Head-to-head · vehicle level

Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Grand Highlander

Honda Pilot 70Toyota Grand Highlander 82on the MotiveGrid ScoreToyota Grand Highlander about $7,933 less over 5 years
The verdict

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is the cheaper one to own — roughly $7,933 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

MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Honda Pilot versus 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander.
MetricHonda PilotToyota Grand Highlander
MotiveGrid Score7082
Cost of Ownership7184
Powertrain6067
Driver Assistance4343
Livability5351
Safety7595
5-Year Cost to Own$58,449$50,516
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)$1,790$2,000
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
Horsepower285 hp265 hp
MPG (combined)22 mpg24 mpg
Cargo volume18.6 cu ft20.6 cu ft
Seating88
DrivetrainFWDFWD
Gas
2026$42,395
2026 Honda Pilot SUV in three-quarter front view
MSRP
$42,395
Mo · 5yr
$974
$58,449 / 5 years
Best on balance
Gas
2026$42,260
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander three-row SUV in three-quarter front view
MSRP
$42,260
Mo · 5yr
$842
$50,516 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score

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.

Honda Pilot
0
/ 100
Toyota Grand Highlander
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Pilot
71
Grand Highlander
84
Winner: Grand Highlander
$7,933 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value
Low tires cost
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Pilot
60
Grand Highlander
67
Winner: Grand Highlander
+7 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Pilot
43
Grand Highlander
43
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Pilot
53
Grand Highlander
51
Winner: Pilot
+2 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Pilot
75
Grand Highlander
95
Winner: Grand Highlander
+20 pts
Full standard crash-avoidance suite
02

Which vehicle is right for you

🏆

Toyota Grand Highlander is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $7,933 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.

Honda Pilot still wins if your priority is best on balance.

Daily commuter
Toyota Grand Highlander
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota Grand Highlander
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Toyota Grand Highlander
Much stronger safety with slightly more cargo room
Highway driver
Honda Pilot
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Toyota Grand Highlander
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03

Cost of Ownership

Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation

State

Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Honda Pilot
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$974
$58,449 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$974/mo
Toyota Grand Highlander
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$842
$50,516 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$842/mo
04

Frequently asked questions

Toyota Grand Highlander comes out about $7,933 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.

Where these rank

Browse all MotiveGrid rankings →

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