2022 Honda Pilot vs Toyota 4Runner

For buyers looking for a large, dependable vehicle with plenty of features, the Honda Pilot and Toyota 4Runner are top options. Whether they're craving powerful performance or advanced tech equipment - not to mention ample cargo space – these two models have it all in spades! With seven variations available from Honda and eight choices offered by Toyota there's sure to be something that fits any budget range.

The Powertrain

The Pilot has an extraordinary 3.5-liter V6 engine packed with power, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque - even more impressive than its Toyota 4Runner counterpart's 270 horsepower and 278 pound-foot rating. Matched to a nine speed automatic transmission that all trims come equipped with paddle shifters for manual control capability, this leader in the SUV market is sure to command attention on any road trip!

The Toyota Pilot is a vehicle built to conquer any terrain. Boasting an advanced V6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission, it's tailored for smooth drives - no matter the season or landscape. Those choosing all-wheel drive models benefit from three modes – Snow, Sand, & Mud – in the Intelligent Traction Management System; while two wheelers have just one mode: snow! Travel smart with this capable car that proves perfect can happen on even more extreme roads.

The 4Runner has available 4x4 capability. Most trims can be set up with a part-time 4WD system, but some have full-time 4WD. A locking rear differential is available in case people plan on dealing with particularly rough terrain. Like the Pilot, the 4Runner has different modes; Toyota calls this program Multi-Terrain Select.

With four distinct driving modes, the Toyota is ready to tackle any terrain. From rain-soaked roads and muddy trails or rocky paths, this vehicle ensures its performance can be optimized for every situation. It also features Hill Start Assist which gives it an extra boost on those tricky hill starts - allowing the driver to switch from brake pedal to gas with ease while keeping steady pressure on brakes until they make their move!

The 4Runner is as confident on inclines as it is off-road, featuring Hill Start Assist Control and Downhill Assist Control DAC to help maintain a safe speed while navigating up or down slopes. It also has the Crawl Control system - perfect for rocky terrain where you can let the SUV do all the driving at its own pace so that your hands stay firmly on the wheel!

The Pilot boasts an outstanding suspension system, with a multi-link rear and MacPherson strut front that give it comforting agility over different surfaces. Plus, its 7.3 inch seat height allows for easy entry - something drivers really appreciate! But if you're looking to tackle more extreme environments, try the Toyota – at 9.6 inches off the ground it offers elevated maneuverability in even challenging terrain conditions.

The standard system on the Toyota SUV consists of a coil-spring double-wishbone front suspension and a coil-spring four-link suspension. There are front and rear stabilizer bars. Several enhancements are available. The TRD Pro trim has Fox high-performance shocks and TRD-tuned front springs. An X-REAS sports enhancement suspension and a kinetic dynamic suspension system (KDSS) are both available. KDSS is especially impressive because it can decouple the sway bars when necessary, and the bars reconnect when the terrain evens out.

The Pilot and the 4Runner offer equal towing power, up to 5,000 pounds. While neither model is particularly impressive in terms of fuel efficiency - the Pilot topping out at 20/27 mpg with FWD or 19/26 mpg with AWD; while the 4Runner reaches 16/19 mpg - they each provide a variety of other benefits worth considering.

Drivability

Driving the 4Runner and Pilot is an exciting experience as each car provides quick responses to your commands. However, although the Pilot can claim a longer frame of 196.5 inches in comparison with its 190-inch rival, it's still no match for the extra cabin space available on board the four wheeled Toyota! But if width matters more - then you'll be pleased that Honda takes this round easily.

The 4Runner is a unique ride thanks to its two available seating configurations - one with an extra row of seats and the other without. Perfect for those who plan on hitting the open roads, this car offers even more cargo space than most models out there. Though third-row legroom isn't much at only 29 inches, it's sufficient enough for little ones or smaller adults hopping in once in awhile!

The Honda Pilot gives you more legroom in the 3rd row than the Toyota 4Runner, with 31.9 inches of space for your third passenger - no squeezing here! Its wide-open design ensures everyone can spread out and relax on long family trips.

There is plenty of room for everyone seated in the second row of the Pilot. Legroom measures 38.4 inches here. In the center row of this Pilot SUV, there is enough for a bench seat or two captain's chairs. As a result, the cabin would become more open and spacious.

In contrast, the 4Runner's middle row can only come as a bench seat. In addition, it offers less than 33 inches of legroom. There needs to be more space, which may affect many buyers' decisions. On the other hand, the 4Runner has a ton of cargo space. Its maximum cargo capacity is nearly 89 cubic feet, and behind the second row of seats, there's a cargo hold with a volume of 47.2 cubic feet. Those models with the third row have a small area in the back for storage. It only measures nine cubic feet.

