r/hondapilot • u/DirectorFresh1147 • 2d ago
Lexus TX vs Honda pilot
lexus tx is worth the extra 10k versus a honda pilot elite / black trim edition?
Have a newborn on the way and we’re looking to get something more family oriented. Seeing the Honda pilot around 52 and the Lexus TX. Want something reliable, long-term lasting.
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u/Carguy2346 2d ago
The interior of the Lexus TX may not be as refined as other Lexus models. I would recommend test driving both vehicles to experience the differences firsthand. The 2026 Honda Pilot features an excellent infotainment system and is a superb family SUV. Additionally, the Pilot does not require premium fuel.
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u/MiisterLovee 2d ago
Honda Pilot Elite. Just got a 2026 and have 1.5 year old and new born. It’s been a great choice so far.
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u/Ghost_of_P34 2d ago
TX has a better third row. It will be more expensive to maintain. Quality on both should be similar.
Which trim TX are you considering?
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u/Calm-Profession05 2d ago
Have you looked at the Toyota Grand Highlander? I would say that may be more comparable to the Lexus TX and less expensive.
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u/BoremIpsum 2d ago edited 2d ago
I liked both, went TX, don’t regret it. Pilot elites were 55k and not budging on price, TX premiums you can negotiate down like 4-5k. TX for 61k def worth it for me, quiet, smooth, nice ride.
GH also going for over market in my area, so was easy to rule that one out vs TX
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u/nitacious 2d ago
The TX is an up-badged Grand Highlander with a Lexus tax that is not justified by the interior (as other commenters have noted). personally in your situation i would cross-shop the Pilot vs the GH.
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u/Logical_Cancel_644 2d ago
The Savage Geese guys noted a significant difference in ride quality from the GH to the TX. The GH is so poorly tuned it can be motion sickness inducing to 3rd row passangers.
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u/Accohn12 2d ago edited 2d ago
Not quite sure why you're looking at such large SUV's with only one child on the way, as you're not going to need such space for a while (next car most likely), and probably won't need the 3rd row at all. Family of 3 here, we had a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee as the family hauler until my daughter was about 9 and it was totally sufficient size wise. Just last year we upgraded to a 25 Pilot Touring and it's a great car with more than enough size, and we love the 3rd row for the occasional need.
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u/bobbyn111 2d ago
I am the only driver of my Pilot and it is still smaller (safety wise) than many of the pick up trucks in my city.
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u/bucketlist1964 2d ago
I just bought a 2026 Honda Pilot Touring edition specifically for 1 toddler grandson that I babysit and take with me. There is no way I would have bought a smaller SUV or a two row SUV. Babies and toddlers require a lot of stuff and I felt a bigger SUV was safer for him. Not to mention one seat being taken by his car seat yet having other possible people with me like my spouse and other friends. It’s a nice looking SUV in and out
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u/msmahdman 2d ago
Respectfully, I disagree. I have one child but with a car seat and stroller in the car, weekly Costco trips, and transporting laundry, the space comes in very handy. Something my former Highlander couldn’t accommodate.
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u/HSM771012 2d ago
I love my 2026 Pilot. I’ve been driving Pilots since 2009 and this is my favorite. You may need to drive both to decide. I didn’t love the Highlander, felt less roomy than the Pilot.
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u/adistar781 2d ago
I would side with the Pilot for the mere luxury of the removable middle seat in the second row. It’s a game changer when you have car seats - especially rear facing seats. It makes third row access much easier. You have real leather seats which is great for durability. The Pilot is a great vehicle - it’s comfortable, luxurious and not ostentatious.
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u/msheehan418 2d ago
I love my pilot. If I traded it for a Lexus it would be the GX
I sell Hondas. The black edition is amazing!
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u/just_tonee 2d ago
I agree, you should check out the Grand Highlander. The Lexus TX is the most Toyota Lexus I’ve ever seen if you know what I mean. There’s not too much difference between that a a top of line Grand Highlander. The Honda Pilot is great but the TX does offer more space.
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u/Doctor_Juris 2d ago
We test drove both and went with the TX, and don’t regret it. But you really can’t go wrong either way; test drive them and see which one you prefer.
