2020 Honda Pilot vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2020 Honda Pilot shared the dynamic styling characteristic of the Honda lineup, featuring thin LED headlights and a multi-tiered grille. The subtle uptick in the belt-line around the rear side windows masked the size of the Pilot, making it appear more svelte than it actually was. Inside, the Pilot boasted a modern cabin with a semi-digital instrument panel, combining analog fuel and engine-temperature gauges with a digital screen for other information. The cabin felt comfortable and spacious, though it used hard plastics in many areas, which detracted from its overall refinement compared to rivals like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade.

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that carried the Audi design language well while maintaining its individual character. It featured an expressive face with LED headlights and a big Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width. The body had crisp character lines, and the rear showcased bold, large taillights. Inside, the Q5 was classy and modern, packed with technology yet maintaining an uncluttered appearance. The material selection was high-quality, with real wood, metal, and honed surfaces. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was perfectly positioned at the top of the center stack, and the second row was nicely appointed with standard leather seating surfaces.

The 2020 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The LX, EX, and EX-L trims used a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims featured a 9-speed automatic transmission. The V6 provided stout acceleration, making it easy to move from a standstill or pass on the highway. The Pilot's ride was refined and comfortable, ideal for commutes and road trips, though it lacked athleticism. The Intelligent Traction Management System offered drive modes for various conditions, enhancing its capability slightly.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV took the standard Q5 and added an additional 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque with a 14.1-kWh battery, resulting in a total combined output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup allowed the Q5 PHEV to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds and achieve impressive fuel economy figures of 65 MPGe combined. The Q5 PHEV used a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive and offered modes for driving on battery power only, reserving battery power, or hybrid mode. Handling was good, with a slightly stiff, sporty setting that balanced comfort with road feel, and braking was powerful and predictable.

The 2020 Honda Pilot provided a spacious 8-passenger cabin with second-row bench seating, while the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims featured second-row captain’s chairs, reducing seating capacity to seven. The third row was adult-friendly, and EX trims and higher offered one-touch fold-down rear seats for easier access. With the second and third rows folded, the Pilot provided 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to rivals like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. The Pilot had plenty of spaces for family gear, and higher trims included a power liftgate and hands-free power tailgate.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV managed to carry its battery pack under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It offered 25.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 53.1 cubic feet with the second row folded. The second row provided reasonable legroom (37.8 inches) and plenty of headroom (37.7 inches) and shoulder room (56.5 inches). The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with a wide range of adjustments, heating, and ventilation on the Prestige trim. The front row also featured several storage options, and the overall interior design was smartly laid out and functional.

The 2020 Honda Pilot's LX trim featured a 5-inch color LCD screen with a 215-watt, 7-speaker stereo, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port. Higher trims included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the system's layout was confusing, and it lacked a tuning knob. Higher trims also offered HD Radio, SiriusXM, Cabin Control Remote Capability, navigation, a rear-seat entertainment system, and an upgraded 590-watt, 10-speaker premium audio system. The Elite and Black Edition trims included a wireless charging pad.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi’s latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster with three customizable views. The Prestige Package included the Navigation Package, which optimized fuel consumption and battery usage in hybrid mode. The Integrated Toll Module (ITM) was standard on all Q5 models, and a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system was available on Premium Plus models and standard on the Prestige trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay was also included.

The 2020 Honda Pilot came standard with the HondaSensing suite of driver assistance systems, 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.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 Q5 received top ratings in every category except headlights. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 Q5 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system with brake assist, Audi Pre Sense basic, low-speed collision assist, power child safety locks, electronic stability control, and more. Available driver-assistance features included Audi Advanced Key, Audi Pre Sense rear, Audi Side Assist, Parking System Plus, adaptive cruise control, park steering assist, traffic-sign recognition, and a top-view camera system.