2020 Honda Pilot vs 2020 Lexus RX

Lexus refreshed the RX for the 2020 model year, giving it significant upgrades inside and out. The exterior featured standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with optional triple-beam LED headlights. The grille was redesigned to resemble Lexus cars more closely, and two new paint colors were introduced: Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl. The rear received a new shape with dual exhaust, a rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, along with an available hands-free tailgate. Inside, the cabin remained well-appointed with various interior colors and material combinations, including wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim. The F Sport appearance package added unique features like a special steering wheel, shift knob, aluminum pedals, and 20-inch wheels, among others. Leather-wrapped surfaces provided a premium feel, though the center stack's design was starting to show its age.

The 2020 Honda Pilot shared the dynamic styling of the current Honda lineup, featuring thin LED headlights and a multi-tiered grille. The subtle uptick in the belt-line around the rear side windows masked the size of the Pilot, giving it a more svelte appearance. Inside, the cabin was modern with a semi-digital instrument panel, combining analog fuel and engine-temperature gauges with a digital screen for other information. The cabin felt comfortable and spacious, though hard plastics were used in many areas, making it less upscale compared to rivals like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. The Pilot offered various trim levels, with the EX trim recommended for its added features like remote start, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Smart Entry. Higher trims like the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition added more luxury features, including a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, and unique black-painted wheels for the Black Edition.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, achieving 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque on premium 91 octane or higher fuel. The three-row RX 350L models used the same engine but were limited to 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. A hybrid version, the RX 450h, combined the V6 with an electric motor to produce 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, recommended to use 95 octane or higher gasoline. The RX 450hL, an elongated version, had a combined output of 259 horsepower from the gasoline engine and 165 horsepower from an electric motor. The RX hybrid models featured an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive. The RX 350 achieved an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined, while the RX 450h AWD excelled with 30 mpg combined. The F Sport models offered adaptive variable suspension and various drive modes, including Sport S+ for a firmer suspension setting. The RX provided a smooth and connected driving experience, though it struggled in snowy conditions without torque-vectoring technology.

The 2020 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The LX, EX, and EX-L trims featured a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims received a 9-speed automatic transmission for more refined acceleration and better 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 drive modes for various conditions, including Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand. The Pilot provided stout acceleration and a comfortable driving experience, though the unique shifter button setup was less intuitive than a conventional shifter.

The Lexus RX interior was not as minimalist or stylish as its German luxury SUV competitors, but it was functional. The two-row RX model comfortably seated four adults, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best suited for small children or pets. The cabin was wide and tall in its two-row configuration, with comfortable front seats and decent outward visibility, though the A-pillar could impede the driver's view of curbs and corners. The cargo area was smaller than rivals, with a high load floor compromising space. The RX 350L and 450hL also had less cargo space compared to competitors like the Lincoln Aviator.

The Honda Pilot provided a spacious 8-passenger cabin with second-row bench seating, while higher trims featured second-row captain’s chairs, reducing seating capacity to seven. The third row was adult-friendly, and EX trims and higher offered one-touch fold-down rear seats for easier access. With the second and third rows folded, the Pilot provided 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to rivals like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. The Pilot excelled in family hauling, with plenty of spaces for toys and gear. Higher trims offered a power liftgate and hands-free power tailgate, along with a conversation mirror to keep an eye on rear passengers.

The 2020 Lexus RX featured an infotainment system that had been criticized for its complexity, but improvements were made for 2020. The standard 8.0-inch display and available 12.3-inch touchscreen were moved closer to the driver. Despite these changes, the system remained difficult to navigate, but Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and other integrations provided workarounds. The RX also included Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and various music and navigation apps. The physical control of the infotainment system improved with a more responsive touchpad. The RX added two additional USB ports, bringing the total to six. The standard 12-speaker audio system was adequate, with an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2020 Honda Pilot's LX trim featured a 5-inch color LCD screen with a 215-watt, 7-speaker stereo and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system lacked a tuning knob and had a confusing layout, making interaction with the radio challenging. All but the LX trim included HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Cabin Control Remote Capability. Higher trims offered navigation, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a premium 590-watt, 10-speaker audio system. The Elite and Black Edition trims included a wireless charging pad and mobile hotspot capability.

The 2020 Lexus RX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The 2020 enhancements added daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The RX also included a three-year subscription to Lexus Enform Safety Connect and a 10-year subscription to Enform Service Connect. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though not as high as newer models.

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. Standard safety features included front and side-impact airbags, child-seat anchors, Vehicle Stability Assist, and traction control. Optional safety equipment included front and rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Pilot earned a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and the best crash test score of Good from the IIHS, along with a Superior rating in crash prevention technology.