Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot

[1stluvispooh]

Ok I would like people who own a Highlander or a Pilot give me the good the bad and the ugly about them. I am going to need a new car. I would like one sooner than latter but DH says next year. Anyway we are looking to get a used either Highlander or Pilot. I test drove a Pilot this weekend. There were a few things I didn't like about it but what I really want to know is how does it work in the real world. So moms dads tell me what you like and don't like about them. Any help would be appreciated. Oh by the way this coming weekend we will go and test drive a Highlander, we ran out of time yesterday.

 

[MyCathryn]

I have a 2008 Pilot. No bells and whistles. Decided I didnt need them this time around. Love the car to pieces. I have XM which I LOVE! No problem in the snow. Plenty of room for us as well as when we travel with other family and friends. We have done 4 adults, 2 car seats with toddlers and 2 strollers no problem. Also 5 adults and 1 car seat with toddler on 10 hour car ride full of luggage, trailing a boat full of stuff too. Love the HUGE windshield. Really no blind spots. Air works great, love the 2 zone. 2009 has 3 zone I think. The back seat sits high so I have been known to bang my 2 yr olds head when putting her in her Britax Boulevard. Seats are super comfortable even in third row. Wish I had cross bars for roof rack. Had to get hitch added, 2009 includes it. Oh my only complaint is the window does not open in the back like the 2009s. So the whole back needs to be open to put things in the back. This car fits all of our needs. So glad to drive it. Feel free to ask any questions.

 

[luvmy3jewels]

I owned a 2005 Pilot EX-L RES for one year. It was a great vehicle and I really enjoyed driving it. Gas mileage was OK, but not great. The only reason that I traded it in was that I had three small children in carseats and getting them all in the second row was difficult. The third row was not very easily accessible, so that wasn't an option unless we wanted one of the kids to have to climb over the back of the seat.

My parents have a 2008 Highlander Limited. I haven't driven it yet, but I've ridden in it and it seems very nice. The middle row has two bucket seats and then a middle aisle that goes to the third row, which makes it a little more accessible.

I think either would be a great choice (if you don't have three kids). If you need more seating on a regular basis, I would probably go with the Highlander since the back row is easier to get to. When car shopping, the top things I always look at is gas mileage, safety ratings, history of reliability, features and cost. Edmunds is probably my favorite car info. site for researching new or used cars.

 

[micheleq]

DH and I test drove Pilots and Highlanders...and bought a GMC Acadia. That was in 2007 and it was the only crossover that had the option of two captains chairs in the sceond row, so it's like a minivan on the inside, suv on the outside. That was our concern as we have two kids in car seats and wanted to be able to use our third row for seating on occasion.

Sorry to throw a wrench in your post! But, I hope this helps. I have friends who have both the Pilot and Highlander and like them.

 

[LlamaMamaof2]

I have a 2004 Pilot that will finally be paid off this year!! I love my car and don't intend to get rid of it anytime soon. I have an EX and it is all wheel drive. The Pilot was redesigned, so mine is the old version. I have a 3 and 7 year old and have used every kind of car seat in the 2nd and 3rd rows. It is very challenging to use the 3rd row with car seats in the 2nd row, as you can't have a car seat on the side you want to push up, cause the car seat won't leave enough room. Normally, I put my 7 year old in the back with a booster and an adult can fit back there, then the 3 year old can sit by the other door. I do this quite a bit and it works better now that the kids are older. Mechanically, I have had to do no repairs besides basic maintenance. I have about 66,000 miles, tires put on around 50,000, and not needed brakes yet. It is boxy, yet very efficient. I can't say enough good things! I briefly looked at the Toyota Highlander when I bought this. I don't think it had 3 rows at the time, so I ruled it out. I hear it is a great car, however I think it also costs a lot more. Good luck with your choice.

 

[1stluvispooh]

Thanks for the replies gang! I should have said that I have 2 kids. Soon to be 11 and 9 so I don't have to worry about car seats any longer. I was just looking for a 3rd row for when I am car pooling. DD BFF is actually a set of twins so I need something that I can get at least 4 kids into without 1 sitting up front. (Yes I know my oldest will be able to legally sit next to me next year but he doesn't feel safe doing so) And I could use it when my sister is visiting. She always has to follow us now.

Any Highlander owners out there?

 

[weHEARTmickey]

We have a 2008 Highlander & LOVE it! This is the first car I've ever owned where I've said numerous times, "When this one finally wears out, I'm getting another one!" We bought it pre-owned (with about 8K miles on it.) We have the 3rd row seat which is a must for taxi'ing DD8 & DS5 friends here & there.

