2020 Acura RDX vs 2020 Honda Pilot

The 2020 Acura RDX retained the striking design of its 2019 predecessor, featuring a bold grille and sleek headlights. The large logo on the grille, though oversized, fit well within the overall design. The upper character line swooped from the windshield to the rear hatch, intersected by another line that created a spoiler-like appearance. Inside, the RDX boasted sharp styling with red leather upholstery that contrasted well with the black interior. Standard features included synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power moonroof, and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen. The A-Spec trim added unique 20-inch wheels, ventilated front seats, and a panoramic moonroof, while the Advance Package offered rain-sensing wipers, heated rear seats, and ambient cabin lighting.

The 2020 Honda Pilot shared the dynamic styling of the current Honda lineup, with thin LED headlights and a multi-tiered grille. The belt-line around the rear side windows gave it a more streamlined look. Inside, the Pilot featured a semi-digital instrument panel and a spacious, comfortable cabin, though it used hard plastics in many areas. Trim levels ranged from the base LX with 18-inch alloy wheels and push-button start to the range-topping Black Edition with unique black-painted wheels and exterior accents. The EX trim added remote start, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, while the Elite trim included a panoramic sunroof and heated and ventilated front seats.

The 2020 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided strong acceleration and a pleasing engine note. Power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission, available with front-wheel drive or Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD). The RDX offered drive modes including Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport-Plus, which adjusted throttle response, shift patterns, and steering feel. Fuel economy for the A-Spec model with SH-AWD was an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city, 27 highway, and 24 combined. The RDX excelled in both acceleration and handling, making it a versatile performer.

The 2020 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The LX, EX, and EX-L trims used a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims had a 9-speed automatic. The V6 provided strong acceleration for real-world driving, though it wasn't the segment leader. 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.

The 2020 Acura RDX offered a spacious cabin with comfortable and supportive front seats. The second row provided good headroom and decent legroom. The RDX had 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 58.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The cargo area was easily accessible, with a helpful cubby and a hidden cargo area under the load floor.

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 seating capacity to seven. The third row was adult-friendly, and EX trims and higher had one-touch fold-down rear seats for easier access. The Pilot offered 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, comparable to rivals like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. The Pilot had plenty of storage spaces for family gear, and higher trims included a power liftgate and hands-free power tailgate.

The 2020 Acura RDX's infotainment system was a letdown, operated via a touchpad that was less intuitive than a touchscreen. Standard tech features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 9-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added navigation and a premium audio system, while the A-Spec trim featured an ELS Studio 3D sound system with 16 speakers. The Advance Package included a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2020 Honda Pilot's LX trim had a 5-inch color LCD screen, while other trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system had a confusing layout, lacking a tuning knob. Higher trims included HD Radio, SiriusXM, and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims had a 590-watt, 10-speaker premium audio system and mobile hotspot capability. The Elite and Black Edition also featured a wireless charging pad.

The 2020 Acura RDX came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, LATCH child-seat mounting systems, and a rear-view camera. It also included driver-assistance features like lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Technology Package added parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring, while the Advance Package included a 360-degree camera. The 2019 RDX received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2020 Honda Pilot came standard with the HondaSensing suite, including forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It also had front and side-impact airbags, child-seat anchors, and traction control. Optional safety features included parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring. The Pilot earned a 5-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Good crash test score from the IIHS, with a Superior rating for crash prevention technology.