My wife and I are going to purchase a new SUV and are really close to making a decision. We have narrowed our list down the the Pilot and Highlander. I would love to hear some feedback about why you love or hate your Pilot. We just sold our 98' 4Runner which we both loved but are ready for a less-truck like SUV. Any comments would be great.
On the fence
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re fence
We also looked at highlander vs Pilot, and we bought the pilot for these reasons. value for the $$ - you get a LOT more in a pilot - the seating versatility(8), the HP(240), the towing, and the looks.
Highlander is more of a big wagon, while the pilot bridges the gap between the cute utes, and the domestic behemoths. It can offroad and it can drive smooth in city, and It hauls a ton of gear.
We also looked at highlander vs Pilot, and we bought the pilot for these reasons. value for the $$ - you get a LOT more in a pilot - the seating versatility(8), the HP(240), the towing, and the looks.
Highlander is more of a big wagon, while the pilot bridges the gap between the cute utes, and the domestic behemoths. It can offroad and it can drive smooth in city, and It hauls a ton of gear.
Yes there is.
While the VTM-4 4WD system works seamlessly, I wish there was an indicator light on the dash to show that it engaged. While I do feel it kick in when Im in sand, Im never really sure it is working. In fact, there is no indication you have a 4WD system. The VTM-4 button on the dash should not be used unless you are stuck or in a loose gravel/sand situation.
My wife actually prefers it this way. She doesnt want the shift levers/buttons/locking etc that usually accompanies a 4WD system. She likes that it will only kick in when slip is detected, and does so before the driver knows it is needed. So, in fact, this is safer than traditional systems that you manually engage once you detect slippage.
While the VTM-4 4WD system works seamlessly, I wish there was an indicator light on the dash to show that it engaged. While I do feel it kick in when Im in sand, Im never really sure it is working. In fact, there is no indication you have a 4WD system. The VTM-4 button on the dash should not be used unless you are stuck or in a loose gravel/sand situation.
My wife actually prefers it this way. She doesnt want the shift levers/buttons/locking etc that usually accompanies a 4WD system. She likes that it will only kick in when slip is detected, and does so before the driver knows it is needed. So, in fact, this is safer than traditional systems that you manually engage once you detect slippage.
We also considered a Highlander before we bought the Pilot. One big negative for us on the Highlander was that the front seats were short; very little thigh support. This was primarily my wife's complaint and she is very small (5'3") . Once she mentioned it I realized at 6' that this vehicle may not be the most comfortable for me either.
Now my observations on the Pilot ( I have almost 400 miles on mine):
The 5 speed automatic transmission is terrific. It shifts smoothly and quietly and at high speed the RPMs are very low which helps fuel economy, prolongs engine life and keeps noise down.
It does not ride like a truck. It handles well and has minimum body roll and is not tippy.
The interior is well done. It does not look cheap. The climate control is outstanding. On almost 100 degree days (we just had two in a row and it was very humid) the interior of the vehicle is cool and comfortable. The darkened glass in the rear really helps and is very easy to see out of ( our Subarus have never had heavy tint on the rear windows so this was a concern to us).
Buy the Pilot. The more I drive it the more I like it.
#09131 SS EX
Now my observations on the Pilot ( I have almost 400 miles on mine):
The 5 speed automatic transmission is terrific. It shifts smoothly and quietly and at high speed the RPMs are very low which helps fuel economy, prolongs engine life and keeps noise down.
It does not ride like a truck. It handles well and has minimum body roll and is not tippy.
The interior is well done. It does not look cheap. The climate control is outstanding. On almost 100 degree days (we just had two in a row and it was very humid) the interior of the vehicle is cool and comfortable. The darkened glass in the rear really helps and is very easy to see out of ( our Subarus have never had heavy tint on the rear windows so this was a concern to us).
Buy the Pilot. The more I drive it the more I like it.
#09131 SS EX
First, we are a Honda family and the Pilot is our 10th Honda. With the ratings in Consumer Report, I did have to look at the Highlander. I know the noise level in Toyotas is usually lower than in Hondas as I compared between Accords and Camrys. The same is probably true in the Highlander-Pilot comparison but, it isn't that critical. I never did test drive a Highlander but, have ridden in the Lexus RX300. Nice but, it didn't do that much more than an Accord wagon we traded in for our Pilot. Our decision was based on the versatility of being able to carry 8 people and carrying a large amount of cargo. 4 days after picking up the Pilot, I drove my son and 6 of his friends out to the mall. This week, I brought home about 600 pounds of cabinets for the garage. Couldn't have done both with a Highlander. Used to have a family friend that is a Honda mechanic but, he retired. That is what I really miss!
Good Luck,
Henry, currently with a 2002 Civic EX, 1998 Accord EX V6 & 1988 Accord LX too. :4:
Good Luck,
Henry, currently with a 2002 Civic EX, 1998 Accord EX V6 & 1988 Accord LX too. :4:
The Pilot Will Give You More
I also had a 5 seat truck-based SUV ('95 Explorer) that I traded in for the Pilot. I find the Pilot much easier to drive, better visability, roomier, versatile with seating for up to 8, larger cargo space, etc. If you get the Highlander, it seems that it would just be a replacement for your 4 Runner. You aren't gaining anything with another small mid-sized SUV/wagon that only seats 5. With my 2 kids and their friends, I'm glad I can drive a large group when needed. Good luck on your decision.
I also had a 5 seat truck-based SUV ('95 Explorer) that I traded in for the Pilot. I find the Pilot much easier to drive, better visability, roomier, versatile with seating for up to 8, larger cargo space, etc. If you get the Highlander, it seems that it would just be a replacement for your 4 Runner. You aren't gaining anything with another small mid-sized SUV/wagon that only seats 5. With my 2 kids and their friends, I'm glad I can drive a large group when needed. Good luck on your decision.
