2020 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was a vehicle that revealed its charm over time. Its design was not ostentatious but rather practical, with features like a dished hood that improved forward visibility, making it easier to navigate challenging terrains. The subtle bulging of the fenders provided both functional space for wheel travel and a visual cue of the vehicle's width. The Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim, a unique grille, and bronze wheels, while the interior offered a near-luxury experience with leather-trimmed seating and a functional, albeit slightly plain, dashboard.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance ruggedness with family-friendly design. Despite efforts to enhance its exterior with a more robust appearance and a blacked-out look in the Black Edition, the design remained an acquired taste. The Pilot offered a range of trims, from the base LX to the upscale Black Edition, with features like black alloy wheels and wireless charging in the Special Edition. The interior was spacious, with comfortable leather seats and a flat dashboard that resembled a minivan, providing practicality but lacking in visual excitement.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, made the Land Cruiser a formidable vehicle both on and off the road. It boasted impressive off-road capabilities with a 32-degree approach angle, 24-degree departure angle, and 8.9 inches of ground clearance. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and Multi-Terrain Select control knob further enhanced its off-road prowess, while its serene cruising ability made long drives comfortable.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It offered a smooth and refined driving experience, with a nine-speed automatic transmission and an optional torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. The Pilot's fuel efficiency was commendable, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined. Its MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension provided a comfortable ride and agile handling, though its off-road capabilities were limited by a modest 7.3 inches of ground clearance and all-season tires.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was designed for both urban and rugged environments, with features like skid plates, tow hooks, and a roof rack. Its three-row configuration accommodated families, with heated second-row seats and a split-folding third row. The interior offered ample storage, including a cooling box and numerous cup holders. The Land Cruiser's split tailgate was a unique feature, enhancing its practicality for loading and unloading cargo.

The 2021 Honda Pilot provided ample space for families, with seating for up to eight people. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, while the second-row captain’s chairs offered additional comfort and flexibility. The Pilot's interior was filled with storage solutions, including a large center console and hidden compartments. With a power tailgate and generous cargo space, the Pilot was well-suited for family road trips, offering up to 83.9 cubic feet of cargo volume with the seats folded.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Toyota Premium Audio, including 14 JBL speakers and integrated navigation. While it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it offered a Qi-compatible charging station and an Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system for off-road navigation.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered navigation, a premium audio system, and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Cabin Talk feature allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers through the speakers, enhancing convenience for families.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, offering features like adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning. It also included 10 airbags, a tire-pressure monitoring system, and Safety Connect services, though it lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured Honda Sensing, with adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. It received favorable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and high scores from IIHS, though the lane-departure warning system was noted for its lack of refinement.