2020 Honda CR-V vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2020 Honda CR-V, part of Honda's fifth generation of compact crossovers, had a design that was both familiar and enjoyable. Its exterior styling was characterized by soft, curvy lines that gave it a car-like appearance, reminiscent of Honda's sedan lineup. The CR-V's design leaned more towards a station wagon than an SUV, making it a modern choice for family transportation. However, the interior was a mix of textures and materials, with upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery clashing with lower-quality plastics. This contrast reminded drivers that even the pricier CR-V models were essentially upgraded versions of a commodity car rather than premium products.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to solve the styling puzzle with a rugged appearance introduced in a 2019 refresh and a blacked-out look in the 2020 Black Edition. Despite these efforts, the Pilot's exterior design remained an acquired taste. The 2021 model offered seven different versions, ranging from the base LX to the upscale Black Edition, with prices spanning from $32,250 to $49,920. The new Special Edition trim added black 20-inch alloy wheels, wireless smartphone charging, and a hands-free power tailgate. The Pilot's interior featured quality materials, including black leather upholstery with red accents in the Black Edition, but its design resembled a minivan, which didn't do the SUV any favors.

The 2020 Honda CR-V featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This powertrain provided a well-matched driving experience, with the CR-V feeling quick, especially in Sport mode. The CR-V's road manners were excellent, with nimble handling and a firm yet comfortable chassis. Its low curb weight of 3,337 pounds contributed to its agility and fuel efficiency, with FWD models achieving 30 mpg combined and AWD models 29 mpg. The CR-V's fuel economy was among the best in its class, matching the Subaru Forester and surpassing the Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4.

The 2021 Honda Pilot, on the other hand, was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided smooth and refined power, making the SUV quick to accelerate. A nine-speed automatic transmission powered the front wheels, with an available torque-vectoring AWD system for enhanced traction. The Pilot's fuel-saving features included variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start, resulting in an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined for AWD models. The Pilot offered a comfortable ride and unexpectedly athletic handling, thanks to its suspension setup and torque-vectoring AWD system. However, its off-road capability was limited by modest ground clearance and all-season tires.

The 2020 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space and storage solutions. Its cabin was roomy, offering good head- and legroom for both the driver and passengers. The CR-V's excellent seating position and low cowl provided great front visibility. The cargo compartment was spacious, matching the Volkswagen Tiguan in volume despite being shorter. Clever storage solutions, like the deep center console and two-position load floor, made the CR-V practical for everyday use. With the rear seats folded, the CR-V offered 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space, making it easy to accommodate various items.

The 2021 Honda Pilot provided ample room for families, with seating for up to eight people. The test vehicle featured comfortable leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. Second-row captain's chairs were available, offering comfort and flexibility. The Pilot's third-row seat comfort was average for midsize SUVs, with a low and flat bottom cushion. Storage was abundant, with compartments in the door panels, center console, and front seatback pockets. The Pilot's cargo space was generous, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 83.9 cubic feet.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a 5-inch screen in the base LX trim and a 7-inch touchscreen in higher trims. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available only with the larger screen, providing better navigation than Honda's system. The CR-V offered plenty of USB ports in the EX trim and above, with a wireless phone charger added to the Touring trim.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. The Special Edition added wireless phone charging, while the Touring trim included navigation, a WiFi hotspot, and a premium audio system. The Pilot's infotainment system was adequate but lacked a tuning knob and had limited HondaLink subscription services. The Touring trim also offered a rear-seat entertainment system with various connectivity options, making it suitable for family use.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came standard with the "Honda Sensing" system, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. EX trims and above added blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic monitoring. The CR-V earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with some caveats for lower trims due to headlight performance.

Similarly, the 2021 Honda Pilot featured Honda Sensing as standard, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Starting with the EX trim, the Pilot included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The Pilot received favorable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "good" ratings from the IIHS, except for an "acceptable" score for front passenger small overlap frontal-impact protection.