2020 Honda Pilot vs 2021 Volvo XC90

2020 Honda Pilot
2020 Honda Pilot
$31,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volvo XC90
2021 Volvo XC90
$49,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Honda Pilot
$31,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volvo XC90
$49,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$31,650

MSRP

$49,000

Average price

$25,163

Average price

$34,332

Listings

567

Listings

357

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Interior materials feel cheap
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Premium interior materials
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • Cramped third row
  • Sluggish performance
  • No USB-C ports

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 XC90 Reviews Summary

Volvo may be known for sensible station wagons, but the XC90 SUV is the Swedish automaker’s de facto flagship. The current generation debuted design features, technology, and powertrains that have since found their way into most other Volvo models. Several years into the current-generation model’s lifecycle, the XC90 is no longer a trendsetter, but remains Volvo’s contender in the competitive midsize luxury SUV segment, with the automaker’s typical emphasis on safety features.

The current-generation XC90 launched for the 2016 model year, so most competitors—including the Audi Q7, Acura MDX, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class—have been updated or redesigned since then. The Cadillac XT6 and Lincoln Aviator didn’t even exist when this generation of XC90 launched.

A redesigned version is expected to arrive soon, so changes to the 2021 XC90 are minimal. All 2021 Volvo models are now limited to 112 mph for safety reasons and get Care Key, which lets owners limit the top speed before loaning the car out to a friend or family member. The XC90 also gets a handful of newly standard tech features, and some small cosmetic changes.

Volvo offers the XC90 in three trim levels—Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription—with three powertrain options: T5 and T6 gasoline engines, and the T8 plug-in hybrid. Our test car was a range-topping T8 Recharge Inscription, combining the top Inscription trim level with the plug-in hybrid powertrain, which has the highest output of the three.

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Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.5L 280 hp V6

Engine

2.0L 250 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

8

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

280 hp @ 6000 rpm

Horsepower

250 hp @ 5500 rpm

MPG City

19

MPG City

21

MPG Highway

27

MPG Highway

30
2020 Honda Pilot
2020 Honda Pilot
$31,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volvo XC90
2021 Volvo XC90
$49,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Honda Pilot
$31,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volvo XC90
$49,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$31,650
$49,000
Average price
$25,163
$34,332
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
4.3
4.7
Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Read full review

7.7 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
  • Premium interior materials
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • Cramped third row
  • Sluggish performance
  • No USB-C ports
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.

Volvo may be known for sensible station wagons, but the XC90 SUV is the Swedish automaker’s de facto flagship. The current generation debuted design features, technology, and powertrains that have since found their way into most other Volvo models. Several years into the current-generation model’s lifecycle, the XC90 is no longer a trendsetter, but remains Volvo’s contender in the competitive midsize luxury SUV segment, with the automaker’s typical emphasis on safety features.

The current-generation XC90 launched for the 2016 model year, so most competitors—including the Audi Q7, Acura MDX, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class—have been updated or redesigned since then. The Cadillac XT6 and Lincoln Aviator didn’t even exist when this generation of XC90 launched.

A redesigned version is expected to arrive soon, so changes to the 2021 XC90 are minimal. All 2021 Volvo models are now limited to 112 mph for safety reasons and get Care Key, which lets owners limit the top speed before loaning the car out to a friend or family member. The XC90 also gets a handful of newly standard tech features, and some small cosmetic changes.

Volvo offers the XC90 in three trim levels—Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription—with three powertrain options: T5 and T6 gasoline engines, and the T8 plug-in hybrid. Our test car was a range-topping T8 Recharge Inscription, combining the top Inscription trim level with the plug-in hybrid powertrain, which has the highest output of the three.

Video
No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
3.5L 280 hp V6
2.0L 250 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
8
7
Horsepower
280 hp @ 6000 rpm
250 hp @ 5500 rpm
MPG City
19
21
MPG Highway
27
30
Look and feel
2020 Honda Pilot
8/10
2021 Volvo XC90
9/10

The 2020 Honda Pilot had a distinct dynamic styling that aligned seamlessly with the broader Honda lineup. It presented itself with thin LED headlights and an intricate multi-tiered grille. A noteworthy design element was the subtle uplift in the belt-line near the rear side windows, which cleverly masked the vehicle's size, giving it a more streamlined appearance.

