Honda Pilot vs Toyota Highlander: Used SUV Guide for GTA

Buying a Used Three-Row SUV in Ontario? Start Here

Shopping for a used three-row SUV in the Greater Toronto Area usually comes down to two names: the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander. Both are family favourites across Ontario for the same reasons — strong reliability, roomy cabins, and excellent resale value. If you're comparing a used Honda Pilot vs Toyota Highlander in Etobicoke or anywhere in the GTA, this guide walks you through the key differences so you can shop with confidence.

Reliability and Long-Term Ownership Costs

Both the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander have earned reputations for dependable used SUVs that Ontario families can trust. The Highlander edges ahead on some long-term reliability surveys, with many owners reporting years of trouble-free driving past 200,000 kilometres. The Pilot is not far behind, though older Pilots (particularly 2016–2018) can show issues with the 9-speed automatic transmission in higher-trim models — a known concern worth checking during a pre-purchase inspection.

For GTA buyers, reliability matters even more in winter. Both SUVs come with available all-wheel drive, and their V6 engines handle cold Ontario mornings well. Either choice should deliver lower maintenance costs than most domestic three-row alternatives.

Space, Comfort, and Family Practicality

The Honda Pilot typically offers slightly more interior space, with a roomier third row and more cargo room behind the rear seats. Families who regularly carry older kids or adults in the third row will appreciate the extra legroom.

The Toyota Highlander, meanwhile, feels a bit more refined inside, with a quieter cabin and comfortable seating that shines on long Highway 401 trips. Its third row is best for children or shorter trips, but the available captain's chairs in the second row make the Highlander a comfortable road-trip SUV.

Fuel Economy and Daily Driving in the GTA

Used Honda Pilots (2016–2022) with the 3.5L V6 generally return combined fuel economy in the 11–12 L/100 km range, while the Toyota Highlander's 3.5L V6 is comparable at roughly 10.5–11.5 L/100 km. Newer Highlanders (2020 and up) switched to a turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder with slightly better efficiency.

For daily Etobicoke commuting — think stop-and-go on the Gardiner or school runs along Islington — the difference in fuel costs between the two is modest. Both are solid picks among fuel-efficient used SUVs in Ontario for their size.

What to Check Before Buying a Used Pilot or Highlander

Before committing to any used three-row SUV in Ontario, always:

• Get a full vehicle history report — check for accidents, insurance claims, and Ontario registration history through Carfax.
• Inspect the transmission — on Pilots, pay special attention to shift quality in the 9-speed models; on Highlanders, listen for torque-converter shudder at highway speed.
• Check for rust — Ontario winters are tough on underbodies. Look at rocker panels, subframes, and rear wheel wells.
• Verify the safety certification — Ontario law requires a valid safety standards certificate for any used vehicle transfer.
• Take a proper test drive — fold all seats, test the third row, and drive at highway speed to check for vibrations or wind noise.

Which Used SUV Is Right for Your Family?

Choose the Honda Pilot if you want maximum interior space, a roomier third row, and strong resale value with Ontario buyers.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if you want a quieter, more refined cabin and top-tier long-term reliability for years of GTA commuting.

Either way, both are excellent used family SUVs in the Greater Toronto Area — you can't go far wrong with either choice.

Visit Us in Etobicoke

Looking for a quality used SUV in the GTA? Visit North Auto Sale at 145 Belfield Rd Unit #1, Etobicoke, or call 647-705-0346. We'll help you find a safe, reliable used SUV that's right for your family and your budget.