Best 3-Row SUV in Canada? 2025 Honda Pilot vs Toyota Highlander (Comparison)
2025 Honda Pilot vs Toyota Highlander
Both vehicles are 3‑row midsize SUVs suited to families. The Honda Pilot features a 3.5 L V6, while Toyota offers both the regular Highlander and the larger Grand Highlander with turbo‑4‑cyl and hybrid options. In this post, we break down the 2025 Honda Pilot vs Toyota Highlander to help you decide which one is the better fit for your lifestyle and budget.
Trim & Price Comparison (Canada)
| Model & Trim | 2025 Canadian MSRP* | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Honda Pilot Sport AWD | C$56,485 | Entry-level, AWD standard |
| Honda Pilot EX‑L AWD | C$59,985 | Leather seats, power tailgate, wireless CarPlay |
| Honda Pilot TrailSport AWD | C$62,985 | Off‑road tuned, skid plates, TrailWatch camera |
| Honda Pilot Touring AWD | C$66,735 | Premium tech, Bose sound, panoramic roof |
| Honda Pilot Black Edition AWD | C$68,235 | Black trim, ambient lighting, premium interior |
| Toyota Grand Highlander XLE AWD | C$54,573 |
12.3” Toyota Multimedia Touchscreen, Service Connect and Safety Connect (up to 10-yr trial), Remote Connect (3-yr trial), and Drive Connect capable (paid subscription required) |
| Toyota Grand Highlander XLE Hybrid AWD | C$57,915 | Turbo‑4 or hybrid setups, three rows |
| Toyota Grand Highlander Limited AWD | C$61,708 | Hybrid or Gas options, mid‑range trim |
| Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum Hybrid MAX AWD | C$69,510 | Top-tier, high-horsepower hybrid turbo |
* MSRP excludes destination, PDI, taxes and fees.
Powertrain, Fuel & Performance
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Honda Pilot:
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3.5 L V6 with 285 hp and 262 lb‑ft, paired to a 10‑speed automatic. AWD standard on all trims. Tow capacity up to 5,000 lb (TrailSport).
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Fuel economy (AWD): ~12.4 L/100 km city, 9.3 L/100 km highway (~21 mpg combined).
Toyota Grand Highlander:
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Gas turbo‑4 (2.4 L, ~265 hp), hybrid (2.5 L + e‑motor, ~245 hp), and Hybrid MAX turbo‑hybrid (~362 hp) configurations. AWD available across trims. Tow up to 5,000 lb (Hybrid MAX) or 3,500 lb for regular hybrid.
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Fuel use (regular Highlander gas): ~25 mpg (≈9.4 L/100 km) combined — slightly better than the Pilot’s V6.
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Highlights by Brand
Honda Pilot
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Strong V6 power and confident towing.
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Capable off‑road TrailSport with modes (snow, mud, sand, tow).
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Versatile second‑row seat storage in EX-L and up; seats up to 8.
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Excellent safety: IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating.
Toyota (Highlander & Grand Highlander)
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Hybrid powertrains deliver better fuel economy.
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Hybrid MAX versions offer more powerful and efficient configurations.
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Grand Highlander is bigger and more spacious than the regular Highlander, with three‑row seating and higher trims offering luxury features.
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Long‑standing reliability and resale value reputation.
Side‑by‑Side Data Table
| Category | Honda Pilot | Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain / Engine | 3.5 L V6, 10‑spd auto, AWD standard | Turbo‑4 and hybrid powertrains, AWD available |
| Horsepower / Torque | 285 hp / 262 lb‑ft | 265 hp (gas), 245–362 hp (hybrids) |
| Fuel Economy (combined) | ~21 mpg (~11 L/100 km) | ~25 mpg (~9.4 L/100 km)†|
| Seating Capacity | 7–8, storageable 2nd row in upper trims | 7–8 across trims |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 5,000 lb (TrailSport) | Up to 5,000 lb (Hybrid MAX), 3,500 lb (regular hybrid) |
| Base Trim MSRP (Canada) | C$53K | C$50–51K (Hybrid LE) |
| Top Trim MSRP (Canada) | ≈C$68K (Black Edition) | ≈C$65 – 66K (Hybrid MAX Platinum) |
| Off‑road capability | TrailSport with skid plates, modes | Not specialized for off‑roading |
2025 Honda Pilot vs Toyota Highlander – Which Should You Choose?
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Go with the Honda Pilot if you want robust V6 power, better towing, off‑road readiness (TrailSport), and a luxurious feel in higher trims like Touring or Black Edition.
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Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander, especially hybrid models, if fuel economy and hybrid performance matter most, or if you prefer Toyota’s long-term reliability and hybrid tech.
Final Thoughts
Both SUVs excel as three‑row family vehicles, but differ in character:
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Pilot: Powerful, V6‑driven, off‑road trim option, more interior flexibility and higher-end luxury options. Shop Available Honda Pilot Inventory in Calgary.
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Grand Highlander: Efficient, modern hybrid tech, and more drivetrain variety—including the potent Hybrid MAX turbo‑hybrid.