2020 Honda Pilot vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since 2011 and received an update in 2018. Despite these updates, the 2020 model still felt somewhat dated, with occasional upscale touches. The front doors emitted a hollow "thud" when closed, hinting at a lack of refinement in fit and finish. The instrument panel appeared to be from an earlier era, though its simplicity made the controls user-friendly. The Sienna offered a range of trims, from the well-equipped base L to the luxurious Limited Premium, each adding features like power sliding doors, leather upholstery, and a power rear liftgate. The Nightshade Edition provided a stylish option for those wanting a minivan with a cooler aesthetic.

The 2020 Honda Pilot shared the dynamic styling of Honda's lineup, featuring thin LED headlights and a multi-tiered grille. Its design cleverly masked its size, giving it a sleeker appearance. Inside, the Pilot boasted a modern cabin with a semi-digital instrument panel, though it used hard plastics in some areas. The Pilot's trims ranged from the base LX to the top-tier Black Edition, each adding features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof. The Pilot's cabin was comfortable and spacious, with a solid level of refinement, though it lacked the upscale feel of some competitors.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered a Sport mode for enhanced throttle and shift response, and a manual mode for towing up to 3,500 pounds. The Sienna's front-wheel-drive (FWD) version delivered the best fuel economy, with 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version returned 18/24/20. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly decent for a minivan, with a low center of gravity and broad base, though its steering was twitchy at higher speeds.

The 2020 Honda Pilot also featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It came with a 6-speed automatic transmission on lower trims and a 9-speed automatic on higher trims, offering refined acceleration and improved fuel economy. The Pilot's ride was comfortable and tuned for real-world driving, though it lacked athleticism. It included an Intelligent Traction Management System with Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand modes for various conditions. The Pilot's acceleration was strong, making it suitable for everyday driving and highway passing.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, surpassing competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which could be cumbersome. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat was challenging. Toyota offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making it a practical choice for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2020 Honda Pilot provided a spacious 8-passenger cabin, with second-row captain’s chairs available on higher trims, reducing seating to seven. The Pilot's third row was adult-friendly, and EX trims and higher offered one-touch fold-down rear seats for easy 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's interior was designed for family hauling, with ample storage spaces and a conversation mirror for keeping an eye on passengers.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. It included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot with a 6-month trial. Higher trims added features like navigation and a JBL premium audio system. The Driver Easy Speak system allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers through the speakers, making it a useful tool for parents.

The 2020 Honda Pilot's LX trim came with a 5-inch color LCD screen and a 215-watt stereo. Other trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system had a confusing layout, lacking a tuning knob and relying heavily on the touchscreen. Higher trims offered features like HD Radio, SiriusXM, and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims included a premium audio system and mobile hotspot capability.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and dynamic cruise control. It earned a five-star crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Good score from the IIHS, with a Superior rating for its driver-assistance features.

The 2020 Honda Pilot featured the HondaSensing suite, offering forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also earned a five-star crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Good score from the IIHS, with a Superior rating for its crash prevention technology.