We started out looking at '06 & '07 models, thinking they were closer to our price range. Then, we found a fantastic deal on the internet for our '08. The reason YOU DO NOT WANT 2007 OR OLDER is that you have to climb over the 2nd row to get to the 3rd row. In the 2008, the passenger back seat slides forward for easy access to the 3rd row. My DSIL has the '07 hybrid limited edition with every upgrade available & we hate to ride in it b/c of the 3rd row issue.

The one complaint we have is that when you use the 3rd row, the trunk space is very limited. We drove about 17 hrs (one way) to WDW this summer. We took my DM with us (making 5 ppl total.) We put her on the 3rd row & had to CRAM stuff everywhere. (Our trips usually last 2 weeks, & I always waaaay over-pack. We literally just "fell out" of the car when we made pit stops!)

Other than that one complaint, I'm absolutely in LOVE with the Highlander. Good luck w/ your choice--it's a great time to buy a car if you can afford it!

 

[1stluvispooh]

We have a 2008 Highlander & LOVE it! This is the first car I've ever owned where I've said numerous times, "When this one finally wears out, I'm getting another one!" We bought it pre-owned (with about 8K miles on it.) We have the 3rd row seat which is a must for taxi'ing DD8 & DS5 friends here & there.

We started out looking at '06 & '07 models, thinking they were closer to our price range. Then, we found a fantastic deal on the internet for our '08. The reason YOU DO NOT WANT 2007 OR OLDER is that you have to climb over the 2nd row to get to the 3rd row. In the 2008, the passenger back seat slides forward for easy access to the 3rd row. My DSIL has the '07 hybrid limited edition with every upgrade available & we hate to ride in it b/c of the 3rd row issue.

The one complaint we have is that when you use the 3rd row, the trunk space is very limited. We drove about 17 hrs (one way) to WDW this summer. We took my DM with us (making 5 ppl total.) We put her on the 3rd row & had to CRAM stuff everywhere. (Our trips usually last 2 weeks, & I always waaaay over-pack. We literally just "fell out" of the car when we made pit stops!)

Other than that one complaint, I'm absolutely in LOVE with the Highlander. Good luck w/ your choice--it's a great time to buy a car if you can afford it!

Thanks for the info. I had a feeling about the 3rd row thing. I think it would work for our situation. I don't know if we can swing a 08. We have found someplace on line as well that seems to have great deals. I wounder if it's the same one!

 

[DISdreamin']

JMHO, but typically I think the ride in a Toyota tends to be more cushy, where the handling in Honda might be better, but the ride is a little more harsh. I have only driven a Honda Pilot for a weekend, but I liked it alright. It isn't a huge vehicle, though. As for Toyota, I rented a smaller SUV for a weekend, and it was nice but felt really small! I think it was the Highlander, but I can't recall. Anyways, it was a stripped-down rental, but it was nice.

Honestly, there likey aren't a ton of negatives either way - it's probably best to just drive them both and see which appeals to you.

 

[mrstxcop]

hi --- we have a 2007 honda pilot --- i love, love, love it...i really really want a 2009 but i swore i would pay the 2007 off, so for now, i still have it...we have 3 kids, 2.5, 7 & 13 and they all fit great --- what we do is we keep the single seat in the 3rd row up all the time, and this is where our 13yr sits --- she either gets in thru the back lift gate or she just pushes the middle seat up...it's not a problem...then the double seats in the 3rd row we keep down always, for extra storage room...

the gas mileage is good, but not great...but i do really like the eco drive system --- the car is a 6cylinder but when you are driving at a certain mileage the eco system will kick in and it shuts down 2 of the cyclinders and you are then driving on 4, thus saving on gas...

now, my inlaws have a 2007 highlander and they like it, but they are toyota people, where we are honda people --- i will say that their highlander is quite a bit smaller on the inside than our pilot --- even my FIL said that our pilot is much roomier...that being said, i think the highlander was also redone for this year or maybe for last year, so it may be bigger now...i know the 2009 pilot is larger than the previous models...

as far as resale goes, you really cannot go wrong with either vehicle --- in our area the hondas hold their resale just a bit more than toyota, but not by much...and as far as maintenance again, you really cannot go wrong with either...my dh is driving my FIL's old toyota camry, it is 13yrs old with 170k + miles on it and it still drives like it was new with just regular upkeep, oil changes, tire rotations, etc...

good luck with your decision!!!

 

[weHEARTmickey]

Thanks for the info. I had a feeling about the 3rd row thing. I think it would work for our situation. I don't know if we can swing a 08. We have found someplace on line as well that seems to have great deals. I wounder if it's the same one!

No Problem! We went through Toyota of Plano. Honestly, they gave us alot of trouble about not wanting to match the exact deals in the internet ad, that we almost walked (after HOURS of driving there just to buy!!) Thank goodness I'd printed off the internet ad or they wouldn't have honored it. Just print out whatever deal you're going for so they can't wiggle their way out of it. I've heard many good things about CarMax, but I'm sure there's just as many bad opinions as good?!? Best of luck to you!

