2021 Honda Pilot vs 2021 Ford Edge

In 2021, the Honda Pilot aspired to blend rugged appeal with sophistication. After a 2019 refresh and the introduction of the 2020 Black Edition, Honda sought to deliver a more aggressive SUV appearance. The 2021 lineup offered seven trims, ranging from the LX to the top-tier Black Edition, with prices between $32,250 and $49,920. Front-wheel drive was standard, but all-wheel drive was available for an extra $2,000 on most models.

The Special Edition trim debuted in 2021, adding striking black 20-inch wheels, blacked-out trim, wireless smartphone charging, and a hands-free power tailgate. The Black Edition, driven extensively, included exclusive black leather upholstery with red accents and ambient lighting. While it featured a V-shaped front with a solid grille, flat dashboard, and low console, it projected more of a minivan aura from the inside. Despite high-quality materials, its design was considered an acquired taste with practical but uninspired aesthetics.

Contrastingly, the 2021 Ford Edge maintained a cleaner and more modern look since its 2019 refresh, aligning with contemporary Ford styling. The Edge's design exuded a well-integrated, refined appearance that stood distinctively more minimalist compared to rivals like the Chevy Blazer and Hyundai Santa Fe.

The Edge came in various trims, including the Titanium with extra chrome and the sportier ST with a blacked-out grille and 20-inch wheels. However, the interior struggled with outdated design feeling cramped despite updates such as the larger touchscreen. The Edge ST featured leather-wrapped sporty seats, but much of the Edge’s layout reflected a vehicle showing its age and piecemeal enhancements.

Under the hood of every 2021 Honda Pilot was a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain provided a spirited driving experience, complemented by a smooth nine-speed automatic transmission. With the available torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, the Pilot could direct up to 70 percent of power to a single rear wheel, enhancing its agility.

The Pilot delivered 22 mpg in combined driving with AWD, close to its EPA rating of 21.5 mpg. Suspension-wise, the MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear setup offered a comfortable ride with surprisingly athletic handling, largely due to its torque-vectoring AWD and 20-inch wheels.

Conversely, most 2021 Ford Edge models housed a 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine generating 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Edge facilitated either front-wheel or all-wheel-drive configurations.

For performance enthusiasts, the Edge ST featured a 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. This variant included AWD, model-specific suspension tuning, and optional 21-inch wheels with enhanced brakes. The ST model aimed for sporty versatility, benchmarking formidable rivals but often regarded as a stretch compared to luxury competitors like Porsche. The Edge's towing capacity ranged up to 4,525 pounds, falling behind some rivals like the Honda Passport and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, both capable of 5,000 pounds.

The 2021 Honda Pilot touted family-friendly versatility, seating up to eight. The test vehicle provided leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats. These were notably supportive; however, the front passenger seat was constrained to a four-way adjustment. Higher trims boasted second-row captain’s chairs with heating and forward-sliding capability, optimizing third-row access.

Cargo-wise, the Pilot excelled with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46.8 cubic feet with the seats down, and a maximum of 83.9 cubic feet. Storage solutions were practical and plentiful, including hidden compartments and various tray setups, ideal for families needing organization space for road trips.

The 2021 Ford Edge, while smaller, still ranked well for a two-row midsize crossover. It offered superior rear-seat headroom and generous legroom, enhancing passenger comfort. Dual-zone automatic climate control was standard, contributing to a pleasant cabin environment.

In storage capacity, the Edge trailed the Pilot, offering 39.2 cubic feet with all seats up and 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Its power liftgate featured on higher trims, although center console space was underwhelming despite a rotary shift knob designed for space optimization. The console’s raised design allowed for an extra storage nook, but its difficult-to-reach placement often meant items were forgotten.

Honda aimed for comprehensive tech accessibility in the 2021 Pilot. An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system was standard on most trims, facilitating Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text-messaging support, and satellite radio. However, the screen felt small, and the system lacked a tuning knob, making usability less intuitive. Upper trims featured navigation, a 10-speaker audio system, a rear-seat entertainment system, and more.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Edge led with its Sync 4 infotainment system, including wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto through a standard 12-inch touchscreen. Bluetooth, satellite radio, a built-in WiFi hotspot, and additional USB ports bolstered its tech offerings, particularly with the Bang & Olufsen audio system on the ST trim. The Edge’s tech integration remained user-friendly, leveraging straightforward graphics and efficient controls that resonated well with users.

Safety was paramount in the 2021 Honda Pilot, with standard Honda Sensing across all trims. This package included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. From the EX trim level upward, blind-spot monitoring/rear cross-traffic alert was also standard. Despite utilizing an older version of these systems, the Pilot maintained favorable crash-test ratings, earning a five-star overall from NHTSA and high ratings from IIHS, albeit with some minor areas for improvement.

Similarly, the 2021 Ford Edge earned strong safety credentials. It was an IIHS “Top Safety Pick,” scoring well in crash tests and for front crash prevention tech, though its pedestrian detection and headlight performance had mixed reviews. The Edge came with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, including features like automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and more. Higher trims further benefited from adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist, contributing to a comprehensive safety package.