3-row SUVs
Used Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot: which should you buy?
By Hari Vinayak · Updated 2026-06-22
The short answer
Two of the most dependable three-row family SUVs. The Highlander has the edge on resale and hybrid availability; the Pilot offers more usable third-row and cargo space. Both reward buying a well-maintained example over a cheap high-mileage one.
Model years
2008–2024
Mileage outlook
The 3.5L V6 routinely clears 250,000 miles. A 140,000-mile Highlander with dealer records is a safer buy than an 80,000-mile one with none. Hybrids age well too, but ask about hybrid battery health past 150,000 miles.
Model years
2009–2024
Mileage outlook
Pilots reach 200,000+ miles routinely when the timing belt is done on schedule. Check oil level on the spot — VCM-era engines that burn oil and ran low have shortened lives.
Toyota Highlander
A used Toyota Highlander is one of the most dependable three-row SUVs you can buy, and the known issues are cheap to check: oil cooler line leaks on 2008–2013 V6 models, water pump seepage on the same engine, and a slightly hesitant 8-speed automatic on 2017–2019 cars that is annoying rather than fatal. The bigger risk is price — Highlanders carry a strong reputation premium, so verify the condition matches the asking price.
Known issues to check
- 2008–2013 V6: rubber oil cooler line can rupture and dump oil — check for the updated metal line and any oil loss history
- 2GR-FE V6 water pump weeps coolant with age — look for pink crust around the pump and front of the engine
- 2017–2019 8-speed automatic: low-speed hesitation and clunky shifts — test drive in stop-and-go; software updates improved it
- 2020+ models are largely trouble-free; focus on accident history and dealer service gaps instead
What to verify
- No oil drips under the engine and no oil-loss history (2008–2013)
- Coolant level and water pump area dry
- Smooth low-speed shifting on the test drive (2017–2019)
- Hybrid battery health report past 150,000 miles on Hybrid trims
Honda Pilot
A used Honda Pilot is a solid family SUV with one recurring theme: VCM, Honda's cylinder deactivation, which causes oil consumption, fouled spark plugs, and worn engine mounts on 2009–2015 models especially. On 2016–2018 Touring and Elite trims, test the 9-speed automatic carefully — early ones shift roughly. Records of the timing belt service (every ~100,000 miles) matter because this is an interference engine.
Known issues to check
- VCM cylinder deactivation (2009–2015 worst): oil consumption, spark plug fouling, vibration, and engine mount wear — many owners install VCM disablers
- 2016–2018 9-speed (ZF): harsh or delayed shifts and occasional limp mode — test drive thoroughly; 6-speed trims are safer
- Timing belt is a ~$1,000 service due every 100,000 miles — no proof means budget for it now
- 2009–2011: some transmission torque converter shudder — feel for vibration at light throttle around 35–45 mph
What to verify
- Oil level on the dipstick and any oil-consumption history
- Timing belt service receipt with date and mileage
- Shift quality on 9-speed trims (2016–2018)
- Engine mounts: clunks or shudder on acceleration from a stop
How to decide between them
On the used market, the better specific car almost always beats the better model on paper. A well-documented Toyota Highlander can be a smarter buy than a neglected Honda Pilot, and the reverse is just as true. Build a comp set for each, match the model year to its known issues above, and price in any maintenance the records do not cover.
Once you have a real listing for either one, paste it into DealScan to get a deal score, the red flags, a fair price range, and the questions to ask before you visit.
Found a listing for either one? Check the actual car.
Paste any Highlander or Pilot listing and get a deal score, red flags, and the price you should actually offer.
Check a listingToyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot: FAQ
Is the used Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot more reliable?
Both are popular used picks, and reliability comes down to the specific model year and how well the car was maintained more than the badge. Match each car's year to its known issues — the Toyota Highlander watch-items and the Honda Pilot watch-items are listed above — and prioritize the one with documented maintenance records.
Which is cheaper to own used, the Toyota Highlander or the Honda Pilot?
Total cost depends on purchase price, insurance, fuel, and repair risk for the specific year. Use DealScan's free price checker on each to compare fair market values, and factor in the known repair items for each model before deciding which is cheaper to own.
Should I buy the Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot?
Two of the most dependable three-row family SUVs. The Highlander has the edge on resale and hybrid availability; the Pilot offers more usable third-row and cargo space. Both reward buying a well-maintained example over a cheap high-mileage one.