2025 Honda PILOT vs 2025 Toyota Highlander
Reliability Side-by-Side
2025
Honda PILOT
Grade A-
A top-tier family SUV with Honda's renowned reliability, making it a safe and smart long-term investment.
2025
Toyota Highlander
Grade A
A supremely reliable family hauler that minimizes ownership headaches, backed by Toyota's stellar reputation.
Best For
Best for Reliability
2025 Toyota Highlander
Score 92/100 vs 88/100
Best for Lowest Annual Upkeep
2025 Toyota Highlander
$400-600
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Cost of Ownership
| Line Item | 2025 Honda PILOT | 2025 Toyota Highlander★ |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Maintenance | $500-700 | $400-600 |
| Moderate Repairs | $600-1,800 occasionally (e.g., brake overhaul, major service, non-warranty sensor) | $500-1,500 occasionally |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 19 / 27 | 22 / 29 |
| MSRP (New) | $40,000 | $40,000 |
Major-failure risk and insurance outlook for each vehicle are in their full reliability reports.
Biggest Risks on Each
2025 Honda PILOT
Infotainment & Electrical
0-15,000 mi
Automatic Stop/Start System
5,000-20,000 mi
Minor Interior Trim & Rattles
0-25,000 mi
2025 Toyota Highlander
Infotainment System
0-15,000 mi
2.4L Turbo Engine (Non-Hybrid)
60,000-120,000 mi
Suspension Bushings/End Links
70,000-100,000 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 2025 Honda Pilot and 2025 Toyota Highlander represent two of the most popular and compelling choices in the competitive three-row mid-size SUV segment. Both vehicles are highly regarded for their practicality, safety, and long-term reliability, making them frequent cross-shop options for families and individuals seeking a versatile daily driver. Key decision factors often revolve around interior space, powertrain preferences including hybrid efficiency, driving dynamics, and the overall balance of features and value. While the Pilot generally appeals to those prioritizing maximum passenger and cargo capacity, the Highlander often attracts buyers seeking a refined ride and exceptional fuel economy, particularly with its available hybrid powertrain. HEAD-TO-
Reliability & Common Issues
While both vehicles boast excellent long-term reliability, no vehicle is entirely without potential issues. For the 2025 Honda Pilot, common observations from previous generations or early ownership of the current generation have included: 1. Infotainment System Glitches: Some owners of 2016-2022 models occasionally reported software hiccups or slow responses from the touchscreen infotainment system, though Honda has generally improved these with updates. The current generation (starting 2023) has a significantly updated system that appears more robust. 2. 9-Speed Automatic Transmission Behavior: Certain 2016-2020 Pilot models equipped with the ZF-sourced 9-speed automatic transmission experienced occasional rough shifts or hesitations. The 2023+ models transitioned to a Honda-designed 10-speed automatic, which has shown much smoother operation. For the 2025 Toyota Highlander, historical common points of attention have included: 1. Hybrid Battery Longevity: For older, high-mileage Highlander Hybrid models (e.g., 2008-2015 with over 150,000 miles), hybrid battery degradation could eventually necessitate replacement, a costly repair though less common in newer models with improved battery technology and warranties. 2. Minor Interior Trim Rattles: Some owners across various model years (e.g., 2014-2019) have reported minor rattles or squeaks from interior trim pieces, particularly around the dashboard or cargo area, though these are typically minor and not widespread.
Value & Cost of Ownership
When evaluating the overall value and cost of ownership, both the 2025 Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander present compelling cases, but with nuanced differences. New purchase prices are very competitive, with both vehicles starting in the low $40,000 range. Historically, both brands hold their value exceptionally well in the used market, meaning depreciation is relatively low compared to many competitors. Toyota often boasts a slight edge in resale value, particularly for its Highlander Hybrid models, which are in high demand. Insurance costs for both SUVs are generally moderate and similar, influenced more by trim level, driver history, and location than by brand differences. Maintenance costs for both Honda and Toyota are renowned for being low. Routine service intervals and parts costs are competitive, with Toyota sometimes having a marginal advantage in the sheer ubiquity and cost-effectiveness of its parts network. The Highlander Hybrid's increased fuel efficiency can lead to significant savings on fuel over the vehicle's lifespan, especially for high-mileage drivers, offsetting a slightly higher initial purchase price and potentially higher long-term battery replacement cost if it ever arises beyond warranty.
Editorial Verdict
BEST FOR FAMILIES: The 2025 Honda Pilot is the superior choice for families, especially those who frequently utilize the third row or need maximum cargo flexibility. Its significantly roomier third row, easier access, and greater overall passenger and cargo volume make it a more practical and comfortable hauler for larger groups or active lifestyles. BEST FOR COMMUTERS: The 2025 Toyota Highlander, particularly in its hybrid configuration, stands out as the best option for commuters. Its exceptional fuel economy (up to 36 MPG city), combined with a comfortable and quiet ride, makes it ideal for daily drives and long trips where efficiency is a priority. Even the turbocharged gasoline model offers better fuel economy than the Pilot's V6. BEST FOR ENTHUSIASTS: While neither SUV is a performance vehicle, the 2025 Honda Pilot offers a slightly more engaging driving experience. Its powerful V6 engine provides stronger, more traditional acceleration, and its steering and suspension tuning offer a bit more connection to the road, making it the marginally more appealing choice for those who appreciate a more involved drive. BEST VALUE OVERALL: The 2025 Toyota Highlander edges out the Pilot for overall value. Its superior fuel economy options, especially the highly efficient hybrid, translate to lower running costs over time. Combined with Toyota's historically strong resale value and generally low maintenance costs, the Highlander often presents a better long-term financial proposition for many buyers, balancing initial cost with ongoing expenses and future trade-in value.
Parts & Accessories for These Vehicles
Products for 2025 Honda PILOT
Products for 2025 Toyota Highlander
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