Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot
The 2022 Toyota Highlander and 2022 Honda Pilot are the two most popular three-row family SUVs on the used market, consistently cross-shopped by buyers who want reliability, space, and fuel efficiency without minivan stigma. Both land at the same ~$32,000 used price point, making a true cost-of-ownership comparison especially meaningful. The devil is in the details: depreciation curves, fuel economy gaps, and repair frequency separate these two more than their sticker prices suggest.
The 2022 Toyota Highlander edges out the Pilot primarily through superior resale value retention and a slightly lower insurance cost profile, saving owners an estimated $1,800–$2,200 over five years despite marginally higher transaction prices at resale.
2022 Toyota Highlander
Winner- Best-in-class resale value among 3-row SUVs limits depreciation hit
- Toyota's legendary reliability keeps unscheduled repair costs low
- Hybrid trim availability lowers real-world fuel costs for eligible buyers
- Higher MSRP originally means larger absolute dollar depreciation in year 1
- Infotainment system lags rivals, reducing perceived long-term value
- Timing belt-free but V6 oil changes and cabin filters add up faster than competitors quote
2022 Honda Pilot
- Slightly lower average maintenance cost per Honda service interval data
- Best-in-class interior volume and versatility adds functional value per dollar
- Honda Sensing standard reduces accident risk and can lower insurance for some carriers
- Depreciation rate runs ~8% faster than Highlander over 5 years per Edmunds True Market data
- 2.5L 4-cylinder engine works harder than Highlander V6, increasing long-term wear risk
- Fuel economy of 19/27 mpg trails Highlander's 21/29 mpg, adding ~$190/yr at avg gas prices
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The verdict
Over a true 5-year, 60,000-mile ownership period the Toyota Highlander costs approximately $2,940 less to own than the Honda Pilot at the same $32,000 purchase price, driven by lower depreciation, better fuel economy, and slightly cheaper insurance. The Pilot is not a bad choice — its maintenance costs are marginally lower and its interior is genuinely more spacious — but the numbers consistently favor the Highlander for value-minded buyers. Unless you have a specific need for the Pilot's extra interior room or its 8-passenger layout, the Highlander is the smarter financial decision.
Toyota Highlander: The 2022 Toyota Highlander is best for buyers who prioritize long-term ownership costs, plan to keep the SUV 5+ years, or want the reassurance of Toyota's top-tier reliability record and strong resale at trade-in time.
Honda Pilot: The 2022 Honda Pilot is best for large families who need maximum passenger and cargo room every day and are willing to trade a slightly higher 5-year cost for best-in-class interior flexibility and available 8-seat configurations.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the 2022 Toyota Highlander or 2022 Honda Pilot?
The 2022 Highlander ranks slightly higher in J.D. Power dependability and Consumer Reports reliability surveys, though both are considered above-average for the segment. Toyota's longer history in the 3-row SUV space gives it a marginal but consistent reliability edge.
Does the 2022 Toyota Highlander hold its value better than the Honda Pilot?
Yes — the Highlander retains roughly 58% of its original value after 5 years compared to approximately 52% for the Pilot, meaning a Highlander purchased at $32,000 could be worth about $3,000 more at resale.
How much does it cost to insure a 2022 Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot?
Expect to pay roughly $2,064/year for the Highlander and $2,136/year for the Pilot on average, though your rate will vary by ZIP code, driving history, and coverage level — get quotes from at least three carriers before deciding.
Which SUV is cheaper to maintain, the Highlander or the Pilot?
The Honda Pilot has a slight edge in scheduled maintenance costs, running about $7–$10 less per month on average, thanks to Honda's extended oil-change intervals and competitive dealer labor rates.
Is the Honda Pilot bigger than the Toyota Highlander?
Yes — the 2022 Pilot offers 109.2 cubic feet of passenger volume versus the Highlander's 105.1, and its third row is more accessible and usable for adults, making it the better choice for families who routinely carry 7–8 passengers.