2021 Honda Pilot vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

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 Special Edition trim introduced black 20-inch alloy wheels and other features, while the Black Edition offered exclusive black leather upholstery with red accents. The interior, though equipped with quality materials, resembled a minivan, which, along with its exterior design, did not favorably impact its appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota RAV4, a mature crossover SUV, continued to build on its legacy since its 2019 redesign. While its exterior styling blended with current crossover designs, details like angular wheel arches and expressive headlights set it apart. The RAV4's interior featured a layered dash with contrasting textures and a well-placed touchscreen interface. The Adventure-trim test vehicle showcased a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern throughout the cabin, adding a unique touch. The RAV4's design and quality fit-and-finish contributed to its strong presence in the SUV market.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 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's 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 features like variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start contributed to an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined for AWD models. The Pilot's suspension offered a comfortable ride and athletic handling, though its off-road capability was limited by modest ground clearance and all-season tires.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains, with the gasoline-only model featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission and optional AWD provided smooth power delivery and good fuel economy, with FWD models achieving up to 30 mpg combined. The RAV4 Hybrid and Prime models offered increased power and efficiency, with the Prime delivering 302 horsepower and an electric-only range of 42 miles. The RAV4's car-like handling, aided by a four-wheel independent suspension and dynamic torque vectoring, made it a popular choice for a wide range of drivers.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, seating up to eight with a second-row bench seat. The test vehicle featured comfortable leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. Second-row captain's chairs were available, providing nearly the same comfort as the front seats. The Pilot's third-row seat was less comfortable for adults, but storage was abundant throughout the cabin. Cargo space measured 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 83.9 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, while classified as a small SUV, provided 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The RAV4's towing capacity varied by model, with Adventure and TRD Off-Road models capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds. Inside, the RAV4 offered a roomy and comfortable space for four adults, with ample storage options throughout the cabin. The middle seat in the second row was less desirable, but the overall interior design and functionality made the RAV4 a practical choice.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. Higher trims added features like wireless phone charging, navigation, and a premium audio system. The Touring trim included a rear-seat entertainment system and Cabin Talk feature. While the infotainment system was adequate, it lacked some modern conveniences, and HondaLink services were limited to higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a robust technology package, starting with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and expanding to a 9-inch screen on higher trims. Standard features included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The RAV4 Prime showcased advanced technology with multiple USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a bird’s-eye view camera system. The availability of a premium JBL audio system and navigation on upper trims further enhanced the RAV4's tech offerings.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. While effective, the system lacked refinement. The Pilot received favorable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "good" ratings from the IIHS, except for an "acceptable" score in front passenger small overlap frontal-impact protection.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 included Toyota's Star Safety System and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like adaptive cruise control and lane-departure alert. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The RAV4 earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, highlighting its strong safety credentials.