HEAD-TO-HEAD COMPARISON
Honda Pilot vs Toyota Highlander
OUR VERDICT
It's essentially a draw — 2–2 across categories.
OPTION A
Honda Pilot
2003–2026 · suv
68/100 · Good
2.3
Recalls / yr
327.7
Complaints / yr
72
Lifetime recalls
6,553
Lifetime complaints
OPTION B
Toyota Highlander
2001–2026 · suv
70/100 · Good
1.8
Recalls / yr
133.3
Complaints / yr
73
Lifetime recalls
4,064
Lifetime complaints
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Every metric is normalized per model year so a long-running nameplate isn't unfairly penalized against a newer rival. The greener cell wins each row.
| Metric | Pilot | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
Reliability Index Higher is better | 68/100 | 70/100 |
Best Year Buyer Score Higher is better | 78/100 (2015) | 80/100 (2022) |
Recalls per Year Lower is better | 2.3 | 1.8✓ |
Complaints per Year Lower is better | 327.7 | 133.3✓ |
Injuries + Deaths / Year Lower is better | 6.8✓ | 9.9 |
Crash-Involved Complaints Lower is better | 2.3%✓ | 8.2% |
| Categories won | 2 | 2 |
Best Year to Buy — Each Model
Toyota Highlander
TOP PICK
2022
Buyer Score 80/100
1 recall · 134 complaints
Most-Reported Problems
Pilot
ENGINE
1160
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
962
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
573
POWER TRAIN
523
AIR BAGS
329
Highlander
SERVICE BRAKES
424
POWER TRAIN
406
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
333
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
321
ENGINE
275
Complaint counts across all model years, from NHTSA owner filings. Frequency indicates how often an area is reported, not severity.
The Bottom Line
The Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander are remarkably evenly matched — splitting the 6 categories 2–2. Your decision should come down to price, body style, and the specific VIN's history rather than the model's overall track record.
Narrowed it down? Verify the actual car.
This compares models. A VIN report shows the individual vehicle — accidents, odometer history, open recalls, and auction records.