Choosing the right SUV for your family often comes down to a variety of factors: passenger space, fuel efficiency, safety features, and of course, towing capacity. When the question of towing arises, two popular contenders immediately spring to mind: the Toyota Highlander and the Honda Pilot. Both offer comfortable rides, respectable reliability, and ample space. But when you need to hitch up a trailer, boat, or camper, which SUV truly has the edge? Let’s delve into a detailed comparison to uncover the towing champion.
Towing Capacity: The Core of the Matter
Towing capacity is arguably the most critical factor when determining which SUV to choose for hauling. It represents the maximum weight that the vehicle can safely tow, taking into account factors like engine power, transmission, braking system, and chassis strength. Exceeding the towing capacity can lead to serious safety hazards, including loss of control, damage to the vehicle, and potential accidents.
Highlander’s Towing Prowess
The Toyota Highlander boasts a respectable towing capacity. Most Highlander models equipped with the 3.5-liter V6 engine offer a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. This capability is generally sufficient for towing small to medium-sized trailers, boats, or campers. However, it’s crucial to consult your specific Highlander’s owner’s manual for the exact towing capacity, as it can vary slightly depending on the trim level and optional equipment. The Highlander Hybrid, while offering impressive fuel economy, has a lower towing capacity, typically around 3,500 pounds.
Pilot’s Towing Capabilities
The Honda Pilot, similarly equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, mirrors the Highlander’s towing performance in many respects. The Pilot also offers a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds on most trims when properly equipped with the available towing package. This towing package usually includes a trailer hitch receiver, wiring harness, and transmission cooler, all of which contribute to the Pilot’s ability to safely tow heavier loads. Again, it is vital to refer to your specific Pilot’s owner’s manual for precise towing specifications.
Engine Performance: Power Under the Hood
Engine performance is intrinsically linked to towing capacity. A more powerful engine generally translates to a greater ability to pull heavier loads. While both the Highlander and Pilot feature 3.5-liter V6 engines, there might be subtle differences in their power output and torque delivery that impact their towing performance.
Highlander’s Engine Dynamics
The Highlander’s 3.5-liter V6 engine typically produces around 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides ample power for everyday driving and also delivers sufficient grunt for towing up to its rated capacity. The Highlander’s engine is known for its smooth operation and reliable performance.
Pilot’s Engine Characteristics
The Honda Pilot’s 3.5-liter V6 engine generally produces around 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. While the horsepower is slightly lower than the Highlander, the torque figures are quite similar. The Pilot’s engine is also renowned for its reliability and smooth power delivery. The minor difference in horsepower is unlikely to be noticeable in typical towing scenarios.
Towing Packages and Features: Optimizing for Hauling
Many SUVs offer optional towing packages or specific features designed to enhance their towing capabilities. These packages often include components such as trailer hitch receivers, wiring harnesses, transmission coolers, and heavy-duty radiators. These features are essential for maximizing towing capacity and ensuring safe and reliable towing performance.
Highlander’s Towing Accessories
Toyota offers a towing package for the Highlander that typically includes a trailer hitch receiver, wiring harness, and heavy-duty radiator. These additions are crucial for achieving the Highlander’s maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Without the towing package, the towing capacity may be significantly lower.
Pilot’s Towing Enhancements
Honda similarly offers a towing package for the Pilot, which typically comprises a trailer hitch receiver, wiring harness, and transmission cooler. This package is necessary to unlock the Pilot’s full towing potential of 5,000 pounds. The transmission cooler is particularly important as it helps prevent the transmission from overheating when towing heavy loads.
Drivetrain and Handling: Stability and Control
The drivetrain and handling characteristics of an SUV play a significant role in its towing performance. All-wheel drive (AWD) can provide enhanced traction and stability, particularly on slippery surfaces or when towing heavy loads. A well-tuned suspension and responsive steering are also crucial for maintaining control while towing.
Highlander’s Drivetrain and Handling
The Toyota Highlander is available with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The AWD system provides improved traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions. The Highlander’s suspension is tuned for a comfortable ride, but it may feel slightly less composed when towing heavier loads compared to some other SUVs.
