2020 Honda Pilot vs 2020 Dodge Durango

The 2020 Dodge Durango retained its styling from a 2014 update, with its third generation dating back to a 2011 redesign. Its design connections to the Charger muscle sedan were evident, though the platform was a decade old. The Durango's cabin design was straightforward but felt dated compared to its Jeep Grand Cherokee counterpart, which had received more significant updates. The Durango was set for a refresh in 2021, promising more aggressive exterior styling and a reworked cabin. The 2020 model offered trims like SXT, GT, R/T, Citadel, and SRT, each with varying features from basic to luxury and performance-oriented.

The 2020 Honda Pilot shared dynamic styling with the Honda lineup, featuring thin LED headlights and a multi-tiered grille. Its modern cabin included a semi-digital instrument panel, offering a comfortable and spacious environment, though some hard plastics were present. The Pilot's trims ranged from LX to the Black Edition, each adding features like leather upholstery, power liftgates, and advanced tech. The Pilot's cabin was designed for family use, with ample space and features like a conversation mirror and CabinTalk for easy communication with rear passengers.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, standard on the SXT, GT, and Citadel trims. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, also available on the Citadel. The SRT trim boasted a 6.4-litre Hemi V8, delivering 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The SRT's performance was enhanced by a performance-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes, offering impressive handling for its size.

The 2020 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine across all trims, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The LX, EX, and EX-L trims used a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the Touring and Black Edition featured a 9-speed automatic for refined acceleration and improved fuel efficiency. The Pilot's V6 provided strong acceleration for everyday driving, though it lacked the athleticism of some competitors. The Intelligent Traction Management System offered drive modes for various conditions, enhancing the Pilot's capability in different terrains.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered 490 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,351 litres with the rear seats folded, and 2,393 litres with both the second and third rows down. This was comparable to competitors like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. The Durango's cabin was spacious, with comfortable front seats and a choice of second-row bench or captain's chairs. The third row was more suitable for children, but access was easy thanks to large doors and foldable second-row seats. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 2,812 to 3,946 kilograms, depending on configuration.

The 2020 Honda Pilot provided a spacious 8-passenger cabin, with optional second-row captain's chairs on higher trims reducing seating to seven. The Pilot's third row was adult-friendly, offering ample head and legroom. With the second and third rows folded, the Pilot offered 1,583 litres of cargo space, competitive with rivals like the Toyota Highlander and Kia Telluride. The Pilot's cabin was designed for family use, with plenty of storage spaces and features like a conversation mirror and CabinTalk for easy communication with rear passengers.

The 2020 Dodge Durango featured a 7-inch touchscreen on the SXT and GT trims, with an optional 8.4-inch screen standard on higher trims. The Uconnect infotainment system was praised for its straightforward menu layout and ease of use, with features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered navigation, SiriusXM Travel Link, and premium audio systems, including a 19-speaker Harman Kardon option.

The 2020 Honda Pilot came with an 8-inch Display Audio touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included a 215-watt, 7-speaker stereo with a subwoofer, though its user interface was criticized for being confusing. Higher trims added features like navigation, a rear entertainment system, and a 590-watt, 11-speaker premium audio system. The Pilot also offered a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless charging on select trims.

The 2020 Dodge Durango came with standard front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, and trailer sway control. 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 featured the HondaSensing suite of driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist. Standard safety equipment included front and side-impact airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist, and traction control. The Pilot earned a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Good score from the IIHS.