Pilot vs Highlander & Pathfinder
HONDA PILOT TOURING 7P VS TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LIMITED V6 AWD
Pilot
BOLD, AGGRESSIVE DESIGN
Pilot flaunts its athletic character with a muscular design that's rugged yet refined, balancing gentle curves with sharp but tasteful character lines. On the other side of the aisle, Highlander presents
a refined exterior with its gentler curves and sloping roof at the rear towards the tailgate. The effect is more akin to a sedan than the rough-and-ready look of the Pilot.
Pilot flaunts its athletic character with a muscular design that's rugged yet refined, balancing gentle curves with sharp but tasteful character lines. On the other side of the aisle, Highlander presents
a refined exterior with its gentler curves and sloping roof at the rear towards the tailgate. The effect is more akin to a sedan than the rough-and-ready look of the Pilot.
Highlander
20-INCH WHEELS
Both Pilot Touring trims come with 20-inch rims to add a bit more flash to their fierce exterior design. Pilot's Black Edition trim even includes black 20-inch rims to add a touch of menace to the already
bold exterior. In comparison, Highlander's wheels max out at
19-inch alloy rims, and the only option that compares to the allure of Pilot's Black Edition rims is part of the SE Package offered on lower trim levels.
Both Pilot Touring trims come with 20-inch rims to add a bit more flash to their fierce exterior design. Pilot's Black Edition trim even includes black 20-inch rims to add a touch of menace to the already
bold exterior. In comparison, Highlander's wheels max out at
19-inch alloy rims, and the only option that compares to the allure of Pilot's Black Edition rims is part of the SE Package offered on lower trim levels.
AUTO-DIMMING SIDE MIRRORS
Pilot features auto-dimming side mirrors to help keep drivers from being blinded by bright vehicle headlights shining into them. Not only does it eliminate a nuisance, it makes driving safer for Pilot owners. Highlander lacks this convenience, relying on drivers to do their best to look past the glare of high beams in their side view.
Pilot features auto-dimming side mirrors to help keep drivers from being blinded by bright vehicle headlights shining into them. Not only does it eliminate a nuisance, it makes driving safer for Pilot owners. Highlander lacks this convenience, relying on drivers to do their best to look past the glare of high beams in their side view.
LED HEADLIGHTS
Pilot lights up the road ahead with a set of LED headlights, illuminating the darkness with piercing white light. Highlander uses projector-beam headlights which, compared to Pilot's, emit a weaker, yellow light that doesn't provide as effective illumination.
Pilot lights up the road ahead with a set of LED headlights, illuminating the darkness with piercing white light. Highlander uses projector-beam headlights which, compared to Pilot's, emit a weaker, yellow light that doesn't provide as effective illumination.
LED FOG LIGHTS
Reduced visibility is less of an issue on Pilot, thanks to its vibrant LED fog lights. Unfortunately for Highlander drivers, their vehicle only has conventional fog lights, as opposed to Pilot's more energy- efficient, longer-lasting LEDs.
Reduced visibility is less of an issue on Pilot, thanks to its vibrant LED fog lights. Unfortunately for Highlander drivers, their vehicle only has conventional fog lights, as opposed to Pilot's more energy- efficient, longer-lasting LEDs.
VARIABLE CYLINDER MANAGEMENT (VCM )
Pilot includes VCM to help boost fuel efficiency in certain driving conditions. The system works by deactivating 2 or 3 cylinders at a time to consume less fuel when warranted, such as while cruising. Highlander doesn't include a similar system, raising the possibility of fuel waste.
Pilot includes VCM to help boost fuel efficiency in certain driving conditions. The system works by deactivating 2 or 3 cylinders at a time to consume less fuel when warranted, such as while cruising. Highlander doesn't include a similar system, raising the possibility of fuel waste.
9-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Pilot not only comes with a 9-speed automatic transmission, but more than lives up to its athletic appearance with racing-inspired paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. Highlander features
the same 8-speed automatic transmission featured on the previous model year. Though it isn't outftted with paddle shifters, third-party reviewers have commented on its smooth shifting.
