The Highlander and Honda Pilot are fierce competitors in the midsize SUV segment. While the Pilot takes a big leap forward with a redesign for the 2023 model year, it has one key advantage. The 2023 Toyota Highlander has one important thing the 2023 Honda Pilot doesn’t offer: an efficient hybrid powertrain.
Unlike the 2023 Honda Pilot, the 2023 Toyota Highlander offers a hybrid powertrain
Although the price of gasoline has dropped from its highs in early 2022, gas is still one of the most significant costs of vehicle ownership. With its efficient hybrid powertrain, the 2023 Highlander makes refueling a more convenient endeavor. You’ll save a great deal of money in the long run with a more efficient midsize SUV like the Highlander Hybrid.
and Accord Hybrid, Pilot does not offer a hybrid powertrain. There is a possibility that the Japanese automaker could eventually release a Pilot Hybrid in the United States, but not for the 2023 model year.
2023 Highlander Gets Higher Gas Mileage Than 2023 Pilot
The obvious benefit of the hybrid powertrain in the 2023 Toyota Highlander midsize SUV is the high mileage and resulting economy at the fuel pump. It combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors, with fuel economy estimated at up to 36 mpg city/35 highway. The Highlander also offers a fully gas-powered model with a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four engine. Gets estimated gas mileage up to 22 city/29 highway mpg.
All 2023 Pilot models feature a 3.5-liter V-6 engine. It’s not very efficient, with fuel economy estimated at up to 19 city/27 mpg highway. Compared to the Pilot, the Highlander Hybrid gets 17 mpg more for city driving and eight mpg more for highway driving. Even if you opt for the fully gas-powered version of the Highlander, you’ll still benefit from improved fuel economy.
Another benefit of the Highlander’s high fuel economy is practicality. With the lowest fuel consumption, the Highlander can travel further on a full tank of gas. This means Highlander owners don’t have to stop at a service station as often as Pilot owners.
Other advantages of the Toyota Highlander over the Honda Pilot
In addition to its efficient hybrid powertrain, the 2023 Highlander has a few other benefits for midsize SUV buyers. For one thing, it offers safety and features that aren’t available in the 2023 Pilot. That includes evasion assist, driver monitor alert, a front airbag with passenger cushion, and a driver’s knee airbag. Additionally, the Highlander offers a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. For the rider, the largest available is a 9-inch version.
Also, with its slightly smaller size and tighter turning circle, it’s more maneuverable than the Pilot. Plus, it’s cheaper. The Highlander has a starting price of $36,420 MSRP, compared to $39,150 MSRP for the rider.
With its efficient hybrid powertrain, the 2023 Toyota Highlander has one great thing the 2023 Honda doesn’t offer. When deciding which midsize SUV to buy, this is a key consideration.
