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2026 Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Grand Highlander vs. Toyota Highlander

2026 Honda Pilot

2026 Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Grand Highlander vs. Toyota Highlander

Compare the ultimate 3-row family SUV—the 2026 Honda Pilot—against top competitors like the Toyota Grand Highlander and Toyota Highlander. Engineered for everyday convenience and Montana family road trips, the Pilot delivers robust V6 power, versatile 8-passenger seating, and standard i-VTM4® AWD capability.


The Ultimate 3-Row SUV Choice in Helena, MT

The 2026 Honda Pilot sets the benchmark for 3-row crossovers with a smooth 285-horsepower V6 engine, standard 10-speed automatic transmission, and innovative passenger versatility. Designed to accommodate busy Helena families, the Pilot features standard 8-passenger seating with an available stowable second-row center seat—a feature not offered on the Toyota Highlander or Grand Highlander.

Whether navigating winter snow on mountain passes or packing up gear for weekend trips across Big Sky country, the 2026 Honda Pilot offers standard Honda Sensing® safety, an expansive panoramic sunroof, and intuitive 12.3-inch touchscreen connectivity. Visit Mathaler Honda of Helena to test drive the Pilot today!

Comparing Key Features & Specifications

Feature / Spec 2026 Honda Pilot 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander 2026 Toyota Highlander
Starting MSRP $43,890* ~$43,855 ~$39,520
Engine / Powertrain 3.5L V6 / 285 hp 2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl / 265 hp 2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl / 265 hp
Transmission 10-Speed Automatic 8-Speed Automatic 8-Speed Automatic
Max Towing Capacity Up to 5,000 lbs. Up to 5,000 lbs. Up to 5,000 lbs.
Stowable 2nd-Row Seat Available Not Available Not Available
Standard Safety Suite Honda Sensing® Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0 Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+

2026 Honda Pilot Entertainment System

Advanced Entertainment & Smart Tech

Inside the 2026 Honda Pilot, intuitive modern technology keeps every passenger entertained. Featuring a standard 12.3-inch high-definition touchscreen display paired with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, connecting your devices is fast and effortless.

Available features like an immersive Bose® 12-speaker premium audio system, wireless phone charging, CabinTalk® in-car intercom system, and multi-zone climate control ensure total comfort during long road trips across Montana.

2026 Honda Pilot Versatile Seating Layout

Flexible 8-Passenger Seating & Cargo Capacity

Flexibility is where the 2026 Honda Pilot stands far ahead of the Toyota Highlander lineup. The Pilot offers a class-exclusive stowable 2nd-row center seat that can easily be removed and hidden under the rear floorboard when not in use—giving you instant captain's chair pass-through access.

With up to 113.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity and comfortable 3rd-row seating designed for full-sized adults, the Pilot effortlessly handles large family trips and outdoor gear.

2026 Honda Pilot Exterior Design

Bold Exterior Design & Standard V6 Power

Unlike standard 4-cylinder turbocharged powertrains in the Highlander and Grand Highlander, every 2026 Honda Pilot features a proven 3.5-liter V6 engine outputting 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Matched with a responsive 10-speed automatic transmission, the Pilot delivers linear power delivery and up to 5,000 lbs. of towing capacity.

Available i-VTM4® All-Wheel Drive dynamically directs torque to individual rear wheels, providing optimal traction on snowy roads, icy grades, and gravel trails surrounding Helena.


Explore 2026 Honda Pilot Trim Levels

Pilot Sport

Starting MSRP: $43,890*

  • ✓ 285-hp 3.5L V6 Engine
  • ✓ 12.3-inch Color Touchscreen
  • ✓ Wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Autoâ„¢
  • ✓ Honda Sensing® Safety Suite
  • ✓ Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control

Pilot EX-L

Starting MSRP: $46,190*

  • ✓ Leather-Trimmed Seating
  • ✓ Power Tailgate & Power Driver Seat
  • ✓ Heated Front Seats
  • ✓ CabinTalk® In-Car Intercom
  • ✓ Wireless Phone Charger

Pilot TrailSport

Starting MSRP: $52,090*

  • ✓ Off-Road Suspension (+1" Ground Clearance)
  • ✓ i-VTM4® AWD with Trail Torque Logic
  • ✓ Steel Skid Plates & Recovery Points
  • ✓ TrailWatchâ„¢ Camera System
  • ✓ All-Terrain Tires & 18" Black Wheels

Ready to Experience the 2026 Honda Pilot?

Visit Mathaler Honda of Helena to compare these 3-row SUVs in person or view our online inventory today.

Explore Pilot Inventory Check Current Specials

Frequently Asked Questions

Every 2026 Honda Pilot comes standard with a naturally aspirated 285-hp 3.5L V6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering smoother power delivery and higher overall horsepower than the 265-hp 4-cylinder engines in the Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander.
Select 2026 Honda Pilot trims feature an innovative multi-function 2nd row with a removable center seat that can be stowed beneath the rear floorboard, letting you alternate between 8-passenger capacity and captain's chair walkthrough access on demand.
Yes, when properly equipped with Honda's available AWD system, the 2026 Honda Pilot offers a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs., making it ideal for hauling trailers, boats, or outdoor recreation gear across Big Sky country.
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2026 Honda Ridgeline

2026 Honda Ridgeline vs. Toyota Tacoma vs. Ford Ranger

2026 Honda Ridgeline vs. Toyota Tacoma vs. Ford Ranger Compare the smart, versatile midsize pickup—the 2026 Honda Ridgeline—against traditional trucks like the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger. Designed for superior daily ride quality, spacious passenger comfort, standard V6 power, and innovative bed features, the Ridgeline is built for Montana life. Shop New Ridgeline Inventory View New Vehicle Specials The Smarter Midsize Pickup for Helena, MT The 2026 Honda Ridgeline redefines midsize truck versatility by combining authentic pickup utility with unibody smooth handling and a spacious 5-passenger crew cab. While competitors like the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger rely on stiffer traditional leaf-spring suspensions, the Ridgeline utilizes an independent rear suspension to deliver exceptional highway comfort without sacrificing capability. Powered by a standard 280-horsepower V6 engine and equipped with standard i-VTM4® AWD, the Ridgeline stands out with exclusive segment features including a lockable In-Bed Trunk® and Dual-Action Tailgate. Visit Mathaler Honda of Helena to experience the Ridgeline today! Comparing Key Features & Specifications Feature / Spec 2026 Honda Ridgeline 2026 Toyota Tacoma 2026 Ford Ranger Starting MSRP $40,795* ~$32,145 ~$32,970 Standard Engine 3.5L V6 (280 hp) 2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl (228-278 hp) 2.3L EcoBoost 4-Cyl (270 hp) Standard Drivetrain i-VTM4® AWD Standard Rear-Wheel Drive (4WD Opt.) Rear-Wheel Drive (4WD Opt.) Lockable In-Bed Trunk® Standard (7.3 cu. ft.) Not Available Not Available Dual-Action Tailgate Standard (Swings & Drops) Not Available Not Available Rear Suspension Type Independent Multi-Link Leaf Spring / Coil Spring Leaf Spring Spacious 5-Passenger Cabin Comfort Step inside the 2026 Honda Ridgeline to experience a cabin that feels more like a refined SUV than a noisy truck. Offering superior rear-seat shoulder room and legroom compared to both the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger, adults can sit comfortably in the back row