Pilot not only comes with a 9-speed automatic transmission, but more than lives up to its athletic appearance with racing-inspired paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. Highlander features
the same 8-speed automatic transmission featured on the previous model year. Though it isn't outftted with paddle shifters, third-party reviewers have commented on its smooth shifting.
AMPLITUDE REACTIVE DAMPERS
Pilot drivers get much more fun out of their drive thanks to Amplitude Reactive Dampers. These dampers provide superior ride comfort and handling in a wide variety of driving conditions while reducing body roll. Highlander lacks such dampers, resulting in a drive that's less engaging, with handling that doesn't adapt as intuitively to sharper turns.
Pilot drivers get much more fun out of their drive thanks to Amplitude Reactive Dampers. These dampers provide superior ride comfort and handling in a wide variety of driving conditions while reducing body roll. Highlander lacks such dampers, resulting in a drive that's less engaging, with handling that doesn't adapt as intuitively to sharper turns.
AGILE HANDLING ASSIST
Pilot features Agile Handling Assist, braking the inside wheels during cornering to help optimize torque distribution for superior handling and traction utilization. This results in generating more turning force while reducing understeer, for a drive that's unexpectedly nimble for an SUV. Highlander doesn't feature an assist for this type of nimble driving.
Pilot features Agile Handling Assist, braking the inside wheels during cornering to help optimize torque distribution for superior handling and traction utilization. This results in generating more turning force while reducing understeer, for a drive that's unexpectedly nimble for an SUV. Highlander doesn't feature an assist for this type of nimble driving.
APPLE CARPLAY /ANDROID AUTO
Pilot comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto , letting customers sync up their smartphones and take advantage of much
of the same functionality using the Display Audio System interface. Highlander doesn't feature the same level of connectivity, providing its own suite of apps that make it more cumbersome for customers to connect their smartphones.
Pilot comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto , letting customers sync up their smartphones and take advantage of much
of the same functionality using the Display Audio System interface. Highlander doesn't feature the same level of connectivity, providing its own suite of apps that make it more cumbersome for customers to connect their smartphones.
AT&T 4G LTE WI-FI HOTSPOT CAPABILITY
Pilot customers enjoy the speed and connectivity of standard 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability. Starting with a complimentary 3-month
or 3GB trial period (whichever is used frst), customers can receive the latest news, stay in touch with social media, and more. In comparison, Highlander doesn't feature its own Wi-Fi hotspot.
Pilot customers enjoy the speed and connectivity of standard 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability. Starting with a complimentary 3-month
or 3GB trial period (whichever is used frst), customers can receive the latest news, stay in touch with social media, and more. In comparison, Highlander doesn't feature its own Wi-Fi hotspot.
REAR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM (RES) WITH VIDEO STREAMING CAPABILITY
Pilot comes standard with an extensive rear entertainment system that gives passengers plenty of options to keep themselves occupied. With a 10.2-inch high-res screen linked up to a Blu-Ray player, plus apps that allow video streaming, it's like having the entertainment of home while on the road. As far as Highlander goes, it doesn't offer any rear entertainment options that approach Pilot's offerings.
Pilot comes standard with an extensive rear entertainment system that gives passengers plenty of options to keep themselves occupied. With a 10.2-inch high-res screen linked up to a Blu-Ray player, plus apps that allow video streaming, it's like having the entertainment of home while on the road. As far as Highlander goes, it doesn't offer any rear entertainment options that approach Pilot's offerings.
CABINTALK
Pilot helps you keep in touch with your passengers with the available CabinTalk . Functioning like a PA system, it lets you
broadcast your voice to 2nd- and 3rd-row passengers through the speakers, headphones, or both. Highlander offers a similar PA feature in Driver EasySpeak, but drivers can only broadcast their voice through the rear speakers.
