2023 Highlander Vs. 2023 Pilot in Orlando, FL

The midsize three-row SUV segment represents a great blend of passenger capacity, cargo-carrying ability, and an elevated driving position. This has resulted in many competitors from nearly all major automakers in the segment. Two popular options are the 2023 Toyota Highlander and the 2023 Honda Pilot.

The 2023 Highlander hails from the fourth generation that debuted in 2019. It sees incremental updates every year, in keeping with Toyota's philosophy of continuous improvement. The 2023 Pilot is an all-new model and heralds the fourth generation of Honda's nameplate that debuted in 2002.

Let's see how the 2023 Highlander and 2023 Pilot stack up in interior, safety and performance offerings. We'll discover the best midsize three-row SUV at the end. Meanwhile, get on the phone with our sales team at Central Florida Toyota in Orlando, FL, and learn all there is to know about the 2023 Highlander.

Interior Comparison

The 2023 Highlander and 2023 Pilot offer seating for up to eight passengers. But the SUVs can be had with a more spacious seven-passenger configuration that sees plush captain chairs in the second row. Both cars offer impressive luggage space and enough cup and bottle holders. You'll also receive dual-zone climate control with a third zone for rear passengers to choose their preferred temperature.

The 2023 Highlander and 2023 Pilot have comprehensive infotainment systems. The systems support Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ interfaces. The 2023 Pilot's touchscreen on base models is a tad small at 7 inches, which is where you'll appreciate the 8-inch unit on the 2023 Highlander. While the largest screen on the Pilot is 9 inches, you'll truly appreciate the spacious 12.3-inch unit that can be had on the Highlander.

Furthermore, while the 2023 Pilot may offer a standard digital instrument cluster across the range, it's a mere 10.2 inches in size. The 2023 Highlander offers a crisper and clearer 12.3-inch option. There's also a superb 11-speaker JBL speaker system in the 2023 Highlander to cater to audiophiles.

Performance Comparison

The 2023 Highlander offers a choice of two powertrains. The base engine is a 2.4-liter turbo four with 265 horsepower coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. There's also a Highlander Hybrid that sees a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder. It is paired with two electric motors for a system total of 243 horsepower and coupled with a CVT automatic gearbox. You can choose between front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive with either powertrain.

In contrast, the 2023 Pilot comes with a 3.5-liter V-6 that may lead to power output with its 285-horsepower figure but lags on torque. This results in an urban driving experience that requires more effort than on either of the 2023 Highlander models, even with the 2023 Pilot's nine-speed automatic gearbox. As with the 2023 Highlander, front-wheel-drive is standard, but an all-wheel-drive system can be optioned.

The 2023 Highlander and 2023 Pilot can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Safety Features Comparison

The 2023 Highlander and 2023 Pilot are exceptionally well-equipped on the safety front, and we could find neither one lacking in any area. The SUVs have adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. They also have eight airbags, child safety locks, and daytime running lamps.

Find the 2023 Highlander in Orlando, FL

While the 2023 Pilot is tempting, as an all-new model, the 2023 Highlander still makes the most sense. For us, the Highlander is the best midsize three-row SUV around. Packing downsized engines with better fuel economy, as well as some thoughtful interior and tech features, the 2023 Highlander is truly worth a test drive. This is why you should quickly head over to Central Florida Toyota in Orlando, FL, and avail yourself of one.