MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

I highly doubt that the Pilot "sent shudders up the spines of Toyota and it's Highlander designers."

To stand back from the sensationalism:

1) The Gen 3 Highlander has been a standout sales success and Toyota is STILL struggling to meet demand. I am quite sure the new Pilot isn't sending Toyota running for cover.

2) We have yet to see what the fuel economy is going to be like on the Pilot. Remember that Toyota's updated V6 engine is just around the corner, and will likely be tucked into the Highlander in the next year or two.

3) Really, we should be welcoming Honda to the year 2015 - congratulations, finally, a 6AT. As for the 9AT, more is not better. The other cars sharing this transmission have been riddled with complaints and performance problems. When the MDX was announced with this engine, some of the MPG ratings went DOWN.

4) To your point, the "non-techie Joe" doesn't really know or care how many gears are in their transmission as long as the car moves forward and backward and gets good MPG.

tex2670

Not to mention the addition of HIDs, LED DRLs and tail lamps, heated and vented front seats, heated rear seats and some type of easy slide middle seat mechanism. I don't think Highlander has any of those features (although, I'd bet they are only in the top Touring model). IP and dash are updated, eliminating the dual screen setup that has been widely panned. Honda isn't messing around--it looks like they have heard all the complaints about the Pilot, and addressed them.

situman

Toyota simply brought the Highlander up to par with the industry. Honda threw everything in including the kitchen sink. Toyota can't meet demand is because its one of the newer entrants in the segment and the Pilot is ancient. Sure this is all spec sheet competition, but you can't tell me anybody that's doing any sort of simple comparison shopping will not notice the technical highlights of the new Pilot over the Highlander. With that said, the new Pilot is damn ugly and I prefer the Highlander in terms of looks.

tex2670

You forget that a good chunk (maybe even a majority) of shoppers in this class just go out and buy the new version of the same car they had before. And others may replace their vehicle based on what they "like" or the looks. I think a minority (maybe even a small minority) "notice technical highlights". "How many cupholders does it have?" "Oooh--I like the captain's chairs." "That transmission button thing is weird--I don't know if I can get used to it." "What's the gas mileage?" "That color is nice." These are statements that will occur much more often "How many speeds does the transmission have?" or "Does is have HIDs" or "What's the horsepower?"

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

What "technical highlights" does the Pilot have over the Highlander?

We can agree to disagree about the Highlander simply being "brought up to par with the industry." It has been one of the most positively reviewed Toyota vehicles in the last few years and I think this Pilot is the first vehicle in it's class that has a shot at even being close to the Highlander. The only test I've seen the Highlander lose was to a loaded Hemi-powered Durango, which isn't exactly apples-to-apples.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

hadn't see this article until now and it also calls pilot "crv on steroids"

http://truckyeah.jalopnik.com/2016-h...-it-1685345002

GSJake

iTrader: (21)

My wife and I bought a new highlander in July. We got the LXE not the Loaded Limited as we did not see the value in the upgrades for the extra 5-7K.
I was shocked when the LXE did NOT have any LED DRL's or even HID's. Even the Limited only added some schwag looking LED DRL's around the Fog housing.. not cool.
Over all we love it though. Enough room for our growing family plus its a beast in the snow (even with the crappy eco tires from the factory.. cant wait to get some real rubber on it)

Like mentioned I bet when the "refresh" comes in a few years they will add that stuff with the newer motor.

I love the look of the Highlander!

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

highlander to me is one vehicle that looks better in pictures than in person. i know it's a 3 row vehicle like the pilot but that makes each have a 'big booty' that isn't too attractive.

i almost got one but availability was so difficult i couldn't get a limited with tech package without also getting the ($1800) rear entertainment package i had no interest in.

on a positive note i will say the highlander is a JOY to drive and handles remarkably 'flat' around corners without being stiff. the front row ergonomics and comfort are excellent. i was disappointed in second/3rd/cargo area trim quality though, lots of flimsy cheap plastic and coverings, and that they still don't have LED tail lights or HIDs on any trim level. it will also no doubt have excellent resale value.

tex2670

I saw the Highlander at the auto show, and maybe I was doing something wrong, but the folding the 3rd row up and down seemed to be a 2 handed operation. That's a no-no in my book--my wife's CX-9 is a breeze with putting the 3rd row up and down with the tug of a strap--looks like the Pilot has a similar set up. I like the looks of the Highlander, and Toyota reliability. If I had to replace the Mazda today, though, I'd probably get a Santa Fe (but I wouldn't be able to get the Limited because the captain's chairs middle row makes it a 6 passenger vehicle--only one more than a Mini Countryman....). But--this new Pilot looks like it's pretty good -- we will see on pricing, though.

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

should be a much better competitor to highlander and give consumers more updated choices

Vh_Supra26

iTrader: (1)

Poll Time

Fizzboy7

I vote for the Highlander's looks. This is simply because it has right-sized wheels. The Pilot looks bloated ontop, with too tall windows and silly small wheels. The Toyota gets the proportions right. However, I've never been a fan of the gaping shelf in the Highlander's dash. It's an aesthetic's failure and encourages American clutter. I'd take the new Pilot's interior, with the Highlander's body for one nice package.

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

Wow, this looks way better inside/out than the past model.

One thing though is the leather-it looks so cheap from the picture.

Tough call b/t this and the highlander (and I generally favor toyota)

Pathfinder has no chance b/t these 2.

LexusChris

iTrader: (1)

Exterior : Toyota Highlander Interior: Honda Pilot. Nissan Pathfinder cannot touch either one now especially with a CVT.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

RX has no excuses