Pilot’s Drivetrain and Handling
The Honda Pilot is also offered with either FWD or AWD. The AWD system in the Pilot is designed to provide enhanced traction and control in various driving situations. The Pilot’s handling is generally considered to be responsive and predictable, making it a competent towing vehicle.
Safety Features: Prioritizing Protection
Safety is paramount when towing, and both the Highlander and Pilot come equipped with a range of advanced safety features designed to help prevent accidents and protect occupants. These features may include anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, trailer sway control, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
Highlander’s Safety Suite
The Toyota Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of advanced safety features that includes pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and dynamic radar cruise control. These features can help enhance safety while towing by providing additional driver assistance and collision avoidance capabilities.
Pilot’s Safety Technologies
The Honda Pilot is equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies that includes collision mitigation braking system, road departure mitigation system, lane keeping assist system, and adaptive cruise control. These features contribute to a safer towing experience by providing additional layers of protection and driver support.
Fuel Economy: Balancing Power and Efficiency
Fuel economy is an important consideration for any vehicle, but it becomes even more critical when towing. Towing heavy loads can significantly reduce fuel economy, so it’s essential to choose an SUV that offers a reasonable balance between power and efficiency.
Highlander’s Fuel Consumption
The Toyota Highlander’s fuel economy varies depending on the engine, drivetrain, and driving conditions. The V6-powered Highlander typically achieves around 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. However, fuel economy will decrease significantly when towing.
Pilot’s Fuel Consumption
The Honda Pilot’s fuel economy is similar to the Highlander’s, with the V6-powered Pilot typically achieving around 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. As with the Highlander, fuel economy will decrease when towing.
Interior Space and Comfort: A Comfortable Journey
While towing capacity is crucial, interior space and comfort are also important, especially for families who plan to use their SUV for long trips. Both the Highlander and Pilot offer three rows of seating and ample cargo space, but there may be subtle differences in their interior dimensions and features.
Highlander’s Interior Amenities
The Toyota Highlander offers a comfortable and well-appointed interior with seating for up to eight passengers. The Highlander’s third-row seating is best suited for children or smaller adults. The Highlander also offers a range of convenient features, such as a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and available leather upholstery.
Pilot’s Interior Design
The Honda Pilot also offers a spacious and comfortable interior with seating for up to eight passengers. The Pilot’s third-row seating is generally considered to be more spacious than the Highlander’s. The Pilot also features a user-friendly infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and available premium features like a panoramic sunroof.
Reliability and Maintenance: Long-Term Ownership
Reliability and maintenance costs are important factors to consider when purchasing any vehicle. Both the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot have a reputation for reliability, but there may be differences in their long-term maintenance requirements.
Highlander’s Reliability Record
The Toyota Highlander has a strong reputation for reliability and is known for its low maintenance costs. Toyota vehicles are generally known for their longevity and durability.
Pilot’s Reliability Performance
The Honda Pilot also has a good reputation for reliability and is considered to be a dependable SUV. Honda vehicles are known for their quality and durability.
Pricing and Value: Finding the Best Deal
Pricing and value are always important considerations when making a purchase. The Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot are typically priced competitively, but there may be differences in their trim levels and available features that affect their overall value proposition.
Highlander’s Price Point
The Toyota Highlander’s price varies depending on the trim level and optional equipment. The Highlander typically offers a good value for its features and capabilities.
Pilot’s Cost Considerations
The Honda Pilot’s price is also dependent on the trim level and options. The Pilot generally offers a competitive price point and a good value for its features and performance.
The Verdict: Which SUV Tows Better?
In conclusion, both the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot offer a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with the towing package. The engines are very similar in power and torque. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preferences. Both SUVs are reliable, safe, and comfortable options for families who need to tow occasionally. Consider the specific needs, budget, and driving style when making your decision. Test drive both vehicles and compare their features and performance to determine which one best suits your individual requirements.
What are the maximum towing capacities of the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot?
The Toyota Highlander, depending on the trim and model year, typically offers a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. This capability is generally consistent across most of the V6-powered models, making it a reliable choice for light to medium-duty towing needs. Always consult the owner’s manual for the specific towing capacity of your particular Highlander model year.
