2026 Honda Pilot vs. 2026 Toyota Highlander: Which 3-Row SUV Is Better?
Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander
The 2026 Honda Pilot is a particularly strong choice over the 2026 Toyota Highlander for families who prioritize V6 horsepower, maximum passenger capacity, cargo versatility and towing capability. The Pilot features a 285-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine and can seat up to eight passengers. Properly equipped Pilot models can also tow up to 5,000 pounds, giving Honda shoppers a capable three-row SUV for family transportation, road trips and recreational use.
The Highlander remains a strong competitor and offers gasoline and hybrid choices, but the Pilot's standard V6 power, spacious three-row configuration and flexible cargo area make Honda especially appealing to buyers who want their SUV to handle a wide range of family needs.
Pricing Disclaimer: Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), when referenced, is based on manufacturer information available at the time of publication. MSRP excludes applicable destination and handling charges, taxes, title, license, registration, options, accessories and other charges unless otherwise stated. Dealer sets actual price. Pricing, equipment and availability are subject to change. Contact Honda of Muskogee for current pricing and availability.
2026 Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Highlander at a Glance
| Comparison | 2026 Honda Pilot | 2026 Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Gasoline Engine | 3.5L V6 | 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Gasoline Horsepower | 285 hp | 265 hp |
| Maximum Seating | Up to 8 | Up to 8 |
| Maximum Towing | Up to 5,000 lbs. | Up to 5,000 lbs. |
| All-Wheel Drive | Available Honda i-VTM4 AWD | Available AWD |
| Third Row | Standard | Standard |
Comparison Disclaimer: Specifications are based on manufacturer-published information available at the time of publication. Specifications, equipment, trims and availability can change. Certain capabilities require specific configurations or equipment. Verify current specifications before purchasing or towing.
Which Has More Horsepower: Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander?
The 2026 Honda Pilot has more published gasoline horsepower than the 2026 Toyota Highlander. Honda equips the Pilot with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower, while Toyota lists 265 horsepower from the Highlander's turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine.
That gives the Pilot a 20-horsepower advantage and, just as importantly for some buyers, a naturally aspirated V6 engine across the lineup.
For families who routinely travel with several passengers, luggage or recreational equipment, the Pilot's combination of V6 power and three-row versatility creates a compelling package.
Why Is the Honda Pilot V6 Important?
Every 2026 Honda Pilot is powered by Honda's 285-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. Buyers don't have to move into a particular Pilot trim simply to get V6 power.
The engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, giving the Pilot a powertrain designed to handle everyday commuting as well as highway travel and family road trips.
For shoppers who specifically prefer the character and power delivery of a V6 engine in a midsize three-row SUV, the Pilot provides a clear distinction from the four-cylinder gasoline Highlander.
Which SUV Can Seat More People?
The 2026 Honda Pilot can accommodate up to eight passengers, making it a true family-oriented three-row SUV. The Toyota Highlander can also seat up to eight depending on configuration.
Honda goes beyond simply providing three rows. Select Pilot models feature a removable second-row center seat that can be stored beneath the cargo floor. This allows owners to change between a bench-style second row and a more open seating arrangement when desired.
That flexibility can be especially useful for families whose passenger needs change from one trip to the next.
How Much Cargo Space Does the Honda Pilot Have?
The Honda Pilot is designed to provide substantial cargo flexibility even when families need three rows of seating. Honda publishes up to 113.7 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the first row, depending on configuration and measurement methodology.
That gives owners room to adapt the Pilot for very different situations. With the rear seating folded, the Pilot can accommodate large amounts of luggage, sporting equipment, home-improvement purchases and other bulky cargo.
With passengers aboard, the configurable seating and storage areas allow the Pilot to continue functioning as an everyday family vehicle.
For shoppers moving from a smaller two-row SUV into a three-row vehicle, the Pilot's combination of passenger and cargo flexibility is an important reason to consider Honda.
How Much Can the 2026 Honda Pilot Tow?
Properly equipped 2026 Honda Pilot models can tow up to 5,000 pounds. This capability gives Pilot owners additional flexibility for recreational equipment and properly sized trailers.
The Toyota Highlander can also reach a maximum published towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, making towing an area where both SUVs offer useful capability.
Honda combines that towing potential with its standard 285-horsepower V6, available i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system and multiple Pilot configurations designed for different types of driving.
Towing Disclaimer: Maximum towing capability requires proper vehicle configuration and equipment. Towing capacity varies by trim, drivetrain, equipment, passengers and cargo. See the manufacturer's official towing information and owner's documentation for requirements and limitations. Never exceed the vehicle's rated towing capacity.
Does the 2026 Honda Pilot Have All-Wheel Drive?
Yes. The Honda Pilot offers Honda's available i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system. The system is designed to distribute torque between the front and rear axles and between the rear wheels as driving conditions require.
This makes an AWD-equipped Pilot particularly attractive to families who encounter changing weather, unpaved roads or recreational driving situations.
Honda also offers Pilot configurations designed with additional capability in mind, allowing buyers to select a model that better matches how they intend to use their SUV.
What Is the 2026 Honda Pilot TrailSport?
The Pilot TrailSport is designed for buyers who want additional off-road-oriented capability from their three-row Honda SUV. Honda equips the TrailSport with features intended to support driving beyond ordinary paved-road use.
Depending on current model specifications, TrailSport equipment includes features such as the i-VTM4 AWD system, off-road-tuned suspension and all-terrain tires.