Inside, the Pilot's cabin exhibited a modern feel, featuring a semi-digital instrument panel. While traditional analog gauges displayed fuel levels and engine temperature, a digital screen provided all other essential driving information directly in front of the driver. Although the interior felt comfortable and spacious with a decent level of refinement, hard plastics were present in various areas, lagging behind rivals like the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Mazda CX-9 in terms of a premium feel.

The Pilot came in various trims including LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, Elite, and the top-tier Black Edition. The base LX offered basic features like 18-inch alloy wheels and remote keyless entry. The EX trim was highly recommended for its practical additions like remote start and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, along with a power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated front seats.

The EX-L trim added a touch of luxury with leather upholstery, a power liftgate, and a power moonroof. The Touring trim upped the ante with larger 20-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, and an upgraded stereo system. The Elite included premium features like power-folding side mirrors and a panoramic sunroof. The Black Edition, new for 2020, offered unique black-painted wheels and exterior accents, nearly mirroring the Elite's specifications.

Transitioning to the 2021 Volvo XC90, Volvo achieved a remarkable transformation of its design language with the current-generation XC90, which initially debuted in 2016. While maintaining its recognizable, slightly conservative Volvo identity, the XC90 brought more character and sophistication. It preserved traditional elements like the boxy profile and blunt front end, but refined the design with softer lines, extra chrome, and distinctive LED headlights featuring the “Thor’s Hammer” daytime running lights.

The Inscription trim we tested stood out with additional chrome trim and optional 21-inch alloy wheels. The R-Design trim sported a new gloss-black grille surround for 2021, leaning towards a sportier aesthetic, while the base Momentum trim remained relatively understated. Wheel sizes varied from 19 inches for Momentum to 20 inches for R-Design, and 21 inches as an option for Inscription.

The XC90's interior embraced Swedish minimalism, focusing on quality materials and thoughtful layout without overwhelming occupants with excessive features. Volvo offered unique touches such as matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery, rarities among luxury SUVs. Our test model included an Orrefors crystal shifter, adding a level of sophisticated elegance to the otherwise minimalist cabin.

Performance
2020 Honda Pilot
8/10
2021 Volvo XC90
7/10

The 2020 Honda Pilot was powered by a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Depending on the trim, this power was channeled through either a 6-speed or 9-speed automatic transmission. LX, EX, and EX-L trims featured the 6-speed, while the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition were equipped with the more refined 9-speed transmission. This engine configuration provided substantial acceleration, allowing the Pilot to confidently handle highway passing and everyday driving alike.

The Pilot utilized Honda’s proprietary shifter button setup instead of a conventional gear shifter, which took some getting used to. Despite this, the V6 engine provided commendable performance, albeit without the athleticism some might seek in a three-row SUV.

A key feature was the Intelligent Traction Management System, offering drive modes tailored for different conditions—Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand—enhancing its capability to handle various terrains.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC90 featured a trio of powertrains, all built around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 engine was turbocharged, generating 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 variant, both turbocharged and supercharged, increased output to 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The XC90 T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, named Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric motors, achieving an impressive 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque.

While the T5 offered front-wheel drive as standard, AWD was optional. The T6 and T8 came with AWD as standard. Despite the 400 horsepower of the Recharge model, the small engine struggled to maintain flexibility, particularly when relying solely on electric power, often necessitating gasoline engine assistance even at lower speeds.

The XC90 had three drive modes—Pure (all-electric), Hybrid, and Power—allowing for adaptability between efficiency and performance. The air-suspension system contributed to superior ride quality, and the XC90 handled well for its size, though it wasn’t tuned for sporty driving. It also offered a respectable towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, whereas the base FWD T5 was rated at 4,000 pounds.

Form and function
2020 Honda Pilot
9/10
2021 Volvo XC90
6/10

The Honda Pilot comfortably seated eight passengers with its second-row bench seating, though the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims featured second-row captain’s chairs, reducing capacity to seven. Unlike several rivals with cramped third rows, the Pilot offered a genuinely adult-friendly third-row space. EX trims and higher featured one-touch fold-down rear seats, simplifying access to the third row.

