Every mainstream automaker offers a 3-row SUV, and some brands, including Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, Ford, and Chevy sell more than one. Which one is the right one for you? Size matters, but here we’ll skip the big full-size SUVs that use a truck platform, instead focusing on more road- and fuel-friendly midsize SUVs.
Two of the roomiest midsize SUVs are the 2026 Honda Pilot with its easy-to-access rear seats, and the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander.
The Grand Highlander has three powertrain options, including two hybrid options, and a more upscale look. The Pilot is more straightforward, with a tried-and-true V6 and some classic SUV design elements.
There’s much more to each, of course. Here’s how these popular 3-row SUVs compare.
2026 Honda Pilot
Refreshed for 2026, the Pilot leans into the boxier, upright profile that defined its 2023 redesign. Honda makes all its SUVs larger than most rivals, and the Pilot excels as one of the roomiest in the class. Unlike some competitors, it lacks a more efficient hybrid option, but its strong safety rating, proven reliability, updated tech, and versatile seating arrangements make it one of our top-rated 3-row SUVs.
Honda Pilot Highlights
Reliable V6 power: The Pilot’s V6 engine endures even as most other automakers drop turbocharged 4-cylinder engines into their 3-row SUVs. While those smaller-displacement engines are typically more powerful thanks to the turbocharged compression, the Pilot’s 285-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 has a familiar, predictable power delivery with no lag. The quick-acting 10-speed automatic transmission keeps it somewhat efficient, but the Grand Highlander’s hybrid options are more potent and efficient.
Versatile, roomy interior: The Honda Pilot seats up to eight passengers, and most trims feature a removable second-row middle seat that essentially transforms the second row into a pair of captain’s seats, resulting in a 7-passenger layout. The second-row seats accommodate two adults in comfort, offering 40.8 inches of legroom, which surpasses the Grand Highlander. Another advantage are push-button second-row seats that even smaller hands can operate to access the third row and its 32.5 inches of legroom. They’re easier for all ages than the rear pull straps or seat-top latches on the Grand Highlander.
Good standard features: Starting just shy of $44,000 with the destination fee, the Pilot and the Grand Highlander are above the average 3-row SUV price. Both models are well equipped with a power driver’s seat, plenty of USB ports, tri-zone climate control, and a suite of driver-assist features that include adaptive cruise control. Honda gets the edge due to its more handsome 20-inch wheels (Grand Highlander LE rides on 18s), heated front seats, a power liftgate, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. We prefer Honda’s Google built-in operating system over Toyota’s proprietary software.
The Pilot is a better deal but Toyota charges less for its all-wheel-drive system at $1,600 versus $2,100 for the Pilot’s.
Read our Honda Pilot Expert Review or see 2026 Honda Pilot models for sale near you.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
Of the three 3-row SUVs in Toyota’s lineup, including the full-size Sequoia, the Grand Highlander might be the most accommodating for families. The Grand Highlander launched in 2024 as a larger, more upscale version of the Toyota Highlander that dates back to 2000. For 2027, the smaller Highlander becomes fully electric.
With all that in mind, there’s nothing dramatically new for the Grand Highlander for 2026, but it stands out from the Pilot with its three powertrain options that include two hybrid variants. It also has a bit more third-row and cargo space, but it does not share the Pilot’s status as a Top Safety Pick nod from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Grand Highlander Highlights
Powertrain choices: The Grand Highlander offers three powertrain choices: a 265-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine matched with an 8-speed automatic transmission, a 245-hp hybrid 4-cylinder engine with two motors (a third motor comes with all-wheel drive (AWD), or a 362-hp Hybrid Max drivetrain that pairs a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and two motors in its standard AWD configuration.
Greater efficiency: All three configurations are more efficient than the Pilot’s 22 mpg combined rating with front-wheel drive (FWD) or 21 mpg combined with AWD.
Grand Highlander: 24/23 mpg combined (FWD/AWD)
Grand Highlander Hybrid: 36/34 mpg combined (FWD/AWD)
Grand Highlander Hybrid Max: 27 mpg combined (AWD)
The Grand Highlander Hybrid is the most practical and economical for most families. The XLE Hybrid has the smallest upcharge of $1,750 over the XLE, whereas the base LE Hybrid costs $3,350 over the LE.
More cargo space: The Grand Highlander in any configuration is slightly longer and taller than the Pilot, and it has a longer wheelbase by three inches. That leads to more passenger and cargo space, especially with the roomier third row up. Cargo room behind the third row favors the Grand Highlander at 20.6 cubic feet versus 18.6 cubic feet with the Pilot. That gap grows as you fold down the seats. It may sound marginal, but it could make the difference between using a roof carrier and not for family vacations.
Read our Toyota Grand Highlander Expert Review or see 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander models for sale near you.
New 2026 Honda Pilot Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$43,690 |
$43,200 |
|||
$45,990 |
$45,400 |
|||
$51,890 |
$50,900 |
|||
$52,590 |
$51,400 |
|||
$53,790 |
$52,100 |
|||
$54,990 |
$53,900 |
|||
$56,490 |
$54,100 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2026 Honda Pilot vehicles and New 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
| 2026 Honda Pilot | 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.5-liter 6-cylinder | 2.4-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 pounds | 5,000 pounds |
| Horsepower | 285 hp @ 6,100 rpm | 265 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm |
| Transmission | automatic, 10-speed | automatic, 8-speed |
| Fuel Economy | 20 city/27 highway/22 combined mpg | 21 city/28 highway/24 combined mpg |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 8 | N/A |
| Wheelbase | 113.8 inches | 116.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 199.9 inches | 201.4 inches |
| Width | 78.5 inches | N/A |
| Height | 71.0 inches | 70.1 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.8 feet | 19.0 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.5 inches | 41.5 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 40.2 inches | 40.2 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 39.3 inches | 37.2 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.0 inches | 41.7 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 40.8 inches | 39.5 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 32.5 inches | 33.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 61.9 inches | 60.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 61.7 inches | 58.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 59.5 inches | 57.5 inches |
| Cargo Behind Last Seat | 21.8 feet | 20.6 feet |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | 59.5 feet | 57.9 feet |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 111.8 feet | 97.5 feet |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion:
These two SUVs are more similar than different, but the differences make, well, all the difference. The Pilot and its more classic SUV design is a better value at the point of purchase, but the Grand Highlander’s various powertrain options promise less fuel costs over time. The Grand Highlander is slightly roomier, but the Pilot’s rear seats are more versatile and easier to adjust. Which is better depends on what attributes you most value.