Pilot helps you keep in touch with your passengers with the available CabinTalk . Functioning like a PA system, it lets you
broadcast your voice to 2nd- and 3rd-row passengers through the speakers, headphones, or both. Highlander offers a similar PA feature in Driver EasySpeak, but drivers can only broadcast their voice through the rear speakers.
MULTIFUNCTIONAL CENTRE CONSOLE
Pilot's multifunctional centre console outfits the front row with an array of conveniences. A sliding tambour door covers a main storage compartment that's large enough to ft 5 iPads, while newly available wireless charging, a 12-volt power outlet, plus USB and auxiliary jacks offer plenty of functionality. Highlander's roll-top centre console box might be generous with its 24.5 litres of storage space but lacks the flexibility of Pilot's console.
Pilot's multifunctional centre console outfits the front row with an array of conveniences. A sliding tambour door covers a main storage compartment that's large enough to ft 5 iPads, while newly available wireless charging, a 12-volt power outlet, plus USB and auxiliary jacks offer plenty of functionality. Highlander's roll-top centre console box might be generous with its 24.5 litres of storage space but lacks the flexibility of Pilot's console.
ONE-TOUCH 2ND-ROW SEATS
Pilot makes it easier to slide the 2nd-row captain's chairs with simple one-touch functionality. Buttons on the seat base and upper portion of the seatback make it much more convenient to get in and out of the 3rd
row. The 2nd-row seats on Highlander require customers to perform a two-step process, frst folding the seat, then sliding it forward. The result is a far less intuitive process than what one will fnd on Pilot.
Pilot makes it easier to slide the 2nd-row captain's chairs with simple one-touch functionality. Buttons on the seat base and upper portion of the seatback make it much more convenient to get in and out of the 3rd
row. The 2nd-row seats on Highlander require customers to perform a two-step process, frst folding the seat, then sliding it forward. The result is a far less intuitive process than what one will fnd on Pilot.
2ND-ROW CENTRE CONSOLE
2nd-row passengers on Pilot won't need to rest their drinks between their legs or on the foor, thanks to easily accessible cupholders. On Highlander, the 2nd-row cupholders are integrated into the fold-out side table, proving less convenient than Pilot while also taking up valuable storage space.
2nd-row passengers on Pilot won't need to rest their drinks between their legs or on the foor, thanks to easily accessible cupholders. On Highlander, the 2nd-row cupholders are integrated into the fold-out side table, proving less convenient than Pilot while also taking up valuable storage space.
CARGO MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Hauling cargo in Pilot is made much easier, thanks to its fexible Cargo Management System. Its two-position reversible lid allows cargo to
be hidden in a lower compartment or repositioned at the bottom of the compartment to accommodate taller cargo. Plus, side compartments help store smaller items like groceries. Carrying loads in Highlander proves a bit more difficult because it lacks the total cargo space of Pilot and also lacks many of the Pilot's additional sections. And, while the 3rd row folds fat, folding the 2nd row creates an inclined surface, making for an awkward total storage space.
Hauling cargo in Pilot is made much easier, thanks to its fexible Cargo Management System. Its two-position reversible lid allows cargo to
be hidden in a lower compartment or repositioned at the bottom of the compartment to accommodate taller cargo. Plus, side compartments help store smaller items like groceries. Carrying loads in Highlander proves a bit more difficult because it lacks the total cargo space of Pilot and also lacks many of the Pilot's additional sections. And, while the 3rd row folds fat, folding the 2nd row creates an inclined surface, making for an awkward total storage space.
HANDS-FREE ACCESS POWER TAILGATE
Pilot makes it easier to load and unload cargo with the new Hands- Free Access Power Tailgate. Even with hands full, customers can simply make a swift in/out kicking motion under the middle of the rear bumper to access the trunk (customers must be in possession
of the smart-entry remote). The tailgate can also be closed by using the same technique. Highlander's conventional tailgate offers no such convenience.
Pilot makes it easier to load and unload cargo with the new Hands- Free Access Power Tailgate. Even with hands full, customers can simply make a swift in/out kicking motion under the middle of the rear bumper to access the trunk (customers must be in possession
of the smart-entry remote). The tailgate can also be closed by using the same technique. Highlander's conventional tailgate offers no such convenience.
