2020 Honda Pilot vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar presented a unique blend of style and functionality, sitting comfortably between the compact Evoque and the larger Range Rover in terms of size and price. Its design was neither too sleek nor too boxy, featuring a low roof and steeply-raked windshield that gave it a distinct profile. The Velar maintained its SUV identity with a broad front end and short overhangs, which not only added to its intimidating presence but also improved its off-road capabilities. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition introduced sportier elements, such as larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, enhancing its aggressive look. Inside, the Velar boasted a luxurious interior with high-quality leather and metal trim, creating a cockpit-like feel that was more suited to urban environments than rugged terrains.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda Pilot shared the dynamic styling of the Honda lineup, with thin LED headlights and a multi-tiered grille that masked its true size. Its cabin was modern and spacious, offering a semi-digital instrument panel and a comfortable environment, though it fell short of the upscale feel provided by some competitors. The Pilot's trim levels ranged from the basic LX to the luxurious Black Edition, each adding more features and comfort. The EX trim was particularly recommended for its balance of features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and tri-zone climate control. The Pilot's interior was designed with family in mind, offering ample space and practical features like one-touch fold-down rear seats and a conversation mirror for keeping an eye on passengers.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar saw a significant performance boost with the introduction of the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, which featured a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, reaching a top speed of 177 mph. Despite these impressive figures, the Velar was not the fastest in its class, with competitors like the BMW X3 M Competition and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S offering quicker acceleration. The Velar's aluminum platform provided a solid and refined driving experience, though it felt less agile on tight roads. The rest of the Velar's powertrain lineup included a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and a 3.0-liter supercharged V6, both offering respectable performance. Off-road capabilities were supported by Land Rover's Terrain Response system, though the Velar's single-speed transfer case limited its off-road prowess.

The 2020 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This 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 driving experience was tuned for comfort, making it ideal for commutes and road trips, though it lacked the athleticism of some competitors. Honda's Intelligent Traction Management System offered drive modes for different conditions, enhancing the Pilot's versatility. Despite its lack of off-road capabilities, the Pilot's V6 engine provided ample power for everyday driving, making it a reliable choice for families.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar occupied a unique position in the SUV market, being larger than compact luxury SUVs but smaller than midsize ones. Despite its size, the Velar did not offer more interior space than its smaller competitors, with the GLC providing more legroom and the X3 offering more headroom. Cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats in place and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's avant-garde styling, while visually appealing, limited headroom and visibility, creating a somewhat claustrophobic interior. The Velar's towing capacity was respectable, with the V6 and SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition models capable of towing up to 5,511 pounds.

The 2020 Honda Pilot excelled in providing a spacious and practical interior, accommodating up to eight passengers with its second-row bench seating. Higher trims offered second-row captain's chairs, reducing seating capacity to seven but enhancing comfort. The Pilot's third row was adult-friendly, a rarity among 3-row SUVs. With the second and third rows folded, the Pilot offered 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to its rivals. The Pilot's interior was designed for family use, with ample storage spaces and practical features like a conversation mirror. Higher trims included a power liftgate and hands-free power tailgate, adding convenience for busy families.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens handling various functions. The system included a WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. While the graphics and menu layout were praised, the system's slow response times were a drawback. Additional tech features included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls, though these reflected sunlight easily.

The 2020 Honda Pilot's technology offerings varied by trim level. The base LX trim featured a 5-inch color LCD screen, while higher trims included the Display Audio 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's layout was criticized for being 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, with the Elite and Black Edition also offering a wireless charging pad.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar did not have safety ratings from the IIHS or NHTSA, as low-volume luxury vehicles were not prioritized for crash testing. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and front and rear parking aids. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available as part of an option package. Land Rover's offerings were less sophisticated than some competitors, with only lane-keep assist available, while other automakers offered more advanced systems.

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. The Pilot earned a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating from the IIHS. Optional safety features included front and rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, making the Pilot a well-rounded choice for safety-conscious buyers.