on longer trips. Under-seat storage space in the rear row provides secure, out-of-sight storage for gear, tools, or outdoor equipment, while available leather-trimmed seating, heated front seats, and tri-zone climate control keep you comfortable year-round. Innovative In-Bed Trunk® & Dual-Action Tailgate The 2026 Ridgeline offers truck bed features that competitors simply cannot replicate. The standard lockable In-Bed Trunk® provides 7.3 cubic feet of weather-sealed, secure storage under the bed floor complete with a drain plug—perfect for storing tools, tailgating ice, or wet gear. Additionally, the Dual-Action Tailgate opens both downward like a traditional truck and sideways like a door, giving you closer, easier access when loading heavy cargo in Helena. Standard V6 Power & i-VTM4® AWD Capability Under the hood, the 2026 Honda Ridgeline features a smooth 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Unlike base 4-cylinder engines on the Tacoma and Ranger, the Ridgeline comes standard with V6 performance and standard i-VTM4® Intelligent Variable Torque Management™ AWD. Features like Intelligent Traction Management (with Snow, Sand, and Mud modes) ensure total control on Montana's harshest winter roads, while an available One-Touch Power Moonroof brings fresh Big Sky air into the cabin. Explore 2026 Honda Ridgeline Trim Levels Ridgeline Sport Starting MSRP: $40,795* ✓ 280-hp 3.5L V6 Engine ✓ i-VTM4® All-Wheel Drive Standard ✓ Lockable In-Bed Trunk® & Dual-Action Tailgate ✓ Honda Sensing® Driver Assist Suite ✓ Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control Ridgeline RTL Starting MSRP: $43,595* ✓ Leather-Trimmed Seats ✓ One-Touch Power Moonroof ✓ Heated Front Seats & Leather Steering Wheel ✓ Power-Adjustable Driver Seat w/ Memory ✓ Acoustic Windshield Glass Ridgeline TrailSport Starting MSRP: $45,995* ✓ Off-Road Tuned Suspension ✓ General Grabber™ A/T Sport Tires ✓ Steel Underbody Skid Plate Protection ✓ All-Weather Floor Mats & Orange Stitching ✓ Integrated Class III Trailer Hitch Ready to Experience the 2026 Honda Ridgeline? Visit Mathaler Honda of Helena to compare these midsize trucks in person or browse our current inventory online. Explore Ridgeline Inventory Check Current Specials Frequently Asked Questions How does the Honda Ridgeline's ride quality compare to the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger? Unlike the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger which use traditional body-on-frame leaf-spring rear suspensions, the Honda Ridgeline uses unibody construction with independent rear suspension. This gives the Ridgeline significantly smoother handling, better highway stability, and a quieter ride. What is the In-Bed Trunk® on the 2026 Honda Ridgeline? The In-Bed Trunk® is a standard lockable, weather-sealed 7.3 cubic foot compartment located under the bed floor. It includes a built-in drain plug, allowing it to double as a cooler or secure gear storage. Does the 2026 Honda Ridgeline come standard with All-Wheel Drive? Yes! Every 2026 Honda Ridgeline comes standard with Honda's i-VTM4® All-Wheel Drive system, unlike the Tacoma and Ranger which require extra cost upgrades for 4WD on base trims.

