May not represent actual vehicle. (Options, colors, trim and body style may vary)

*Any MPG listed is based on model year EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition (hybrid only) and other factors. For additional information about EPA ratings, visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/label/learn-more-PHEV-label.shtml .

2026 Honda Pilot vs Toyota Highlander in Orangeburg

Choosing between two of the most popular three-row SUVs comes down to what your family actually needs. At Burns Honda SC in Orangeburg, SC, we help drivers from Sumter, Aiken, Summerville, Columbia, and the Charleston area compare the 2026 Honda Pilot and the 2026 Toyota Highlander side by side. The Pilot makes a compelling case on nearly every dimension — and our team is here to show you why.

Seating and Passenger Space Comparison

The 2026 Honda Pilot seats up to eight passengers with a standard second-row bench, and available captain's chairs for seven-passenger layouts on upper trims. Its third row delivers approximately 31.9 inches of legroom — enough for adults on longer highway drives along I-26 or US-301.

The 2026 Toyota Highlander also seats up to eight, but its third row measures just 27.7 inches of legroom. That 4-inch difference matters significantly on road trips. For families regularly transporting teenagers or adult guests, the Pilot is the more comfortable choice across all three rows.

Towing, Performance, and Technology

The 2026 Pilot's 3.5-liter V6 produces 285 horsepower and tows up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped — ideal for hauling a boat to Lake Marion or a camper on SC back roads. The Highlander uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 265 horsepower and a tow rating capped at 3,500 lbs. That 1,500-lb gap matters for buyers with real hauling needs.

On technology, the Pilot's EX-L trim includes a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system at a price that undercuts a comparably equipped Highlander XLE. The Pilot's available TrailSport trim also adds all-terrain tires, raised suspension, and Honda's i-VTM4 torque-vectoring AWD for weekend adventure capability.

Pilot tows up to 5,000 lbs vs. Highlander's 3,500 lbs
Pilot's 285-hp V6 vs. Highlander's 265-hp turbo-4
31.9 in. third-row legroom in Pilot vs. 27.7 in. in Highlander
Honda Sensing standard on all trims, including the base LX
Pilot delivers more feature content per dollar across comparable trims

Why Orangeburg Shoppers Choose Burns Honda SC for the Pilot

Burns Honda SC carries the full 2026 Pilot lineup — from the value-focused LX to the premium Touring trim — and serves customers from across the Midlands region. Our dealership is conveniently located off US-601 in Orangeburg, an easy drive from Sumter, Aiken, Summerville, and Columbia. Our finance team works hard to secure competitive rates, and our certified Honda technicians are ready to keep your Pilot running long after the sale.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the 2026 Honda Pilot's towing compare to the Toyota Highlander?

The 2026 Honda Pilot is rated to tow up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, compared to the Highlander's 3,500-lb maximum. This makes the Pilot the stronger choice for drivers who tow boats, trailers, or campers around South Carolina.

Which SUV has more third-row legroom?

The 2026 Honda Pilot offers approximately 31.9 inches of third-row legroom versus about 27.7 inches in the Highlander. The Pilot's third row is genuinely usable for adults, while the Highlander's is better suited for younger passengers.

Does the 2026 Honda Pilot come with standard safety technology?

Yes. Honda Sensing is standard on every 2026 Pilot trim at no extra cost. It includes Collision Mitigation Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist, and Road Departure Mitigation.

Is the 2026 Honda Pilot available in a hybrid?

Honda does not currently offer a hybrid version of the Pilot. It uses a refined naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 that delivers strong performance and up to 26 mpg highway with AWD. The CR-V Hybrid and Accord Hybrid are Honda's fuel-economy leaders.

Where can I test drive the 2026 Honda Pilot near Orangeburg?

You can test drive the full 2026 Pilot lineup at Burns Honda SC in Orangeburg. We're an easy drive from Sumter, Aiken, Summerville, and Columbia along I-26 or US-601.

Visit Burns Honda SC Today

The 2026 Honda Pilot outperforms the Toyota Highlander in towing, passenger space, and feature value — and Burns Honda SC in Orangeburg is the best place in the Midlands to experience it firsthand We welcome drivers from Orangeburg, Sumter, Aiken, Summerville, Columbia, and the greater Charleston region.