When exploring the competitive landscape of three-row sport utility vehicles, the 2025 Honda Pilot and the 2025 Toyota Highlander consistently emerge as leading contenders. Both models from Japanese manufacturers offer attractive features such as comfortable cabins and top-tier safety evaluations from the NHTSA. Although the Honda Pilot typically has a slightly lower starting price, the Highlander is a close second. Despite their apparent similarities, these two SUVs possess distinct characteristics that could influence a family's vehicle selection based on their specific travel requirements.
A significant divergence between these family-friendly vehicles lies in their interior dimensions. Both the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander are designed to accommodate seven or eight occupants across three rows. However, the Pilot boasts a slightly longer wheelbase, measuring 113.8 inches compared to the Highlander's 112.2 inches. This seemingly minor difference of about an inch and a half translates into a noticeable increase in interior volume for the Pilot. In terms of cargo capacity, the Pilot provides 18.6 cubic feet with all three rows in use, surpassing the Highlander's 16 cubic feet. When the third row is stowed, their cargo volumes become more comparable, with the Pilot offering 48.5 cubic feet and the Highlander 48.4 cubic feet. Folding down both the second and third rows further extends the Pilot's lead, reaching 87 cubic feet against the Highlander's 84.3 cubic feet.
Passenger comfort also leans in favor of the Pilot, which offers a total passenger volume of 158.4 cubic feet, significantly more than the Highlander's 141.8 cubic feet. This advantage is particularly evident in the third row, where the Pilot provides 39.3 inches of headroom and 32.5 inches of legroom. In contrast, the Highlander's third row measures 36.1 inches for headroom and 28 inches for legroom, potentially making it less comfortable for adult passengers on longer journeys.
However, the Toyota Highlander gains an edge in fuel efficiency. For two-wheel-drive configurations, most 2025 Pilot models achieve approximately 19 miles per gallon in urban driving and 27 miles per gallon on highways. The 2025 Highlander, when similarly equipped, demonstrates better efficiency, reaching up to 22 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway. Opting for all-wheel drive in the Honda Pilot results in a decrease of two miles per gallon on the highway, while the Toyota Highlander's all-wheel-drive variants experience a reduction of one mile per gallon in both city and highway ratings. A notable advantage for the Highlander is the availability of a hybrid version, which starts at $46,820 and delivers an impressive 35 miles per gallon in both city and highway conditions, a powertrain option not available for the Pilot.
Regarding performance, the Honda Pilot, with its standard 3.5-liter V6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission, produces a higher horsepower of 285 and 262 pound-feet of torque. The Toyota Highlander, equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, generates 265 horsepower but a superior 310 pound-feet of torque. While the horsepower difference is minimal, the Highlander's higher torque figure is crucial for towing capabilities. Both SUVs can tow up to 5,000 pounds, but the Pilot achieves this only with all-wheel drive; its two-wheel-drive models are limited to 3,500 pounds. The Highlander, thanks to its greater torque, can tow up to 5,000 pounds regardless of its drivetrain configuration. The cost difference for all-wheel drive is also a factor, with the Highlander's upgrade costing an additional $1,600, while the Pilot's is $2,100. This could lead to significant savings for Highlander buyers who prioritize towing capacity without needing all-wheel drive.
Ultimately, both the 2025 Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander present compelling options within the three-row SUV category, each with distinct strengths and weaknesses. The Pilot excels in passenger and cargo volume, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize spaciousness. Conversely, the Highlander stands out with its superior fuel economy, particularly its hybrid offering, and a more robust towing capacity across all drivetrain options. The decision between these two capable vehicles will largely depend on individual priorities regarding interior space, fuel efficiency, and towing needs. Prospective buyers are encouraged to experience both models firsthand to determine which best aligns with their family's lifestyle and demands.
A Massachusetts-based Chrysler dealership recently transformed its service department introduction into a nostalgic video game experience, captivating a wide online audience. Metro Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram released a 20-second Facebook reel in August that ingeniously presented their service technicians as selectable characters from a 90s fighting game, complete with rotating camera angles and an authentic character selection interface. This innovative approach garnered significant positive attention, demonstrating a keen understanding of social media engagement and effective, humorous marketing.
