The 2021 Toyota Highlander learned new tricks to keep us entertained on the road, when we’re not asleep in the back anyway..
Pros Better style New sporty XSE look Still practical… ...and fuel efficient Great standard safety
Cons Infotainment is still a headache Exterior is a little busy Pricey top models Small-ish third row
The sporty-looking XSE trim level joins the Highlander lineup for 2021. It punches up the looks with more aggressive exterior styling, unique 20-inch wheels, black exterior accents, and a sportier calibration for the suspension. Elsewhere, LED projection headlamps are now a standard feature and all models receive additional driver-assistance features, including semi-automated emergency steering technology that's designed to help a driver avoid collisions.
Pros Attractive design, optional hybrid powertrain, generous standard features.
Cons Few driving thrills, skimpy third-row room, fussy interior styling.
The sporty XSE trim debuts in the Hybrid lineup.More advanced safety features are standard.LED headlights are now standard.
Pros High fuel economy for a three-row SUV Sensibly priced compared to the non-hybrid Highlander Comfortable ride quality Plenty of standard and available safety features
Cons Third-row seats are cramped Not a whole lot of cargo space behind the third-row seat Engine sounds unrefined at full throttle
New Special Edition trim level.Nine-speed automatic now standard on all Pilot trim levels.Base LX trim gets dual-zone climate control.
Pros A versatile, roomy interior with spacious rear seats Smooth and compliant ride in most conditions Better fuel economy than rivals Many clever storage compartments
Cons Collision warning and adaptive cruise control are overly sensitive Third-row access is narrow
The 2021 Honda Pilot's #12 ranking is based on its score within the Midsize SUVs category. Currently the Honda Pilot has a score of 7.8 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 48 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Smooth ride Adult-friendly seating Respectable cargo room
Cons Poor predicted reliability rating Limited standard infotainment tech
The 2021 Honda Pilot does a solid impression of a minivan, minus the cultural baggage..
Pros Seats up to eight adults—really Strong V-6 power Active safety tech comes standard Infotainment’s good (except for LX)
Cons Skimpy 5.0-inch base touchscreen Loses the panache wars to Hyundai/Kia 9-speed bobbles the occasional shift Top trims are pricey
