2021 Lexus RX vs 2021 Honda Pilot

In 2021, the Honda Pilot made an effort to appeal to SUV buyers who prioritized styling just as much as reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. A refresh in the 2019 model year aimed to provide a rugged look, while the 2020 Black Edition introduced a stylish blacked-out appearance. Yet, the Pilot’s exterior design remained a point of contention as it was deemed an acquired taste by many.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was available in seven trims: LX, EX, EX-L, Special Edition, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition, with pricing from $32,250 to $49,920. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with the option to add all-wheel drive (AWD) for an additional $2,000, except in the Elite and Black Edition trims where AWD came standard.

A new Special Edition trim debuted in 2021, featuring black 20-inch alloy wheels, blacked-out exterior accents, wireless smartphone charging, and a hands-free power tailgate. The Honda Pilot Black Edition, which we drove, was fully loaded, with the only optional feature being a $395 Platinum White Pearl paint job, bringing the total to $51,435 including the destination charge. Black Editions featured exclusive black leather upholstery with red-tinted and perforated seat inserts, red contrast stitching, and red ambient lighting. However, the black Berber-style floor mats were a challenge to keep clean, especially with white-haired pets.

The Pilot’s interior displayed quality materials, including hard plastic panels, and despite being well-equipped with a flat dashboard, thin windshield pillars, and a low center console, it still felt somewhat like a minivan from the front seat. This, combined with its uninspiring exterior design, did not help the Pilot’s overall aesthetic appeal.

In stark contrast, the 2021 Lexus RX epitomized the modern design aesthetic of the brand. The bold grille, angular headlamps, shapely body, floating roof, and sumptuous interior set it apart in the luxury SUV market. The RX offered five variants: RX, RX F Sport, RXL, RX Hybrid, and RXL Hybrid, catering to different performance and seating needs.

The 2021 RX retained the updates introduced in the 2020 model year, such as elongated headlights and a refined front-end design. Standard features included 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED lighting, rear privacy glass, and an integrated rear spoiler.

Upgrades were available, like 20-inch split five-spoke wheels, triple-beam LED headlights, and a windshield wiper de-icer. The F Sport Appearance package enhanced the aesthetics with 20-inch F Sport wheels, black outer mirrors, and unique interior and exterior styling elements.

Inside, even the base RX 350 model impressed with chrome inside door handles, leather-trimmed seats, and power-adjustable front seats. Options like semi-aniline leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a power-folding third row added to the luxury feel. However, the center console design and infotainment system were critiqued for being functional but dated in appearance compared to competitors’ more modern setups.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came equipped with a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The engine delivered smooth and refined power, making the SUV quick to accelerate. It was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, driving the front wheels or the available torque-vectoring AWD system, which could direct up to 70% of the engine’s power to a single rear wheel.

Honda included variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start to enhance fuel efficiency, estimating 22 mpg combined (21.5 mpg in real-world testing for the AWD model). The Pilot's MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension provided a comfortable and dynamic ride, with torque-vectoring AWD and 20-inch wheels contributing to an unexpectedly athletic handling experience. The well-weighted steering and responsive brakes enhanced driving pleasure, although the brakes could suffer from heat and vibration with extended use.

Off-road capabilities were limited by the Pilot's 7.3 inches of ground clearance and shallow approach and departure angles, as well as all-season tires. Though it could handle minor off-road scenarios, it wasn't intended for serious off-roading adventures.

In comparison, the 2021 Lexus RX featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the transmission generally performed smoothly, it occasionally struggled to find the right gear under acceleration. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the FWD RX 350 achieving 23 mpg combined, and the AWD variant slightly lower.

The RX Hybrid variants offered a combined 308 horsepower from a V6 engine coupled with three electric motors, managed by an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT). The hybrids were fuel-efficient, achieving up to 31 mpg in city driving.

Lexus improved the RX’s handling with tuning adjustments to the suspension in 2020, making it more dynamic. The SUV felt stable with AWD, though there was some body roll at higher speeds. The F Sport Handling package further enhanced performance with adaptive suspension and sport-specific interior features.

The RX could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds for FWD models and 7.9 seconds for AWD and hybrids, with top speeds of 124 mph for non-hybrid models and 112 mph for hybrids. Though not the sportiest in its class, the RX provided a comfortable and engaging driving experience.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was spacious, offering ample room for families and accommodating up to eight people with the second-row bench seat. The test vehicle’s leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats provided comfort, with the driver’s seat featuring 10-way power adjustment. The passenger seat, offering only four-way adjustment, still provided adequate support.

Second-row captain’s chairs, standard on Elite and Black Edition models, were nearly as comfortable as the front seats and could slide forward for easier access to the third row. The third-row seats were less comfortable due to a low and flat bottom cushion, making them less suitable for long trips.

Storage options were plentiful, with generous door pockets, center console, front seatback pockets with smartphone holders, and a large storage console between the front seats. The EX-L and higher trims included a power tailgate, with higher trims offering hands-free operation. Cargo space was competitive, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 83.9 cubic feet.

In the 2021 Lexus RX, the two-row models (RX 350, RX F Sport, RX 450h) seated five, while the three-row versions (RXL, RXL Hybrid) could seat six or seven, depending on configuration. Both front and second-row seats provided ample space for adults, while the third row was more cramped, best suited for children or short trips.

The RX’s cargo capacity was less impressive than more traditional SUVs. The two-row models offered 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the second row folded. The three-row versions provided just 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 23 cubic feet behind the second row and 58.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. Compared to the Pilot, the RX had notably less cargo space.

Both SUVs offered power liftgates, with the RX also providing an available hands-free option.

The 2021 Honda Pilot's technology suite included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system standard on most trims, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a basic HondaLink connected services package. The Special Edition added wireless phone charging, while the Touring trim and above offered navigation, enhanced HondaLink services, a WiFi hotspot, and a 10-speaker premium audio system.

However, the system had limitations, such as a small screen and cumbersome voice-recognition technology. The Touring trim added a rear-seat entertainment system with multiple ports and a Cabin Talk feature for easy communication with rear passengers.

The 2021 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD Radio, a WiFi hotspot, six USB ports, and a nine-speaker sound system. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch touch screen, additional USB ports, a moonroof, panoramic roof, wireless charging, navigation, and a premium Mark Levinson audio system with 15 speakers.

The Lexus infotainment system, while visually pleasing, was not the most user-friendly. The touchpad controller offered an alternative to touch screen interaction but took up space and was less refined than some competitors’ systems.