HONDA PILOT TOURING 7P VS NISSAN PATHFINDER PLATINUM V6
Pilot
MUSCULAR DESIGN
Especially when set against Pathfinder, Pilot's striking resemblance to a truck becomes evident. Even though Pathfinder matches Pilot with its 20-inch alloy rims, its graceful shape is more like that of a tall wagon. While such a design makes for a family-friendly appearance, it lacks the more rugged, dirt-road-ready look of Pilot.
Pathfinder
AUTO-DIMMING POWER-FOLDING SIDE MIRRORS
Pilot's side mirrors feature auto-dimming functionality that help keep drivers from being distracted by the glare of bright headlights. More than just eliminating a nuisance, this feature reduces driver
distraction to help maintain optimal reaction times. Pathfinder drivers will be disappointed to find their side mirrors lack the same auto- dimming convenience.
Pilot's side mirrors feature auto-dimming functionality that help keep drivers from being distracted by the glare of bright headlights. More than just eliminating a nuisance, this feature reduces driver
distraction to help maintain optimal reaction times. Pathfinder drivers will be disappointed to find their side mirrors lack the same auto- dimming convenience.
LED FOG LIGHTS
Pilot drivers move with confidence through poor visibility thanks to LED fog lights. Not only is their white light brighter and more
penetrating than the yellow light of halogen fog lights, they also last for years compared to halogen's average lifespan of 18-24 months. Pathfinder's fog lights don't offer LED bulbs.
Pilot drivers move with confidence through poor visibility thanks to LED fog lights. Not only is their white light brighter and more
penetrating than the yellow light of halogen fog lights, they also last for years compared to halogen's average lifespan of 18-24 months. Pathfinder's fog lights don't offer LED bulbs.
RAIN-SENSING WIPERS
Pilot drivers don't have to fuss around searching for the right windshield wiper setting, thanks to rain-sensing wipers that activate as soon as rain hits the windshield. Not only do they begin working on their own, but they adjust speed based on how much moisture accumulation is detected on the glass. Pathfinder drivers won't find an equivalent feature on their vehicle.
Pilot drivers don't have to fuss around searching for the right windshield wiper setting, thanks to rain-sensing wipers that activate as soon as rain hits the windshield. Not only do they begin working on their own, but they adjust speed based on how much moisture accumulation is detected on the glass. Pathfinder drivers won't find an equivalent feature on their vehicle.
Under The Hood
VARIABLE CYLINDER MANAGEMENT (VCM )
Pilot's Variable Cylinder Management system helps save money by increasing fuel efficiency when cruising at lower speeds. Because these speeds demand less fuel, the system disengages 2 or 3 of the Pilot's 6 cylinders, making it easier on the environment. Pathfinder drivers won't find an equivalent system on their vehicle.
Pilot's Variable Cylinder Management system helps save money by increasing fuel efficiency when cruising at lower speeds. Because these speeds demand less fuel, the system disengages 2 or 3 of the Pilot's 6 cylinders, making it easier on the environment. Pathfinder drivers won't find an equivalent system on their vehicle.
9-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Pilot features a 9-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel- mounted paddle shifters to add a bit more driving fun. Pathfinder offers an Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission for smooth acceleration and improved fuel economy, though it lacks some of the sporty enjoyment that comes with Pilot's shifting options.
Pilot features a 9-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel- mounted paddle shifters to add a bit more driving fun. Pathfinder offers an Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission for smooth acceleration and improved fuel economy, though it lacks some of the sporty enjoyment that comes with Pilot's shifting options.
AMPLITUDE REACTIVE DAMPERS
Providing Pilot with superior ride comfort and handling in road conditions of all kinds, Amplitude Reactive Dampers smooth out small road irregularities while cruising and handle rough roads and sharp turns while reducing body roll. Pathfinder doesn't include amplitude dampers, relying solely on its suspension to smooth out rides.