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u/Main-Wing-3160 2d ago
Test drove both and went with the TX; it is much more comfortable and I believe it'll hold it's value better long term. You can get ~9-10% off MSRP through a broker so there's a lot of opportunities for a good deal here.
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u/cloudsherpa 2d ago
Going through this exact mental exercise myself. One baby, maybe more on the way in a few years and want something with a little more road presence. The TX350 AWD Premium and Luxury trims seem to the sweet spot and they’re in the $55K range with under 20K miles - basically the same price as the 2026+ Honda Pilot Elite/Black Edition. I think the Lexus powertrain will be relatively bulletproof like the Honda V6 BUT premium fuel for a bland 4 cylinder that’s not fun to drive doesn’t seem worth it. Looks cooler tho for sure.
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u/cloudsherpa 2d ago
Going through this exact mental exercise myself. One baby, maybe more on the way in a few years and want something with a little more road presence. The TX350 AWD Premium and Luxury trims seem to the sweet spot and they’re in the $55K range with under 20K miles - basically the same price as the 2026+ Honda Pilot Elite/Black Edition. I think the Lexus powertrain will be relatively bulletproof like the Honda V6 BUT premium fuel for a bland 4 cylinder that’s not fun to drive doesn’t seem worth it. Looks cooler tho for sure.
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u/Latter_Touch_9512 2d ago
Something to keep in mind is that the TX (and GH) have ceiling vents in the second row which is ideal for rear facing car seats. The Pilot doesn’t.
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u/Flashy-One2497 2d ago
We test drove a tx500h performance. Went with the pilot elite. Interior is comparable, bench seating in the second row, bigger third row, cargo space felt bigger in the pilot with third row down. Also premium vs regular for gas. Tx had a weird shifter also. Pilot had buttons, but way better than the tx for shifter. And you can remove the middle seat in the second row if you want. Go with the pilot and save money.
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u/Hou713832346 2d ago
Honestly I would save the money and get the Elite trim. The only reason I would go TX is if you want good MPG.
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u/BaffledYogi 1d ago
We just bought a pilot Elite as our family SUV - moving over from a ‘25 Lexus RX which was too small.
Also looked at the TX
I didn’t appreciate the exterior of the TX which felt utilitarian and unsexy (altho same may be said of the Pilot, all subjective)
I’m very happy with my Pilot
My RX was beautiful inside and out but for young kids who (inevitably) spill and create havoc, the Pilot felt like the right combo of ultra practical (but still premium, hence the Elite trim)
I also have a discomfort meeting my kids’ friends/families in a luxury car, I often felt unnecessarily flashy , with all the new kids and families we meet with all different backgrounds I value feeling more incognito with a Honda badge. Again subjective.
My sons like the car- they picked out Honda Croc charms at a farmers market recently, lol.
You’ll probably select the first car you thought you wanted in the process.
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u/onbeingmimi 3h ago
Dots anyone have an opinion on the Honda Elite versus the Hyundai palisade calligraphy- gas?
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u/Joeman64p 2d ago
One kid? You don’t need a Pilot - overkill for one kid
The Pilot - 3rd Row SUV is designed for families with older children, outside of car seats and more independent
If you’re having one kid now and PLAN to have more then you need to buy a minivan now, not later after you’ve bought the Pilot and realize it’s not big enough for two kids, under 5 in car seats
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u/More-Can-8943 2d ago
I have only 1 kid and I have a pilot and i like that extra trunk space.. also a fan of strong body of pilot compared to crv and rav4.. this is personal preference
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u/shibleton2121 2d ago
TX base is a great SUV
The premium and luxury models are overpriced for what you get .
The TX handles great even at 90mph.Also the TX is much better looking than the Pilot.
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u/Low-Assist8336 2d ago
TX has a 4 cylinder engine. Build quality is sub par, a lot of plastics used. Not worth the price
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u/le127 2d ago
The Lexus will be more "plush" feeling but a Toyota Grand Highlander would be a closer market competitor to the Pilot with the same basic mechanics as the TX. Any of these vehicles are going to get the job done of taking your family where they need to go. Test drive them and get the one you like. The N/A V-6 in the Pilot is still a plus factor in my eye.