JMHO, but typically I think the ride in a Toyota tends to be more cushy, where the handling in Honda might be better, but the ride is a little more harsh. I have only driven a Honda Pilot for a weekend, but I liked it alright. It isn't a huge vehicle, though. As for Toyota, I rented a smaller SUV for a weekend, and it was nice but felt really small! I think it was the Highlander, but I can't recall. Anyways, it was a stripped-down rental, but it was nice.....

Was it possibly the RAV4? It looks exactly like the Highlander, only shorter. My DH's grandparents have one & they love it! (They are in their 90's & just zip & go in that lil suv.)

 

[weHEARTmickey]

.....i think the highlander was also redone for this year or maybe for last year, so it may be bigger now...i know the 2009 pilot is larger than the previous models....

Yes, you're right! I forgot about this...the 08 Highlander is WAY roomier than previous models. Honestly, if you can't get 08 or later, I would probably avoid the Highlander.

 

[mrstxcop]

Yes, you're right! I forgot about this...the 08 Highlander is WAY roomier than previous models. Honestly, if you can't get 08 or later, I would probably avoid the Highlander.

you know, i think that is really good advice because my inlaws Highlander, which i said was an 07 but it may be an 06 is really small on the inside...don't get me wrong, the kids fit okay in the middle row (they don't have 3rd row, i don't think it was available on those models) but they are shoulder to shoulder...whereas in our 07 pilot, if they have to all sit in the middle row for whatever reason they have room to move...

 

[1stluvispooh]

ilot

as far as resale goes, you really cannot go wrong with either vehicle --- in our area the hondas hold their resale just a bit more than toyota, but not by much...and as far as maintenance again, you really cannot go wrong with either...my dh is driving my FIL's old toyota camry, it is 13yrs old with 170k + miles on it and it still drives like it was new with just regular upkeep, oil changes, tire rotations, etc...

good luck with your decision!!!

RESALE You have never meet my husband He had a 15 year old Acura and I am currently driving a 10 year old VW. Thanks for the laugh!

 

[SAMANDEM]

Buy American

 

[mrstxcop]

RESALE You have never meet my husband He had a 15 year old Acura and I am currently driving a 10 year old VW. Thanks for the laugh!

sorry!!! --- i always forget that most people keep their cars for a longer time than i do --- i have yet to ever pay off a car, but cars are my thing...some women love shoes, i love cars...not a good choice, by far, but it's my weakness...that's why i said in my first post that i vowed i would pay off the 2007 Pilot...i would be the 1st car i pay off in, well, forever...dh and i have been together for 16yrs and i have had 14cars in that time, that should give you some perspective...

 

[1stluvispooh]

sorry!!! --- i always forget that most people keep their cars for a longer time than i do --- i have yet to ever pay off a car, but cars are my thing...some women love shoes, i love cars...not a good choice, by far, but it's my weakness...that's why i said in my first post that i vowed i would pay off the 2007 Pilot...i would be the 1st car i pay off in, well, forever...dh and i have been together for 16yrs and i have had 14cars in that time, that should give you some perspective...

I wish I was you. Getting a new car even if it's only new to you is fun!

 

[1stluvispooh]

Buy American

Pilots ARE made in the USA!

 

[DawnM]

My cousin has a Highlander and her sons were your kids' ages when she bought it, with the 3rd row seat. Back then, only her kids could fit in the back row. That lasted all of a couple of years, now they are both WAY too big to fit back there and the 3rd row has been abandoned completely as noone fits back there.

We have a Toyota Sequoia and the 3rd row seat is plenty big. We also keep our cars forever. It is a 2004 and has been paid off for 3 years now. Our other cars are 2002 and 1996.

Your kids are at the age where they will be growing fast, and so will their friends. If you and your DH don't fit back there comfortably, neither will your kids soon.

Just some food for thought.

Dawn

 

[wdwmom0f3]

I had a Toyota Highlander and I couldn't wait to trade it in. My sister had a Pilot and loved it.

The problem with the Highlander was something mechanical. My heat & air went out just after the warranty expired and they wanted 1100.00 to fix it. I did some research and found out what the problem was. It turns out that it was a two dollar wire that broke off on the control panel. I had it welded back on for less than a hundred dollars, somewhere else other than Toyota. I was SO mad that they were not honest with me about the problem. They are aware of the problem too, they have had this problem since the 02 models. The sad thing is that it is a "loose knob" in the middle where the washer comes loose and puts to much pressure on the wire and it breaks. You would thing something like this would be easy to resolve.

So, since we had that problem along with other minor details, we will no longer be buying Toyota. I would stick to the Honda. We have never had anything to ever happen to our Honda vehicles.