2021 Honda Pilot vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 was a testament to the brand's evolution in design, showcasing a modern aesthetic that was both elegant and commanding. The R-Design trim added a sporty flair with its blacked-out grille, aggressive chin spoiler, and striking 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and curving LED taillights were distinctive features that highlighted Volvo's attention to detail. Inside, the XC90 offered a luxurious experience with options like wool fabric seats and a leather-wrapped interior, emphasizing comfort and craftsmanship. The cabin was thoughtfully designed, with features like a Swedish flag tag and a twist-action ignition knob adding unique touches.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance ruggedness with practicality, though its exterior design was not universally appealing. The Black Edition trim provided a sleek, blacked-out look, complemented by red-tinted leather upholstery and ambient lighting. The Pilot's interior was spacious, offering seating for up to eight and a variety of storage solutions. While the front seats were comfortable and supportive, the third row was less accommodating for adults. The Pilot's design leaned towards functionality, with a flat dashboard and ample storage, making it a practical choice for families.

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, while the T6, with its supercharger, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Polestar tune further enhanced the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. Despite these figures, the XC90's performance was not particularly sporty, with mid-range acceleration being its strong suit. Fuel economy was a concern, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city and 26 highway. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, but its added weight and limited electric range diminished its appeal.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Pilot's power delivery was smooth and responsive, making it enjoyable to drive. The available torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system enhanced handling, while the Intelligent Traction Management system offered various driving modes. Fuel economy was reasonable, with the AWD model achieving 22 mpg combined. The Pilot's suspension provided a comfortable ride, and its steering and brakes were well-calibrated, though the brakes could become noisy with extended use.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's interior was a blend of luxury and practicality, with a well-organized Sensus infotainment system that controlled most functions via a touchscreen. The cabin offered seating for seven, with an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The first and second rows provided ample legroom and comfort, while the third row was best suited for small children. Cargo space was generous, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Honda Pilot excelled in providing space and versatility, accommodating up to eight passengers with a second-row bench seat. The front seats were comfortable, with the driver's seat offering 10-way power adjustment. Second-row captain's chairs were available, providing nearly the same comfort as the front seats. The third row was less comfortable for adults, but the Pilot offered numerous storage solutions throughout the cabin. Cargo space was competitive, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 83.9 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system that combined 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, offering an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, though onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel was limited in customization compared to competitors.

The 2021 Honda Pilot included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Special Edition added wireless phone charging, while the Touring trim offered navigation, a WiFi hotspot, and a premium audio system. The infotainment system was adequate, though the screen size and voice-recognition technology could be improved. The Touring trim also featured a rear-seat entertainment system and Cabin Talk, allowing the driver to communicate with rear passengers through the speakers.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 boasted top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlight test results lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steel and innovative whiplash protection systems.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. While effective, the system's operation was not as refined as some competitors. The Pilot received favorable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though some areas received lower scores.