At Capitol Toyota in Salem, OR, we know drivers shopping for a midsize three-row SUV want space, capability, and long-term peace of mind. That's why we're especially proud to offer the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander-a thoughtfully expanded SUV that blends practicality, performance, and modern design. This latest addition to the Toyota lineup builds upon the success of the Highlander nameplate, offering even more interior room, refined ride quality, and multiple powertrain options to meet a wide variety of lifestyles. Also competing in this popular segment is the 2025 Honda Pilot. Known for its smooth V6 engine and family-friendly features, the Pilot continues to appeal to drivers looking for reliability and convenience. It offers strong towing capacity, standard driver-assist technologies, and a spacious cabin, making it a solid option in this category. However, what makes the Grand Highlander particularly appealing is how it expands on expectations. It offers hybrid and high-performance hybrid options, impressive fuel efficiency, and a third row sized for adults-not just children. Whether you're planning a road trip down I-5 or daily drives across the Willamette Valley, the Grand Highlander has the versatility to make each mile more enjoyable. In this side-by-side comparison, we'll walk you through both models' highlights-including design, comfort, performance, safety, and overall value-so you can decide which SUV best suits your life in Salem, Oregon.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2025 Honda Pilot: Design & Exterior Features
The 2025 Grand Highlander strikes a confident pose with its wide stance, bold grille, and sharp body lines. With available 20-inch alloy wheels and a streamlined profile, it effortlessly blends sophistication with capability. It's designed to feel upscale without losing its utility, and its larger footprint compared to the traditional Highlander allows for both more presence and more interior space. The 2025 Pilot takes a slightly more rugged approach, showcasing strong character lines and an athletic grille design. Upper trims add blacked-out accents or off-road-inspired styling, which gives the Pilot a sense of adventure. Its exterior cues cater to active families who like a sportier look. While both models offer curb appeal, the Grand Highlander leans into refinement and aerodynamics that contribute to overall efficiency and driving comfort.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2025 Honda Pilot: Comfort & Technology
Inside, the 2025 Grand Highlander is crafted with family comfort in mind. Its expansive interior provides generous third-row legroom, easy access to all seating rows, and abundant cargo space even when all seats are in use. A large 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and available digital key features enhance the tech experience, while available leather upholstery and ambient lighting elevate everyday travel. The 2025 Pilot also seats up to eight and includes useful features like available tri-zone climate control and second-row bench or captain's chairs. Its standard 7-inch infotainment system offers smartphone connectivity and user-friendly controls, and upper trims include a premium audio option. Both vehicles make family life easier, but the Grand Highlander's added space, more advanced tech options, and refined cabin layout offer a premium experience at every trim level.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2025 Honda Pilot: Performance
The 2025 Grand Highlander offers three powertrains, including a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, a fuel-efficient hybrid, and a high-performance Hybrid MAX powertrain producing up to 362 horsepower. This range of options allows drivers to prioritize performance, efficiency, or a combination of both. With available all-wheel drive and impressive torque, it handles confidently whether you're navigating Salem's hills or heading out on a weekend adventure. The 2025 Pilot uses a proven 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It delivers a smooth and capable drive, with up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity when properly equipped. While this single powertrain is well-tuned and dependable, it doesn't offer the efficiency or choice available in the Grand Highlander lineup. For drivers who want flexibility and standout power in a hybrid SUV, Toyota's newest model brings more to the table.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2025 Honda Pilot: Safety
Safety remains a top priority in both models. The 2025 Grand Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0, which includes advanced features like pre-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and proactive driving assist. The Grand Highlander is built with next-generation structural engineering and is expected to meet or exceed federal crash test standards, with updates expected to improve its already strong crashworthiness profile. The 2025 Pilot's suite of driver-assist technologies-Honda Sensing®-comes standard and includes similar features to Toyota's. Both models prioritize safety for every passenger, though the Grand Highlander's latest tech suite and structural updates provide a forward-looking edge for families focused on peace of mind.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2025 Honda Pilot: Overall Value
At Capitol Toyota, we believe the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander offers an exceptional blend of modern design, fuel-saving technology, flexible performance, and smart safety systems-all in a package that's easy to live with day to day. It's ideal for families, commuters, and weekend explorers alike, offering more room, better efficiency, and more options than many rivals in its class. The 2025 Honda Pilot is a strong contender with trusted engineering and comfort-oriented features, but for those seeking innovation and next-level versatility, the Grand Highlander makes an even stronger impression. From its range of hybrid powertrains to its adult-friendly third row and premium cabin features, it's built for modern drivers who want a little more from their SUV. If you're comparing these two standout models, we invite you to test drive the Grand Highlander here at Capitol Toyota in Salem. Experience for yourself what makes it one of the smartest choices for Oregon drivers in 2025.
 | 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander | 2025 Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 2.4-liter Turbocharged 4-cylinder | 2.3-liter EcoBoost® I4 |
| Standard Horsepower | 265 | 300 |
| Standard Torque (lb-ft) | 310 | 310 |
| Standard Fuel Economy (MPG) | 21 City/28 Highway | 19 City/27 Highway |
| Standard Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Ground Clearance | 8.0 Inches | 7.3 Inches |
| Max Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Standard Headlights | LED | LED |
| Max Cargo Volume | 97.5 Cubic Feet | 85.8 Cubic Feet |
| Dynamic Radar Cruise Control | Standard | Standard |
