2020 Honda Pilot vs 2021 Lexus GX
Overview | |
MSRP$31,650 | MSRP$53,450 |
Average price$26,024 | Average price$44,099 |
Listings658 | Listings367 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews5.3 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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2020 Honda Pilot Reviews SummaryThe Honda Pilot was once the leader of the midsize 3-row SUV pack. But several rivals from Hyundai, Kia, and Mazda have caught up to (and in some cases, surpassed) the Pilot. Still, the Pilot offers tons of cargo space, an adult-friendly third row, and an impressive list of standard safety features. But Honda’s choices on driver controls and in-car tech are its biggest shortcomings. Read on to learn how the Pilot stacks up against the competition, and to learn the CarGurus recommended trim. | |
2021 Lexus GX Reviews SummaryMost modern SUVs are really car-based crossovers—lifted station wagons, or minivans without the sliding doors. That’s not the case with the 2021 Lexus GX 460. Like the mythical Loch Ness Monster, the GX is a creature that time forgot. It’s one of the last SUVs with truck-like body-on-frame construction and true off-road capability. That’s because the GX is actually a rebadged Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (a smaller version of the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser not sold in the United States), and is related to the Toyota 4Runner. It’s also genuinely old: the current generation dates back to the 2010 model year, and Lexus has kept it in production with some updates of styling and tech over the years. That makes the GX a fairly odd proposition on the new-car market. It has the off-road capability, not as a lifestyle statement, but because that’s what was still expected of SUVs when it was launched. The GX sits between the RX and LX in Lexus’ lineup but has little direct competition. Its only real rival is the much newer Land Rover Discovery. For the 2021 model year, the GX gets some minor updates, including a new Premium Plus Package, and acoustic front side glass. Lexus continues to offer only the GX 460 model, with a single powertrain option, standard four-wheel drive (4WD), and three trim levels: base, Premium, and Luxury. Our test car was the midlevel Premium version. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine3.5L 280 hp V6 | Engine4.6L 301 hp V8 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainAWD |
Seating Capacity8 | Seating Capacity7 |
Horsepower280 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower301 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City19 | MPG City15 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway19 |
Engine | |
Engine Name3.5L 280 hp V6 | Engine Name4.6L 301 hp V8 |
Torque262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | Torque329 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
Horsepower280 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower301 hp @ 5500 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainAWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City19 | MPG City15 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway19 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity8 | Seating Capacity7 |
Key Features | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Sunroof/MoonroofOptional |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space16.5 cu ft | Cargo Space11.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight4036 lbs | Curb Weight5130 lbs |
Height70.6 in | Height74.2 in |
Length196.5 in | Length192.1 in |
Width78.6 in | Width74.2 in |
Wheelbase111.0 in | Wheelbase109.8 in |
Maximum Payload1509 lbs | Maximum Payload1315 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity6500 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $31,650 | $53,450 |
Average price | $26,024 | $44,099 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.0 out of 10Read full review | 5.3 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
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Summary | The Honda Pilot was once the leader of the midsize 3-row SUV pack. But several rivals from Hyundai, Kia, and Mazda have caught up to (and in some cases, surpassed) the Pilot. Still, the Pilot offers tons of cargo space, an adult-friendly third row, and an impressive list of standard safety features. But Honda’s choices on driver controls and in-car tech are its biggest shortcomings. Read on to learn how the Pilot stacks up against the competition, and to learn the CarGurus recommended trim. | Most modern SUVs are really car-based crossovers—lifted station wagons, or minivans without the sliding doors. That’s not the case with the 2021 Lexus GX 460. Like the mythical Loch Ness Monster, the GX is a creature that time forgot. It’s one of the last SUVs with truck-like body-on-frame construction and true off-road capability. That’s because the GX is actually a rebadged Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (a smaller version of the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser not sold in the United States), and is related to the Toyota 4Runner. It’s also genuinely old: the current generation dates back to the 2010 model year, and Lexus has kept it in production with some updates of styling and tech over the years. That makes the GX a fairly odd proposition on the new-car market. It has the off-road capability, not as a lifestyle statement, but because that’s what was still expected of SUVs when it was launched. The GX sits between the RX and LX in Lexus’ lineup but has little direct competition. Its only real rival is the much newer Land Rover Discovery. For the 2021 model year, the GX gets some minor updates, including a new Premium Plus Package, and acoustic front side glass. Lexus continues to offer only the GX 460 model, with a single powertrain option, standard four-wheel drive (4WD), and three trim levels: base, Premium, and Luxury. Our test car was the midlevel Premium version. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 3.5L 280 hp V6 | 4.6L 301 hp V8 |
Drive Train | FWD | AWD |
Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
Horsepower | 280 hp @ 6000 rpm | 301 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City | 19 | 15 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 19 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 3.5L 280 hp V6 | 4.6L 301 hp V8 |
Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | 329 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
Horsepower | 280 hp @ 6000 rpm | 301 hp @ 5500 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 19 | 15 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 19 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
Key Features | ||
Sunroof/Moonroof | Optional | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 16.5 cu ft | 11.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4036 lbs | 5130 lbs |
Height | 70.6 in | 74.2 in |
Length | 196.5 in | 192.1 in |
Width | 78.6 in | 74.2 in |
Wheelbase | 111.0 in | 109.8 in |
Maximum Payload | 1509 lbs | 1315 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 3500 lbs | 6500 lbs |
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 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 Pilot was available in several trims, from the base LX to the luxurious Black Edition, each adding more features and upscale touches.
