2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2025 Honda Pilot

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner was a nostalgic nod to the past, with its design largely unchanged since 2010. Its boxy shape and flared fenders gave it a rugged, stable appearance, ideal for off-road adventures. The TRD Pro model enhanced this with skid plates and all-terrain tires, making it seem ready for any challenge. However, the interior felt dated, with analog instruments and an eight-inch infotainment screen that seemed out of place in a modern vehicle. Despite its hard plastic surfaces, the 4Runner offered cushioned panels for comfort, though the materials resembled vinyl more than leather.

In contrast, the 2025 Honda Pilot Black Edition presented a more contemporary look, with blacked-out trim and red accents inside. It aimed for a rugged aesthetic, especially in the TrailSport trim, but the Black Edition was more suited for suburban environments. The interior featured quality materials and thoughtful design, though the digital displays appeared somewhat outdated. Despite this, the Pilot offered practical storage solutions and a comfortable cabin, though it lacked a significant "wow factor."

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner housed a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. Its five-speed automatic transmission lagged behind competitors like the Bronco and Wrangler, which offered more gears for better acceleration and fuel efficiency. The TRD Pro model came with standard 4WD and a two-speed transfer case, but the 4Runner felt sluggish on highways. Its soft suspension was beneficial off-road but resulted in body roll and nosedive during on-road driving. Despite its shortcomings, the 4Runner managed larger road imperfections well.

The 2025 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered multiple driving modes and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. The Pilot's AWD system included torque vectoring and hill descent control, enhancing its off-road capabilities. However, the transmission occasionally hesitated, and fuel economy was unimpressive, averaging 20 mpg. The Pilot's handling was predictable, though an adaptive-damping suspension could have improved ride quality.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior was straightforward, with easy-to-use controls and excellent visibility. It provided ample space for front passengers, though taller drivers might find the steering wheel lacking in adjustment. The second row offered good legroom, but headroom was limited. Cargo space was generous, with up to 89.7 cubic feet available when the rear seats were stowed. However, the lack of remote seat releases and a powered liftgate were drawbacks.

The 2025 Honda Pilot excelled in form and function, with three rows of comfortable seating and thoughtful storage solutions. The front passenger seat's limited adjustment was a downside, but overall, the seats were supportive. The second row was spacious, and the third row was suitable for adults on short trips. The Pilot offered 18.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 86.5 cubic feet with seats folded. Features like a hands-free power tailgate and effective climate control added to its appeal.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but its small screen and lack of off-road apps were limitations. The TRD Pro's JBL audio system was powerful but often drowned out by engine noise. Additional terrain controls were available, but their pictogram labels required consulting the manual for full understanding.

The 2025 Honda Pilot's technology appeared dated, but it offered essential features like wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. However, the voice recognition system was inconsistent, and the wireless phone charging pad was poorly designed. The CabinTalk feature was useful for families, but the Pilot's technology overall met only basic expectations.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with four stars from NHTSA and some "Marginal" and "Poor" results from IIHS. It included standard safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning, though some alerts were overly sensitive.

The 2025 Honda Pilot came with a comprehensive suite of Honda Sensing safety features, including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist had issues, affecting driver confidence. Despite these concerns, the Pilot earned high safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and five stars from NHTSA.