2020 Honda Pilot vs 2020 Dodge Durango

The 2020 Dodge Durango carried its styling over from a 2014 update, with its third generation dating back to a complete redesign in 2011. The connections to the Charger muscle sedan were evident, but the Durango was based on a decade-old platform. Its cabin design was straightforward but felt somewhat dated compared to its Jeep Grand Cherokee sibling, which had received more significant updates. The Durango was in desperate need of a refresh, which was expected to arrive with the 2021 model year. Trims for the 2020 Durango included SXT, GT, Citadel, R/T, and SRT, each offering various features from basic amenities to luxury touches and performance enhancements.

The 2020 Honda Pilot shared the dynamic styling of the current Honda lineup, featuring thin LED headlights and a multi-tiered grille. Its modern cabin included a semi-digital instrument panel and felt comfortable and spacious, though it used hard plastics in many areas. The Pilot's trim levels ranged from LX to the range-topping Black Edition, each adding more features such as leather upholstery, power liftgates, and advanced audio systems. The Pilot's cabin was designed with family hauling in mind, offering plenty of space and convenience features for passengers.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines across its trims. The SXT, GT, and Citadel came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, which was also available on the Citadel. The range-topping SRT boasted a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, branded the "392," delivering 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD) depending on the trim. The SRT trim also included performance-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes, offering impressive car-like handling and acceleration.

The 2020 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine across all trims, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The engine sent power to the front wheels (FWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD). The LX, EX, and EX-L trims used a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition received a 9-speed automatic transmission for more refined acceleration and better fuel economy. The Pilot's ride was tuned for comfort, making it ideal for commutes and road trips, though it lacked athleticism. The Intelligent Traction Management System offered drive modes for various conditions, enhancing its capability in different terrains.

The 2020 Dodge Durango provided 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 47.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. This was comparable to the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, though the VW Atlas offered more space. The Durango's cabin was spacious, with comfortable front seats and a choice of a three-passenger bench or second-row captain's chairs. The third row was best suited for children. The Durango also featured multiple storage bins and cupholders, with a towing capacity ranging from 6,200 to 8,700 pounds depending on the configuration.

The 2020 Honda Pilot offered a spacious 8-passenger cabin with second-row bench seating, while the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims featured second-row captain’s chairs, reducing seating capacity to seven. The Pilot's third row was adult-friendly, and EX trims and higher provided one-touch fold-down rear seats for easier access. With the second and third rows folded, the Pilot offered 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly less than some rivals but more than the Mazda CX-9. Higher trims included a power liftgate and hands-free power tailgate. The Pilot's cabin was designed for family use, with plenty of storage spaces and convenience features.

The 2020 Dodge Durango's SXT and GT trims came with a 7-inch touchscreen, while an 8.4-inch touchscreen was optional on the GT and standard on higher trims. The Uconnect infotainment system was praised for its straightforward menu layout and simple navigation. The Durango included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with higher trims offering navigation, SiriusXM Travel Link, and premium audio systems. The semi-digital instrument panel was user-friendly, and the 2021 update was expected to improve it further.

The 2020 Honda Pilot's LX trim featured a 5-inch color LCD screen, while other trims had an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Display Audio system had a confusing layout, lacking a tuning knob and relying heavily on the touchscreen. Higher trims included HD Radio, SiriusXM, and Cabin Control Remote Capability. Navigation, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a premium audio system were available on higher trims, with the Elite and Black Edition also offering a wireless charging pad.

The 2020 Dodge Durango came with front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and trailer sway control. Rear parking sensors were available on the SXT and standard on higher trims. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-departure warning. The Durango earned a four-star rating from the NHTSA and a Moderate score in IIHS driver’s side small-front overlap testing.

The 2020 Honda Pilot came standard with the HondaSensing suite, including forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also featured front and side-impact airbags, child-seat anchors, Vehicle Stability Assist, and traction control. Optional safety features included parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring. The Pilot earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Good score from the IIHS.