Providing Pilot with superior ride comfort and handling in road conditions of all kinds, Amplitude Reactive Dampers smooth out small road irregularities while cruising and handle rough roads and sharp turns while reducing body roll. Pathfinder doesn't include amplitude dampers, relying solely on its suspension to smooth out rides.
IDLE-STOP ENGINE STOP-START SYSTEM
Pilot saves fuel with its Idle-Stop system, temporarily shutting off the engine when the vehicle comes to a complete stop and starting up again when the brake pedal is released. This efficiency-boosting system has also been designed to work seamlessly so its function is
virtually imperceptible to occupants. Pathfinder's engine doesn't come with this same feature, leading to lost fuel and money over time.
Pilot saves fuel with its Idle-Stop system, temporarily shutting off the engine when the vehicle comes to a complete stop and starting up again when the brake pedal is released. This efficiency-boosting system has also been designed to work seamlessly so its function is
virtually imperceptible to occupants. Pathfinder's engine doesn't come with this same feature, leading to lost fuel and money over time.
AGILE HANDLING ASSIST
Adding a bit more control to every Pilot trim is Agile Handling Assist. This feature selectively uses the vehicle's brakes to improve initial turning response and overall cornering ability, giving the 3-row Pilot a feel more akin to a car. Pathfinder doesn't include a handling assist of its own, reducing its sporty performance.
Adding a bit more control to every Pilot trim is Agile Handling Assist. This feature selectively uses the vehicle's brakes to improve initial turning response and overall cornering ability, giving the 3-row Pilot a feel more akin to a car. Pathfinder doesn't include a handling assist of its own, reducing its sporty performance.
APPLE CARPLAY /ANDROID AUTO
Pilot comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto , giving drivers the ability to link their smartphone directly to their vehicle to allow for hands-free calls, music streaming, turn-by-turn directions, and much more. In comparison, Pathfinder doesn't offer this compatibility.
Pilot comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto , giving drivers the ability to link their smartphone directly to their vehicle to allow for hands-free calls, music streaming, turn-by-turn directions, and much more. In comparison, Pathfinder doesn't offer this compatibility.
AT&T 4G LTE WI-FI HOTSPOT CAPABILITY
Advanced connectivity comes standard on Pilot thanks to Wi-Fi hotspot capability. With it, customers can stay current with the
latest news, keep tabs on their social media feeds, and more. Customers will be disappointed to discover Pathfinder doesn't come with its own capability.
Advanced connectivity comes standard on Pilot thanks to Wi-Fi hotspot capability. With it, customers can stay current with the
latest news, keep tabs on their social media feeds, and more. Customers will be disappointed to discover Pathfinder doesn't come with its own capability.
REAR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM (RES) WITH VIDEO STREAMING CAPABILITY
Pilot treats its rear passengers to a rear entertainment system that boasts a 10.2-inch high-res screen with Blu-Ray player, the capability to stream video, and a kid-friendly "How Much Farther?app - ideal for those long road trips. Pathfinder also features a rear entertainment system, providing its rear passengers with two 8-inch monitors
with wireless headphones and a remote control. However, it lacks the streaming capabilities and trip tracker found on Pilot.
Pilot treats its rear passengers to a rear entertainment system that boasts a 10.2-inch high-res screen with Blu-Ray player, the capability to stream video, and a kid-friendly "How Much Farther?app - ideal for those long road trips. Pathfinder also features a rear entertainment system, providing its rear passengers with two 8-inch monitors
with wireless headphones and a remote control. However, it lacks the streaming capabilities and trip tracker found on Pilot.
CABINTALK
Pilot helps you keep in touch with your passengers with the standard
CabinTalk. Functioning like a high-tech intercom, it lets you broadcast your voice to 2nd- and 3rd-row passengers through the speakers, headphones, or both. Pathfinder lacks a similar feature to match this convenience.
