2020 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2020 Honda Pilot

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser presented a design that was understated yet functional, with subtle styling features that became apparent after spending time behind the wheel. Its hood was uniquely dished in the center, enhancing forward sight lines for better navigation of obstacles. The fenders bulged slightly to accommodate wheel travel and visually indicated the vehicle's width. The Land Cruiser Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim, a distinctive grille, and bronze BBS wheels. Inside, the Land Cruiser approached luxury with black perforated leather-trimmed seating and a functional, albeit plain, dashboard. The center stack housed a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system surrounded by numerous controls, while the instrument panel featured traditional analog gauges.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda Pilot shared dynamic styling with the rest of the Honda lineup, featuring thin LED headlights and a multi-tiered grille. Its design cleverly masked its size, giving it a more svelte appearance. The cabin was modern and spacious, with a semi-digital instrument panel and a comfortable, refined feel. However, the use of hard plastics detracted from its upscale appeal compared to rivals. The Pilot offered various trim levels, with the EX trim adding features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and heated front seats. Higher trims included leather upholstery, a power moonroof, and advanced features like a panoramic sunroof and heated steering wheel.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, achieving an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 13 mpg city, 17 mpg highway, and 14 mpg combined. The Land Cruiser's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and Multi-Terrain Select control knob, allowing drivers to adapt to various surface conditions. With an approach angle of 32 degrees, a departure angle of 24 degrees, and a breakover angle of 21 degrees, the Land Cruiser was well-equipped for challenging terrains.

The 2020 Honda Pilot, on the other hand, was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It offered front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive, with a 6-speed automatic transmission on lower trims and a 9-speed automatic on higher trims. 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 provided drive modes for different conditions, enhancing its versatility. While not a rock-crawler, the Pilot offered a refined driving experience with ample power for everyday driving.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser's dual personality as a commuter and overlander was evident in its design. It featured standard skid plates, tow hooks, and mudguards, making it suitable for both city and countryside. The three-row configuration of the standard model accommodated families, with heated second-row seats and a split-folding third row. The Land Cruiser offered four-zone climate control, numerous cup holders, and a cooling box in the center console. It could tow up to 8,100 pounds and featured a split tailgate for easy loading and unloading.

The 2020 Honda Pilot provided a spacious 8-passenger cabin with second-row bench seating, while higher trims offered captain's chairs, reducing seating capacity to seven. The Pilot's third row was adult-friendly, and the EX trim and above featured one-touch fold-down rear seats for easy access. With the second and third rows folded, the Pilot offered 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to its rivals. The Pilot excelled in family hauling, with ample storage spaces and a conversation mirror for keeping an eye on passengers. Higher trims included a power liftgate and hands-free power tailgate.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a Qi-compatible inductive charging station and Toyota Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation. The sound system included 14 JBL speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, and a CD player, though it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 9-inch touchscreen interface was functional but smaller compared to competitors. The Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera provided selectable views for navigating challenging terrain or tight parking spaces.

The 2020 Honda Pilot's base LX trim offered a 5-inch color LCD screen, while higher trims featured an 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 the touchscreen. Higher trims included HD Radio, SiriusXM, and Cabin Control Remote Capability. The Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims offered an upgraded audio system, navigation, and mobile hotspot capability, with the Elite and Black Edition also featuring a wireless charging pad.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it featured Toyota Safety Sense P, including a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also had Toyota's Star Safety System, 10 airbags, and Trailer Sway Control. Safety Connect provided emergency assistance and collision notification.

The 2020 Honda Pilot came standard with the HondaSensing suite, including forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a five-star overall crash test rating from NHTSA and a Good rating from IIHS. Optional safety features included parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring.