2020 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler was a vehicle that stood out on the road with its iconic design elements such as circular headlights, a seven-slat grille, and boxy styling. Its industrial look was further emphasized by exposed hinges and bolts, and the option to fold down the windshield and remove the doors. The removable top added to its rugged persona, making it more of a recreational utility vehicle than a typical commuter car. Inside, the Wrangler maintained a retro aesthetic with circular climate vents and gauges, focusing on utility over luxury. The various trims, including the Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, offered different levels of features, from basic manual windows and locks to more upscale options like leather seating and advanced infotainment systems.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance ruggedness with family-friendly design. Despite a refresh in 2019 and the introduction of a Black Edition in 2020, its exterior design remained an acquired taste. The Pilot offered seven different trims, ranging from the base LX to the upscale Black Edition, with pricing from $32,250 to $49,920. The new Special Edition trim added features like black alloy wheels and wireless smartphone charging. The Black Edition, which we drove, came fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents. The Pilot's interior was spacious and practical, with quality materials and a design reminiscent of a minivan, providing comfort and functionality for families.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of engine options, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission. A turbocharged 4-cylinder engine was also available, delivering 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The standout was the new 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel, generating 260 hp and an impressive 442 lb-ft of torque, making it ideal for off-road adventures. Despite its off-road prowess, the Wrangler's on-road performance was less refined, with significant road noise and a rough ride. Fuel economy for the diesel engine was 22 mpg city, 29 highway, and 25 combined, offering a marked improvement over the gas-powered versions.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The available torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system enhanced traction and handling, with driving modes for various conditions. The Pilot's ride was comfortable and surprisingly athletic, thanks to its suspension setup and 20-inch wheels on the Black Edition. Fuel economy for the AWD model was 22 mpg combined, with the test vehicle averaging 21.5 mpg. While the Pilot's off-road capability was limited by its ground clearance and all-season tires, it excelled in providing a smooth and enjoyable driving experience on pavement.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, a four-door variant, was known for its versatility, with removable doors and a foldable windshield. The most popular feature was its droppable and removable roof, available in soft and hardtop options. The Wrangler offered about 72 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear bench lowered, though it sacrificed some comfort and cargo capacity compared to less capable SUVs like the Honda CR-V. Despite these trade-offs, the Wrangler's unique features and off-road capabilities made it a standout choice for adventure enthusiasts.

The 2021 Honda Pilot provided ample space for families, with seating for up to eight people. The test vehicle featured comfortable leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. Second-row captain's chairs were available, offering nearly the same comfort as the front seats and sliding forward for easier access to the third row. The Pilot's interior was filled with storage solutions, including a large center console and power tailgate with hands-free operation. Cargo space was generous, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 83.9 cubic feet with all seats folded, making it ideal for family road trips.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler's technology offerings varied by trim. The Sport and Sport S trims featured a basic 5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The Rubicon and Sahara trims came with a 7-inch touchscreen with Uconnect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with an optional upgrade to an 8.4-inch system that included navigation, HD Radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The premium audio system with an Alpine subwoofer provided excellent sound quality, even at highway speeds.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HondaLink connected services. The Special Edition added wireless phone charging, while the Touring trim included navigation, a WiFi hotspot, and a 10-speaker premium audio system. The rear-seat entertainment system in the Touring trim featured a 115-volt power outlet, HDMI port, and Cabin Talk feature, allowing the driver to communicate with rear-seat passengers through the speakers or headphones.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler came with standard safety features like airbags, electronic roll mitigation, and a backup camera. Optional safety packages included rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-path detection for $895, and adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning for $795. These features were beneficial given the Wrangler's awkward sightlines.

The 2021 Honda Pilot included Honda Sensing as standard, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Starting with the EX trim, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning were added. While the system was effective, it lacked refinement. The Pilot received favorable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "good" ratings from the IIHS, except for an "acceptable" score for front passenger small overlap frontal-impact protection.