Rumor has it that new Highlander will be a longer three-row vehicle. So it will be pretty much the same as the Pilot. Why not to take Pilot if, as you said, there are plenty of good deals to be had?
The 2020 will be a few inches longer , but from what I understand , by using the TNGA platform it will have a longer wheel base to prevent much hang over from the back wheels to rear. I expect to see full led headlights, Apple car play , and greatly improved drive feel.
I am hoping and expecting the 2020 to be more sporty looking. I find both the pilot and passport a little bland. This is subjective.... but i will have to see.
As far as three row..... the Highlander is currently a three row. I can simply leave the third row down to make for excellent cargo space.... and who knows on rare occasions I may use the extra seats.
I test drove the Pilot and passport. My biggest dislike in both Pilot and Passport is the push button shifter and fold down arm rests. I very much prefer the regular stick transmission shifter with a center console to rest my arm on.
I also feel the seats in the current highlander are much more comfortable than the Pilot or passport.
Also by waiting for the 2020 to be announced I will probably be able to get an amazing deal on a 2019 highlander if I want it.
I prefer the Toyota V6 because it's dual port injection eliminated potential carbon build up problems and does not require the very expensive belt change that the Honda needs around 100k miles. The Honda direct injection may see carbon build up ... especially with slot of short distance city type driving.
I know a Pilot is not in my future. I was really hoping the Passport would turn out more sporty and unique looking. It's not totally ruled out but not worth more money
Currently, for me, the only thing I like more about the Passport than the 2019 highlander is the audio and infotainment. I expect the 2020 highlander will fix that. But I will say that the touring Passport audio sounds amazing.
So to me a pilot is not an option.
If the dealers were more reasonable I would already be driving a Passport Touring and trying to get used to the push button tranny and arm rests..... I made a fair offer. but now the excitement of getting the new model has worn off.
But if I wait .... I will have the option of a great deal on 2019 new highlander... or love the 2020 highlander and negotiate a fair deal for it..... and the passport will still be there with a little bit of time to get the kinks out ..... and I have a high degree of certainty the Passport won't get anymore expensive.... likely more negotiable.
Puts me in the best negotiating place.
And all the while, every month I drive my paid off 2007 Camry SE I save more money.?
The Passport just doesn't look "finished" to me. Nothing ruled out at this point, but nothing causing me to rush to dealerships either. I'm thinking I'll wait/watch a few months and see if the landscape has improved.