2025 Honda Pilot vs. the Competition

Honda Pilot vs. the Competition

Choosing which midsize SUV is the right fit for your lifestyle or family can certainly seem like a challenging task. As more and more brands enter this already crowded segment of vehicles, buyers now have more choices than ever before. From generous interior space to forward-thinking tech, it’s easy to see why midsize SUVs remain so popular. To showcase the strengths of the legendary Honda Pilot, our team at Germain Honda of Naples has created this competitive comparison. You’ll learn exactly how Kia and Toyota compete with Honda!


Honda Pilot vs Kia Telluride

Honda Pilot Kia Telluride
2025 Honda Pilot Sport FWD VS 2025 Kia Telluride EX FWD
$39,600 ✓ MSRP (including destination charges)* $42,090
27 ✓ Highway MPG** 26
10 ✓ Transmission Speeds 8e
13.8 inches / 13.0 inches ✓ Brake Rotor Size (front/rear) 13.4 inches / 12.0 inches
Standard ✓ Tire Fill Assistant Not Available
40-20-40 split folding ✓ Folding Rear Seats 60-40 split folding
7 ✓ Number of Speakers 6
Standard ✓ Active Noise Cancellation Not Available
18.9 feet ✓ Turning Radius 19.4 feet
38.9 / 31.9 inches ✓ Third Row Headroom/Legroom 38.1 / 31.4 inches

Let’s get things started with a head-to-head matchup between the proven Honda Pilot and the Kia Telluride. With equivalent trim levels selected for fairness purposes, the Pilot kicks things off with a significant price advantage over the rival Telluride. This tremendous value only continues to grow as we continue further down the list of advantages for Honda.

Performance advantages for the Honda Pilot include superior highway fuel economy made possible by its far more advanced 10-speed automatic transmission. Larger front and rear brake rotors provide greater stopping power than the Telluride as well. You can use the handy tire fill assistant feature in the event that your tire pressures have dropped following a chilly winter morning. The Pilot also features a standard 40-20-40 split folding rear seat configuration, giving you greater versatility. A greater number of speakers and active noise cancellation add to the upscale environment of the cabin. A shorter turning radius and greater third-row space for passengers round out the list of reasons why you should prefer the Honda Pilot over the Kia Telluride.


Honda Pilot vs Toyota Highlander

Honda Pilot Toyota Highlander
2025 Honda Pilot Sport FWD VS 2025 Toyota Highlander LE FWD
$39,600 MSRP (including destination charges)* $39,520
3.5L DOHC V6 ✓ Standard Engine 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder
285 ✓ Horsepower 265
10 ✓ Transmission Speeds 8
20 inches ✓ Wheel Size 18 inches
39.3 inches / 32.5 inches ✓ 3rd Row Headroom / Legroom 36.1 inches / 28.0 inches
61.9 inches / 61.7 inches / 59.5 inches ✓ Shoulder Room (1st / 2nd / 3rd rows) 59.0 inches / 58.7 inches / 55 inches
87 cubic feet ✓ Max Cargo Space 84.3 cubic feet
Standard ✓ Active Noise Cancellation Not Available
Standard ✓ Remote Start System Requires Subscription
3 Years / 36,000 Miles ✓ Roadside Assistance Coverage 2 Years / Unlimited Mileage

In our second battle of midsize SUVs, two familiar foes go up against each other. In this case, the starting prices of both the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander are virtually identical which can further complicate your buying decision. Fortunately, a closer look at the details reveals that you’ll get much more for your money by choosing Honda instead of Toyota.

It all starts with performance. The Honda Pilot comes standard with a more robust 3.5-liter V6 that cranks out more horsepower compared to the tiny 4-cylinder that powers the Highlander. Similarly, you’ll receive more responsive acceleration thanks to its more sophisticated 10-speed automatic transmission. Larger 20-inch alloy wheels further complement the bold look of the Honda Pilot as well.

Step inside the cabin and you’ll discover a far more spacious and comfortable environment inside the Honda Pilot. It has the advantage in total third-row seating space along with more shoulder room across all three rows of seating. A larger cargo capacity means you won’t have to pack light on your next road trip. Remote start, active noise cancellation, and a longer term of roadside assistance coverage are three additional reasons to choose the Honda Pilot over the Toyota Highlander.


Winner – Honda Pilot

Honda Pilot

The time has come to crown a champion in this midsize SUV competitive comparison. Clearly, the competition from Kia and Toyota is no match for the proven Honda Pilot. The Highlander and Telluride simply can’t compete with the tremendous value, versatility, style, and innovative features found across the entire Honda Pilot model range. Visit us at Germain Honda of Naples today to browse our extensive selection of all the latest new Pilot models!

*MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $1,450 destination charge, and accessories. Dealer prices may vary. MSRP does not include $455 charge for premium colors.