2020 Honda Pilot vs 2021 Volvo XC40

2020 Honda Pilot
2020 Honda Pilot
$31,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volvo XC40
2021 Volvo XC40
$33,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Honda Pilot
$31,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volvo XC40
$33,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$31,650

MSRP

$33,700

Average price

$25,181

Average price

$25,741

Listings

567

Listings

172

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Interior materials feel cheap
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Powerful engine
  • Multiple powertrain options
Cons
  • Not much cargo space
  • Recharge model is expensive

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 Volvo XC40 Reviews Summary

Introduced for the 2019 model year, the Volvo XC40 enters 2021 with one major change—the addition of an all-electric powertrain option. The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge is the Swedish automaker’s first mass-market electric vehicle, in fact.

The Recharge will be sold alongside gasoline versions of the XC40, which carry over largely unchanged, and compete against small luxury crossovers like the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, and Lexus UX. With its electric powertrain, the Recharge is a de facto Tesla Model Y competitor. It’s also priced similar to high-end versions of the Ford Mustang Mach-E, although the two electric crossovers have somewhat different philosophies.

In addition to that zero-emission powertrain, the Recharge gets an Android-based operating system, over-the-air (OTA) software update capability for all vehicle systems, and some updates to driver-assist tech. These changes don’t apply to gasoline 2021 XC40 models, but Volvo does plan to add the Android operating system to more vehicles in the future.

Since the Recharge is the main new thing for the 2021 XC40, that’s what we focused on for this review. While the gasoline XC40 is available in three trim levels—Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription—with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), the Recharge is only offered in a single trim level, with standard AWD.

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Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.5L 280 hp V6

Engine

2.0L 187 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

8

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

280 hp @ 6000 rpm

Horsepower

187 hp @ 4700 rpm

MPG City

19

MPG City

23

MPG Highway

27

MPG Highway

32
2020 Honda Pilot
2020 Honda Pilot
$31,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volvo XC40
2021 Volvo XC40
$33,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Honda Pilot
$31,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volvo XC40
$33,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$31,650
$33,700
Average price
$25,181
$25,741
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
4.3
4.5
Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Read full review

8.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Interior materials feel cheap
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Powerful engine
  • Multiple powertrain options
Cons
  • Not much cargo space
  • Recharge model is expensive
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.

Introduced for the 2019 model year, the Volvo XC40 enters 2021 with one major change—the addition of an all-electric powertrain option. The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge is the Swedish automaker’s first mass-market electric vehicle, in fact.

The Recharge will be sold alongside gasoline versions of the XC40, which carry over largely unchanged, and compete against small luxury crossovers like the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, and Lexus UX. With its electric powertrain, the Recharge is a de facto Tesla Model Y competitor. It’s also priced similar to high-end versions of the Ford Mustang Mach-E, although the two electric crossovers have somewhat different philosophies.

In addition to that zero-emission powertrain, the Recharge gets an Android-based operating system, over-the-air (OTA) software update capability for all vehicle systems, and some updates to driver-assist tech. These changes don’t apply to gasoline 2021 XC40 models, but Volvo does plan to add the Android operating system to more vehicles in the future.

Since the Recharge is the main new thing for the 2021 XC40, that’s what we focused on for this review. While the gasoline XC40 is available in three trim levels—Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription—with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), the Recharge is only offered in a single trim level, with standard AWD.

Video
No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
3.5L 280 hp V6
2.0L 187 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
8
5
Horsepower
280 hp @ 6000 rpm
187 hp @ 4700 rpm
MPG City
19
23
MPG Highway
27
32
Look and feel
2020 Honda Pilot
8/10
2021 Volvo XC40
9/10

The 2020 Honda Pilot shared the dynamic styling of the current 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, making it appear more svelte than it actually was. 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. The cabin felt comfortable and spacious, though it used hard plastics in many areas, making it less upscale compared to rivals like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 had a more traditional SUV styling with a tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch. It fit nicely with the rest of the Volvo lineup, featuring “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. The XC40 Recharge was distinguished by a blanked-off grille, subtle “Recharge” badging, and model-specific alloy wheels. The interior was minimalist yet premium, with high-quality materials like real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile. The design was coherent, with elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen and air vents melding together seamlessly.

Performance
2020 Honda Pilot
8/10
2021 Volvo XC40
8/10

The 2020 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, available in both FWD and AWD configurations. 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 transmission. The V6 provided stout acceleration, making it easy to move from a standstill or make passing moves on the highway. The Pilot’s ride was refined and comfortable, 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.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 had a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge on top. The base FWD T4 featured a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD T5 had 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge, sharing its powertrain with the Polestar 2, had one electric motor for each axle, providing AWD and a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft. The Recharge could sprint from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, while the T5 and T4 took 6.1 and 8.1 seconds, respectively. The Recharge emphasized quiet and comfort over speed, with excellent ride quality even on rough roads. It also featured one-pedal driving and a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

Form and function
2020 Honda Pilot
9/10
2021 Volvo XC40
7/10

The 2020 Honda Pilot offered 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 third row was adult-friendly, and EX trims and higher provided 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 Pilot had plenty of storage spaces for family needs, and higher trims included features like a power liftgate and a conversation mirror.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge had no difference in passenger or cargo space compared to gasoline models, but it was less spacious than competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. The XC40 had clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the center console, a bag hook in the glovebox door, and extra-large door bins due to the relocated Harman Kardon speakers. The storage cubby ahead of the shifter was well-shaped for a phone, with an optional wireless charging pad and a standard USB-C port. However, second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options.

Technology
2020 Honda Pilot
6/10
2021 Volvo XC40
8/10

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 had an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system lacked a tuning knob and had a confusing layout. All but the LX trim included HD Radio, SiriusXM, and Cabin Control Remote Capability. Navigation, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a wall-style power outlet were optional on the EX-L and standard on higher trims. The Touring, Elite, and Black Edition had a 590-watt, 10-speaker premium audio system and mobile hotspot capability.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system with Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, with a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Recharge also had OTA update capability for software-controlled vehicle functions. It lacked a start button, allowing drivers to simply shift out of park with the key fob on their person. The Polestar 2’s Digital Key feature was expected to be available via OTA update, but Volvo hadn’t confirmed it for the XC40.

Safety
2020 Honda Pilot
9/10
2021 Volvo XC40
9/10

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 also had front and side-impact airbags, child-seat anchors, Vehicle Stability Assist, and traction control. Optional safety 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 the best crash test score of Good from the IIHS, along with a Superior rating in crash prevention technology.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 gasoline model received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA. The electric XC40 Recharge had not been rated, but Volvo expected it to perform well due to a safety cage around the battery and a redesigned front crash structure. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear parking sensors, hill-start assist, and hill-descent control. Optional features included traffic-sign recognition, reverse automatic emergency braking, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver-assistance system. The Recharge also had a scalable sensor suite for future advanced driver aids.

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 Volvo XC40 scores 8.0 out of 10. Given these equal ratings, the final recommendation depends on your specific needs. If you prioritize spaciousness and family-friendly features, the Honda Pilot is a solid choice. However, if you value advanced technology and a premium interior, the Volvo XC40 is the better option.

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 Volvo XC40 scores 8.0 out of 10. Given these equal ratings, the final recommendation depends on your specific needs. If you prioritize spaciousness and family-friendly features, the Honda Pilot is a solid choice. However, if you value advanced technology and a premium interior, the Volvo XC40 is the better option.

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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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