2021 Honda Pilot vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar presented a unique blend of style, sitting comfortably between the sleek Evoque and the robust Range Rover. Its design featured a low roof and steeply-raked windshield, giving it a distinct profile compared to the traditional upright Range Rover. The Velar maintained an intimidating presence with its broad front end, while its short overhangs improved off-road capabilities. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier elements, such as larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, enhancing its aggressive look. Inside, the Velar boasted high-quality leather upholstery and metal trim, creating a luxurious and cockpit-like feel, although it felt more suited to urban environments than rugged terrains.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance ruggedness with practicality, though its exterior design was not universally appealing. The Pilot offered seven different trims, including the new Special Edition with blacked-out features and wireless smartphone charging. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, provided a premium feel. Despite its minivan-like front seat design, the Pilot's interior was spacious and functional, with quality materials throughout. However, the black floor mats were a challenge to clean, especially for pet owners. Overall, the Pilot's design leaned more towards functionality than flair.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, particularly in its SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, marked a shift towards performance with the introduction of a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine, producing 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, 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's performance was not class-leading, 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 cumbersome on tight roads. Off-road capabilities were supported by Land Rover's Terrain Response system, but the Velar's single-speed transfer case and road-focused tires limited its ruggedness.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, offering a smooth and refined driving experience. A nine-speed automatic transmission powered the front wheels, with an optional torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system available. The Pilot's fuel efficiency was aided by variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start, achieving an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving. The Pilot's suspension provided a comfortable ride and surprisingly agile handling, with the torque-vectoring AWD system enhancing its on-road performance. However, its off-road capabilities were limited by modest ground clearance and all-season tires, making it more suited for light off-road conditions.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar occupied a unique position in terms of size, larger than compact luxury SUVs but smaller than midsize counterparts. Despite its size, the Velar's interior space was not as generous as expected, with competitors offering more legroom and headroom. Cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's avant-garde styling, while visually appealing, compromised interior headroom and visibility. The cockpit-like front seating area felt cramped, though the center console was easily accessible. Towing capacity was respectable, with the V6 and SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition models capable of towing up to 5,511 pounds.

The 2021 Honda Pilot excelled in interior space, accommodating up to eight passengers with a second-row bench seat. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with the driver's seat offering 10-way power adjustment. Second-row captain's chairs were available, providing nearly the same comfort as the front seats and sliding forward for easier third-row access. The third-row seats, while adequate for short trips, were less comfortable for adults on longer journeys. Storage solutions were abundant, with compartments throughout the cabin and a large center console. Cargo space was generous, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a maximum of 83.9 cubic feet.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens, a WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, and smartphone integration. The upper screen managed navigation and media, while the lower screen handled vehicle settings and climate control. Despite high-quality graphics, the system's slow response times were a drawback. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls, though they were prone to glare.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The Special Edition added wireless phone charging, while the Touring trim included navigation, a WiFi hotspot, and a premium audio system. The infotainment system was functional but lacked a tuning knob and had limited voice-recognition capabilities. The Touring trim also featured a rear-seat entertainment system with various connectivity options, though younger passengers might prefer using their own devices with the available WiFi.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, as low-volume luxury vehicles were not prioritized for crash testing. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and parking aids, with adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring available as options. However, Land Rover's driver-assist tech offerings were less sophisticated compared to competitors, with only basic lane-keep assist available.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. While effective, the older version of Honda Sensing lacked refinement, and the lane-departure warning system's steering wheel wobble was intrusive. The Pilot received favorable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though some areas received lower scores.