2020 Honda Pilot vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 showcased a pinnacle of modern Volvo design, proving that a large SUV could be as aesthetically pleasing as a sleek sedan. The R-Design trim featured blacked-out, honeycomb grille treatments, black window surrounds, mirrors, and a more aggressive chin spoiler, all complemented by bright 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were distinctive Volvo elements. The interior, with its Thunder Grey Metallic paint and beige-leather and aluminum accents, exuded luxury. The seats, known for their comfort and support, offered power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage, making long drives a pleasure. The cabin's quality materials and thoughtful details, like the Swedish flag tag and twist-action ignition knob, highlighted Volvo's craftsmanship.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda Pilot featured dynamic styling consistent with the current Honda lineup, including thin LED headlights and a multi-tiered grille. The subtle uptick in the belt-line around the rear side windows gave the Pilot a more svelte appearance. Inside, the Pilot offered a modern cabin with a semi-digital instrument panel and a spacious, comfortable feel. However, the use of hard plastics in many areas detracted from its overall refinement compared to some rivals. The Pilot's trim levels ranged from the base LX to the range-topping Black Edition, each adding progressively more features and luxury touches.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which felt insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6, with a supercharger added, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing better performance. The Polestar tune further boosted the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. Despite these enhancements, the XC90's acceleration was not linear, and the engine noise was unrefined. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, but its added weight and limited electric range did not significantly improve performance or fuel economy.

The 2020 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission on the LX, EX, and EX-L trims, while the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition received a 9-speed automatic. The V6 provided strong acceleration and was well-suited for real-world driving. The Pilot's ride was refined and comfortable, ideal for commutes and road trips, though it lacked athleticism. The Intelligent Traction Management System offered drive modes for various conditions, enhancing the Pilot's versatility.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous versions, though it relied heavily on the touchscreen for climate controls. The cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The first and second rows offered generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was best suited for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the last two rows folded.

The 2020 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. The Pilot's cargo space was competitive, with 83.9 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded. The cabin was designed for family use, with plenty of storage spaces and a conversation mirror to keep an eye on rear passengers.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design trim featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, providing an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was high-resolution and easy to navigate, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel offered limited customization compared to competitors.

The 2020 Honda Pilot's LX trim featured a 5-inch color LCD screen and a 215-watt, 7-speaker stereo. Higher trims included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Display Audio system had a confusing layout and lacked a tuning knob, making it less user-friendly. The Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims offered a 590-watt, 10-speaker premium audio system, navigation, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a wireless charging pad.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlight test rating lowered it to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and advanced safety systems.

The 2020 Honda Pilot came standard with the HondaSensing suite, including forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. It earned a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and the best crash test score of Good from the IIHS. Optional safety features included front and rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.