Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Highlander, Subaru Ascent, and Ford Explorer

Compare Midsize 3-Row Crossovers in Mishawaka

The Honda Pilot has long been a top contender among midsize family SUVs thanks to its comfortable and spacious cabin, great utility, and abundant features, including a full roster of advanced driver-assist technologies. Honda's largest model gets even better for 2023, rolling into its all-new fourth generation with even roomier accommodations, re-tuned performance, upgraded features, and a ruggedly handsome style refresh with plenty of curb appeal.

While drivers from Goshen to Granger have numerous midsize 3-row SUVs to choose from, the Honda Pilot's impressive well-roundedness makes it one of the segment's most compelling options. To show you what we mean, here's a quick look at how it measures up in a few key areas to three prominent class competitors, the Toyota Highlander, Subaru Ascent, and Ford Explorer.

 Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Highlander

• The Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander both offer roomy front seats with plenty of headroom and legroom for the driver. However, as you move toward the back, the Highlander becomes less accommodating. Compared to the Highlander, the Honda Pilot offer 2.1 inches more legroom and nearly an inch more headroom. Rear-seat passengers will particularly appreciate the Pilot's additional 4.5 inches of legroom.


• While both models offer lots of cargo space, the Pilot has the edge with 18.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 87 cubes with all rear seats folded. The Highlander's cargo area measures 16 and 84.3 cubic feet behind the third and first rows, respectively.


• The Honda Pilot outmuscles the Highlander with a 285-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine and a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. Highlander is powered by a 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder (265 horsepower) with an eight-speed transmission.

Honda Pilot vs Subaru Ascent

• • The Honda Pilot is impressively spry for its size, thanks to a 3.5-liter V-6 (285 horsepower) and 10-speed automatic transmission. The Subaru Ascent's 2.4-liter turbo-four falls behind with 260 horsepower and a continuously variable transmission.
  
  
  • If cargo-carrying utility is high on your priorities list, the Honda Pilot has you covered. While the Pilot (18.6 cubic feet) and Ascent (17.6 cubic feet) are closely matched for cargo behind the rear seats, the Pilot's lead widens dramatically when comparing storage behind the second (48.5 vs. 43.5) and first (87 vs. 75.6) rows.
  
  
  • For larger cargo items that won't fit in the cabin, both models can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. However, the Ascent's max tow rating is 2,000 pounds without its optional towing package, while all Honda Pilot models can tow at least 3,500 pounds.
  
  
  • The Honda Pilot offers an available head-up display, allowing you to view important driving and navigation details on the windshield while keeping your eyes on the road. The Subaru Ascent doesn't offer this technology.

Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Highland

• Both models come standard with advanced driver-assist technologies like collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. However, the Honda Pilot's base trim also includes Road Departure Mitigation System and Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow and Traffic Jam Assist. The Ford Explorer requires an optional package to access these features, and it isn't available for the entry-level trim.


• The Honda Pilot's CabinTalk® system (standard on EX-L and higher) allows the driver to communicate with rear-seat passengers through speakers without raising their voice. Additionally, the Pilot comes standard with Traffic Sign Recognition, which automatically detects road signs and displays them in the gauge cluster. The Ford Explorer doesn't offer similar features in any configuration.


• The Honda Pilot offers comfortable accommodations for up to eight passengers. And thanks to its stowable 2nd-row middle seat, you don't have to choose between captain's chairs or a bench. The Ford Explorer seats a maximum of seven people, and only six if you get second-row captain's chairs.

Test-Drive a New Honda Pilot near South Bend and Elkhart

If you'd like to learn more about the Honda Pilot and its available trim levels, special financing offers, or reservation opportunities, please reach out to Basney Honda at your convenience. And if you'd like to see firsthand what makes the Pilot a great pick for your next family crossover, we welcome you to visit our Honda dealership in Mishawaka for a test drive. We'll be happy to show you around.