2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to luxury and ruggedness, tracing its roots back to the original Series I off-roader. Over the years, it evolved into a luxury SUV with robust 4x4 capabilities, a combination that defined the brand. By 2020, the Range Rover offered multiple trims, including HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, available in both Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB) configurations. Standard features included leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system. Optional features ranged from heated rear seats to a 19-speaker Meridian audio system, with higher trims offering even more luxurious amenities like massaging seats and quad-zone climate control.

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance style with practicality, offering a rugged appearance with its 2019 refresh and a blacked-out look with the 2020 Black Edition. The Pilot was available in seven trims, from the base LX to the upscale Black Edition, with prices ranging from $32,250 to $49,920. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional cost. The new Special Edition trim added features like black alloy wheels and wireless smartphone charging. The Black Edition came fully loaded, with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, though its exterior design was considered an acquired taste. The Pilot's interior was noted for its quality materials, though it resembled a minivan from the front seat.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HSE trim featured a non-hybrid version of the same engine, delivering 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. A turbodiesel V6 was also available, rated at 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The P525 and Autobiography trims came with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, generating 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid powertrain was also an option, combining a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with electric motors for a combined 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The SV Autobiography Dynamic trim boasted a 5.0-liter V8 tuned to 557 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Range Rover excelled in comfort and off-road capability, with an electronic air suspension and Terrain Response System offering various drive modes for different conditions.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission powered the front wheels, with an available torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. The Pilot featured Intelligent Traction Management with driving modes for Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand. Fuel-saving measures included variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving for AWD models. The Pilot's suspension provided a comfortable ride and athletic handling, aided by the torque-vectoring AWD system and 20-inch wheels on the Black Edition. However, its off-road capability was limited by modest ground clearance and all-season tires.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options, with standard seating for five. The LWB version provided more cargo space, with 77.5 cubic feet of total cargo space and 34.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up. The SWB version had 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The Range Rover featured a hands-free power liftgate with a unique two-piece configuration, making it easier to load large items. The interior included a center-console compartment and decently sized door compartments and cupholders.

The 2021 Honda Pilot provided ample room for families, with seating for up to eight people. The test vehicle featured leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver's seat. Second-row captain's chairs were optional on the Touring trim and standard on Elite and Black Edition models. The third-row seat offered mid-pack comfort for midsize SUVs. Storage was abundant, with compartments in the door panels, center console, and front seatback pockets. The Pilot offered 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, expanding to 46.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 83.9 cubic feet.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, consisting of two touchscreens. The top screen managed navigation, phone, stereo, and smartphone connectivity, while the lower screen controlled climate settings and Terrain Response modes. The system had a learning curve and occasional lag issues, but a volume knob was included. A fully digital instrument panel and optional head-up display were also available.

The 2021 Honda Pilot included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HondaLink connected services. The Special Edition added wireless phone charging, while the Touring trim offered navigation, a WiFi hotspot, and a premium audio system. The infotainment system was adequate but lacked a tuning knob, and voice-recognition technology required specific prompts. The Touring trim also featured a rear-seat entertainment system with a 115-volt power outlet and HDMI port.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover came with standard safety features like low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. While the Range Rover had a solid list of standard safety features, some optional features were standard on other vehicles.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured Honda Sensing, a package of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Starting with the EX trim, the Pilot also had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The Pilot received favorable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high ratings from the IIHS, except for an "acceptable" score for front passenger small overlap frontal-impact protection.