershim Blvd.
Frequently Asked Questions
Grand Highlander vs. Pilot, answered directly
Is the 2026 Grand Highlander worth more than the 2026 Pilot?
On a like-for-like basis it does not. The Grand Highlander LE starts at $43,755 TSRP against the Pilot Sport at $43,890 MSRP. And the Hybrid LE at $47,105 TSRP comes in below a Pilot EX-L AWD at $48,290 MSRP, with AWD standard and 34 combined MPG against 21.
Which has better fuel economy?
The Grand Highlander, by a wide margin. The Hybrid XLE FWD is rated 37 city / 34 highway / 36 combined. The Pilot's best figure is 19 / 27 / 22 on 2WD trims.
Which has more third-row room?
The Grand Highlander offers 33.5 inches of third-row legroom against the Pilot's 32.5 inches. The Pilot has more third-row headroom at 39.3 inches versus 37.2.
How does the Hybrid MAX compare to the Pilot's V6?
The Hybrid MAX produces 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft through a six-speed automatic with standard Full-Time Electronic AWD. The Pilot's 3.5L V6 produces 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft. Both tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Does the Honda Pilot offer a hybrid?
No. Every 2026 Pilot trim uses the same 3.5-liter V6. The Grand Highlander offers two electrified powertrains, the 2.5L Hybrid and the 362-horsepower Hybrid MAX, alongside its 2.4L turbo gas engine.
Where can I test drive the 2026 Grand Highlander near North Hollywood?
North Hollywood Toyota is at 4606 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91602. Call our sales team at (818) 369-3922 to schedule a test drive.
Disclaimers
All disclaimers applied to content on this page
TSRP. Total Suggested Retail Price (TSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, processing, and handling fees, which are subject to change at any time. TSRP excludes taxes, title, license, dealer-installed options, accessories, fees and charges. TSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
MSRP. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
Fuel economy. EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
Towing and payload. Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner's manual and the vehicle's door-jamb label for specific capacities.
Warranty. This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle's warranty agreement. Consult your owner's manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.
See the 2026 Grand Highlander in Person
Park them side by side and let the drive decide. Our team can walk you through every grade from LE to Hybrid MAX Platinum.
Visit us at 4606 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91602 · (818) 369-3922