2021 Honda Pilot vs 2021 Lexus NX
Overview | |
MSRP$32,550 | MSRP$37,610 |
Average price$28,017 | Average price$30,613 |
Listings1162 | Listings595 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.2 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.0 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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2021 Honda Pilot Reviews SummaryIt’s been seven years since Honda last redesigned the Pilot, the automaker’s popular midsize three-row crossover SUV. In most ways, age has been kind to it, but to love a 2021 Honda Pilot you must first live with one. Unlike some competitors, the styling is not a strong suit. Rather, it is the Pilot’s interior, powertrain, driving dynamics, and simple but useful technology that makes you appreciate it each and every day. Well, that, and the cheap lease payment. | |
2021 Lexus NX Reviews SummaryOne year ahead of its redesign, the aged 2021 Lexus NX luxury compact SUV retains the features that have made it so popular: good looks, a high-quality interior, and agile driving dynamics. But not all that glitters is gold, as the NX has some definite problem areas. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine3.5L 280 hp V6 | Engine2.0L 235 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity8 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower280 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower235 hp @ 5600 rpm |
MPG City20 | MPG City22 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway28 |
Engine | |
Engine Name3.5L 280 hp V6 | Engine Name2.0L 235 hp I4 |
Torque262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | Torque258 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower280 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower235 hp @ 5600 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City20 | MPG City22 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway28 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity8 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space16.5 cu ft | Cargo Space17.7 cu ft |
Curb Weight3982 lbs | Curb Weight3940 lbs |
Height70.6 in | Height64.8 in |
Length196.5 in | Length182.3 in |
Width78.6 in | Width83.9 in |
Wheelbase111.0 in | Wheelbase104.7 in |
Maximum Payload1563 lbs | Maximum Payload895 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity2000 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $32,550 | $37,610 |
Average price | $28,017 | $30,613 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.2 out of 10Read full review | 7.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
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Summary | It’s been seven years since Honda last redesigned the Pilot, the automaker’s popular midsize three-row crossover SUV. In most ways, age has been kind to it, but to love a 2021 Honda Pilot you must first live with one. Unlike some competitors, the styling is not a strong suit. Rather, it is the Pilot’s interior, powertrain, driving dynamics, and simple but useful technology that makes you appreciate it each and every day. Well, that, and the cheap lease payment. | One year ahead of its redesign, the aged 2021 Lexus NX luxury compact SUV retains the features that have made it so popular: good looks, a high-quality interior, and agile driving dynamics. But not all that glitters is gold, as the NX has some definite problem areas. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 3.5L 280 hp V6 | 2.0L 235 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 8 | 5 |
Horsepower | 280 hp @ 6000 rpm | 235 hp @ 5600 rpm |
MPG City | 20 | 22 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 28 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 3.5L 280 hp V6 | 2.0L 235 hp I4 |
Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower | 280 hp @ 6000 rpm | 235 hp @ 5600 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 20 | 22 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 28 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 8 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 16.5 cu ft | 17.7 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3982 lbs | 3940 lbs |
Height | 70.6 in | 64.8 in |
Length | 196.5 in | 182.3 in |
Width | 78.6 in | 83.9 in |
Wheelbase | 111.0 in | 104.7 in |
Maximum Payload | 1563 lbs | 895 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 3500 lbs | 2000 lbs |
The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite a 2019 refresh and the introduction of the 2020 Black Edition, the SUV's 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. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional $2,000, except on the Elite and Black Edition trims where it was standard. The new Special Edition trim added black 20-inch alloy wheels, blacked-out exterior trim, wireless smartphone charging, and a hands-free power tailgate.
The 2021 Lexus NX retained its familial design, featuring sharp lines and a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller UX and larger RX. The NX 300 and 300 F Sport gasoline models were the focus, with the F Sport variant adding sportier elements like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. The F Sport also offered exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats and optional Circuit Red interior. The interior boasted excellent material fit and finish, though the gauge cluster and center stack design felt dated compared to newer competitors.
The 2021 Honda Pilot featured 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 available torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel, enhancing traction and handling. Fuel-saving measures included variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined for AWD models. The Pilot's suspension offered a comfortable ride and surprisingly athletic handling, though its off-road capability was limited by 7.3 inches of ground clearance and all-season tires.
The 2021 Lexus NX 300 and 300 F Sport were powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but less smooth than newer multi-speed options. The NX accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in around seven seconds, with the F Sport model featuring Active Sound Control to enhance engine noise electronically. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 25 mpg combined, while AWD models achieved 24 mpg combined. The NX's adaptive suspension system, available on the F Sport, provided a smooth and comfortable ride, though the steering lacked feedback. The NX also offered three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport, which adjusted throttle response and power-steering assist.
The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, seating up to eight with a second-row bench seat. The test vehicle's leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats were comfortable, though the front passenger seat had limited adjustment. Second-row captain’s chairs were optional on the Touring trim and standard on Elite and Black Edition models, providing nearly as much comfort as the front seats. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults. Storage was abundant, with various compartments and a large center console. Cargo space measured 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 83.9 cubic feet with all rear seats down.
The 2021 Lexus NX featured an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate legroom for two adults in the second row. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding design. The NX's cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options. The cabin was quiet, with minimal road and wind noise, though engine noise could be noticeable.
Most 2021 Honda Pilots included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text-messaging support, satellite radio, and basic HondaLink connected services. The Special Edition added wireless phone charging, while the Touring trim featured navigation, a WiFi hotspot, and a 10-speaker premium audio system. The rear-seat entertainment system on the Touring trim included a 115-volt power outlet, an HDMI port, and a Cabin Talk feature. The infotainment system was functional but had a small screen and limited voice-recognition capabilities.
The 2021 Lexus NX's infotainment system featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. The Lexus infotainment system was less user-friendly, relying on a touchpad and burying functions deep in menus. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system had eight speakers, with an optional Mark Levinson 14-speaker system available. The NX was compatible with the Lexus Enform Remote mobile app, offering remote start, climate control, and vehicle-finder functions.
The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Starting with the EX trim, the Pilot also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The Pilot received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and "good" ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), except for an "acceptable" score for front passenger small overlap frontal-impact protection.
The 2021 Lexus NX featured Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights as optional extras. The NX received top "Good" scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Lexus Enform Safety Connect provided emergency assistance, roadside assistance, automatic collision notification, and stolen-vehicle notification.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Honda Pilot is 7.2 out of 10, while the 2021 Lexus NX scores 7.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Honda Pilot is the better choice, offering more space, a powerful engine, and a higher overall rating.
Choose the 2021 Honda Pilot if:
- You need ample seating and cargo space for a large family.
- You prefer a smooth and powerful V6 engine.
- You value a comprehensive suite of standard safety features.
Choose the 2021 Lexus NX if:
- You want a luxury SUV with a quiet and comfortable ride.
- You prefer a sportier design and exclusive interior options.
- You value advanced safety technology and a high safety rating.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Honda Pilot is 7.2 out of 10, while the 2021 Lexus NX scores 7.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Honda Pilot is the better choice, offering more space, a powerful engine, and a higher overall rating.
Choose the 2021 Honda Pilot if:
Shop Now- You need ample seating and cargo space for a large family.
- You prefer a smooth and powerful V6 engine.
- You value a comprehensive suite of standard safety features.
Choose the 2021 Lexus NX if:
Shop Now- You want a luxury SUV with a quiet and comfortable ride.
- You prefer a sportier design and exclusive interior options.
- You value advanced safety technology and a high safety rating.

By: CarGurus + AI
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