Compare the2022 Honda PilotVS 2021 Toyota 4Runner

Safety
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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Using vehicle speed sensors and seat sensors, smart airbags in the Pilot deploy with different levels of force or don’t deploy at all to help better protect passengers of all sizes in different collisions. The Pilot’s side airbags will shut off if a child is leaning against the door. The 4Runner’s airbags don’t have smart features and will always deploy full force.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests front crash prevention systems. With a score of 5 points, IIHS rates the Collision Mitigation Braking System optional in the Pilot as “Superior.” The 4Runner scores zero, and is rated by the IIHS as having no effective frontal crash prevention.

The Pilot’s blind spot warning system uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. The 4Runner doesn’t offer a system to reveal objects in the driver’s blind spots.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Pilot’s standard cross-path warning system uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The 4Runner doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

For better protection of the passenger compartment, the Pilot uses safety cell construction with a three-dimensional high-strength frame that surrounds the passenger compartment. It provides extra impact protection and a sturdy mounting location for door hardware and side impact beams. The 4Runner uses a body-on-frame design, which has no frame members above the floor of the vehicle.

Both the Pilot and the 4Runner have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive and rear parking sensors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Honda Pilot is safer than the Toyota 4Runner:

	Pilot	4Runner
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	149	267
Neck Injury Risk	28%	47%
Neck Stress	189 lbs.	438 lbs.
Neck Compression	46 lbs.	54 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	46/243 lbs.	488/468 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	3 Stars
HIC	216	367
Chest Compression	.6 inches	.7 inches
Neck Injury Risk	35%	57%
Neck Stress	116 lbs.	271 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

A significantly tougher test than their original offset frontal crash test, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH small overlap frontal offset crash tests. In this test, where only 25% of the total width of the vehicle is struck, results indicate that the Honda Pilot is safer than the 4Runner:

	Pilot	4Runner
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
Restraints	GOOD	GOOD
Head Neck Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Peak Head Forces	0 G’s	0 G’s
Steering Column Movement Rearward	0 cm	12 cm
Chest Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Hip & Thigh Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Femur Force R/L	.1/.5 kN	3.9/2.4 kN
Hip & Thigh Injury Risk R/L	0%/0%	1%/0%
Lower Leg Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Tibia index R/L	.41/.41	.95/.85
Tibia forces R/L	1.8/1.5 kN	5/2.9 kN

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Honda Pilot is safer than the Toyota 4Runner:

	Pilot	4Runner
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Movement	.6 inches	1.1 inches
Abdominal Force	101 G’s	179 G’s
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Hip Force	304 lbs.	381 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
Max Damage Depth	15 inches	20 inches
HIC	406	507
Hip Force	838 lbs.	895 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the Pilot, with its four-star roll-over rating, is 7.1% to 8.2% less likely to roll over than the 4Runner, which received a three-star rating.

The Honda Pilot has a better fatality history. The Pilot was involved in fatal accidents at a rate 5.6% lower per vehicle registered than the 4Runner, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Reliability

The engine in the Pilot has a single overhead cam for simplicity. The engine in the 4Runner has dual overhead cams, which add to the number of moving parts and the complexity of the cylinder heads.

Engine

The Pilot’s 3.5 SOHC V6 produces 10 more horsepower (280 vs. 270) than the 4Runner’s 4.0 DOHC V6.

As tested in Car and Driver the Honda Pilot is faster than the Toyota 4Runner:

	Pilot	4Runner
Zero to 60 MPH	6 sec	7.8 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	17.2 sec	22 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	6.3 sec	7.8 sec
Quarter Mile	14.8 sec	16.1 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	94 MPH	88 MPH
Top Speed	113 MPH	105 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Pilot gets better mileage than the 4Runner:

			MPG
Pilot
	FWD	3.5 SOHC V6	20 city/27 hwy
	AWD	3.5 SOHC V6	19 city/26 hwy
4Runner
	RWD	4.0 DOHC V6	16 city/19 hwy
	AWD	4.0 DOHC V6	16 city/19 hwy

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Pilot’s fuel efficiency. The 4Runner doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

In heavy traffic or at stop lights the Pilot’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The 4Runner doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Pilot has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The 4Runner doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Transmission

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Honda Pilot, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a five-speed automatic is available for the 4Runner.

Brakes and Stopping

The Pilot stops much shorter than the 4Runner:

	Pilot	4Runner
70 to 0 MPH	180 feet	201 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	116 feet	138 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

The Pilot EX-L’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the 4Runner’s standard 70 series tires. The Pilot SE/Touring/Elite/Black Edition’s tires have a lower 50 series profile than the 4Runner Limited/Nightshade’s 60 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Pilot EX-L has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the 4Runner.

The Pilot has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The 4Runner doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Honda Pilot has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Toyota 4Runner has a solid rear axle, with a non-independent rear suspension.

The Pilot (except LX)’s optional drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The 4Runner doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Pilot’s wheelbase is 1.2 inches longer than on the 4Runner (111 inches vs. 109.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Pilot is 2.6 inches wider in the front and 2.6 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the 4Runner.

