2020 Honda Pilot vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

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 was available in several trims, with the EX trim recommended for its added features like remote start and Apple CarPlay.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved from its rugged origins to a symbol of luxury. Starting at $92,000, it offered a wide range of powertrains and personalization options, with the potential to exceed $250,000 for a fully loaded long-wheelbase version. The HSE Westminster special edition, priced at $106,715, featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine. The Range Rover's design, with its hallmark cues and timeless look, was complemented by a luxurious interior with a high-contrast design. However, its InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was not as intuitive as newer systems, requiring a learning curve for users.

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. The LX, EX, and EX-L trims came with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition featured a 9-speed automatic for smoother acceleration and better fuel economy. The Pilot's ride was tuned for comfort, making it ideal for commutes and road trips, though it lacked athleticism. It included an Intelligent Traction Management System with modes for different conditions, enhancing its capability in various terrains.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered multiple powertrain choices, including a turbodiesel V6, a supercharged V8, and hybrid options. The HSE Westminster edition featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Standard four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case ensured its off-road prowess. The Range Rover's adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, though its steering was slow and the vehicle's weight led to some body roll. It achieved an average fuel economy of 18.5 mpg, slightly below the EPA's combined estimate of 20 mpg.

The 2020 Honda Pilot offered a spacious cabin for up to eight passengers, with second-row captain’s chairs available in higher trims. Its third row was adult-friendly, and the EX trim and above featured one-touch fold-down rear seats for easier access. With the rear seats folded, the Pilot provided 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space, competitive with its rivals. The SUV was designed for family use, with ample storage for toys and gear, and a conversation mirror to keep an eye on rear passengers.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier entry and exit. The front seats were comfortable and wrapped in quality leather, but the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability, leading to an uncomfortable seating position. Storage space was limited, with a small refrigerated center console bin and minimal luggage volume. The cargo area offered 25 cubic feet of space, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet, with a suspension kneel function for easier loading.

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 confusing layout. Additional features included HD Radio, SiriusXM, and a Cabin Control Remote Capability. The Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims offered an upgraded audio system and mobile hotspot capability.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover boasted a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, while advanced, was not entirely intuitive and could be distracting while driving. Users were advised to set up the system at home to minimize distractions. The Range Rover also featured a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for easy access to the owner's manual.

The 2020 Honda Pilot came standard with the HondaSensing suite, including forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. 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 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was noted for its slow response.