Toyota Highlander vs. Honda Pilot: Which SUV Is Best for the Kootenays?
Choosing the right three-row SUV isn’t always easy—especially when two strong options like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot are at the top of your list. At Castlegar Toyota, we often hear from drivers in Nelson, Trail, Rossland, and across the West Kootenays trying to decide between these two well-known models.
Both vehicles offer family-friendly seating, available all-wheel drive, and a suite of modern tech features—but the 2025 Toyota Highlander edges out the Pilot where it matters most: performance, efficiency, comfort, and long-term value.
Let’s take a closer look at how they compare.
Performance & Efficiency
The Toyota Highlander offers a versatile powertrain lineup, including a 3.5L V6 engine with 295 horsepower or an available hybrid powertrain that delivers impressive fuel economy—up to 36 mpg (6.5 L/100 km) combined.
The Honda Pilot, on the other hand, only offers one powertrain: a 3.5L V6 producing 285 horsepower. While that’s adequate for daily driving, it doesn’t match the efficiency and choice offered by the Highlander—especially if you're commuting regularly between Castlegar and Trail or planning road trips through the Kootenay Pass.
The Highlander's available All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Multi-Terrain Select also makes it a stronger contender for BC’s changing weather and rural roads.
Winner: Toyota Highlander – more powertrain options and better fuel efficiency.
Interior & Comfort
Both the Highlander and the Pilot offer seating for up to 8 passengers, depending on configuration. However, the Highlander delivers a more upscale, driver-focused cabin layout across its trim levels. Available features like:
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Panoramic moonroof
- JBL® Premium Audio System
- Power-folding third row
…make long drives from Nelson to Grand Forks feel more like a luxury experience.
While the Pilot has made strides in its recent redesign, its interior still leans slightly more utilitarian. The Highlander’s mix of premium materials, user-friendly tech, and thoughtful storage makes it a more comfortable space for families, couples, or anyone looking to haul gear for the weekend.
Winner: Toyota Highlander – more refined, tech-forward interior.
Safety & Driver Assistance
Both SUVs include advanced safety suites as standard—Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ for the Highlander and Honda Sensing® for the Pilot. Features like Pre-Collision Warning, Lane Departure Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control are found on both models.
However, Toyota edges ahead with added features like Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert available on more trims and standard across hybrid models, as well as Road Sign Assist, which isn’t available in the Pilot.
When you're navigating snowy roads or ferrying the kids through Castlegar, extra safety tech is a big plus.
Winner: Toyota Highlander – more advanced standard safety features.
Value & Reliability
Toyota has a long-standing reputation for long-term reliability and resale value—and the Highlander is no exception. The Toyota Highlander consistently ranks higher in long-term ownership satisfaction, reliability, and resale value than the Pilot.
Plus, Toyota offers no-cost maintenance for 2 years / 25,000 miles, something Honda doesn’t match in Canada.
Winner: Toyota Highlander – superior long-term value and ownership peace of mind.
The Verdict: Highlander Outperforms the Pilot
While the Honda Pilot remains a strong competitor, the 2025 Toyota Highlander stands out as the better choice for most drivers in Castlegar and the Kootenays. With more powertrain options, better fuel economy, more premium features, and Toyota’s unbeatable reputation for reliability, the Highlander is built for life in British Columbia.
Test Drive the Toyota Highlander at Castlegar Toyota
If you're ready to upgrade your drive and want to experience the Highlander for yourself, visit Castlegar Toyota today. We proudly serve drivers from Trail, Nelson, Salmo, and all across the West Kootenays. Explore hybrid and gas models, compare trims, and find a Highlander that fits your lifestyle and budget.
Schedule your test drive today and see why more drivers in the Kootenays choose Toyota.
