2020 Honda Pilot vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2020 Honda Pilot exhibited a dynamic styling consistent with the Honda lineup, featuring thin LED headlights and a multi-tiered grille. Its design cleverly masked its 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. The cabin was spacious and comfortable, 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 Pilot's trim levels ranged from the basic LX to the luxurious Black Edition, each adding more features and upscale touches.

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis' first SUV, was a fresh design that balanced innovation with brand consistency. Its elegant two-box design featured a long hood, a massive trapezoidal grille, and the signature "Quad Lamp" LED headlights. The GV80's exterior was marked by big wheel arches and high-quality paint and trim. Inside, the GV80 boasted a sleek, technology-laden cabin with a focus on horizontal design elements. The dashboard was uncluttered, featuring a 14.5-inch high-definition display and authentic materials like real wood and leather. The GV80's interior was a testament to luxury, offering a sophisticated and inviting space.

The 2020 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with a 6-speed automatic transmission for lower trims and a 9-speed automatic for higher trims. The Pilot's V6 provided strong acceleration for everyday driving, though it wasn't the fastest in its class. The 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 for different conditions, enhancing its versatility.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine choices: a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The GV80's eight-speed automatic transmission came with paddle shifters, and all-wheel drive was standard on V6 models. The GV80's ride was smooth, thanks to its advanced suspension systems, and it offered a unique character with each engine. The V6 was particularly refined, benefiting from active noise cancellation. Fuel economy varied by engine and drivetrain, with the 2.5T offering up to 23 mpg combined and the 3.5T up to 20 mpg combined.

The 2020 Honda Pilot provided a spacious cabin for up to eight passengers, with the option for second-row captain's chairs in higher trims, reducing capacity to seven. Its third row was adult-friendly, and the one-touch fold-down rear seats made access easy. The Pilot offered 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, competitive with its rivals. It was designed for family use, with plenty of storage spaces and features like a conversation mirror to keep an eye on passengers.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sophisticated interior with advanced technology and luxury touches. The center console and stack were ergonomically designed, with a rotary gear selector and multimedia controller. The second row was spacious, with available power seats and window shades. A third row was standard on certain models, increasing capacity to seven, though it was not available on all trims. The GV80's interior was a blend of technology and luxury, offering a comfortable and high-end experience.

The 2020 Honda Pilot's base LX trim included a 5-inch color LCD screen and a 7-speaker stereo. Higher trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the system's interface was criticized for its complexity. Additional features included HD Radio, SiriusXM, and a rear-seat entertainment system on higher trims. The Touring, Elite, and Black Edition offered a premium audio system and mobile hotspot capability.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's infotainment system was a highlight, with a 14.5-inch HD screen and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered cloud-connected services, allowing for personalized profiles and over-the-air updates. The GV80 included a digital key function for Android users and a comprehensive suite of connected services. Higher trims featured a head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster. The audio system ranged from a standard 12-speaker setup to a 21-speaker Lexicon system.

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

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time, but Genesis aimed for top safety ratings. It featured 10 airbags, including a front-center airbag, and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies. The GV80's adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist were notable features, enhancing safety and convenience.