2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The Volvo XC90, since its 2016 redesign, had been a game changer in rebranding Volvo's image while retaining its classic characteristics. Known for its conservative looks, the XC90 added flair without forgoing its recognizable Volvoness. The SUV maintained its traditional boxy profile and blunt front end, distinguished by a rectangular grille. The design elements, however, introduced softer lines, increased chrome presence, and the eye-catching LED headlights shaped like Thor’s Hammer, bringing a modern twist to its heritage look.

Our Inscription test car, dressed up with extra chrome trim and (optional) 21-inch alloy wheels, represented the most glamorous trim level of the XC90. The R-Design trim, slightly sportier with a new gloss-black grille for 2021, came with 20-inch wheels, whereas the base Momentum model featured 19-inch wheels with a fresh design for the year. Despite the extra bling, the XC90 remained a refined representative of Swedish minimalism – offering high-quality materials and smart layouts, such as the matte-finish wood trim and the unique option for wool upholstery. The Inscription model even boasted an Orrefors crystal shifter, although this high-end touch seemed slightly out of place amidst the otherwise understated interior ambiance.

In contrast, the Honda Pilot, despite Honda's best efforts to give it a rugged and appealing look, stood out less on the design front. The 2019 refresh aimed at a tougher appearance, and the introduction of the 2020 Black Edition with its popular blacked-out aesthetic was another step in that direction. However, the exterior design continued to be an acquired taste.

The seven trims available for the 2021 Pilot included the base LX, EX, EX-L, Special Edition, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition, with prices ranging from $32,250 to $49,920. While front-wheel drive was standard, all-wheel drive could be added except in the Elite and Black Edition, where it came standard. The new Special Edition trim added blacked-out 20-inch alloy wheels, wireless charging, and a hands-free power tailgate, boosting its appeal slightly.

Our Black Edition test vehicle sported exclusive black leather seating with red-tinted perforated inserts, red stitching, and red ambient lighting, giving it a premium feel. However, practical aspects like its black mats, contrasting with our household's white-haired pets, proved less ideal.

The Volvo XC90 offered three distinct powertrains, all derived from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 variant, turbocharged, delivered 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6, both turbocharged and supercharged, escalated the output to 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, rebranded as Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric assistance, achieving a remarkable 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque.

The T5 and T6 models provided front-wheel and all-wheel drive options, while the T8 came with standard all-wheel drive. While the XC90’s 400 hp was ample for an SUV of this size, relying on a small engine with forced induction and electric assistance resulted in some performance compromises. The XC90’s electric power struggled to provide adequate acceleration, and the gasoline engine often needed to step in. The car offered three drive modes—Pure (all-electric), Hybrid, and Power—but executing Pure mode efficiently was challenging.

Fortunately, the XC90 excelled in traditional luxury, with exceptional ride quality courtesy of the optional air-suspension system and good body control through corners. The cabin remained impressively quiet, and its 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity (4,000 pounds for the base FWD T5) ensured decent practicality for towing.

Conversely, the 2021 Honda Pilot featured a more straightforward performance setup, with every model housing a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The V6 powerplant provided a smooth, refined driving experience, and the SUV quickly accelerated.

The Pilot paired this engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission that powered the front wheels unless equipped with the available torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, which could route up to 70 percent of engine output to a single rear wheel. Additionally, the Pilot offered Hill Start Assist and Intelligent Traction Management with driving modes for different terrains.

Fuel-saving measures like variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start helped the Pilot achieve an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined with AWD. The MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension provided a comfortable ride, and the Pilot exhibited unexpectedly athletic handling for its class, aided by responsive steering and brakes, despite some brake performance concerns during prolonged use.

The 2021 Volvo XC90's interior, available in six or seven-seat configurations depending on the second-row arrangement, provided a flexible yet premium cabin experience. Both headroom and legroom were average across its three rows, making the third-row tight for adults. The upright roof profile and optional power moonroof enhanced the sense of space, while four-zone climate control and an additional air filtration system catered to passenger comfort.

The Inscription test car came with 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage. Despite the numerous comfort features, it lacked a power-adjustable steering wheel. Storage options within the vehicle were relatively limited, and forward visibility was somewhat impeded due to the tall hood.

Cargo capacity in the XC90 T8 Recharge model stood at 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, and topping out at 64.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. While ample for regular use, these figures placed it towards the lower end of the segment. A hands-free power tailgate added some convenience.

In comparison, the Honda Pilot provided abundant space for families, accommodating up to eight occupants with a second-row bench seat. The front seats, wrapped in leather and equipped with heating and ventilation, offered comfort and support. The driver's seat had 10-way power adjustment, although the passenger had to make do with four-way adjustment, albeit with adequate leg support.

Higher trims featured second-row captain’s chairs, heated in certain models, and fitted with useful amenities like side window shades and tri-zone climate control. A rear-seat entertainment system enhanced the family-friendly vibe. While the third row was best suited for children due to its low and flat cushion, storage space was plentiful, with compartments cleverly integrated throughout the cabin.

The Pilot’s cargo capacity outshined the XC90 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 with the second and third rows down. These figures positioned the Pilot as an ideal choice for family trips, providing ample space for all cargo needs.

The 2021 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system embraced a minimalist approach, successfully blending functionality with simplicity. Its centerpiece was a 9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, complemented by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. It also featured four USB ports and optional upgrades like a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and a head-up display.

Navigating through the menus on the touchscreen was intuitive, akin to using a tablet, though the display’s text could be hard to read while driving. A downside was the wireless charging pad's small size, which struggled to accommodate most phones. Additionally, the XC90 offered USB-C ports only in the rear, limiting charging options for front-seat occupants with newer phones.

The 2021 Honda Pilot equipped most of its models with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The new Special Edition added wireless phone charging, while the Touring trim and above boasted advanced features like navigation, a WiFi hotspot, and a 10-speaker premium audio system.

However, the system had limitations, such as the small screen size and the absence of a tuning knob. Voice-recognition required specific prompts, limiting its convenience. Subscription services like HondaLink were also reserved for the higher trims. Touring trims offered additional amenities like a rear-seat entertainment system, a 115-volt power outlet, an HDMI port, and a Cabin Talk feature, enhancing family convenience during trips.

Safety was a hallmark of Volvo, and the 2021 XC90 upheld this tradition with an array of safety features and excellent ratings. Non-hybrid models earned the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS, scoring top marks in all crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. The NHTSA awarded all XC90 models a five-star overall safety rating.

Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. The Pilot Assist system combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering, offering smooth and responsive assistance.

The 2021 Honda Pilot also prioritized safety, featuring Honda Sensing as standard across all models. This package included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning.

Though the Pilot used an older version of Honda Sensing, which was less refined, it still provided essential safety functionalities. The NHTSA rated the Pilot with a five-star overall rating, while the IIHS gave it high marks except for an “acceptable” score in the front passenger small overlap frontal-impact protection test.