2020 Honda Pilot vs 2021 Lexus GX

2020 Honda Pilot
2020 Honda Pilot
$31,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus GX
2021 Lexus GX
$53,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Honda Pilot
$31,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus GX
$53,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$31,650

MSRP

$53,450

Average price

$26,024

Average price

$44,099

Listings

658

Listings

367

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

5.3 out of 10
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Interior materials feel cheap
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Premium interior materials
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Poor handling
  • Outdated technology

2020 Honda Pilot Reviews 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.

2021 Lexus GX Reviews Summary

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.

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Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.5L 280 hp V6

Engine

4.6L 301 hp V8

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

8

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

280 hp @ 6000 rpm

Horsepower

301 hp @ 5500 rpm

MPG City

19

MPG City

15

MPG Highway

27

MPG Highway

19
2020 Honda Pilot
2020 Honda Pilot
$31,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus GX
2021 Lexus GX
$53,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Honda Pilot
$31,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus GX
$53,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$31,650
$53,450
Average price
$26,024
$44,099
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
4.3
4.6
Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Read full review

5.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Interior materials feel cheap
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Premium interior materials
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Poor handling
  • Outdated technology
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
Look and feel
2020 Honda Pilot
8/10
2021 Lexus GX
7/10

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.

Performance
2020 Honda Pilot
8/10
2021 Lexus GX
6/10

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.

Form and function
2020 Honda Pilot
9/10
2021 Lexus GX
5/10

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.

Technology
2020 Honda Pilot
6/10
2021 Lexus GX
4/10

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.

Safety
2020 Honda Pilot
9/10
2021 Lexus GX
6/10

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.

Cost Effectiveness
2020 Honda Pilot
8/10
2021 Lexus GX
4/10
N/A

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

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.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

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.

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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.

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