The Pilot Elite 4WD handles at .80 G’s, while the 4Runner TRD Off-Road pulls only .71 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Pilot Elite 4WD executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2 seconds quicker than the 4Runner TRD Off-Road (27.5 seconds @ .63 average G’s vs. 29.5 seconds @ .55 average G’s).

Chassis

The Honda Pilot may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 350 to 500 pounds less than the Toyota 4Runner.

Unibody construction lowers the Pilot’s center of gravity significantly without reducing ground clearance. This contributes to better on the road handling and better off-road performance and stability. In addition, unibody construction makes the chassis stiffer, improving handling and reducing squeaks and rattles. The 4Runner uses body-on-frame design instead.

To almost totally eliminate engine vibration in the passenger area, the Pilot has an electronically controlled liquid-filled main engine mount. A computer-controlled electric current in the liquid changes its viscosity, allowing the mount to dampen the engine completely at all RPMs. The 4Runner uses conventional solid rubber engine mounts.

The Pilot uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The 4Runner doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the Pilot Elite 4WD is quieter than the 4Runner TRD Off-Road:

	Pilot	4Runner
At idle	37 dB	43 dB
70 MPH Cruising	67 dB	69 dB

Passenger Space

The Pilot has standard seating for 8 passengers; the 4Runner can only carry up to 7.

The Pilot has 23.7 cubic feet more passenger volume than the 4Runner (151.7 vs. 128).

The Pilot has .2 inches more front headroom, 2.6 inches more front hip room, 4.2 inches more front shoulder room, 1.3 inches more rear headroom, 5.5 inches more rear legroom, 1.6 inches more rear hip room, 4.2 inches more rear shoulder room, 4.6 inches more third row headroom, 2.6 inches more third row legroom and 1.3 inches more third row hip room than the 4Runner.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Pilot’s middle and third row seats recline. The 4Runner’s third row seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

The Pilot’s cargo area provides more volume than the 4Runner.

	Pilot	4Runner
Behind Third Seat	18.5 cubic feet	9 cubic feet
Third Seat Folded	55.9 cubic feet	46.3 cubic feet
Second Seat Folded	109.2 cubic feet	89.7 cubic feet

The Pilot has a standard third row seat which folds flat into the floor. This completely clears a very large cargo area quickly. The 4Runner doesn’t offer seats that fold into the floor.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the Pilot has a standard power liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button, or on the Pilot SE/Touring/Elite/Black Edition, by just kicking your foot under the back bumper, completely leaving your hands free. The 4Runner doesn’t offer a power liftgate.

Servicing Ease

The Pilot has a maintenance free battery for long life without checking the battery’s water level. The 4Runner doesn’t have a maintenance free battery, so the water level in the battery’s cells must be checked often to prevent damage.

A Maintenance Minder is standard on the Pilot to save the owner time and money by calculating maintenance intervals for oil changes, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, tire rotation, radiator flush, brake pad replacement and transmission fluid replacement based on actual driving conditions. This takes the guesswork out of keeping your vehicle in top condition and helps it last longer. Toyota doesn’t offer a maintenance reminder on the 4Runner.

Ergonomics

The Pilot has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The 4Runner doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The engine computer on the Pilot automatically engages the starter until the car starts with one twist of the key and disables the starter while the engine is running. The 4Runner’s starter can be accidentally engaged while the engine is running, making a grinding noise and possibly damaging the starter and ring gear.

The Pilot’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The 4Runner doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Pilot’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The 4Runner’s power mirror and cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Pilot has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank. The 4Runner doesn’t offer a locking fuel door.

The Pilot’s standard speed-sensitive wipers speed up when the vehicle does, so that the driver doesn’t have to continually adjust the speed of the wipers. The 4Runner’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted. The Pilot Elite/Black Edition’s standard wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically according to the amount of rainfall on the windshield.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Pilot has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the 4Runner only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The Pilot’s headlights were rated “Good” to “Acceptable” by the IIHS, while the 4Runner’s headlights are rated “Poor.”

The Pilot has a standard automatic headlight on/off feature. When the ignition is on, the headlights automatically turn on at dusk and off after dawn. The 4Runner has an automatic headlight on/off feature standard only on the Limited/TRD Pro/Nightshade.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the Pilot to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The 4Runner doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

When the Pilot is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The 4Runner’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The Pilot’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The 4Runner offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The Pilot has standard heated front seats. Heated front seats cost extra on the 4Runner. The Pilot Touring/Elite/Black Edition also has standard heated second row seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated second row seats aren’t available in the 4Runner.

On extremely cold winter days, the Pilot Elite’s standard heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The 4Runner doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The Pilot has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the 4Runner Limited/TRD Pro/Nightshade.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Honda Pilot SE/Elite//Black Edition has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The 4Runner doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the Pilot owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Pilot will cost $605 less than the 4Runner over a five-year period.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Pilot is less expensive to operate than the 4Runner because it costs $37 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the Pilot than the 4Runner, including $77 less for a water pump, $86 less for a starter, $92 less for fuel injection and $1258 less for a timing belt/chain.

Recommendations

The Honda Pilot has won recognition from these important consumer publications:

	Pilot	4Runner
Consumer Reports® Recommends	TRUE	FALSE
Car Book “Best Bet”	TRUE	FALSE