2020 Honda Pilot vs 2020 Ford Expedition

The 2020 Honda Pilot was known for its dynamic styling, aligning with the contemporary Honda lineup. It featured sleek LED headlights and a multi-tiered grille, with a cleverly designed belt-line that masked its true size, giving it a more streamlined appearance. Inside, the Pilot offered a modern cabin with a semi-digital instrument panel, combining analog gauges for fuel and engine temperature with a digital screen for other information. While the cabin was comfortable and spacious, it did incorporate hard plastics in several areas, which detracted from its overall refinement compared to rivals like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. The Pilot was available in several trims, from the base LX to the luxurious Black Edition, each adding more features and upscale touches.

The 2020 Ford Expedition, last redesigned in 2018, presented a clean and somewhat understated full-size SUV design. While some might have found its styling plain, this simplicity contributed to its timeless appeal. The King Ranch model stood out with 22-inch aluminum wheels, a mesh grille insert, and LED headlights, along with exclusive exterior trim. Inside, the Expedition King Ranch featured special Del Rio leather and numerous King Ranch logos, offering a unique cabin experience. However, the presence of hard plastics, especially in lower trims like the XLT, was a drawback given the vehicle's price point. Despite this, the Expedition's spacious and comfortable interior, particularly in the King Ranch and Platinum trims, provided a luxurious experience for passengers.

The 2020 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission in the LX, EX, and EX-L trims, while the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims received a 9-speed automatic transmission for smoother acceleration and improved fuel economy. The Pilot's ride was tuned for comfort, making it ideal for commutes and road trips, though it lacked athleticism. The Intelligent Traction Management System offered drive modes like Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand, enhancing its capability in various conditions.

The 2020 Ford Expedition featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing power to the rear wheels or optional four-wheel drive. The Expedition excelled in towing, with a capacity of up to 9,300 pounds with rear-drive. Its adaptive damping suspension, standard on the King Ranch, offered a comfortable ride, though the large wheels sometimes resulted in a busy ride on rough surfaces. The independent rear suspension improved ride quality and interior space, making the Expedition a strong performer in its class.

The 2020 Honda Pilot offered a spacious cabin with seating for up to eight passengers, or seven with second-row captain's chairs in higher trims. Its third row was adult-friendly, a rarity among three-row SUVs. With the rear seats folded, the Pilot provided 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space, competitive with rivals like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. The Pilot's interior was designed for family use, with ample storage spaces and features like a conversation mirror to keep an eye on rear passengers.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled in towing, cargo, and passenger capacity. The King Ranch model featured power running boards for easy access and comfortable heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs provided first-class accommodations, and the third row was spacious enough for adults on long trips. The standard-length Expedition offered 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, while the MAX version increased this to 34.3 cubic feet. With all seats folded, the Expedition provided up to 104.6 cubic feet of cargo space, or 121.5 cubic feet in the MAX version.

The 2020 Honda Pilot's base LX trim came with a 5-inch color LCD screen and a 215-watt stereo system. Higher trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the infotainment system's layout was criticized for being confusing. The Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims offered an upgraded audio system, navigation, and a rear-seat entertainment system, with the Elite and Black Edition also including a wireless charging pad.

The 2020 Ford Expedition featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Sync 3, which was user-friendly but occasionally slow. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, and an available Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Expedition also offered a rear-seat entertainment system and Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which simplified trailer maneuvering. While the infotainment system was functional, it lacked the larger screen found in newer Ford models.

The 2020 Honda Pilot came standard with the HondaSensing suite, which included forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating from the IIHS, with a Superior score in crash prevention technology.

The 2020 Ford Expedition included Ford Co-Pilot360 as standard, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It received five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests, with a four-star rollover resistance rating. The Expedition's size and weight contributed to its crash safety, but drivers were encouraged to exercise caution due to its large size.