2020 Honda Pilot vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV maintained a seamless design, indistinguishable from its non-hybrid counterparts except for a subtle “P400e” badge. The charging port was cleverly integrated into the grille, avoiding any unnecessary styling changes that could detract from its appeal. This approach underscored Land Rover's understanding of the importance of design in vehicle selection, ensuring the PHEV remained attractive despite its higher price point. The test vehicle, priced at $93,200 with options, boasted a striking Firenze Red paint, a black roof, and 21-inch aluminum wheels, enhancing its inherent good looks. Inside, the cabin was adorned with quality materials, reflecting the vehicle's premium price tag, although some features did not function as expected.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda Pilot shared the dynamic styling of the Honda lineup, featuring thin LED headlights and a multi-tiered grille. Its design cleverly masked its size, giving it a more streamlined appearance. The cabin was modern and spacious, with a semi-digital instrument panel and a comfortable, refined feel. However, the use of hard plastics in some areas was a drawback compared to more upscale rivals. The Pilot offered a range of trims, from the base LX to the luxurious Black Edition, each adding various features like leather upholstery, power liftgate, and advanced audio systems. The EX trim was particularly recommended for its balance of features and value.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a 141-hp electric motor, producing a total of 398 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. Despite Land Rover's claim of a 31-mile all-electric range, the test vehicle struggled to maintain EV mode, possibly due to climate control use or terrain. The SUV averaged 25.5 mpg over a 60-mile loop, a modest improvement over previous models. The Range Rover Sport PHEV offered quick acceleration and a comfortable ride, thanks to its adaptive air suspension and various driving modes. However, the regenerative brakes were grabby, and the SUV's off-roading capabilities were somewhat compromised by its complex drivetrain.

The 2020 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission on lower trims and a 9-speed automatic on higher trims, providing refined acceleration and improved 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 various drive modes for different conditions, enhancing its versatility.

The Range Rover Sport PHEV's cargo space was limited due to the battery placement, reducing the standard 27.5-cubic-foot area. The raised cargo floor made it challenging to secure items, and the optional refrigerated center console bin further reduced storage. However, the SUV comfortably seated five, with excellent front-seat comfort and a panoramic glass roof that brightened the interior. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed a high seating position and good thigh support, with 4-zone climate control enhancing comfort.

The Honda Pilot offered a spacious 8-passenger cabin, with higher trims featuring second-row captain’s chairs for seven-passenger seating. The third row was adult-friendly, and the EX trim and above provided one-touch fold-down rear seats for easy access. With the rear seats folded, the Pilot offered 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space, competitive with rivals. The SUV was designed for family use, with ample storage for toys and gear, and a conversation mirror to keep an eye on rear passengers.

The Range Rover Sport's InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was complex and occasionally frustrating, even for tech-savvy users. Despite spending time setting it up, the system sometimes behaved unpredictably, lacking haptic feedback and causing occasional confusion. While the SUV offered easy access to primary functions, its technology could be overwhelming for some drivers.

The Honda Pilot's base LX trim featured a 5-inch color LCD screen, while other trims included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system's layout was confusing, lacking a tuning knob and relying heavily on touchscreen interaction. Higher trims offered additional features like HD Radio, SiriusXM, and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims included a premium audio system and mobile hotspot capability.

The Range Rover Sport came equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems, though its technology could be distracting. The optional Driver Assist Package included a steering-assist system that could be overly aggressive. The SUV's lane-keeping assist was also abrupt, leading to a decision to disable these features. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the vehicle's substantial weight provided some reassurance in a collision.

The Honda Pilot featured the HondaSensing suite of driver assistance systems, including forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. 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. Optional safety features included parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring.