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Head to head, Nov 2, 2026
2026 Honda Pilot vs 2026 Toyota Highlander: price, specs and what it costs in Frisco
Base trims, published figures from each brand’s own spec sheets. I show the starting price of both cars and the rows where the Pilot comes out ahead; the Highlander wins rows of its own, and its full sheet is on Toyota’s site. What I can add that a spec sheet can’t is what the Pilot actually costs on our lot today.
| Honda Pilot Sport | Highlander XLE AWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $42,395 | $46,270 |
| Horsepower | 285 hp | 265 hp |
| Passenger volume | 158.4 cu ft | 139.5 cu ft |
| Seats | 8 | 7 |
MSRP excludes destination. Figures are each brand’s published base-trim numbers at the time of the last competitor refresh and can change with a model year.
What the Pilot costs in Frisco today
As of Nov 2, 2026, David McDavid Honda of Frisco lists 46 new 2026 Honda Pilots. The Sport is about $45,795 out the door with Texas tax and fees, or about $973 a month for 60 months at 9.99% APR with nothing down. Every trim is worked out in the 2026 Honda Pilot price guide, and the estimator does it with your down payment and trade.
What I’d do before choosing
Drive both, back to back, on the roads you actually use. Numbers settle the budget; the seat, the sightlines and the way it pulls away from a light settle the rest. If the Highlander turns out to be the better fit for you, I’ll say so. I’d rather you buy the right car.
Questions people ask
Is the Honda Pilot cheaper than the Highlander?
On published base-trim MSRP, yes: the 2026 Honda Pilot Sport starts at $42,395 against $46,270 for the 2026 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD, a difference of $3,875.
What does a 2026 Honda Pilot cost out the door in Frisco?
About $45,795 for the Sport as of Nov 2, 2026, with Texas sales tax, the $225 doc fee and $201 title and registration, or about $973 a month for 60 months at 9.99% APR with nothing down. The full trim table is in the Pilot price guide.
Where does the Pilot beat the Highlander?
On the published base-trim figures the 2026 Honda Pilot Sport leads the 2026 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD on horsepower, passenger volume, seats.
Are these the full spec sheets?
No. I list the rows where the Honda comes out ahead, plus the starting price for both. Each brand words its specs differently and the Highlander wins rows of its own, so read its full sheet on Toyota's site and drive both before you decide.
Work out your Pilot numbersText me, happy to help
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This is Jeshua Farmer’s personal page, not the dealership’s or Honda’s website. Toyota, Hyundai and Kia names belong to their makers; the figures quoted are their own published numbers.