Pilot helps you keep in touch with your passengers with the standard
CabinTalk. Functioning like a high-tech intercom, it lets you broadcast your voice to 2nd- and 3rd-row passengers through the speakers, headphones, or both. Pathfinder lacks a similar feature to match this convenience.
CABINCONTROL APP
With CabinControl, everyone on the Pilot can control the rear temperature, add music to the song playlist, and send an address to the navigation. It's like an advanced, in-vehicle remote control, and nothing on Pathfinder matches the convenience of CabinControl.
With CabinControl, everyone on the Pilot can control the rear temperature, add music to the song playlist, and send an address to the navigation. It's like an advanced, in-vehicle remote control, and nothing on Pathfinder matches the convenience of CabinControl.
MULTIFUNCTIONAL CENTRE CONSOLE
Pilot's multifunctional centre console offers a wealth of versatility and convenience, thanks to a smartphone tray, and newly available wireless charging. Covering a main storage compartment that could ft a purse, the sliding tambour door disappears from view when opened, saving space that a hinged lid would occupy. The console on Pathfinder features an attractive wood garnish, but it lacks the smartphone tray and wireless charging. Pathfinder's console also includes a relatively small storage compartment.
Pilot's multifunctional centre console offers a wealth of versatility and convenience, thanks to a smartphone tray, and newly available wireless charging. Covering a main storage compartment that could ft a purse, the sliding tambour door disappears from view when opened, saving space that a hinged lid would occupy. The console on Pathfinder features an attractive wood garnish, but it lacks the smartphone tray and wireless charging. Pathfinder's console also includes a relatively small storage compartment.
ONE-TOUCH 2ND-ROW SEATS
Pilot passengers enjoy one-touch 2nd-row seats, sliding the captain's chairs back and forth with the push of a button for maximum
convenience. Buttons along the seat base and at the top of the seatback make getting in and out of the 3rd row as convenient as possible. To move the 2nd-row seats on the Pathfinder, passengers use the EZ Flex Seating System, which requires them to mechanically slide the seat up and forward, requiring much more effort than Pilot's one-touch functionality.
Pilot passengers enjoy one-touch 2nd-row seats, sliding the captain's chairs back and forth with the push of a button for maximum
convenience. Buttons along the seat base and at the top of the seatback make getting in and out of the 3rd row as convenient as possible. To move the 2nd-row seats on the Pathfinder, passengers use the EZ Flex Seating System, which requires them to mechanically slide the seat up and forward, requiring much more effort than Pilot's one-touch functionality.
2ND-ROW CENTRE CONSOLE
2nd-row passengers on the Pilot also get the convenience of cupholder at their seats. Pathfinder's 2nd row features a fold-down centre armrest that also includes cupholders. However, this doesn't provide the same generous storage space found in Pilot's console.
2nd-row passengers on the Pilot also get the convenience of cupholder at their seats. Pathfinder's 2nd row features a fold-down centre armrest that also includes cupholders. However, this doesn't provide the same generous storage space found in Pilot's console.
CARGO MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Versatility on Pilot comes where you need it most, with a cargo management system that helps organize loads. A reversible lid lets customers hide cargo in a lower compartment or, when repositioned at the bottom of the compartment, makes space for taller cargo. Smaller items also find welcome space on Pilot with additional side compartments. Pathfinder customers won't find as much versatility with their cargo space; even though it features cargo storage beneath the floor, its lid can't be repositioned. Pathfinder also doesn't provide side storage bins, and its Platinum V6 model gives up valuable cargo space in order to fit its Bose subwoofer.
Versatility on Pilot comes where you need it most, with a cargo management system that helps organize loads. A reversible lid lets customers hide cargo in a lower compartment or, when repositioned at the bottom of the compartment, makes space for taller cargo. Smaller items also find welcome space on Pilot with additional side compartments. Pathfinder customers won't find as much versatility with their cargo space; even though it features cargo storage beneath the floor, its lid can't be repositioned. Pathfinder also doesn't provide side storage bins, and its Platinum V6 model gives up valuable cargo space in order to fit its Bose subwoofer.