Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is the cheaper one to own — roughly $8,593 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better.
The Toyota Grand Highlander is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Grand Highlander
| Metric | Honda Pilot | Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| MotiveGrid Score | 70 | 83 |
| Cost of Ownership | 71 | 85 |
| Powertrain | 60 | 67 |
| Driver Assistance | 43 | 43 |
| Livability | 53 | 51 |
| Safety | 75 | 95 |
| 5-Year Cost to Own | $58,424 | $49,831 |
| Depreciation (5-yr) | $20,816 | $13,143 |
| Fuel / Energy (5-yr) | $15,304 | $14,034 |
| Insurance (5-yr) | $10,865 | $11,935 |
| Maintenance (5-yr) | $1,765 | $1,315 |
| Tires (5-yr) | $2,150 | $1,900 |
| Financing (5-yr) | $6,379 | $6,358 |
| Registration (5-yr) | $1,145 | $1,145 |
| Starting Price | $42,395 | $42,260 |
| Horsepower | 285 hp | 265 hp |
| MPG (combined) | 22 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Cargo volume | 18.6 cu ft | 20.6 cu ft |
| Seating | 8 | 8 |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Toyota Grand Highlander scores higher overall.
Which vehicle is right for you
Toyota Grand Highlander is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $8,593 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Honda Pilot still wins if your priority is best on balance.
Cost of Ownership
State
Frequently asked questions
Where these rank
- Honda Pilot ranks #3 of 3 in Cheapest 3-Row SUV to Insure.
- Toyota Grand Highlander ranks #1 of 3 in Best 3-Row SUV and #1 of 3 in Cheapest 3-Row SUV to Own.
What each one costs at the counter
Both five-year totals above count yearly registration. Neither counts what the state takes on the day you sign — sales tax and the title fee. Those are one-time, they are not the dealer’s to negotiate, and on a car at this price they run to four figures in most states. Work out yours:
- Tax, title and license in Kentuckywhat a car costs to own there
- Tax, title and license in Texaswhat a car costs to own there
- Tax, title and license in Californiawhat a car costs to own there
- Tax, title and license in Floridawhat a car costs to own there
- Tax, title and license in New Yorkwhat a car costs to own there
Compare tax, title and license across all 22 states we cover →

