2024 BMW X5 vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign, presenting a more rugged and substantial appearance. Its upright grille and boxier styling not only made it look larger but also increased its dimensions, being 3.4 inches longer, up to 1.5 inches wider, and 0.8 inches taller than its predecessor. These changes complemented the all-terrain-capable TrailSport model, which featured a one-inch taller ride height, unique 18-inch wheels, chunky all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates. The interior took a more conventional styling route, remaining attractive, functional, and versatile, with materials quality meeting elevated class standards. Overall, the new Pilot emphasized function over form, offering a tidy and utilitarian aesthetic.

The 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained its stylish appeal, though the M Sport treatment was less favored. The test vehicle featured optional 21-inch wheels with staggered-width summer tires, enhancing its appearance. The X5 offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, a turbo-six PHEV powertrain, and a turbocharged V8 engine. The xDrive50e M Sport specification included Brooklyn Grey paint, optional wheels, and every available equipment package, with an MSRP of $88,075. The interior received a light styling refresh, adding the BMW Curved Display instrumentation and infotainment screen, modernizing the cabin while retaining high-quality materials and construction.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was equipped with a new 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all models and standard on the Elite and TrailSport trims. The Pilot offered quick initial acceleration, with power being adequate but not particularly impressive. The brake pedal was soft, suitable for a family SUV, and easy to modulate for smooth stops. The Pilot cornered well for a three-row SUV, instilling confidence when driven conservatively, though it didn't encourage sporty driving. The TrailSport model increased ground clearance by an inch and featured all-terrain tires, adding a subtle vibration on pavement but enhancing off-road capabilities.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV featured a new mild-hybrid six-cylinder engine, with a more powerful electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission and a 19.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. It offered 38 miles of electric-only driving and 22 mpg in combined driving. The xDrive50e produced 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV was favored for its electric driving capabilities, though a Level 2 home charging station was recommended for maximizing electric range. The adaptive damping air suspension hid the vehicle's weight, providing a comfortable ride with excellent outward visibility and quick steering. In Sport mode, the X5 delivered excellent acceleration, grip, and steering response, with fade-free brakes.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior was more conventional compared to other new Honda vehicles, featuring a handy dash shelf for the front passenger. The entry-level trims had a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a nine-inch display. The Elite trim's touchscreen seemed small for the space but was adequate. Primary controls were logically placed, with a large rubberized shelf for phones and a wireless charging pad. The Pilot offered clever storage features, including a stowable second-row center seat, providing a useful pass-through for third-row passengers. The second row offered ample space for adults, while the third row was less inviting. Cargo capacity was generous, with up to 114.3 cubic feet available.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e accommodated five people in two rows, with a 33.1 cubic-foot cargo area expanding to 71.2 cubic feet with the back seat folded. The split liftgate design provided a seating area but required stretching to reach deep cargo. The test vehicle featured BMW's Sensafin artificial leather, standard sport seats, and the Climate Comfort Package, offering 20-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed supportive cushions and a panoramic sunroof. The X5 no longer offered a third-row seat, requiring a step up to the BMW X7 for that feature.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's EX-L trim and higher offered a larger infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, and USB ports in every row. Higher trims included a multi-view camera system, with the Elite trim adding a head-up display and a fully digital instrument panel. The infotainment system was functional, with quick responses and a logical layout. Features included Honda's CabinTalk, a navigation system, Bose premium audio, remote monitoring, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The TrailSport and Elite trims featured the multi-view TrailWatch camera system for off-roading.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured the BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system ran BMW Operating System 8.5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, connected services, and over-the-air updates. The Intelligent Personal Assistant, however, struggled with voice recognition, often providing incorrect directions. The available head-up display conveyed data effectively, and the augmented video function for navigation was useful, though reliant on accurate directions from the assistant.

The 2023 Honda Pilot had not yet received crash test results from the NHTSA, but Honda expected top scores. It received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard Honda Sensing safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, traffic-jam assist, a blind-spot monitor, adaptive cruise control, a traffic sign reader, automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims added low-speed automatic braking and parking sensors, with the TrailSport and Elite featuring surround-view and multi-view camera systems.

The 2024 BMW X5 added the Highway Assistant hands-free driving assistance system, requiring deliberate activation. It worked well in dense or light traffic but could behave unexpectedly in moderate traffic. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance performed well, though the system occasionally engaged hard braking without cause. The X5 received high ratings from the IIHS, though lower headlight ratings prevented an IIHS safety award. The NHTSA gave the X5 an overall four-star crash-test rating.