2026 Honda CR-V

2026 Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4 vs. Mazda CX-5

2026 Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4 vs. Mazda CX-5 Compare the award-winning 2026 Honda CR-V against key segment rivals like the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5. Built for versatile Helena drivers, the CR-V delivers class-leading cargo space, refined passenger comfort, advanced safety technology, and available Real Time AWD™. Shop New CR-V Inventory View New Vehicle Specials The Preferred Midsize Compact SUV in Helena, MT The 2026 Honda CR-V sets the standard for compact crossovers with an ideal mix of cabin roominess, smooth performance, and long-term dependability. Whether navigating daily commutes through downtown Helena or taking off on weekend trips across Montana, the CR-V gives you more usable cargo volume and rear-seat legroom than both the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5. While the RAV4 offers a capable alternative and the Mazda CX-5 emphasizes athletic styling, the 2026 Honda CR-V brings together the most complete package—featuring a standard 190-hp turbocharged engine, available Real Time AWD™, and intuitive safety through standard Honda Sensing®. Visit Mathaler Honda of Helena to test drive the CR-V today! Comparing Key Features & Specifications Feature / Spec 2026 Honda CR-V 2026 Toyota RAV4 2026 Mazda CX-5 Starting MSRP $30,100* ~$28,675 ~$28,570 Standard Engine / Horsepower 1.5L Turbo 4-Cyl / 190 hp 2.5L 4-Cyl / 203 hp 2.5L 4-Cyl / 187 hp Max Cargo Space (Seats Down) 76.5 cu. ft. 69.8 cu. ft. 59.6 cu. ft. Rear Legroom 41.0 in. 37.8 in. 39.6 in. Standard Safety Suite Honda Sensing® Toyota Safety Sense™ i-Activesense® Real Time AWD™ Option Available Available Standard Class-Leading Cargo Space & Utility When it comes to practicality, the 2026 Honda CR-V easily leads the competition. With up to 76.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity when folding down the 60/40 split rear seatbacks, the CR-V vastly outperforms the Toyota RAV4 (69.8 cu. ft.) and Mazda CX-5 (59.6 cu. ft.). A low cargo liftover height and available Hands-Free Access Power Tailgate make loading gear, luggage, or groceries in Helena effortless. Exceptional Passenger Comfort & Cabin Quality Inside, the 2026 Honda CR-V offers an open, ergonomic layout built around driver and passenger comfort. Passengers in the back seat benefit from an expansive 41.0 inches of rear legroom —noticeably superior to the RAV4's 37.8 inches. High-quality interior details include honeycomb mesh dash accents, available leather-trimmed seating, a power-adjustable driver seat with memory, and dual-zone climate control for comfortable cruising on longer journeys. Confident Performance & Honda Sensing® Safety Under the hood, the 2026 CR-V comes powered by a responsive 190-horsepower 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). For all-weather capability during Montana winters, available Real Time AWD™ actively distributes torque to assist with snow, mud, and slick roads. Every 2026 CR-V includes the Honda Sensing® safety suite standard, featuring: Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) & Blind Spot Information Explore 2026 Honda CR-V Gas Trim Levels CR-V LX Starting MSRP: $30,100* ✓ 190-hp 1.5L Turbocharged Engine ✓ Honda Sensing® Safety Suite ✓ Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ ✓ LED Headlights with Auto-On/Off ✓ Available Real Time AWD™ CR-V EX Starting MSRP: $32,350* ✓ One-Touch Power Moonroof ✓ Heated Front Seats ✓ 18-inch Alloy Wheels ✓ 10-Way Power Driver's Seat ✓ Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control CR-V EX-L Starting MSRP: $35,000* ✓ Leather-Trimmed Seats ✓ Wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ ✓ Power Tailgate ✓ 9-inch Touchscreen Display ✓ 8-Speaker Premium Sound System Ready to Experience the 2026 Honda CR-V? Visit Mathaler Honda of Helena to compare these crossovers in person or explore our new inventory online today. Explore CR-V Inventory Check Current Specials Frequently Asked Questions Does the 2026 Honda CR-V have more cargo space than the RAV4 and CX-5? Yes, the 2026 Honda CR-V offers up to 76.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo space with the rear seats folded down, outclassing both the Toyota RAV4 (69.8 cu. ft.) and the Mazda CX-5 (59.6 cu. ft.). How does rear legroom in the Honda CR-V compare to competitors? The Honda CR-V boasts 41.0 inches of rear legroom, providing significantly more stretch-out comfort for backseat passengers than the Toyota RAV4 (37.8 inches). Is All-Wheel Drive available on the 2026 Honda CR-V for Helena winters? Yes, Honda's Real Time AWD™ is available across all non-hybrid and hybrid CR-V trims, providing enhanced traction and control in winter road conditions.