The Honda Pilot, similarly, boasts a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds for its all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations, when appropriately equipped with the necessary towing package. Front-wheel-drive (FWD) Pilots usually have a lower towing capacity. Again, verifying the exact specifications in your Pilot’s owner’s manual is essential to ensure safe and optimal towing performance.
Which SUV offers better towing-related features as standard?
While both the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot offer capable towing abilities, the Highlander often provides more readily available standard features that directly benefit the towing experience. This includes things like Trailer Sway Control, which comes standard on many Highlander trims and helps to stabilize the vehicle when towing a trailer, particularly in windy conditions or during sudden maneuvers.
The Honda Pilot, while offering similar stability features, may require opting for higher trim levels or adding specific towing packages to access comparable functionalities as standard. It’s crucial to carefully review the specifications of each trim level for both vehicles to determine which offers the best starting point for your towing needs, factoring in the standard features included.
How does engine performance impact towing capabilities in the Highlander and Pilot?
Both the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot primarily rely on V6 engines for their power, which significantly impacts their towing performance. The Highlander’s V6 engine provides a good balance of power and fuel efficiency, delivering ample torque for pulling trailers within its rated capacity. The engine’s responsiveness and smooth power delivery contribute to a confident towing experience.
The Honda Pilot’s V6 engine is also well-regarded for its smooth operation and sufficient torque for towing, providing comparable performance to the Highlander in most towing scenarios. Careful maintenance of the engine, including regular oil changes and spark plug replacements, is crucial for maintaining optimal towing performance in both SUVs.
What kind of trailers can the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot realistically tow?
With a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, both the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot can comfortably tow a variety of trailers, including small to medium-sized travel trailers, pop-up campers, and utility trailers loaded with recreational vehicles like ATVs or motorcycles. They are also suitable for towing boats up to a reasonable size, depending on the boat and trailer weight.
However, it’s crucial to remain within the specified weight limits and consider factors like tongue weight and overall trailer dimensions to ensure safe and stable towing. Overloading the trailer or exceeding the SUV’s towing capacity can lead to handling issues, decreased braking performance, and potential damage to the vehicle’s drivetrain.
Which SUV is better for towing uphill or in challenging terrain?
While both SUVs have similar towing capacities, the all-wheel-drive (AWD) systems in both the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot can improve traction and control when towing uphill or in challenging terrain. The Highlander’s AWD system is designed to automatically distribute power to the wheels with the most grip, enhancing stability and preventing wheel slippage on loose surfaces.
The Honda Pilot’s AWD system offers similar advantages, providing enhanced traction and control in challenging conditions. However, it’s important to remember that even with AWD, careful driving and appropriate speed management are essential when towing on inclines or over rough terrain. Additionally, ensure proper tire inflation and consider using tow mode or similar features, if available, to optimize engine and transmission performance.
How do factors like braking and suspension affect towing performance in each SUV?
The braking systems in both the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot are designed to provide adequate stopping power for the vehicle’s weight and intended use, but towing adds significant stress. When towing, the braking distance will increase, so it’s crucial to leave more space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Upgrading brake pads or using trailer brakes can further enhance braking performance.
The suspension system also plays a vital role in towing stability and handling. A stiffer suspension can help to minimize trailer sway and maintain a level ride height. While neither SUV is specifically designed for heavy-duty towing, ensuring the suspension is in good condition and considering aftermarket upgrades, like air springs, can improve the towing experience.
What maintenance considerations are important for towing with the Highlander and Pilot?
Regular maintenance is paramount for ensuring safe and reliable towing with both the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. Pay close attention to the vehicle’s cooling system, ensuring the radiator is clean and the coolant is at the correct level. Overheating can significantly reduce engine performance and damage the engine, especially when towing.
Also, regularly inspect the transmission fluid and consider shortening the service intervals if you frequently tow. Towing places extra strain on the transmission, and keeping the fluid clean and properly maintained can help prevent premature wear and failure. Checking the tires for proper inflation and wear is also crucial for safe towing.