2020 Honda Pilot vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2020 Honda Pilot was designed with dynamic styling that aligned with the rest of the Honda lineup. It featured thin LED headlights and a multi-tiered grille, with a belt-line uptick around the rear side windows that cleverly masked its size, giving it a more streamlined appearance. Inside, the Pilot offered a modern cabin with a semi-digital instrument panel, where analog gauges for fuel and engine temperature were complemented by a digital screen in front of the driver. The cabin was comfortable and spacious, though it used hard plastics in many areas, which made it less upscale compared to rivals like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. The Pilot was available in several trims, from the base LX to the top-tier Black Edition, each adding more features and luxury touches.

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's high-quality craftsmanship, unmistakably part of the brand's SUV range. Its design, from the iconic kidney grille to its body shape, was distinctly BMW, though it risked blending in with other models in a crowded parking lot. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and offered different styling options, such as the xLine with matte aluminum accents and the M Sport with body-color trim and high-gloss black details. Inside, the X5's interior was consistent with BMW's design language, using parts common across the brand's lineup. While it included plenty of leather and soft-touch materials, the interior also had an abundance of black plastic. The M Sport models added unique styling elements like an M sports steering wheel and exclusive trim strips.

The 2020 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with either a 6-speed automatic transmission for the LX, EX, and EX-L trims, or a 9-speed automatic for the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims. The 9-speed transmission offered more refined acceleration and potentially better fuel economy. The Pilot's ride was tuned for comfort, making it ideal for commutes and road trips, though it lacked athleticism. It featured an Intelligent Traction Management System with drive modes for different conditions, enhancing its capability in various terrains.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i had a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i featured a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 523 horsepower, while the X5 M delivered 600 horsepower, increasing to 617 with the Competition Package. The X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid combined a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 389 horsepower and offering up to 30 miles of all-electric range. The X5's driving dynamics were less engaging than expected from BMW, with steering issues at both low and high speeds. However, the cabin was quiet, and the suspension absorbed road imperfections well.

The 2020 Honda Pilot offered a spacious cabin for up to eight passengers, with second-row bench seating. Higher trims featured second-row captain’s chairs, reducing capacity to seven. The Pilot's third row was adult-friendly, unlike some competitors. With the rear seats folded, it provided 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly less than some rivals but more than the Mazda CX-9. The Pilot was designed for family use, with ample storage for toys and gear, and features like a conversation mirror to keep an eye on rear passengers.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with front cupholders positioned conveniently and a wireless phone charging pad out of the driver's line of sight. The seating was comfortable for short trips, though the front seats could feel hard over longer distances. The rear seats were spacious for children and could accommodate two adults comfortably. The X5 retained its split liftgate, with power functionality and a vehicle height adjustment button for easier loading. Without the third row, the cargo area was spacious, though the xDrive45e offered slightly less space. Accessing the second row was somewhat challenging due to narrow door openings.

The 2020 Honda Pilot's base LX trim featured a 5-inch color LCD screen with a 215-watt, 7-speaker stereo. Higher trims included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system, however, was criticized for its confusing layout and lack of a tuning knob. Features like HD Radio, SiriusXM, and Cabin Control Remote Capability were available on all but the base trim. The Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims offered an upgraded audio system, navigation, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2021 BMW X5 came standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system included a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and various connectivity options. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, massaging seats, and premium audio systems. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar. However, wireless Apple CarPlay had connectivity quirks, often taking over audio functions unexpectedly.

The 2020 Honda Pilot came with the HondaSensing suite, including 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 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with numerous standard safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. However, some systems, like the Driving Assistance Professional Package, had performance issues, particularly in bright sunlight or rain. The X5 received mostly Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, despite being subject to several recalls.