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2026 Toyota Grand Highlander vs. 2026 Honda Pilot

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander in woods

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander

Vs.

2026 Honda Pilot
3

Trim Levels

6
5 years / 60,00 miles

Powertrain Warranty

5 years / 60,000 miles
7-8

Seating Capacity

8
39.5 inches

2nd Row Legroom

40.8 inches
97.5 cubic feet

Maximum Cargo Volume

111.8 cubic feet

If you’re shopping for a premium three-row SUV, comparing the Toyota Grand Highlander and the Honda Pilot makes perfect sense. Both models offer spacious interiors, advanced tech, and premium comfort, making them top picks for growing families or anyone who needs extra room. Whether you’re navigating Normal streets or planning weekend getaways, this comparison will help you find the right fit. Once you’ve made your decision, you can apply for financing online and take the next step with confidence.

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Vs. Honda Pilot: Performance & Powertrains

When comparing the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Limited and Honda Pilot Elite, one of the biggest differences lies in how each SUV approaches performance. The Grand Highlander emphasizes smooth power delivery and fuel-conscious driving, while still offering the responsive acceleration drivers expect from a midsize SUV. The Pilot, meanwhile, takes a more traditional route, with a familiar setup that appeals to those who value consistency and a low learning curve. For drivers around Morton who want options that balance everyday drivability with efficiency, both models offer capable solutions—but they take different approaches to achieve it.

Toyota Grand Highlander Powertrain

  • 2.4L 4-Cyl. Turbocharged Engine
  • 2.5L 4-Cyl. ECVT Engine
  • 2.4-Liter 4-Cylinder Turbocharged Hybrid MAX Engine

Honda Pilot Powertrain

  • 3.5L V6 Engine (standard front-wheel drive; available all-wheel drive)

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Vs. Honda Pilot: Seating & Cargo

Families shopping for a three-row SUV often prioritize comfort and usability over flashy design—and both the Grand Highlander and Pilot deliver in this regard. The Grand Highlander offers a more open third-row layout, making it more accommodating for older children or adults. The Pilot focuses on ergonomic cabin design, with easy access to all rows and thoughtful storage throughout. If you live in Springfield and need a spacious SUV for school drop-offs, carpools, or weekend getaways, both models offer practical, family-ready cabins with ample flexibility.

Toyota Grand Highlander Interior Dimensions

  • Seating Capacity: 7-8
  • Headroom with panoramic moonroof: Front row 40.0 inches / Second row 38.5 inches / Third row 37.2 inches
  • Headroom without panoramic moonroof: Front 41.5 inches / Second row 40.2 inches / Third row 37.2 inches
  • Legroom: Front 41.7 inches / Second row 39.5 inches / Third row 33.5 inches
  • Shoulder Room: Front 60.2 inches / Second row 58.8 inches / Third row 57.5 inches
  • Hip Room: Front 56.5 inches / Second row 57.0 inches / Third row 45.7 inches
  • Cargo Volume behind front seats: 97.5 cubic feet
  • Cargo Volume behind second row: 57.9 cubic feet
  • Cargo Volume behind third row: 20.6 cubic feet
  • Passenger Volume with panoramic moonroof: 149.0 cubic feet
  • Passenger Volume with normal roof: 153.3 cubic feet

Honda Pilot Interior Dimensions

  • Seating capacity: 8 (TrailSport seats 7)
  • Headroom (Front row / Second row / Third row): Sport, EX-L: 40.5 / 40.2 / 39.3 TrailSport, Touring, Touring Blackout, Elite, Black Edition: 39.1 / 39.2 / 39.3
  • Legroom (Front row / Second row / Third row): Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, Touring Blackout, Elite, Black Edition: 41.0 / 40.8 / 32.5
  • Shoulder Room (Front row / Second row / Third row): Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, Touring Blackout, Elite, Black Edition: 61.9 / 61.7 / 59.5
  • Hiproom (Front row / Second row / Third row): Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, Touring Blackout, Elite, Black Edition: 58.4 / 57.4 / 44.6
  • Cargo Volume behind front seat: Sport, EX-L: 87.0 / 111.8 Touring, Touring Blackout: 87.0 / 112.4 TrailSport: 87.0 / 113.7 Elite, Black Edition: 86.5 / 112.1
  • Cargo Volume behind second row: Sport, TrailSport: 48.5 / 59.5 EX-L, Touring, Touring Blackout, Elite, Black Edition: 48.5 / 60.1
  • Cargo Volume behind third row: Sport, TrailSport: 18.6 / 21.8 EX-L, Touring, Touring Blackout, Elite, Black Edition: 18.6 / 22.4
  • Passenger Volume: Sport, EX-L: 158.4 TrailSport, Touring, Touring Blackout, Elite, Black Edition: 154.9

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Vs. Honda Pilot: Technology & Features

When it comes to in-cabin technology and premium features, both the Grand Highlander and the Pilot offer plenty of modern comforts. However, the Grand Highlander leans into a more elevated infotainment experience and includes several amenities as standard that may only be optional in the competition. For Decatur drivers who want seamless smartphone integration, upscale comfort, and intuitive controls, these SUVs both meet expectations—but one may deliver more right out of the box.

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Highlights

  • 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen 
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay® 
  • Android Auto™ compatibility 
  • SiriusXM® 3-month trial subscription
  • 6-speaker audio system
  • Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) (individual tires)
  • Adjustable front seatbelt shoulder anchors and driver and front passenger seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters
  • 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions; driver’s-side Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) and Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) on all passenger seatbelts
  • Driver and front passenger seatbelt warning
  • Rear-passenger seatbelt reminder

2026 Honda Pilot Highlights

  • Wireless Apple CarPlay® compatibility
  • Wireless Android Auto™ compatibility
  • Smart Entry w/Walk Away Auto Lock®
  • 12.3-Inch Color Touch-Screen
  • Google built-in
  • Front and 2nd-Row USB Ports
  • CabinTalk® In-Car PA System
  • Bluetooth® Streaming Audio
  • Wi-Fi® Hotspot Capability
  • Collision Mitigation Braking System™
  • Road Departure Mitigation System
  • Blind Spot Information w/Cross Traffic Monitor
  • Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines
  • Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow

Experience The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander At Sam Leman Toyota Bloomington

Now that you’ve taken the time to compare the Toyota Grand Highlander Limited and Honda Pilot Elite, it’s time to see the difference in person. At Sam Leman Toyota Bloomington, we offer flexible lease and finance options, competitive new vehicle specials, and you can easily schedule a test drive online. Experience premium Toyota comfort today.

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