2020 Honda CR-V vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2020 Honda CR-V, part of Honda's fifth generation of compact crossovers, had a design that was both familiar and enjoyable. Its exterior styling was characterized by soft, curvy lines that resembled Honda's sedan lineup, giving it a station wagon-like appearance rather than a traditional SUV look. This design approach made the CR-V a modern family transportation staple. However, the interior was a mix of textures and materials, with upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery clashing with lower-quality plastics. This reminded drivers that even the more expensive CR-V trims were essentially upgraded versions of a commodity car.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to solve the styling puzzle with a rugged appearance introduced in a 2019 refresh and a blacked-out look in the 2020 Black Edition. Despite these efforts, the exterior design remained an acquired taste. The Pilot's interior, however, was more consistent in quality, with black leather upholstery, red-tinted seat inserts, and red ambient lighting in the Black Edition. The Pilot's cabin featured quality materials, including hard plastic panels, and a design reminiscent of a minivan, which, along with its drab exterior, did not enhance its appeal.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine across all trims, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), this powertrain offered a well-matched driving experience. While CVTs often have a reputation for sluggishness, Honda's engineers managed to create a responsive and fuel-efficient system. The CR-V's road manners were excellent, with nimble handling and minimal body roll, thanks to its low curb weight. Fuel efficiency was a strong point, with FWD models rated at 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres combined and AWD models at 8.1, making it one of the most efficient non-hybrid models in its class.

The 2021 Honda Pilot, on the other hand, featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided smooth and refined power delivery, making the SUV quick to accelerate. A nine-speed automatic transmission powered all four wheels through a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, enhancing traction and handling. Fuel-saving measures like variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start contributed to a combined fuel consumption rating of 11.0 litres per 100 kilometres. The Pilot's suspension system offered a comfortable ride and unexpectedly athletic handling, although its off-road capability was limited by modest ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2020 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space and practicality. Its cabin was roomy, offering ample head- and legroom for both the driver and passengers. Clever storage solutions, such as a deep centre console and a two-position load floor in the rear, added to its practicality. The CR-V's cargo space was impressive, with up to 1,110 litres available with the rear seats folded. Even the door pockets were spacious, making it easy to store and access items.

The 2021 Honda Pilot provided generous space for families, with seating for up to eight people. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver's seat. Second-row captain's chairs were available, offering nearly the same comfort as the front seats. The Pilot's cargo space was also substantial, with 524 litres behind the third-row seat and up to 3,092 litres with the seats folded. Storage compartments were abundant, including a large centre console and hidden storage for smaller items.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen that felt small compared to competitors. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate, and even Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration felt tacked on. However, the CR-V offered plenty of USB ports, including high-powered ones in the backseat, and wireless phone charging in higher trims.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The Touring trim added wireless phone charging, a premium audio system, and a rear-seat entertainment system. While the system was adequate, it lacked a tuning knob, and voice-recognition technology required specific prompts. The Pilot's higher trims offered additional features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and Cabin Talk, enhancing convenience for families.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came standard with the "Honda Sensing" suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with caveats for lower trims due to headlight performance. A safety recall affected a small number of vehicles for a rear subframe issue.

Similarly, the 2021 Honda Pilot included Honda Sensing as standard, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Pilot's crash-test ratings were favourable, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "good" ratings from the IIHS, except for an "acceptable" score for front passenger small overlap frontal-impact protection. The Pilot's safety features worked well but lacked refinement in operation.