Comparison: Toyota 4Runner vs Honda Pilot

A full-size SUV gets you where you want to go in style and comfort. There are many full-size SUVs available to the modern consumer, but two stand out for their style, versatility, and cargo space. While the Toyota 4Runner and the Honda Pilot both have similar features and offerings, the discerning buyer will want to know what differentiates these two popular models. Let's take a closer look at both of these full-size SUVs to see which one best matches your unique set of needs and desires.

       

2023 Toyota 4Runner Comparison Highlights

The Toyota 4Runner is celebrating its 40th year in production as one of America's favorite adventure-ready SUVs by releasing a 40th Anniversary Special Edition variant. Limited to only 4,040 examples for the U.S. market, this 4WD-only model will be offered in three colors: White, Midnight Black Metallic, and Barcelona Red Metallic. It also features bronze-colored 17-inch alloy wheels, a body-color-matched heritage grille, and exclusive bronze-colored 40th Anniversary badging.

And the finishing touch is a head-turning heritage graphics package inspired by the early off-road racing trucks that the original 4Runner was based on. This retro yellow/orange/red stripe will instantly transport you back to the early 1980s, and put into perspective the more than four million cumulative 4Runners that have been sold from then until now.

Knowing that Toyota's off-road racing success is what paved the way for the 4Runner, it makes sense that more than half of the 2023 4Runner model lineup includes TRD (Toyota Racing Development) specific versions. Ready for the toughest adventures, these models feature a durable body-on-frame construction supported by a four-link rear axle and specially-tuned suspension.

And at the heart of every 2023 4Runner model is a capable 270-horsepower DOHC 4.0-liter V6 engine that churns out 278 lb-ft of torque. This ability to tackle challenging terrains is further enhanced with Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), which helps keep the 4Runner in its best operating range regardless of the driving conditions. A five-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift mode is standard for all 4Runner grades, along with an integrated tow-hitch receiver and wiring harness. This means that any 4Runner can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Depending on your 4Runner model selection, you'll have access to a 4x2 drivetrain or two types of 4x4 systems. The available part-time 4WD system utilizes Active Traction Control along with a two-speed transfer case to allow for low-rpm power. On the other hand, the full-time 4WD system (exclusive to the 4Runner Limited) features a Torsen center differential with locking capabilities and a three-mode driver-selectable switch on the center console. In most driving scenarios, the 4Runner Limited employs a rear-axle bias using a 40:60 torque split, and will transfer power when it senses traction loss.

The various 4Runner TRD models specialize in both on- and off-road performance, and accomplish this via lots of advanced technologies like a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, hill-start assist control, downhill assist control, and Toyota's Crawl Control. This low-speed mode automatically maintains a set speed so you can focus on steering and avoiding obstacles. The Multi-Terrain Monitor (exclusive to the 4Runner TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro) helps augment your environmental awareness even further through the use of strategically placed cameras that provide visibility for areas blocked by the body of the vehicle.

On the topic of safety, all 2023 4Runners include Toyota Safety Sense-P, a suite of driver-assist technologies with features like Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Sway Warning System, High-Speed Dynamic Radar, and more. And new for 2023, Blind Spot Monitor + Rear Cross Traffic Alert is now standard equipment on all trims.