When it comes to choosing a family SUV, there are a lot of factors to consider. You need a vehicle that's spacious, comfortable, and safe, yet also capable of handling long drives, school runs, and weekend adventures.

Two of the most popular choices in the mid-size SUV category are the 2025 Toyota Highlander and the 2025 Honda Pilot. Both models offer plenty of space and features designed with families in mind.

But which one stands out as the best choice for your family's needs? In this article, we'll compare the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot in key areas like performance, interior comfort, safety features, and value for money, so you can make an informed decision.

Performance: Power and Efficiency

One of the first things families want to know is how well their vehicle will perform. You want an SUV that can handle everything from daily commutes to weekend road trips. Let's look at how the Highlander and Pilot stack up in terms of power and fuel efficiency.

• 2025 Toyota Highlander: The Toyota Highlander offers a range of engine options, including a 3.5-liter V6 and a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain. The V6 engine produces 295 horsepower, making it strong enough for most driving situations, whether you're merging onto highways or towing light loads. The hybrid version provides an excellent fuel economy of up to 36 mpg in the city, which is great for long drives or daily city commutes.

• 2025 Honda Pilot: The Honda Pilot, on the other hand, comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 280 horsepower. While it offers slightly less power than the Highlander, it still delivers solid performance for its class. The Pilot also comes with a 9-speed automatic transmission, which offers smooth shifts and efficient driving. However, in terms of fuel efficiency, the Pilot offers up to 20 mpg in the city, which is a little behind the Highlander's hybrid offering.

Both SUVs provide a comfortable driving experience, but the Highlander's hybrid option offers a clear advantage for families looking to maximize fuel savings.

Interior Comfort: Space for the Whole Family

Family SUVs need to provide ample space for passengers and cargo, whether you're driving around town or embarking on a road trip. Let's compare how the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot measure up in terms of interior comfort and versatility.

• 2025 Toyota Highlander: The Toyota Highlander comfortably seats up to eight passengers, with an option for captain's chairs in the second row to increase comfort and ease of access to the third row. The cabin is spacious, with plenty of room for both front and rear-seat passengers. Additionally, the Highlander offers generous cargo space, especially when the third-row seats are folded down. Standard features like a power-adjustable driver's seat, dual-zone climate control, and a 12.3-inch digital display elevate the Highlander's overall comfort level.

• 2025 Honda Pilot: The Honda Pilot also seats up to eight passengers, with a well-designed and spacious interior. The second row is particularly roomy, making it easier for families with growing children to stretch out. The Pilot is known for its comfortable third-row seating, offering more space than many of its competitors. In terms of cargo space, the Pilot provides more cubic feet of storage with the third-row seats folded down, making it a better choice for families who need to carry large items or luggage on trips. It also offers user-friendly features like a 10.2-inch touchscreen, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a rear-seat entertainment system on higher trims.

Both SUVs are spacious and provide excellent comfort, but the Pilot stands out for its slightly better third-row space and overall cargo capacity.

Safety Features: Peace of Mind for Families

When selecting a family vehicle, safety is always a top priority. Both the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot come equipped with a variety of advanced safety features to keep you and your loved ones protected. Let's see how these two SUVs compare in terms of safety.

• 2025 Toyota Highlander: The Highlander is packed with safety features, including Toyota's Safety Sense 2.5+ suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). This includes features like lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. The Highlander also offers blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system on higher trims, ensuring full coverage of your surroundings.

• 2025 Honda Pilot: The Honda Pilot comes standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of safety features that includes collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and road departure mitigation. The Pilot also offers additional features such as rear cross-traffic monitoring and blind-spot monitoring. On higher trims, you'll find front and rear parking sensors, a multi-angle rearview camera, and a surround-view camera, similar to the Highlander.

Both vehicles have received high safety ratings from organizations like the NHTSA and IIHS, but Toyota's additional safety technologies give it a slight edge in terms of advanced features.

Technology and Infotainment: Entertainment for All

For families, entertainment and connectivity options are essential for long drives. Both the Highlander and Pilot offer modern infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connectivity features. Let's take a look at how each vehicle stacks up in this area.

• 2025 Toyota Highlander: The Highlander comes with a standard 8-inch touchscreen, with an option for a 12.3-inch display on higher trims. The infotainment system is responsive and easy to use, and it offers built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa integration. The system also supports multiple USB ports for charging and streaming, and the available JBL audio system ensures great sound quality.

• 2025 Honda Pilot: The Honda Pilot offers a standard 8-inch touchscreen, with a higher-trim 10.2-inch display available. It also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, along with an optional rear-seat entertainment system for added convenience on long trips. The Pilot's audio system includes a premium option for audiophiles, providing clear sound across the cabin.

Both vehicles provide excellent tech and entertainment options, but the Highlander's larger display and superior audio system give it an edge for families who want a more immersive experience.

Price and Value: Which One is the Best Deal?

Pricing is a crucial factor for many families, so let's compare the cost and overall value of the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot.

• 2025 Toyota Highlander: The base price for the Toyota Highlander starts around $37,000, with higher trims reaching over $50,000 for the Platinum version. The hybrid version starts at about $41,000, offering excellent value for those looking to save on fuel costs.

• 2025 Honda Pilot: The Honda Pilot starts at around $37,000 as well, with higher trims ranging from $45,000 to $55,000, depending on the features and options. The Pilot offers excellent value in terms of passenger space and cargo capacity, but it doesn't have a hybrid option like the Highlander.

In terms of overall pricing, both SUVs offer competitive value, but the Highlander's hybrid option may be more attractive for families looking to save on fuel in the long run.

Conclusion: Which SUV Is Right for Your Family?

Both the 2025 Toyota Highlander and the 2025 Honda Pilot are exceptional family SUVs, each with its strengths. If you're looking for a vehicle with excellent fuel efficiency, advanced safety features, and a sleek design, the Toyota Highlander might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you need more cargo space, a roomier third row, and a more affordable price, the Honda Pilot could be the perfect fit.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your family's specific needs. Will you prioritize fuel economy and advanced tech features, or is cargo space and comfort more important for your lifestyle? Either way, both vehicles offer great options for families, ensuring you can enjoy every adventure with peace of mind.

So, what's your pick? The sleek and fuel-efficient Highlander or the spacious and practical Pilot? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!