Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot

Verdict: Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot

The Toyota Highlander demonstrates superior reliability with an average score of 84/100 compared to the Honda Pilot's 74/100. While the Highlander has a higher number of total recalls at 66 versus the Pilot's 51, it benefits from fewer owner complaints at 5.8 per 10,000 units sold, as opposed to the Pilot's 9.1. Additionally, the Highlander offers lower annual repair costs, estimated at $489 compared to the Pilot's $542. These factors make the Highlander the more reliable choice, particularly with its lower complaint rate and maintenance expenses.

Reliability problem analysis

The Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot exhibit distinct problem profiles, with the Highlander showing a significant concern in the air bags category, recording 162 complaints, 41 of which are crash-linked, indicating a potential safety issue. In contrast, the Honda Pilot reports the highest number of complaints in the electrical system category, with 632 complaints and 7 crash-linked incidents, suggesting a prevalent reliability challenge. While both models have notable power train complaints, the Highlander's power train issues (485 complaints, 5 crash-linked) are more frequent compared to the Pilot's (232 complaints, 3 crash-linked). Additionally, the Highlander's service brakes category reports a higher number of crash-linked complaints (10) than the Pilot, highlighting a potential area of concern for safety.

Which one to buy

If you prioritize reliability and lower running costs, the Toyota Highlander is your best choice. With a higher reliability score of 84/100 and fewer owner complaints per 10,000 sold (5.8), it offers peace of mind for those who value dependability. The estimated annual repair cost is $489, and with a repair frequency of 0.3 times per year, it's likely to be easier on your wallet. Although it has more recalls, the lower complaint rate suggests it handles issues effectively.

On the other hand, if you are more concerned with fewer recalls and are willing to manage higher repair costs, consider the Honda Pilot. It has 51 recalls compared to the Highlander's 66, but it comes with a higher number of owner complaints (9.1 per 10,000 sold) and an estimated annual repair cost of $542. This model may appeal to those who prioritize addressing fewer recall-related issues, despite the increased likelihood of electrical and engine concerns.

Cost of ownership

Based on industry estimates, the Toyota Highlander has an annual repair cost of $489, while the Honda Pilot's is $542. This $53 difference annually equates to $265 over five years, favoring the Highlander for budget-conscious buyers. The Highlander also boasts a lower repair frequency at 0.3 visits per year compared to the Pilot's 0.5 visits. Both vehicles share an identical 13% risk of major repairs, making the frequency and cost the key differentiators. For those prioritizing overall lower maintenance costs and fewer shop visits, the Toyota Highlander emerges as the more economical choice.