1) Power & MPG you’ll feel in traffic
Pilot: A smooth 285‑hp V‑6 with a refined 10‑speed automatic gives you calm, confident thrust across the 110 and 5. It’s rated up to 19 city / 27 highway mpg, so you get power without a painful pump bill.
Highlander: Toyota’s 2.4‑liter turbo (265 hp / 310 lb‑ft) pairs with an 8‑speed automatic and posts manufacturer‑estimated 22/29/25 mpg (FWD) or 21/28/24 mpg (AWD). Great efficiency, but Pilot still wins the horsepower matchup for quick passes.
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- Shop New Honda Pilot For Sale in Los Angeles
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- Contact Us Today to Schedule Your Pilot test drive.
2) Traction & control for LA weather and weekend trips
Pilot capability highlights
- i‑VTM4® AWD helps send power where you need it for stability and cornering.
- 7‑Mode Drive System lets you dial in Snow, Trail, Sand, Tow, and more.
- Hill Descent Control helps manage steep ramps at low speed.
Highlander notes
- AWD available; Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD and Multi‑Terrain Select appear on XSE, Limited, and Platinum. Good gear—just not on every trim.
Bottom line: Both are capable, but Pilot’s AWD system and drive‑mode depth feel built for the mix of rain, dirt lots, and mountain day trips we do from DTLA.
3) Space that adapts to your week
Pilot’s clever seat trick: On Touring and above, the 2nd‑row center seat stores under the cargo floor. Pop it in for 8‑passenger school runs, or stow it to enjoy captain’s chairs during date night. It’s simple, quick, and unique in this matchup.
Highlander seating/cargo: Seats 7 or 8 depending on grade, with 16 cu ft behind the 3rd row, 48.4 cu ft behind the 2nd row, and 84.3 cu ft max with seats folded (FWD). Solid flexibility, especially for gear days.
4) Screens, sound, and everyday tech
- Pilot (EX‑L and up): 9‑inch touch‑screen, wireless Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™, wireless charging, Wi‑Fi® hotspot (Touring+), and available Bose® 12‑speaker audio. Clear menus and fewer cords make city driving calmer.
- Highlander: 8‑inch display standard; 12.3‑inch Toyota Audio Multimedia available/standard by trim, with an available 11‑speaker JBL® system.
Advantage: Both are well‑equipped, but Pilot’s wireless setup on EX‑L and up and the Bose® system on Touring+ deliver a premium feel many LA families prefer.
5) Safety & driver‑assist
- Pilot: Honda Sensing® across the lineup, including Collision Mitigation Braking System™, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low‑Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist, and Traffic Sign Recognition. Pilot Elite/Black Edition also add a Head‑Up Display.
- Highlander: Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ standard (Pre‑Collision, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, DRCC, AHB). Available Panoramic View Monitor on upper trims.
Both suites are robust. The Pilot’s HUD and TrailWatch™ camera (TrailSport/Elite/Black Edition) add everyday confidence in tight garages and on trails.
Pilot trim cheat‑sheet (DTLA shopper quick guide)
- Sport — Value and style; seating for 8.
- EX‑L — Adds 9‑inch touch‑screen, wireless CarPlay®/Android Auto™, wireless charging.
- Touring — Bose® audio, Wi‑Fi® hotspot, navigation, and that stowable 2nd‑row center seat.
- TrailSport — All‑terrain tires, steel skid plates, TrailWatch™ camera—Honda’s most rugged family SUV.
- Elite/Black Edition — Top comfort plus Head‑Up Display and premium finishes.
See the Pilot at Honda of Downtown Los Angeles
If you’re comparing 2025 Honda Pilot vs 2025 Toyota Highlander in Los Angeles, the Pilot brings more horsepower, serious traction tech, and smart seating that flexes with your life. Take a spin and feel the difference at Honda of Downtown Los Angeles.
Source notes (OEM only)
- Honda (2025 Pilot page): V‑6 285 hp, 10‑speed automatic, i‑VTM4® AWD, 7‑Mode Drive System, Hill Descent Control, TrailWatch™/TrailSport details, 9‑inch touch‑screen with wireless CarPlay®/Android Auto™ (EX‑L+), Bose® audio (Touring+), stowable 2nd‑row center seat (Touring+), and up to 5,000‑lb towing.
- Toyota (USA Product Information PDF): 2.4L turbo (265 hp / 310 lb‑ft), 8‑speed automatic, manufacturer‑estimated MPG (FWD 22/29/25, AWD 21/28/24), cargo volume (16/48.4/84.3 cu ft), TSS 2.5+, 8‑in standard / 12.3‑in available/standard multimedia, JBL® audio, and 5,000‑lb max towing.
Specs and features reflect Honda and Toyota’s official U.S. materials at the time of writing. Always confirm equipment and availability on the exact vehicle you test‑drive.
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