The Pilot provided a competitive 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded down. In comparison, rivals like the Toyota Highlander and Kia Telluride offered slightly more, while the Volkswagen Atlas led with 96.8 cubic feet. Despite this, the Pilot surpassed the Mazda CX-9 with its 71.2 cubic feet of cargo space. EX-L trims and above included a power liftgate, with Touring and higher trims offering a hands-free power tailgate.

Family-oriented features were plentiful, including numerous compartments for toys and essentials. The second-row captain’s chairs in higher trims provided a gap for easy third-row access and helped keep kids separated. A useful conversation mirror allowed parents to keep an eye on rear-seat passengers without turning around.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was offered in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, based on whether customers opted for second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. Headroom and legroom were about average across all three rows, making the third row tight for adults. Seats in both rear rows lacked support, and while the power moonroof in the first two rows added a sense of spaciousness, actual measurements suggested otherwise.

The front seats in our Inscription model were 10-way power-adjustable with heating, ventilation, and backrest massage, part of the optional Lounge Package. However, the lack of a power-adjustable steering wheel was notable. Storage space was limited, with a shallow center console and minimal console storage options reducing practicality.

Cargo capacity for the XC90 T8 Recharge was 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. These figures placed the XC90 near the bottom of its segment, particularly with the third row in use. However, Volvo offered a hands-free power tailgate to ease access.

Technology
2020 Honda Pilot
6/10
2021 Volvo XC90
8/10

The base 2020 Honda Pilot LX came with a 5-inch color LCD screen, controlling a 215-watt, 7-speaker stereo with a subwoofer, along with Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port. Higher trims featured an 8-inch Display Audio touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Although the system provided ample features, the user interface was complex, with a confusing layout and minimal physical controls.

HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Cabin Control Remote Capability were included from the EX trim upward. The higher EX-L trim could be equipped with an optional navigation system and rear-seat entertainment. Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims boasted an upgraded 590-watt, 10-speaker premium audio system, along with mobile hotspot capability and a wireless charging pad for the latter two trims.

In the 2021 Volvo XC90, the Sensus infotainment system exemplified simplicity and functionality. The system featured a 9-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Two front USB-A ports and two rear USB-C ports were standard. Optional upgrades included a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and a head-up display (HUD).

The portrait-oriented touchscreen was intuitive, operating much like a tablet with swipe functionalities. Despite the touchscreen’s efficiency, the lack of physical backup controls did not pose a significant problem, as the system complemented the XC90’s minimalist aesthetic. However, the small text and typeface could be challenging to read while driving, and the new wireless charging pad had limitations in fitting most phones.

Safety
2020 Honda Pilot
9/10
2021 Volvo XC90
9/10

The 2020 Honda Pilot was equipped with the HondaSensing suite of driver assistance systems. This comprehensive suite included forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Standard safety features also comprised front and side-impact airbags, child-seat anchors, Vehicle Stability Assist, and traction control. Front and rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert were available as options.

The Pilot earned a stellar five-star overall crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and scored the highest possible rating of Good in all crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It also received a Superior rating for crash prevention technology from the IIHS.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received numerous accolades for safety, including the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models. It achieved the top “Good” scores in all IIHS crash tests and a “Superior” rating for front-crash prevention tech in vehicle-to-vehicle testing, while scoring an “Advanced” rating in vehicle-to-pedestrian testing. Headlights and LATCH child-seat anchors received “Acceptable” ratings. The NHTSA awarded the XC90 five stars overall, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests, and four stars in rollover testing.

Volvo’s commitment to safety was evident with an extensive list of standard features, including lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Pilot Assist—a combination of adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering. Pilot Assist was praised for its smooth operation and quick responsiveness, though it struggled with tight highway curves and wasn’t a substitute for an attentive human driver.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Honda Pilot is 8 out of 10, while the 2021 Volvo XC90 scores 7.7 out of 10. Though both vehicles have their strengths, the Honda Pilot is recommended due to its higher overall rating, spacious interior, and practical features. It provides a more family-friendly and versatile option compared to the refined, yet somewhat constrained, Volvo XC90.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Honda Pilot is 8 out of 10, while the 2021 Volvo XC90 scores 7.7 out of 10. Though both vehicles have their strengths, the Honda Pilot is recommended due to its higher overall rating, spacious interior, and practical features. It provides a more family-friendly and versatile option compared to the refined, yet somewhat constrained, Volvo XC90.

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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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