2024 Land Rover Defender 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 gained legitimate off-road parts like 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 Land Rover Defender combined an old-school, boxy profile with modern features like angular headlights, connecting it visually to other Land Rover vehicles. Its interior felt more durable and adventure-ready, akin to a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, but with more soft-touch materials. Offered in three body styles—two-door 90, four-door 110, and extended-wheelbase four-door 130—the Defender catered to various preferences with trims like S, X-Dynamic SE, X, Carpathian Edition, and Outbound. The Defender 110 S, the most popular configuration, featured a County visual package with white wheels and vintage graphics. Standard features included 19-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable front seats, and a 10-speaker Meridian sound system, with options for premium leather upholstery and additional climate control features. The Defender's design leaned into a throwback approach while offering modern styling packs for those who preferred a contemporary look.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was powered by a new 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 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 and adequate power, with a soft brake pedal suitable for a family SUV. It cornered well for a three-row SUV, prioritizing comfort over 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 capability without sacrificing on-road comfort.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered several powertrains, starting with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the P300, producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The P400 test model featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, delivering 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Two supercharged 5.0-liter V8 options, P500 and P525, offered 493 hp and 518 hp, respectively. All engines used an eight-speed automatic transmission with full-time active four-wheel drive. The Defender excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like adaptive air suspension and Terrain Response 2 system. The P400 model provided ample power for highway speeds, with a pleasant on-road ride and minimal body roll, despite its off-road prowess.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior was more conventional compared to other new Honda vehicles, offering a handy dash shelf for the front passenger. Entry-level trims featured 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. Clever storage features included a stowable second-row center seat, providing a center pass-through for third-row passengers. The second row offered ample space for adults, while the third row was less inviting. Cargo capacity reached up to 114.3 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender blended luxury and functionality, with soft-touch materials, grip handles, and rubberized floors. Seating capacity ranged from five to eight passengers, depending on the configuration. The Defender 110 offered an optional third row, while the Defender 130 provided more space but was still limited. Cargo capacity varied by model, with the Defender 130 offering up to 76.1 cubic feet with seats folded. The Defender 110 provided 78.8 cubic feet in the two-row version, while the Defender 90 offered up to 58.3 cubic feet. The cargo area featured hard plastic surfaces, making it practical and easy to clean.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's EX-L trim and above 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, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The TrailSport and Elite trims featured the multi-view TrailWatch camera system for off-roading.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.4-inch touchscreen, offering navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system included Bluetooth, satellite radio, HD radio, and a 10-speaker Meridian stereo. The touchscreen was simple and utilitarian, with home buttons for easy navigation. The interior balanced refinement and utility, providing everything needed without overwhelming users with excessive technology.

The 2023 Honda Pilot had not yet been crash-tested by 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, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added low-speed automatic braking and parking sensors. The TrailSport and Elite trims featured surround-view and multi-view camera systems. The advanced safety features functioned well, with no false alarms during testing.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered standard driver assistance features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Other features included traffic sign recognition, automatic high beams, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The lane-departure and lane-keeping assist were touchy but could be deactivated. The Defender had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, which is common for expensive vehicles.