2020 Honda Pilot vs 2021 Lexus NX
Overview | |
MSRP$31,650 | MSRP$37,610 |
Average price$25,247 | Average price$30,696 |
Listings580 | Listings667 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.0 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 NX Reviews SummaryOne year ahead of its redesign, the aged 2021 Lexus NX luxury compact SUV retains the features that have made it so popular: good looks, a high-quality interior, and agile driving dynamics. But not all that glitters is gold, as the NX has some definite problem areas. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine3.5L 280 hp V6 | Engine2.0L 235 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity8 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower280 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower235 hp @ 5600 rpm |
MPG City19 | MPG City22 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway28 |
Engine | |
Engine Name3.5L 280 hp V6 | Engine Name2.0L 235 hp I4 |
Torque262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | Torque258 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower280 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower235 hp @ 5600 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City19 | MPG City22 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway28 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity8 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space16.5 cu ft | Cargo Space17.7 cu ft |
Curb Weight4036 lbs | Curb Weight3940 lbs |
Height70.6 in | Height64.8 in |
Length196.5 in | Length182.3 in |
Width78.6 in | Width83.9 in |
Wheelbase111.0 in | Wheelbase104.7 in |
Maximum Payload1509 lbs | Maximum Payload895 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity2000 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $31,650 | $37,610 |
Average price | $25,247 | $30,696 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.0 out of 10Read full review | 7.0 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. | One year ahead of its redesign, the aged 2021 Lexus NX luxury compact SUV retains the features that have made it so popular: good looks, a high-quality interior, and agile driving dynamics. But not all that glitters is gold, as the NX has some definite problem areas. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 3.5L 280 hp V6 | 2.0L 235 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 8 | 5 |
Horsepower | 280 hp @ 6000 rpm | 235 hp @ 5600 rpm |
MPG City | 19 | 22 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 28 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 3.5L 280 hp V6 | 2.0L 235 hp I4 |
Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower | 280 hp @ 6000 rpm | 235 hp @ 5600 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 19 | 22 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 28 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 8 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 16.5 cu ft | 17.7 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4036 lbs | 3940 lbs |
Height | 70.6 in | 64.8 in |
Length | 196.5 in | 182.3 in |
Width | 78.6 in | 83.9 in |
Wheelbase | 111.0 in | 104.7 in |
Maximum Payload | 1509 lbs | 895 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 3500 lbs | 2000 lbs |
The 2020 Honda Pilot shared the dynamic styling characteristic of the Honda lineup, featuring thin LED headlights and a multi-tiered grille. The subtle uptick in the belt-line around the rear side windows masked the size of the Pilot, giving it a more svelte appearance. Inside, the Pilot boasted a modern cabin with a semi-digital instrument panel, combining analog fuel and engine-temperature gauges with a digital screen for other information. Despite its comfortable and spacious cabin, the use of hard plastics detracted from its overall refinement compared to rivals like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade.
In contrast, the 2021 Lexus NX carried over Lexus's familial design and styling attributes, with sharp lines and a sculpted exterior that echoed the smaller UX and larger RX models. The NX F Sport variant added sporty touches like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. Inside, the NX F Sport featured exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats and optional Circuit Red interior color scheme. The material fit and finish were excellent, though the gauge cluster and center stack design felt dated compared to newer competitors.
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 (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The LX, EX, and EX-L trims came with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims featured a 9-speed automatic for more refined 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 versatility.
The 2021 Lexus NX 300 and 300 F Sport were equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, with the F Sport variant featuring Active Sound Control for enhanced engine noise. The NX offered FWD as standard and AWD as an option, with the AWD system capable of transferring up to 50 percent of torque to the rear axle. Fuel economy was decent but not class-leading, with the FWD model achieving 25 mpg combined and the AWD model 24 mpg combined. The NX also featured an adaptive-suspension system for a smooth and comfortable ride, though the steering lacked feedback.
The 2020 Honda Pilot provided a spacious 8-passenger cabin with second-row bench seating, while the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims featured second-row captain’s chairs, reducing seating capacity to seven. The Pilot's third row was adult-friendly, and EX trims and higher offered one-touch fold-down rear seats for easier access. With the second and third rows folded, the Pilot offered 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space, competitive with rivals like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. The higher trims included a power liftgate and hands-free power tailgate, enhancing convenience.
The 2021 Lexus NX's upscale interior was comfortable, with ample room for adults in both the front and second-row seats. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats featured a 60/40 split-folding design. However, the NX's cargo space was limited, with just 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded, making it one of the smallest in its class. The NX offered a power liftgate with kick sensor technology and optional power-folding rear seats for added convenience.
The 2020 Honda Pilot's LX trim featured a 5-inch color LCD screen with a 215-watt, 7-speaker stereo, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port. Higher trims included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the system's layout was confusing. Additional features on higher trims included HD Radio, SiriusXM, Cabin Control Remote Capability, navigation, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a 590-watt, 10-speaker premium audio system. The Elite and Black Edition trims also offered a wireless charging pad.
The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available as part of the Navigation package. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The NX also offered a moonroof, heated steering wheel, and a Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system on the top-tier trim. The Lexus Enform Remote mobile app allowed users to control various functions remotely, and Enform Services Connect provided maintenance alerts.
The 2020 Honda Pilot came standard with the HondaSensing suite of driver assistance systems, including forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Additional safety features included front and side-impact airbags, child-seat anchors, Vehicle Stability Assist, and traction control. Optional features included front and rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Pilot earned a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and top scores from the IIHS.
The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard, with park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights as optional extras. The NX earned top scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Lexus Enform Safety Connect provided additional safety features and services.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Honda Pilot is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2021 Lexus NX scores 7.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Honda Pilot is the recommended choice, offering a more spacious and versatile interior, better cargo capacity, and a higher overall rating.
Choose the 2020 Honda Pilot if:
- You need a spacious 8-passenger cabin with adult-friendly third-row seating.
- You prioritize cargo space and family-friendly features.
- You value a comprehensive suite of standard safety features and top safety ratings.
Choose the 2021 Lexus NX if:
- You prefer a luxury SUV with a comfortable and upscale interior.
- You want advanced technology features and a user-friendly infotainment system.
- You seek a vehicle with strong safety ratings and a suite of standard driver assistance systems.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Honda Pilot is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2021 Lexus NX scores 7.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Honda Pilot is the recommended choice, offering a more spacious and versatile interior, better cargo capacity, and a higher overall rating.
Choose the 2020 Honda Pilot if:
Shop Now- You need a spacious 8-passenger cabin with adult-friendly third-row seating.
- You prioritize cargo space and family-friendly features.
- You value a comprehensive suite of standard safety features and top safety ratings.
Choose the 2021 Lexus NX if:
Shop Now- You prefer a luxury SUV with a comfortable and upscale interior.
- You want advanced technology features and a user-friendly infotainment system.
- You seek a vehicle with strong safety ratings and a suite of standard driver assistance systems.

By: CarGurus + AI
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