2020 Audi Q7 vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2020 Audi Q7 presented a sophisticated and modern aesthetic, with its updated front and rear styling aligning it with the flagship Q8 model. The Q7 55 TFSI, priced at $86,100 with the Technik trim, featured 21-inch wheels and a high-tech interior. The cabin, adorned in Okapi Brown leather and Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash wood inlays, exuded luxury. Audi's Virtual Cockpit and dual touchscreens replaced most physical controls, offering a futuristic feel. The ambient lighting in the Technik trim added a soothing atmosphere, enhancing the upscale experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Pilot aimed for a rugged appearance, though its design was considered an acquired taste. The Black Edition, priced at $58,806, featured exclusive black leather upholstery with red accents and ambient lighting. The Pilot's interior was practical, with quality materials and a minivan-like front seat design. Despite its drab exterior, the Pilot offered a comfortable and spacious cabin, with heated second-row captain’s chairs and a rear-seat entertainment system. However, the black floor mats were a challenge to keep clean, especially for pet owners.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI was equipped with a new 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, offered improved fuel efficiency, averaging 11.2 L/100 km during testing. The Q7's eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro AWD system provided a smooth and agile driving experience. Audi Drive Select allowed for various driving modes, enhancing the SUV's adaptability. The Q7 accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and had a towing capacity of nearly 3,500 kilograms. The Technik trim's adaptive air suspension and dual-pane acoustic glass contributed to a quiet and comfortable ride.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Its nine-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring AWD system ensured a responsive and enjoyable drive. The Pilot averaged 10.9 L/100 km in fuel consumption tests. With a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, the Pilot offered a comfortable ride and athletic handling. However, its off-road capability was limited by modest ground clearance. The Pilot's brakes, while effective, tended to heat up and vibrate with prolonged use.

The 2020 Audi Q7, though capable of seating seven, was best suited for five passengers. The third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space to 402 litres. Folding it down expanded cargo capacity to 1,010 litres, with a maximum of 1,970 litres available. The Q7's interior was comfortable for long trips, with heated and ventilated front seats and ample second-row legroom. However, interior storage was limited, with the centre console and door-panel bins offering minimal space for personal items.

The 2021 Honda Pilot provided ample room for families, seating up to eight with a bench second-row seat. The Black Edition's front seats were comfortable, though the passenger seat had limited adjustment. Second-row captain’s chairs were nearly as comfortable as the front seats, and the third-row offered mid-pack comfort. The Pilot excelled in storage, with numerous compartments and a large centre console. Cargo space measured 524 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,583 litres with it folded, and a maximum of 3,092 litres available.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced MMI Touch Response technology, featuring a 10.1-inch upper and 8.6-inch lower touchscreen. The system included natural voice recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay, and navigation. While intuitive, the touchscreens were sometimes unresponsive to dry fingertips. The Technik trim offered a head-up display and a Bose premium sound system, though polarized sunglasses rendered the display invisible.

The 2021 Honda Pilot's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Touring trim added navigation, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. The system was adequate but lacked a tuning knob and required specific voice prompts. The Touring trim also featured a rear-seat entertainment system and Cabin Talk, allowing the driver to communicate with rear passengers through the speakers.

The 2020 Audi Q7 boasted advanced safety features, including HD Matrix LED headlights, though rated "poor" by the IIHS for glare. The Driver Assistance Package offered Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist. However, the traffic-sign recognition system was problematic, misreading signs and causing abrupt braking. The Q7 received top safety ratings from the IIHS, except for the headlights.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Touring trim added blind-spot monitoring. While effective, the system lacked refinement, and the lane-departure warning was intrusive. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS.