2021 Honda Pilot vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot was available in seven trims, ranging from the base LX to the upscale Black Edition, with prices between $32,250 and $49,920. The Black Edition, which we tested, featured exclusive black leather upholstery with red accents and ambient lighting. While the interior boasted quality materials, the design felt more akin to a minivan, which, along with its exterior, did not enhance its appeal.

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's high-quality craftsmanship, maintaining the brand's signature design elements like the kidney grille. While this consistency ensured brand recognition, it also made the X5 blend in with other BMW models. The X5 featured adaptive LED headlights and various trim options, including the sporty M Sport styling. Inside, the X5's design was familiar, with many components shared across BMW's lineup. Despite the abundance of black plastic, the interior was well-appointed with leather and soft-touch materials, especially in the M Sport models, which included unique styling elements.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth and refined power delivery. The Pilot offered a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, enhancing traction and handling. Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined for AWD models, though our test vehicle averaged 21.5 mpg. The Pilot's suspension provided a comfortable ride and surprisingly agile handling, aided by the Black Edition's 20-inch wheels. However, its off-road capability was limited by modest ground clearance and all-season tires.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, delivering 523 horsepower, while the X5 M reached 600 horsepower, or 617 with the Competition Package. The new X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid combined a six-cylinder engine with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 389 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. Despite its power, the X5's steering and dynamics were less engaging than expected, with a Lincoln-like feel. The plug-in hybrid offered up to 30 miles of all-electric range and a combined 50 MPGe rating.

The 2021 Honda Pilot provided ample space for families, seating up to eight with a second-row bench seat. The front seats were comfortable, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver, while the second-row captain's chairs offered similar comfort and were standard on higher trims. The third-row seats were less comfortable for adults. Storage was abundant, with numerous compartments and a sizable center console. Cargo space was generous, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a maximum of 83.9 cubic feet.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The front seats were comfortable for short trips but became firm over longer drives. Rear seats accommodated two adults comfortably, with an optional third row available. The X5 retained its split liftgate, offering easy access to the cargo area, which was spacious without the third row. The air suspension allowed for vehicle height adjustment, aiding in loading cargo. However, the rear doors did not open wide, making access to the second row more challenging.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HondaLink services. The system was adequate but lacked a tuning knob and had limited voice-recognition capabilities. Higher trims offered additional features like a rear-seat entertainment system and a WiFi hotspot. The Touring trim included a Cabin Talk feature, allowing the driver to communicate with rear passengers through the speakers or headphones.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system included a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and various connectivity options. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, massaging seats, and premium audio systems. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar. However, wireless Apple CarPlay occasionally took over audio functions unexpectedly.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The system was functional but lacked refinement. The Pilot received favorable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and mostly "good" ratings from the IIHS.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control, particularly in bright sunlight or rain. The X5 received mostly "Good" ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.