The "Choose Your Technician" video overlayed retro-style fonts and a glowing "PRESS START" button, immersing viewers in the gaming theme. Each technician was showcased performing their duties, wielding tools like martial arts weapons, while their unique "attributes" — a blend of strengths and humorous weaknesses — flashed on screen. For instance, Kyle, the "fastest tire changer," was noted for fitting into "small places" but unable to "reach the top shelf." Shop foreman Eric, a "master Chrysler tech," had the "weaknesses" of a "stomach" and being "sarcastic." The segment featuring Ian, whose strength was "Can squat two turbos" and being "tall," humorously listed his weakness as "drives a Miata," which sparked considerable debate and amusement among viewers. The lineup also included Jamison, the "always positive" newcomer, Justin, organized but having "come from parts department," and Jose, the suspension specialist, whose quirks included being "messy & can't swim."
The dealership's creative initiative reflects a growing trend in automotive marketing, where humor and authenticity are leveraged to connect with potential customers. This strategy, similar to an Albany, New York dealer's viral 'The Office'-themed video series, highlights the increasing importance of social media as a primary research tool for car buyers. By personalizing their service team with relatable quirks and strengths, Metro Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram fostered a sense of trust and approachability, proving that a playful and genuine online presence can significantly enhance a business's image and resonate deeply with consumers.
The success of this campaign underscores the power of creative and authentic marketing in building genuine connections with customers. By embracing humor and showcasing the unique personalities within their team, Metro Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram not only entertained but also effectively communicated their values and professionalism. This innovative approach serves as a testament to the fact that genuine connection and a touch of fun can significantly enhance customer trust and loyalty in any industry.
The automotive landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, marked by the gradual disappearance of manual transmissions. What was once the standard across most vehicles, especially in Europe, is now rapidly being supplanted by automatic counterparts. This shift reflects both technological evolution and changing driver demands, leading to a significant decline in the market share of stick-shift cars globally, with the trend gaining unstoppable momentum.
This transition signifies more than just a change in vehicle mechanics; it mirrors broader societal and technological progress. As automatic transmission technology matures, becoming more efficient and cost-effective, its appeal grows. The increasing density of urban traffic further favors automatics, offering a more convenient and less demanding driving experience. This evolution suggests a future where manual transmissions will become an increasingly niche feature, potentially exclusive to performance-oriented or specialized vehicles.
The Global Shift from Manual to Automatic
In the early 2000s, manual transmissions were the undisputed champions across Europe's leading automotive markets. In 2001, an overwhelming 91% of newly registered passenger vehicles in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Spain were equipped with manual gearboxes. This preference extended even to premium and luxury segments, where manual was still prevalent. The initial high cost and complexity of automatic technology meant it was seen as a luxury item, limiting its widespread adoption. However, much like other automotive innovations such as airbags, mass production and development led to a drastic reduction in cost, making automatic transmissions more accessible to a wider consumer base. This accessibility, combined with the growing challenge of navigating congested city streets, has accelerated the transition, making automatic transmissions the increasingly preferred choice for drivers seeking convenience and comfort. By 2024, the landscape had dramatically altered, with manual transmissions accounting for a mere 29% of new registrations in these same five European markets. This dramatic reversal highlights a significant industry-wide change, impacting both mainstream and luxury vehicle categories. The market share of automatic transmissions in premium vehicles surged from 31% in 2001 to a staggering 97% by 2024, while mainstream brands saw an increase from 5% to 63% during the same period. These figures underscore a clear and accelerating preference for automatic gearboxes across all vehicle segments.
The American Experience: A Precedent for Change
The United States has long been a leader in the adoption of automatic transmissions, setting a precedent for the global trend. General Motors pioneered the first mass-produced automatic transmission in 1939, laying the groundwork for its dominance in the American market. By 2001, vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions already constituted nearly 72% of new light vehicle sales, encompassing both cars and small trucks, while manual transmissions held only a 28% share. This disparity has only widened over time, culminating in manual transmissions accounting for a negligible 0.8% of new light vehicle sales in the US last year. This trend underscores the deep-rooted preference for automatic convenience in a country characterized by its vast road networks and often heavy traffic. While a few sports car models continue to offer manual options, catering to enthusiasts who value the traditional driving experience, these represent a dwindling segment. The data suggests that even this niche market might face increasing pressure in the coming years, as the automotive industry continues its inexorable march towards fully automated driving solutions. The long-term viability of manual transmissions appears increasingly uncertain, making them a truly endangered species in the evolving automotive ecosystem.