2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL trims, offered a straightforward choice with a single engine and transmission combination, and options for front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Our test car, an SL trim with front-drive, included the SL Premium Package, carpeted floor and cargo mats, and a first-aid kit, totaling $34,870 with destination charges. Despite its age, the Rogue remained attractive, featuring a bold V-Motion grille and exaggerated fender swells. The 19-inch aluminum wheels on the SL trim added to its appeal. However, the interior showed its age with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. The padded center console sides were a thoughtful touch for driver comfort.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. The 2019 refresh and 2020 Black Edition added rugged and blacked-out looks, respectively, but the design remained polarizing. 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. FWD was standard, with AWD available for an extra $2,000, except on the Elite and Black Edition trims where it was standard. The new Special Edition trim added black 20-inch alloy wheels, blacked-out exterior trim, wireless smartphone charging, and a hands-free power tailgate. Our test vehicle, a Black Edition with a $395 Platinum White Pearl paint job, totaled $51,435 with destination charges. The Black Edition featured exclusive black leather upholstery with red accents, but the black mats were a challenge to clean. Quality materials were evident, and the interior design, though reminiscent of a minivan, offered excellent visibility and comfort.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue featured a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Weighing up to 3,671 pounds, the Rogue's powertrain was adequate but not sporty, even with a Sport driving mode. The CVT managed the power well, but the Rogue struggled during acceleration, passing, and climbing. The EPA estimated 29 mpg in combined driving for FWD versions, but our test yielded only 24.9 mpg. The Rogue's ride and handling benefited from Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but it wasn't particularly fun to drive. The steering was lifeless, the suspension lacked isolation, and the CVT drone was noticeable.

The 2021 Honda Pilot, on the other hand, boasted a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The engine was smooth and powerful, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Pilot's AWD system could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel, enhancing traction. Fuel-saving features included variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving for AWD models. Our test vehicle averaged 21.5 mpg. The Pilot's MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension provided a comfortable ride and athletic handling, aided by the torque-vectoring AWD system and 20-inch wheels. The steering was responsive, and the brakes were well-calibrated, though they could heat up with prolonged use. Off-road capability was limited by the Pilot's ground clearance and all-season tires.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's interior was less accommodating for taller drivers, with seats that were somewhat undersized and difficult to adjust for optimal comfort. The rear seats, however, were more comfortable, offering high cushions, good thigh support, and a panoramic sunroof for an excellent view. Rear passengers also benefited from air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. In-cabin storage was limited, but cargo space was generous, with 39 cubic feet behind the back seat and additional underfloor storage compartments.

The 2021 Honda Pilot provided ample room for families, seating up to eight with a second-row bench seat. The test vehicle's leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats were comfortable, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. Second-row captain’s chairs were optional on the Touring trim and standard on Elite and Black Edition models, offering nearly the same comfort as the front seats. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults due to a low and flat bottom cushion. Storage was abundant, with compartments in the door panels, center console, and front seatback pockets. The Pilot's cargo space was also impressive, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 83.9 cubic feet.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a hands-free text messaging assistant. Upgrades included SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, a Bose premium sound system, and NissanConnect Services. However, the 7-inch touchscreen was outdated, with slow response times and subpar voice-recognition technology, detracting from the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text-messaging support, satellite radio, and HondaLink connected services. The Special Edition added wireless phone charging, while the Touring trim included navigation, a WiFi hotspot, a 10-speaker premium audio system, and more. The system was adequate but lacked a tuning knob and had limited voice-recognition capabilities. The Touring trim also added a rear-seat entertainment system, a 115-volt power outlet, an HDMI port, and a Cabin Talk feature for easier communication with rear passengers.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with the standard Safety Shield 360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features included a Rear Door Alert and a Tire Fill Alert system. Optional safety features included a surround-view camera and ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control. However, the Rogue's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and some lower scores from the IIHS.

The 2021 Honda Pilot included the Honda Sensing package as standard, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Starting with the EX trim, it also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The Pilot's crash-test ratings were generally favorable, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high scores from the IIHS, except for an "acceptable" rating for front passenger small overlap frontal-impact protection.