2026 Honda HR-V

2026 Honda HR-V vs. Subaru Crosstrek vs. Toyota Corolla Cross

2026 Honda HR-V vs. Subaru Crosstrek vs. Toyota Corolla Cross Discover how the 2026 Honda HR-V stacks up against top competitors like the Subaru Crosstrek and Toyota Corolla Cross. Designed for versatile Helena driving, the HR-V delivers modern tech, refined comfort, and available Real Time AWD™. Shop New HR-V Inventory View New Vehicle Specials The Smart Compact SUV Choice in Helena, MT The 2026 Honda HR-V delivers a smart balance of efficiency, practicality, and modern technology, making it a strong contender in the compact SUV segment against the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek and 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross. With a refined 158-horsepower engine, available Real Time AWD™, and a well-equipped interior featuring a standard 9-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity, the HR-V is built for everyday Montana versatility. While the Subaru Crosstrek emphasizes rugged capability and the Toyota Corolla Cross focuses on simple efficiency, the 2026 Honda HR-V stands out with a more refined interior, intuitive safety features, and a well-rounded driving experience that fits your lifestyle. Visit Mathaler Honda of Helena in Helena, MT today to explore our new inventory and schedule a test drive! Comparing Key Features & Specifications Feature / Spec 2026 Honda HR-V 2026 Subaru Crosstrek 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Starting MSRP $26,500* ~$25,195 ~$23,810 Engine / Horsepower 2.0L 4-Cyl / 158 hp 2.0L 4-Cyl / 152 hp 2.0L 4-Cyl / 169 hp Drivetrain Options FWD or Available Real Time AWD™ Standard AWD FWD or Available AWD Wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ Standard (9" Display) Available (Higher Trims) Available (Higher Trims) Standard Safety Suite Honda Sensing® Subaru EyeSight® Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0 Smart Entry w/ Walk Away Auto Lock® Available Not Available Not Available Performance Features & Capability The 2026 Honda HR-V delivers smooth, reliable performance that fits perfectly into daily commutes and weekend road trips across Montana. Its 2.0-liter engine produces 158 horsepower—giving it more base power than the standard Subaru Crosstrek while ensuring crisp acceleration. Paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and available Real Time AWD™, the HR-V offers exceptional traction when tackling snow and icy Helena roads. Combined with standard Hill Descent Control, the HR-V delivers the stability you need with a quiet, composed ride that outperforms competitors on daily comfort. Interior Comfort & Modern Exterior Design Step inside the cabin, and you'll find the 2026 Honda HR-V offers a significantly more upscale experience than the Crosstrek or Corolla Cross. High-end trim options feature leather-trimmed seating, a one-touch power moonroof, an 8-way power driver's seat, and dual-zone automatic climate control. On the outside, sleek body styling, available 18-inch gloss-black alloy wheels, and full LED lighting give the HR-V a sophisticated, modern silhouette. Flexible 60/40 split-folding rear seats allow you to easily carry sports gear, luggage, or camping equipment on your next trip out of town. Advanced Safety & Intuitive Tech Technology is where the 2026 Honda HR-V shines brightest. Featuring a 9-inch color touchscreen display with standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, staying connected on the go is simple and cable-free. Additional options like a wireless phone charger, remote engine start, and Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock® elevate daily convenience. Safety comes standard across the lineup with Honda Sensing®, a suite of active safety technologies including: Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM) Explore 2026 Honda HR-V Trim Levels HR-V LX Starting MSRP: $26,500* ✓ 158-hp 2.0L Engine ✓ 9-inch Touchscreen Display ✓ Wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ ✓ Honda Sensing® Driver Assist Suite ✓ Available Real Time AWD™ HR-V Sport Starting MSRP: $28,300* ✓ 18-inch Gloss-Black Alloy Wheels ✓ Heated Front Seats ✓ Smart Entry w/ Walk Away Auto Lock® ✓ Remote Engine Start ✓ Sport-Exclusive Grille & Styling HR-V EX-L Starting MSRP: $30,350* ✓ Leather-Trimmed Seats ✓ Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control ✓ One-Touch Power Moonroof ✓ 8-Way Power Driver's Seat ✓ Front & Rear Parking Sensors Ready to Experience the 2026 Honda HR-V? Visit Mathaler Honda of Helena to compare these models in person or browse our online inventory today. Explore HR-V Inventory Check Current Specials Frequently Asked Questions How does the 2026 Honda HR-V compare to the Subaru Crosstrek in power? The standard 2026 Honda HR-V outputs 158 horsepower, which is higher than the base Subaru Crosstrek's 152 horsepower. It also offers a smoother, quieter overall ride for daily commuting. Does the Honda HR-V offer All-Wheel Drive for Montana winters? Yes, all trims of the 2026 Honda HR-V are available with Real Time AWD™, which dynamically sends power to the rear wheels when slipping or harsh conditions are detected. Is the 2026 Honda HR-V equipped with standard wireless smartphone features? Yes, the standard 9-inch touchscreen comes with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, unlike base trims of the Toyota Corolla Cross and Subaru Crosstrek.