In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX retained its decade-old body shell with minor updates, including the signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. The GX's styling was coherent despite its age, with a tough, aggressive look that appealed to SUV shoppers. However, the interior did not meet modern luxury standards, with wood trim that felt like plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. While leather upholstery was standard, the overall feel was not as upscale as expected. The GX's interior ergonomics were outdated, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel position, though it did offer excellent outward visibility due to its boxy profile.
The 2020 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The LX, EX, and EX-L trims featured a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims came with 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. The Intelligent Traction Management System offered drive modes for various conditions, enhancing its capability slightly in challenging terrains.
The 2021 Lexus GX was equipped with a 4.6-liter V8 engine delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX's performance was reminiscent of older SUVs, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. Its 5,130-pound weight was noticeable at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, lacking the refinement of unibody SUVs. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, and several driver aids. An optional Off-Road Package further enhanced its ruggedness, making it a strong contender for off-road enthusiasts.
The 2020 Honda Pilot offered a spacious cabin with seating for eight, or seven with second-row captain's chairs in higher trims. Its third row was adult-friendly, unlike many competitors. The Pilot provided 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, slightly less than some rivals but more than the Mazda CX-9. The SUV was designed for family use, with ample storage for toys and gear, and features like a conversation mirror to keep an eye on kids.
The 2021 Lexus GX's interior reflected its age, with limited legroom and an awkward driving position. The dashboard design offered excellent visibility, but forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. Storage space was limited, with small bins and cupholders. The GX came standard with three rows, but the third row was best for children and difficult to access. Cargo space was limited to 64.7 cubic feet with the seats folded, significantly less than competitors. The GX was more suited as a two-row SUV with occasional third-row use.
The 2020 Honda Pilot's base LX trim featured a 5-inch color LCD screen and a 7-speaker stereo. Higher trims included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the system's interface was confusing. Additional features included HD Radio, SiriusXM, and Cabin Control Remote Capability. The Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims offered a premium audio system, navigation, and a rear-seat entertainment system.
The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, with two USB ports for the first two rows. The infotainment system was outdated, with graphics reminiscent of the 1990s. However, analog controls for most functions provided a straightforward interface, a contrast to the touchscreen-centric systems in other luxury SUVs.
The 2020 Honda Pilot came standard with the HondaSensing suite, including forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. 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 Lexus GX included the Lexus Safety System+ as standard, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition.
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Honda Pilot is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2021 Lexus GX scores 5.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Honda Pilot is the recommended choice, offering a better balance of comfort, technology, and safety for most consumers.
Choose the 2020 Honda Pilot if:
- You prioritize a spacious and comfortable interior with family-friendly features.
- You value modern safety technology and high safety ratings.
- You seek a smooth and refined driving experience for daily commutes and road trips.
Choose the 2021 Lexus GX if:
- You need a vehicle with strong off-road capabilities and rugged design.
- You prefer a traditional SUV feel with a powerful V8 engine.
- You appreciate straightforward analog controls over touchscreen interfaces.
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Honda Pilot is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2021 Lexus GX scores 5.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Honda Pilot is the recommended choice, offering a better balance of comfort, technology, and safety for most consumers.
Choose the 2020 Honda Pilot if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a spacious and comfortable interior with family-friendly features.
- You value modern safety technology and high safety ratings.
- You seek a smooth and refined driving experience for daily commutes and road trips.
Choose the 2021 Lexus GX if:
Shop Now- You need a vehicle with strong off-road capabilities and rugged design.
- You prefer a traditional SUV feel with a powerful V8 engine.
- You appreciate straightforward analog controls over touchscreen interfaces.
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.