2023 Honda Pilot Earns Giant Reliability Win Over Toyota Highlander
The Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander are close midsize SUV competitors — and they are evenly matched in multiple areas. Both family vehicles are also very reliable. However, which midsize SUV lasts longer: the 2023 Honda Pilot or the 2023 Toyota Highlander?
2023 Honda Pilot vs. 2023 Toyota Highlander: Which midsize SUV lasts longer?
It’s understandable to focus on the aspects of an SUV that provide an immediate benefit. However, it’s also important to consider the state that a vehicle will be in years down the road. Will it still be running strong with minimal mechanical issues? Does it have high-level durability and reliability to last a long time?
For longevity, the 2023 Honda Pilot is better than the 2023 Toyota Highlander. Both models carry a reputation for reliability from the Honda and Toyota brands. They are both dependable SUVs. However, the Pilot lasts longer than the Highlander. It has a greater chance of reaching 250,000 miles, based on a study from iSeeCars.
In the study, iSeeCars listed the models that have the highest chance of making it to 250K miles. And the longest-lasting midsize SUV is the Honda Pilot, with a 42.7% chance of reaching the 250K-mile mark. This is more than triple the average for all vehicle types. However, the Toyota Highlander is far down the longevity list. It has a much lower chance of reaching 250,000 miles than the Pilot — only 17.5%.
2023 Pilot vs. 2023 Highlander: Reliability and repair costs
While the 2023 Honda Pilot has a much greater chance of lasting longer than the 2023 Toyota Highlander, the two midsize SUVs are evenly matched for reliability. J.D. Power gave both SUVs a “great” reliability rating of 81/100. This means that they have fewer malfunctions, design flaws, and defects compared to most other vehicles.
However, the repair costs are slightly lower for the Highlander. Per RepairPal, its average annual repair costs are $489, compared to $573 for the Pilot. However, owners are still holding onto the Pilot for a longer time than the Highlander.
Other SUVs that last many miles
The 2023 Honda Pilot is the top midsize SUV for longevity. However, there are full-size SUVs that last even longer: the Toyota Land Cruiser, followed by the Toyota Sequoia. They are the SUVs most likely to reach 250,000 miles, with a 47.9% chance for the Land Cruiser and 47.1% for the Sequoia.
The next-best midsize SUV to make the longevity list is a Toyota — and it’s not the Highlander. The 4Runner, which many drivers get for its off-road capabilities, has a 41.0% chance of reaching 250,000 miles. Other midsize SUVs on the list include the Acura MDX (29.2%) and the Subaru Outback (22.3%).
The 2023 Honda Pilot is more reliable than the Toyota Highlander
If you desire a midsize SUV that can last a long time, then the 2023 Honda Pilot is a preferable choice. It has a giant edge for longevity over the 2023 Toyota Highlander — and tops all other models in the segment. With data to back them up, it’s no wonder Honda is catching Toyota sales in 2023.
