Pilot vs Highlander

2021 Honda Pilot vs. 2021 Toyota Highlander

2021 Honda Pilot

Price

2021 Toyota Highlander
$32,250*

Starting MSRP

$34,810
8

Seating Capacity

8
3.5L V6

Engine

3.5L V6
280 / 262 lb-ft of torque

Engine Output

295 hp / 263 lb-ft of torque
152.9 cubic feet

Passenger Volume

141.3 cubic feet
62.0 inches

Front Shoulder Room

59.0 inches

Shopping in Omaha for an SUV that offers incredible performance, comfort, and technology for your money? The Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander should be two of your top contenders. Still, only one of these class-leading 3-row crossovers can keep up with your busy days in Gretna. So, can the Pilot or Highlander deliver the upgrades you desire most? Compare the Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Highlander head-to-head with Honda of Lincoln to find out!

Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Highlander: Pricing

Is the Pilot or Highlander a better value? For many Bellevue drivers, price is paramount. Right off the bat, the Pilot pulls out ahead when you compare pricing across both trim lineups:

  • 2021 Toyota Highlander — The Highlander starts at $34,810 MSRP for the base L trim. It’s also available in LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum configurations.
  • 2021 Honda Pilot — The Pilot will cost you just $32,250* at the base LX trim level. The Pilot is also available in more configurations than the Highlander, offering you more opportunities to customize with the features you need — and nothing you don’t. Pilot trims include the base LX, EX, EX-L, EX-L w/ Navi & RES, Touring 7- & 8-Passenger, Elite, and Black Edition.

Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Highlander: Performance

As for how the Pilot or Highlander will perform on the road in Elkhorn, the match is close to an even draw. The Highlander does have a slight edge, but it’s up to you to decide whether it’s worth the extra $2k. Compare base trim performance specs, below:

2021 Honda Pilot LX

  • 3.5L V6 engine 
  • 280 horsepower 
  • 262 lb-ft of torque 
  • 6-speed automatic transmission

2020 Toyota Highlander L:

  • 3.5L V6 engine
  • 295 horsepower 
  • 263 lb-ft of torque
  • 8-speed automatic transmission

Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Highlander: Dimensions

If you plan on taking some long rides, then every inch of cabin space matters. With 152.9 cubic feet of total passenger space, all three rows in the Pilot give you and your passengers more room to breathe. Compare dimensions to see whether the Pilot or Highlander can keep you comfortable all the way to Grand Island:

2021 Honda Pilot

  • Passenger Volume — 152.9 cubic feet
  • Legroom (1st/2nd Row) — 40.9 inches / 38.4 inches
  • Headroom (1st/2nd Row) — 40.9 inches / 39.5 inches
  • Front Shoulder Room — 62.0 inches

2021 Toyota Highlander 

  • Passenger Volume — 141.3 cubic feet
  • Legroom (1st/2nd Row) –42.0 inches / 41.0 inches
  • Headroom (1st/2nd Row) — 38.4 inches / 37.1 inches
  • Front Shoulder Room — 59.0 inches

Find a 2021 Honda Pilot for Sale in Lincoln 

Ready to experience the new Honda Pilot first-hand? The best way to find out if it’s right for you is to see how you feel behind the wheel. Schedule a test drive at our showroom in Lincoln, or from the comfort of your home. Our friendly finance team is standing by to help you find the best price and interest rates on your favorite new or pre-owned Pilot. Get in touch today to learn more! 

More From Honda of Lincoln

  • The Best Keeps Getting Better: Award-Winning Honda CR-V Adds More Standard Tech and New TrailSport Hybrid Trim

    Read at Hondanews.com April 30, 2025 — TORRANCE, Calif. 2026 CR-V adds larger touchscreen, wireless charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Autoâ„¢ compatibility – all standard New CR-V TrailSport Hybrid is the first Honda to combine rugged TrailSport design with award-winning Honda two-motor hybrid-electric system More rugged styling and improved capability come to the most popular…

  • 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Hangs Tough in Dramatic New Video

    Read at Hondanews.com March 27, 2025 — TORRANCE, Calif. Honda today demonstrated in a new video the incredible ruggedness of the all-new 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport by hanging three unmodified Passport TrailSports end-to-end from the vehicle’s stout front recovery points using a 140-foot long crane. The new Passport TrailSport and TrailSport Elite are the first Honda…

  • Seven 2025 Honda and Acura Models Earn IIHS Top Safety Ratings

    Read at Hondanews.com March 14, 2025 — TORRANCE, Calif. 2025 Honda Civic Hatchback, Accord and HR-V earn TOP SAFETY PICK+ award; Civic Sedan and Pilot earn TOP SAFETY PICK award 2025 Acura Integra and MDX earn TOP SAFETY PICK award All awarded Acura and Honda models score top GOOD rating in rigorous small overlap front and…

*MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $1120 destination charge and accessories. Dealer prices may vary. MSRP does not include $395 charge for select premium colors. $395 charge only applies to 2021 models.

Get Directions

2770 Yankee Hill Road, Lincoln, NE, 68516

Search Vehicles

Search By Keyword:

Contact Us

Main (402) 437-1234 Sales (402) 437-1234 Service (402) 437-1236 Parts (402) 437-1235
Open Today! Sales: 8am-8pm
Open Today! Service: 7am-5:30pm
Open Today! Parts: 7am-5:30pm

2770 Yankee Hill Road
Lincoln, NE 68516
Honda of Lincoln 40.7272722, -96.6808129.