2021 Honda Pilot vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to strike a balance between rugged and modern styling. Honda attempted to enhance the SUV’s exterior with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition trim that introduced a blacked-out aesthetic. However, the design remained polarizing. Seven trim levels of the Pilot were available: LX, EX, EX-L, Special Edition, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition, with prices ranging from $32,250 to $49,920. Front-wheel drive (FWD) came standard, while all-wheel drive (AWD) was optional for an additional $2,000, except on the Elite and Black Edition, which had AWD standard. New for 2021, the Special Edition added features like 20-inch black alloy wheels, blacked-out exterior trim, wireless smartphone charging, and a hands-free power tailgate. For FWD, the MSRP was $38,960. The Black Edition, which we tested, came fully loaded with black leather upholstery featuring red-tinted, perforated seat inserts and red ambient lighting, giving it a distinctive interior vibe. Priced at $51,435, including a $395 Platinum White Pearl paint job and a $1,120 destination charge, it offered a premium feel. However, the Pilot's minivan-like front cabin did no favors for its SUV aspirations. Conversely, the 2021 Lexus GX 460’s design reflected its long tenure on the market. Retaining much of the same body shell from a decade prior, albeit with periodic updates, it now featured Lexus’ trademark spindle grille, refined for a chunkier look by 2020, along with triple-beam LED headlights. The 2021 model offered standard 18-inch silver wheels on the Premium trim, with 19-inch wheels also available. Despite its large grille, the GX flaunted a cohesive and aggressive aesthetic that stood out among SUVs. However, while the exterior had been kept somewhat modern, the interior felt dated. Our Premium test vehicle’s wood trim appeared and felt like molded plastic, and there was an abundance of actual plastic. Although the GX came with standard leather upholstery and optional semi-aniline leather on higher trims, the cabin didn’t meet the modern luxury benchmarks set by newer SUVs.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine offered a lively performance, with smooth power delivery and quick acceleration. A nine-speed automatic transmission was standard, directing power to FWD or an optional torque-vectoring AWD system, which could channel up to 70% of the engine's output to a single rear wheel. The Pilot’s fuel economy measures, such as variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start, aided in achieving an EPA-rated 22 mpg combined for AWD models. During testing, it averaged 21.5 mpg. Its MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension combined with 20-inch wheels and 245/50 tires to deliver a comfortable and unexpectedly agile ride. The Pilot's steering was crisp, and the brakes were responsive, although they did tend to heat up and vibrate under prolonged use. Off-road, the Pilot's capability was limited by its 7.3-inch ground clearance and all-season tires. The 2021 Lexus GX 460 kept things straightforward with a single 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX's performance on the road harkened back to older SUV benchmarks. Its V8 provided robust acceleration from a standstill, capable of reaching 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. However, the SUV's considerable 5,130-pound weight was evident at higher speeds, necessitating cautious planning for overtaking. Stopping power also required advanced planning due to the vehicle’s weight, and corners typically resulted in body roll and low grip. The ride quality was consistent with the body-on-frame construction, which resulted in a less refined experience. While newer SUVs offer a car-like driving experience, the GX maintained a traditional feel but excelled off-road. Its capabilities included a Torsen center differential, low-range gearing, hill-descent control, and hill-start assist. The optional Off-Road Package further enhanced its abilities with features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select. With 8.1 inches of ground clearance and robust off-road angles, the GX surpassed many modern SUVs in off-road prowess.

The 2021 Honda Pilot provided ample space for families, seating up to eight with a second-row bench seat. The test vehicle showcased leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, which were comfortable and supportive. Most trims featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, while the front passenger had a 4-way adjustment, sitting decently high for leg support. Optional second-row captain’s chairs, standard on Elite and Black Edition, enhanced comfort and offered heated functionality. The chairs slid forward to improve third-row access. Features like rear-side window shades, tri-zone climate control, and a rear entertainment system with multiple charging ports rounded out the rear passenger amenities. Third-row seating, however, was less comfortable for adults due to a low and flat cushion. The Pilot excelled in storage options, with compartments in door panels and the center console, and a massive storage console between the front seats. EX-L and higher trims included power tailgates, with hands-free operation available on upper trims. The Pilot offered 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 46.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 83.9 cubic feet of total cargo space, a competitive figure in its class. The 2021 Lexus GX 460’s interior showed its age through its ergonomics. The upright dashboard and high center console limited legroom, while the tall seating and steering wheel angle felt bus-like. Though the new-for-2021 heated wood-trimmed steering wheel added a touch of luxury, the heating elements didn’t extend around the wheel entirely. The GX’s boxy profile resulted in excellent side visibility, helpful both in parking and off-road scenarios, despite limited forward visibility due to the tall hood. Storage options, including a small center-console bin and underwhelming cup and bottle holders, were less impressive. Physical knobs and buttons for climate and other controls provided ease of use compared to modern touchscreen-centric interfaces. Seating included standard three rows, accommodating up to seven passengers with optional second-row captain’s chairs. The power-folding third row available in higher trims allowed some versatility, but the access to it was tight, with seats getting in the way even when folded. The overall legroom was limited compared to rivals like the Land Rover Discovery. The GX quoted 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, trailing the Discovery’s 73 cubic feet. When the third row was used, cargo space diminished significantly, making the GX more practical as a two-row SUV.

Most 2021 Honda Pilots came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text-messaging support, satellite radio, and basic HondaLink services. The new Special Edition trim introduced wireless phone charging, while the Touring trim added navigation, enhanced HondaLink subscriptions with WiFi hotspot, and a premium audio system. The system was functional but lagged behind some rivals in screen size and user interface sophistication. The lack of a tuning knob, limited voice commands, and subscription services restricted to higher trims were drawbacks. The Touring trim further offered a rear-seat entertainment system, an HDMI port, a 115-volt power outlet, and the Cabin Talk feature for communication with rear-seat passengers. In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX 460’s tech offerings were sparse, reflecting its older design. Standard features included Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, but lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Only the first two rows had USB ports, and while a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was available, the main infotainment system felt outdated. The touchscreen graphics seemed from a bygone era, and a separate display for time and temperature was reminiscent of older digital clocks. The physical controls were a silver lining for those averse to touchscreen interfaces, making system navigation simpler despite the tech's antiquated feel.

For the 2021 Honda Pilot, safety was a strong suit. Every model came with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving aids that included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. From the EX trim upwards, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Although effective, these systems were not the smoothest in operation. The Pilot scored well in crash tests, earning a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, despite some lower sub-scores, and mostly top ratings from IIHS except for an "acceptable" rating in small overlap front passenger testing. The 2021 Lexus GX 460 came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, featuring forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Additionally, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were included. However, it missed some advanced features available in other Lexus and Toyota models, like traffic-sign recognition and automated lane centering.