My GarageToyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot: Which Used Car Should You Buy?
If you need three rows and don't want a minivan, these are the two most sensible used options. Both will run a long time. The Highlander asks less of you mechanically; the Pilot gives you more usable space for less money, provided you handle the VCM question honestly.
- Safest long-term buy
- Toyota Highlander
- Most usable space
- Honda Pilot
- Cheapest to run
- Highlander Hybrid
- Biggest risk
- Pilot VCM oil consumption
- Typical good-buy mileage
- 70k–130k miles
- Expected service life
- 250,000+ miles, both
Bottom line: Buy the Highlander if you're keeping it long-term and want the fewest unknowns; buy the Pilot if third-row space is the priority and you've verified the V6's oil consumption and plug history.
Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot: side by side
| Toyota Highlander | Honda Pilot | |
|---|---|---|
| Best engine | 3.5L 2GR V6 | 3.5L J35 V6 (VCM managed) |
| Engine to research | V6 water pump / oil lines | Any VCM-equipped V6 |
| Transmission | Conventional automatic | 9-speed (2016–2018) can shift harshly |
| Third row | Tight for adults | Genuinely usable |
| Cargo space | Good | Better |
| Reliability | Excellent | Very good with VCM addressed |
| Hybrid option | Excellent | Not offered in most years |
| Resale value | Highest in class | Strong |
Toyota Highlander
The three-row SUV least likely to cost you money.
- The 2GR V6 is one of the most durable engines in any family SUV.
- Conventional automatic transmissions across the range.
- Hybrid versions are excellent and exceptionally cheap to run.
- Best resale value in the segment by a clear margin.
- Third row is tight for adults compared with the Pilot.
- Water pump and, on some V6s, oil-line service are known items.
- Costs more than a comparable Pilot on the used market.
Honda Pilot
The roomier three-row that needs a VCM conversation.
- Genuinely usable third row and a wide, flat cargo floor.
- Comfortable ride and easy, car-like driving manners.
- Strong J35 V6 when VCM issues are managed.
- Usually cheaper than an equivalent Highlander.
- Variable Cylinder Management causes oil burning and misfires on many V6s.
- 2016–2018 nine-speed automatics had harsh-shift complaints.
- Infotainment in 2016–2018 cars is dated and slow.
Which is more reliable, the Highlander or the Pilot?
VCM shuts down cylinders under light load. Over time the deactivated cylinders foul plugs and wear rings, and the car starts burning oil and running rough. Many owners fit a VCM disabler; a Pilot with that done early and documented is a much stronger buy than one without.
The Highlander's known items are less dramatic: water pumps, and on some V6s the oil cooler lines. Both are ordinary maintenance-shop jobs rather than engine-out repairs.
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Which has the better third row?
The Pilot also has a wider, flatter cargo floor behind the third row — the difference between fitting a week's luggage for five and not.
If you only need the third row occasionally, the Highlander's tighter bench is a fair trade for its lower long-term risk.
Which is cheaper to own?
Routine service costs are close. Both take ordinary parts and neither requires dealer-only work.
The Highlander Hybrid is the cheapest three-row to run if you cover serious mileage, and its resale value is unusually resistant to depreciation.
Which one should you buy?
Buy the Toyota Highlander if…
- You're keeping the vehicle for many years and many miles.
- You want the lowest chance of an engine-related repair.
- You'd benefit from a hybrid's fuel savings.
- Resale value matters to you.
Buy the Honda Pilot if…
- You genuinely use the third row with adults or teenagers.
- You need maximum cargo space behind the third row.
- You want more vehicle for the money.
- You've found one with VCM disabled or documented plug and oil history.
What to inspect on either car
- Run an oil-consumption check on any VCM-equipped Pilot and ask when the plugs were last done.
- Feel for harsh or hunting shifts on a 2016–2018 Pilot nine-speed.
- Check Highlander water pump history and look for coolant residue at the pump.
- Fold and unfold both third rows — worn latches and torn seat backs signal hard family use.
- Inspect for rust on rear subframes and exhaust hangers in salt states.
- Check every rear-seat power outlet, climate vent, and door child lock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Highlander or Pilot more reliable?
What is Honda VCM and should I worry about it?
Which has the more usable third row?
Is the Highlander Hybrid worth it used?
Which three-row is cheaper to buy used?
Continue Reading
- Best Toyota Highlander YearsWhich generations to target.
- Toyota Highlander Years to AvoidModel years that reward extra scrutiny.
- Toyota Reliability GuideHow Toyota holds up long-term.
- Best Used Toyota ModelsThe Toyota models worth buying.
- Best Honda Pilot YearsWhich generations to target.
- Honda Pilot Years to AvoidModel years that reward extra scrutiny.
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