2025 Toyota 4Runner vs. Honda Pilot

The midsize SUV segment offers compelling choices for buyers seeking versatility, comfort, and capability. Two standout options are the 2025 Toyota 4Runner and the 2025 Honda Pilot. The 4Runner excels in off-road adventures, while the Pilot focuses on family-friendly driving. Let’s compare these vehicles to help you determine which best suits your needs.

Design and Style

When comparing the 2025 Toyota 4Runner vs. Honda Pilot, you’ll immediately notice their distinct design philosophies. The 4Runner maintains a rugged, adventurous appearance with a muscular body and high ground clearance. The Pilot takes a more refined approach, with sleek, modern styling that appeals to family-oriented buyers.

In terms of size, the Honda Pilot measures 199.9 inches long, 78.5 inches wide, and 71 inches tall. The Toyota 4Runner is more compact at 194.9 inches long and 78 inches wide but is slightly taller at 72.6 inches. For cargo, the Toyota 4Runner offers 12.1 cubic feet behind the third row, perfect for hauling gear for your next adventure. The Honda Pilot provides more room behind its third row, but both vehicles offer spacious options depending on your needs.

Performance and Capability

The 2025 models bring significant powertrain updates. The 4Runner offers a 2.4-liter turbocharged powertrain producing 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. The Pilot’s 3.5-liter V-6 engine generates 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Pilot features a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the 4Runner uses an eight-speed automatic.

Towing capacity favors the 4Runner, which can pull up to 6,000 pounds compared to the Pilot’s 5,000 pounds. The SUVs attain similar fuel efficiency, with the 4Runner achieving 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined, compared to the Pilot’s 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined.

Road Capabilities Comparison

Significant differences in ground clearance and off-road capabilities separate these SUVs. The 4Runner SR5 offers 8.1 inches of ground clearance, while other trims, such as the Limited and the TRD Pro, offer an impressive 10.1 inches. In comparison, the Pilot TrailSport provides 8.3 inches of ground clearance, with the standard model sitting at 7.3 inches –– a notable difference that impacts off-road performance.

A comprehensive suite of advanced features further enhances the 4Runner’s off-road ability. These include active traction control for optimal grip in challenging conditions, an electronic locking rear differential that ensures power delivery to both rear wheels, and a center locking differential for enhanced stability. Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select system allows drivers to optimize vehicle performance for different surface conditions, while Crawl Control is a low-speed cruise control system ideal for technical off-road driving.

Additional features such as downhill and hill-start assist control make the 4Runner particularly adept at handling steep terrain. These systems work together to maintain vehicle control and stability during descents and prevent rollback when starting on inclines. While the Pilot TrailSport offers some off-road enhancements, it can’t match the 4Runner’s extensive off-road technology suite and exclusive capabilities.

The 4Runner is a true all-terrain SUV, while the Pilot TrailSport represents a more modest approach for occasional off-road excursions. Fundamental differences in design and capability make the 4Runner the top choice for off-road enthusiasts.

Driver Comfort and Handling

The Honda Pilot and Toyota 4Runner offer distinct driving experiences. Families may appreciate the quiet refinement of the Pilot, with testing revealing noise levels at 39 decibels compared to the 4Runner TRD Off-Road’s 43 decibels. At 70 mph, the Pilot registers 66 decibels versus the 4Runner’s 69 decibels, with both reaching 76 decibels under full acceleration.

The Pilot’s unibody construction and independent suspension provide smooth handling and comfort, particularly in urban and highway settings. In contrast, the 4Runner’s body-on-frame design and off-road suspension excel in rugged terrain. These differences are noticeable during quick maneuvers, where the Pilot may offer a more responsive feel.

Practicality and Versatility

The Toyota 4Runner offers a potent combination of practicality and versatility. The 2025 model introduces an optional hybrid powertrain, balancing efficiency and performance unavailable in the Pilot. Also, while the Honda Pilot comes with a fixed three-row configuration, the 4Runner allows you to choose between two- or three-row seating for greater customization depending on passenger and cargo needs. 

Further, the 4Runner’s signature roll-down rear window enhances convenience and functionality, making it easier to access gear or improve cabin ventilation. This combination of features makes the 4Runner a versatile option for a range of driving scenarios.

Safety and Reliability

Both vehicles include comprehensive safety packages, including pre-collision systems with pedestrian detection, lane departure alerts with steering assist, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, and automatic high beams.

Notably, Toyota provides longer scheduled maintenance coverage for the 4Runner at two years/25,000 miles compared to Honda’s one-year/12,000 miles for the Pilot.

Pricing, Value, and Available Trims

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner starts at $40,770, slightly higher than the Honda Pilot’s $40,200 base price. The 4Runner’s hybrid versions range from $51,990 to $66,900, whereas the top Honda Pilot trim reaches $54,580.

The 4Runner offers 12 trim levels: the SR5, the TRD Sport, the TRD Sport Premium, the TRD Off-Road, the TRD Off Road Premium, the Limited, the TRD Off-Road i-FORCE MAX, the TRD Off-Road Premium i-FORCE MAX, the Limited i-FORCE MAX, the Platinum, the TRD Pro, and the Trailhunter. The Pilot has six trims: the Sport, the EX-L, the TrailSport, the Touring, the Elite, and the new Black Edition.

Making the Right Choice: 4Runner or Pilot

Your lifestyle should guide your choice between these capable SUVs. Choose the Toyota 4Runner if you prioritize off-road adventures, high towing capacities, and ample cargo space. Its new hybrid powertrain offers drivers improved efficiency without compromising capability.

The family-friendly Honda Pilot may be for you if you desire maximum passenger space and prefer on-road comfort for daily commuting and family trips.

Explore the 2025 Toyota 4Runner in El Monte, California

To explore the 2025 Toyota 4Runner and experience its capabilities firsthand, visit Longo Toyota in El Monte or contact us online. Our team is here to help you compare trim levels and find the perfect configuration for your needs.

Tags: 2025 Toyota 4Runner, Honda Pilot
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