2020 Honda Pilot vs 2019 BMW X5

The 2019 BMW X5 was designed to offer a sedan-like driving experience despite its 5,000-pound weight and tall stature. BMW focused on providing a smooth ride on pavement rather than off-road capabilities, which was a forward-thinking move. The X5 could seat five passengers, with an optional third row expanding capacity to seven, though the third row was cramped. It came with two turbocharged engine options: a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder for the xDrive40i and a 4.4-liter V8 for the xDrive50i, both paired with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i started at $60,700 and included a suite of features like adaptive LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, and a digital gauge cluster. Various packages allowed for further customization, adding features like keyless entry, satellite radio, and advanced safety systems.

The 2020 Honda Pilot shared the dynamic styling of the current Honda lineup, featuring thin LED headlights and a multi-tiered grille. Its design masked its size, making it appear more compact. Inside, the Pilot had a modern cabin with a semi-digital instrument panel and a comfortable, spacious interior, though it used hard plastics in many areas. The Pilot was available in six trims: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition. The EX trim added features like remote start, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, while higher trims offered leather upholstery, a power liftgate, and a panoramic sunroof. The Black Edition, new for 2020, featured unique black-painted wheels and exterior accents.

The 2019 BMW X5 was powered by a turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine in the xDrive40i, delivering 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The xDrive50i's turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 produced 456 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The 8-speed ZF automatic transmission provided smooth and efficient gear changes, contributing to the X5's impressive performance. The xDrive40i could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just over 5 seconds, while the xDrive50i could do it in around 4 seconds. The X5's ride quality was enhanced by its Cluster Architecture platform, which combined steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber for strength and reduced weight. The optional air suspension allowed for adjustable ride height and improved bump absorption, making the X5 a comfortable yet sporty ride.

The 2020 Honda Pilot was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The LX, EX, and EX-L trims used a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition featured a 9-speed automatic. The V6 provided strong acceleration and was suitable for real-world driving, though it wasn't the segment leader in performance. The Pilot's ride was tuned for comfort, making it ideal for commutes and road trips. The Intelligent Traction Management System offered drive modes for various conditions, including Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand, enhancing the Pilot's versatility.

The 2019 BMW X5's interior featured aggressive angles and dual 12.3-inch screens for the updated iDrive infotainment system. While the design was modern, some materials felt cheap compared to competitors. The seats were not very comfortable, with limited thigh support and no ventilation, making them hot. However, the X5 offered ample space, with 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space expandable to 72.3 cubic feet. The split rear tailgate and air suspension made loading cargo easier. The X5 could tow up to 7,200 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2020 Honda Pilot provided a spacious 8-passenger cabin with second-row bench seating, while higher trims featured second-row captain’s chairs, reducing capacity to seven. The third row was adult-friendly, and the EX trim and higher offered one-touch fold-down rear seats for easier access. The Pilot had 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, comparable to its rivals. The EX-L and higher trims included a power liftgate, with the Touring and up offering a hands-free power tailgate. The Pilot was designed for family hauling, with plenty of storage spaces and a conversation mirror to keep an eye on rear passengers.

The 2019 BMW X5's technology was a mixed bag. The gesture control and voice commands were inconsistent, and the iDrive interface, while well-designed, was not as intuitive as competitors. The Driving Assistance Plus package offered limited hands-off driving but was unreliable at high speeds. The adaptive cruise control and Extended Traffic Jam Assistant worked well, but the high-speed autonomy features were problematic. Optional features included Parking Assistant Plus, a night-vision system, and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Harman Kardon stereo provided excellent sound, with an optional Bowers & Wilkins system available for audiophiles.

The 2020 Honda Pilot's LX trim featured a 5-inch color LCD screen and a 215-watt, 7-speaker stereo. Higher trims included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Display Audio system had a confusing layout, lacking a tuning knob and relying heavily on the touchscreen. All but the LX trim included HD Radio, SiriusXM, and Cabin Control Remote Capability. Navigation, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a wall-style power outlet were optional on the EX-L and standard on higher trims. The Touring, Elite, and Black Edition featured a 590-watt, 10-speaker premium audio system and mobile hotspot capability, with the Elite and Black Edition also offering a wireless charging pad.

The 2019 BMW X5 featured a new brake-by-wire setup, providing a nearly natural feel with some unfamiliar feedback during the final moments of braking. The X5 received a 4-star rating from the NHTSA, with 4-star ratings in frontal crash and rollover tests, and 5-star ratings in side crash tests. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ with top scores in all tests.

The 2020 Honda Pilot came standard with the HondaSensing suite, including forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also featured front and side-impact airbags, child-seat anchors, Vehicle Stability Assist, and traction control. Optional safety equipment included front and rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Pilot earned a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and the best crash test score of Good from the IIHS, along with a Superior rating in crash prevention technology.