The Honda Pilot offers an impressive amount of cargo space - from 17 cubic feet behind the third row to a whopping 84 cubic feet with both back rows lowered. Not only is this convenient for those on-the-go, but modern technology has made driving more enjoyable than ever before; handsfree calling and messaging capabilities are at the driver's fingertips, not to mention plenty of entertainment options!

Honda has set up the Pilot with an eight-inch touchscreen. The base package comes with seven speakers, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. SiriusXM and HD Radio are also standard. Higher trims can have wireless charging, four USB ports, and integrated navigation.

Select trims can have even more. The sound system can be upgraded to one with ten speakers, and Wi-Fi capability is available. The driver can use an in-cabin PA system to communicate with rear-seat passengers, and people riding in the back might love the available rear entertainment system. It comes with two wireless headphones, a Blu-Ray player, and 10.2-inch screens.

An eight-inch touchscreen is found on the Toyota 4Runner, too. In addition to SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and smartphone compatibility, the 4Runner has Amazon Alexa. Toyota's Amazon Alexa program is easy to use and can be linked with other Alexa-compatible devices. Wi-Fi connection is standard, and five USB ports are included with all trims. Higher models can be upgraded with JBL premium sound systems with 15 speakers, and they can have integrated navigation. Wireless charging is not available.

Safety

Honda Sensing is the visionary suite of driver-assist technologies that comes standard on every trim level of the Pilot. This ingenious system helps to ensure your safety with its multiple sensors, mitigation systems and cutting edge technology - from safeguarding against frontal collisions and lane centering to adaptive cruise control; which can maintain a preset speed or adjust if necessary when it detects another vehicle slowing in front.

Toyota's Safety Sense, a cutting-edge safety system rivaling Honda Sensing in abilities, allows drivers to roll down the highway with extra peace of mind. Boasting all the same features as its competitor's package and an added lane departure alert that warns when steering is getting off course, it might be missing only one feature: a lane-keeping assist which aids in keeping cars snugly between lanes on busy highways.

The Pilot is equipped with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert to provide extra security on the roads. Unfortunately, 4Runner drivers will have to upgrade their trim level in order to access these helpful safety technologies that make it easier when visibility is limited.

The new Toyota 4Runner provides a unique panoramic view monitor, allowing drivers to confidently navigate in even the tightest of spaces. Aside from this cutting-edge feature, which is absent from its sibling model - the Pilot – certain trim levels also boast an advanced head-up display (HUD), putting it ahead of some other vehicles on the market!

Which Has the Best Value?

If you're in the market for an SUV but need to stay on budget, consider Toyota's 4Runner and Honda's Pilot. Both models offer reliability at a surprisingly low price point of around $38K - especially when compared to their higher trim levels which can cost up to almost 50 grand! Whether your preference is the 4Runner Limited or TRD Pro or one of the Pilots' touring or Elite trims, both cars provide quality without breaking the bank.

The Pilot and 4Runner provide great luxury options, but it's a tight rivalry. Both feature impressive amenities like supple leather upholstery, cozy heated and ventilated front seats with driver seat memory systems - the perfect modern luxuries no matter which one you choose! But despite its tech edge over the dependable 4Runner, strength in performance still reigns supreme.

Which is Better?

The Pilot and 4Runner have a similar size and price, and matching engines power them. Along with this, their safety systems and technology packages are comparable.

The Toyota 4Runner is the perfect choice for those seeking an extreme adventure. Its improved four by four capability and specialized suspension systems provide thrills not found elsewhere, while its Honda Pilot counterpart offers a more tame - yet still powerful - driving experience on any terrain. No matter what your preference may be, it's clear that the 4Runner easily rises to meet every challenge!

The 4Runner may be a great SUV for many drivers, but those coming from larger households will find the Pilot's three standard rows of seating more accommodating. Its third-row legroom is not expansive, yet there are still some extra inches that make it better suited than its rival - allowing taller adults to enjoy greater comfort on longer trips.

When it comes to choosing between the Honda Pilot and Toyota 4Runner, potential buyers have plenty to ponder. The mid-to-high trims of the Pilot offer a terrific value as they provide great refinement at an affordable price point. On the other hand, those with more energetic lifestyles may find themselves drawn towards the ruggedness and off roading capabilities available in certain configurations of Toyota's venerable 4Runner—a perfect vehicle for outdoor exploration!