Thank you all for responding. You have really helped me. I have always thought the Pilot was the way to go but hearing stories like this does help. I have a deposit down on a SS-EX and will probably now go through with it. Hopefully, I will love it as much as you all do. Thank you again.
Additional Comments
RUDY--
You asked what we don't like about the Pilot--
The minor negatives (as compared with the Explorer) are:
Hatch window does not open.
Lacks a double visor--great so you don't have to keep moving the visor to the side or back to front.
Would have liked a 6 CD changer as std. with EX
Middle seat belts for rows 2 and 3 attach from the ceiling--some decresed visability and it's a bit of a hassle to attach and detach.
Lacks full sized spare
Window washer/wiper lever location is awkward--right in front of shift lever.
No sunroof available.
These are all small things compared to how much I enjoy this SUV.
I could have bought a MDX, but happily chose the Pilot.
RUDY--
You asked what we don't like about the Pilot--
The minor negatives (as compared with the Explorer) are:
Hatch window does not open.
Lacks a double visor--great so you don't have to keep moving the visor to the side or back to front.
Would have liked a 6 CD changer as std. with EX
Middle seat belts for rows 2 and 3 attach from the ceiling--some decresed visability and it's a bit of a hassle to attach and detach.
Lacks full sized spare
Window washer/wiper lever location is awkward--right in front of shift lever.
No sunroof available.
These are all small things compared to how much I enjoy this SUV.
I could have bought a MDX, but happily chose the Pilot.
I can't believe no one has mentioned the $#@! activity tray. Another Pilot shortcoming is access to 3rd row seat (but the Highlander doesn't even have one).
Highlander is too narrow - feels cramped in comparison to Pilot. Same as Sienna as compared to Odyssey.
The Pilot wins, unless you prefer the looks of the Highlander and don't need the extra flexibility/capability offered by the Pilot.
Highlander is too narrow - feels cramped in comparison to Pilot. Same as Sienna as compared to Odyssey.
The Pilot wins, unless you prefer the looks of the Highlander and don't need the extra flexibility/capability offered by the Pilot.
we considered the highlander for a while. my wife really liked them, so i went out and did some test driving. i liked it, too, overall, but one thing that really seemed lacking was the cargo space. the pilot has way more usable space in the back. the highlander wheel wells seemed to take up half of the cargo area. seems to me that the pilot is more for the money.
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We were down to the Pilot vs. Highlander as well and the biggest reason we went with the Pilot was price. Even paying MSRP it was still the same price as a comparably equipped Highlander.
We have both a Pilot EX and a Highlander Limited.
I still can't decide which one I like more.
The Pilot is much more truck like (size and ride height, not ride).
The Highlander IS a tall station wagon (but it's alright I can admit it).
Comparing the two vehicles feature for feature constantly goes both ways. For example the Highlanders ride feels a lot more controlled than the Pilot but when you push the two into a hard turn the Pilot holds on much better.
The HL is all wheel drive all the time, the Pilot kicks in as needed (there is wheel spin).
I drive the Pilot because I needed something bigger than the HL (and am very happy with it) but I really love my wife's heated leather seats and moonroof. The HL was more money.
Good Luck
I still can't decide which one I like more.
The Pilot is much more truck like (size and ride height, not ride).
The Highlander IS a tall station wagon (but it's alright I can admit it).
Comparing the two vehicles feature for feature constantly goes both ways. For example the Highlanders ride feels a lot more controlled than the Pilot but when you push the two into a hard turn the Pilot holds on much better.
The HL is all wheel drive all the time, the Pilot kicks in as needed (there is wheel spin).
I drive the Pilot because I needed something bigger than the HL (and am very happy with it) but I really love my wife's heated leather seats and moonroof. The HL was more money.
Good Luck
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17 Posts
Rudy,
Think REsale.
If you buy a Pilot and hate it, you will have NO trouble finding a buyer. I don't think the same is true for a Highlander.
I had done lots of research and had decided on a Highlander. The attitude of the salesman turned us off and we went for a second look at Honda's CR-V and found out about the Pilot and immediately ordered one - knowing very little about it. Crazy and very unlike me, but we are 100% thrilled with our Pilot!
RRP
Think REsale.
If you buy a Pilot and hate it, you will have NO trouble finding a buyer. I don't think the same is true for a Highlander.
I had done lots of research and had decided on a Highlander. The attitude of the salesman turned us off and we went for a second look at Honda's CR-V and found out about the Pilot and immediately ordered one - knowing very little about it. Crazy and very unlike me, but we are 100% thrilled with our Pilot!
RRP
Joined
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236 Posts
Highlander
Test drove a Highlander before the Pilot. Maybe I'm a biased Honda driver, but felt the Highlander was basically a jacked-up Camry wagon.
Not that the Camry is a bad vehicle (it's actually great), but boring.
The VTEC in the Pilot is awesome. The space is a big bonus.
Test drove a Highlander before the Pilot. Maybe I'm a biased Honda driver, but felt the Highlander was basically a jacked-up Camry wagon.
Not that the Camry is a bad vehicle (it's actually great), but boring.
The VTEC in the Pilot is awesome. The space is a big bonus.
The Highlander was one of the vehicles we test drove in May along with the RX300, QX4, and MDX. At the time we liked the MDX the best because of the ride and the seating configuration. The RX300 and Highlander felt like an underpowered Camry wagon. Stumbled onto an add for the Pilot on Edmunds and decided to wait until June 3 for one more comparison. After test driving the Pilot we knew we found our next vehicle.
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