2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2022 Honda Pilot
Reliability Side-by-Side
2022
Toyota Highlander
Grade A-
A top-tier choice for reliability, offering a blend of practicality and legendary Toyota dependability with very few major drawbacks.
2022
Honda Pilot
Grade A-
A highly refined, low-risk family SUV that offers peace of mind through proven engineering.
Best For
Best for Reliability
2022 Toyota Highlander
Score 92/100 vs 88/100
Best for Lowest Annual Upkeep
2022 Honda Pilot
$400-600
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Cost of Ownership
| Line Item | 2022 Toyota Highlander★ | 2022 Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Maintenance | $450-650 | $400-600 |
| Moderate Repairs | $600-1,500 occasionally (e.g., brake overhaul, 12V battery, minor suspension part) | $500-1,500 occasionally |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 21 / 29 | 20 / 27 |
| MSRP (New) | $35,855 | $38,080 |
Major-failure risk and insurance outlook for each vehicle are in their full reliability reports.
Biggest Risks on Each
2022 Toyota Highlander
Infotainment System
5,000-40,000 mi
12V Auxiliary Battery
20,000-50,000 mi
Front Lower Control Arm Bolts
Initial mileage (pre-recall fix) mi
2022 Honda Pilot
Fuel System
0-40,000 mi
9-Speed Automatic Transmission
20,000-80,000 mi
Infotainment & Electrical
10,000-50,000 mi
Get the Full Report on Each
7-system breakdown, mileage danger zones, repair costs, and expert verdict for each vehicle.
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Editorial Take
The 2022 Toyota Highlander and 2022 Honda Pilot are perennial rivals in the highly competitive mid-size, three-row SUV segment. Both vehicles are staples for families seeking practicality, safety, and a comfortable ride, making them natural cross-shop contenders. Buyers often weigh the Highlander's reputation for impeccable reliability and fuel efficiency, especially with its hybrid option, against the Pilot's superior passenger and cargo space. Key decision factors often revolve around ultimate interior volume, driving refinement, long-term ownership costs, and brand loyalty, with each vehicle appealing to slightly different priorities within the family SUV market. HEAD-TO-
Reliability & Common Issues
Toyota Highlander (2022): 1. Minor infotainment glitches: While generally reliable, some owners of recent model years (2020-2022) have reported occasional freezing or slow response from the touchscreen infotainment system, usually resolved by a system restart or software update. This is not a widespread mechanical issue but a technological nuisance. 2. 8-speed automatic transmission characteristics: Though largely resolved by the 2022 model year, earlier iterations of Toyota's 8-speed automatic (found in 2017-2019 Highlanders) sometimes exhibited minor harshness or hesitation at lower speeds. While not a common issue for the 2022 model, it's worth noting the transmission's history. Honda Pilot (2022): 1. 9-speed automatic transmission behavior: Honda's 9-speed automatic transmission, particularly in earlier versions (2016-2018), had documented issues with occasional rough shifts, hesitation, or lurching. By the 2022 model year, Honda had implemented several software and hardware revisions to largely mitigate these concerns, but some subtle characteristics might still be perceived by sensitive drivers. 2. HVAC fan motor noise: Across various Honda models, including some Pilots (especially 2016-2020, but occasionally reported for newer models), a noisy HVAC fan motor can develop, often sounding like a persistent squeak or rattle from behind the dashboard. This is typically a minor issue but can be an annoyance.
Value & Cost of Ownership
When considering value and long-term cost of ownership, both the 2022 Toyota Highlander and 2022 Honda Pilot are strong contenders, though the Highlander often holds a slight edge in certain areas. Starting MSRPs for both were competitive when new, with the Highlander generally beginning slightly lower but quickly rising with the V6 and especially hybrid powertrains. In the used market, both models command strong resale values due to their reputation for reliability and demand. However, the Toyota Highlander, particularly the hybrid variant, typically exhibits slightly superior resale value over a 3-5 year ownership period. Insurance costs for both vehicles tend to be very similar, as they fall into the same risk profile segment. Maintenance costs are also comparable, as both Toyota and Honda are known for offering reliable vehicles with readily available parts and reasonable service pricing. Neither brand is known for exorbitant maintenance expenses. The primary differentiator in overall cost of ownership often comes down to fuel efficiency; the Highlander Hybrid's significantly better MPG figures translate into substantial fuel savings over thousands of miles, providing a clear advantage for owners who prioritize low running costs.
Editorial Verdict
Best for families: The 2022 Honda Pilot is the clear winner for families who prioritize maximum passenger and cargo space. Its more accommodating third row and class-leading overall cargo capacity make it ideal for larger families, carpooling, or frequent hauling of gear. Best for commuters: The 2022 Toyota Highlander excels here, especially with its hybrid powertrain option. Its more refined ride, comfortable seating, and significantly superior fuel economy (35-36 MPG combined for the hybrid) make it a less fatiguing and more economical choice for daily commutes and road trips. Best for enthusiasts: Neither the Highlander nor the Pilot are enthusiast vehicles designed for thrilling driving dynamics. If forced to choose, the Pilot's slightly quicker 0-60 mph time and more robust feel might appeal to those seeking a bit more responsiveness, but neither offers a truly engaging driving experience. Best value overall: The 2022 Toyota Highlander earns the nod for best overall value. Its slightly superior predicted reliability, excellent fuel economy options, and stronger long-term resale value (especially for hybrid models) contribute to a lower total cost of ownership over time, making it a sound financial choice.
Parts & Accessories for These Vehicles
Products for 2022 Toyota Highlander
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