This gives the Pilot lineup additional breadth. A family can choose a Pilot focused primarily on everyday comfort or select a TrailSport when outdoor recreation and rougher roads are a larger part of the ownership experience.
Which SUV Is Better for a Large Family?
The Honda Pilot is particularly well suited to families who want maximum seating combined with substantial cargo flexibility. Up to eight-passenger seating means the Pilot can accommodate larger households, carpools or visiting family members without immediately requiring a full-size SUV.
The available removable second-row center seat adds another layer of flexibility. Owners can configure the second row around their current passenger needs instead of being locked into one seating arrangement.
When cargo becomes the priority, folding the rear seating opens substantial storage capacity.
What Technology Does the 2026 Honda Pilot Offer?
The 2026 Honda Pilot offers modern connectivity and convenience technology designed around everyday family use. Depending on trim, Honda offers features including smartphone integration, connected infotainment technology, digital displays, wireless charging and premium audio.
Higher Pilot trims add additional comfort and technology features, allowing shoppers to move from a practical family SUV into a more premium three-row experience while remaining within the Pilot lineup.
What Safety and Driver-Assist Features Does the Pilot Offer?
The 2026 Honda Pilot includes Honda Sensing driver-assistive and safety technologies. Honda Sensing technologies are designed to support an attentive driver during everyday travel and longer highway trips.
Depending on trim and equipment, technologies can include Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist System and Traffic Sign Recognition.
Available parking and awareness technologies on select configurations can provide additional assistance when maneuvering a three-row SUV in parking lots and other tight spaces.
Driver Assistance Disclaimer: Driver-assistance technologies are not substitutes for safe and attentive driving. Features may have limitations, and availability may vary by trim and equipment. See Honda's official vehicle information and owner's documentation for complete details.
Why Choose the 2026 Honda Pilot?
The 2026 Honda Pilot makes a particularly strong case for buyers who want a three-row SUV without sacrificing power, passenger capacity or everyday versatility.
- 285-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Up to eight-passenger seating
- Up to 5,000 pounds of towing capability when properly equipped
- Available i-VTM4 all-wheel drive
- Available removable second-row center seat
- Up to 113.7 cubic feet of published cargo volume behind the first row, depending on configuration
- Available TrailSport configuration
- Honda Sensing driver-assistive technologies
- Multiple trims for different family needs
The standard V6 is especially important when comparing the Pilot with the gasoline Highlander. Honda gives every Pilot buyer 285 horsepower rather than requiring shoppers to select a particular performance-oriented trim.
2026 Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Highlander: Which Should You Buy?
For families who value standard V6 power, flexible seating, substantial cargo capacity and available all-wheel-drive capability, the 2026 Honda Pilot is an excellent choice.
The Toyota Highlander remains a capable competitor and offers buyers an available hybrid powertrain, which may appeal to shoppers who place hybrid availability high on their priority list. Both SUVs can also seat up to eight and offer up to 5,000 pounds of properly equipped towing capability.
Where Honda separates itself is the complete Pilot package. The 285-horsepower V6 provides more gasoline horsepower than the Highlander's 265-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the Pilot's seating and cargo solutions are designed around the realities of family use.
For buyers who want their next three-row SUV to handle school runs, commuting, vacations, recreational trips and changing cargo needs, the Honda Pilot deserves serious consideration.
Shop Honda Pilot Models at Honda of Muskogee
Honda of Muskogee helps drivers throughout Muskogee and the surrounding region compare Honda SUVs and find the right vehicle for their family, lifestyle and driving needs.
Explore new Honda models at Honda of Muskogee to research the Honda Pilot and other current Honda cars, trucks and SUVs.
When you're ready to take the next step, explore Honda financing and leasing options through the Honda of Muskogee finance center.
You can also view current new Honda specials before selecting your next Honda.
2026 Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Highlander FAQs
Which has more gasoline horsepower, the Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander?
The 2026 Honda Pilot has more gasoline horsepower. Its 3.5-liter V6 produces 285 horsepower, while Toyota publishes 265 horsepower for the Highlander's turbocharged gasoline engine.
Does the 2026 Honda Pilot have a V6 engine?
Yes. The 2026 Honda Pilot is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
How many people can the Honda Pilot seat?
The 2026 Honda Pilot can seat up to eight passengers depending on configuration, making it well suited to families and drivers who regularly need three rows of seating.
How much can a Honda Pilot tow?
Properly equipped Honda Pilot models can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Actual towing capability depends on drivetrain, equipment, passengers, cargo and vehicle configuration.
Does the Honda Pilot offer all-wheel drive?
Yes. Honda's i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system is available on the Pilot, and certain Pilot configurations include AWD.
Is the Honda Pilot good for cargo?
Yes. Honda publishes up to 113.7 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the first row depending on configuration and measurement methodology, giving the Pilot substantial flexibility when rear seating is folded.
Does the Honda Pilot have three rows?
Yes. The Honda Pilot is a three-row SUV with seating for up to eight passengers depending on trim and seating configuration.
Where can I shop for a Honda Pilot in Oklahoma?
Contact Honda of Muskogee in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to explore current Honda Pilot availability, compare trims, discuss financing and schedule a test drive.
Vehicle Information Disclaimer: Vehicle specifications, horsepower, seating, cargo measurements, towing capacity, technology, MSRP and equipment referenced in this article are based on Honda and Toyota manufacturer information available at the time of publication and are subject to change. Cargo measurements may vary by configuration and measurement methodology. Some features are optional or limited to specific trims. Contact Honda of Muskogee for current Honda specifications, pricing, incentives and vehicle availability.
