2020 Honda Pilot vs 2020 Mazda CX-5

The 2020 Honda Pilot exhibited a dynamic styling consistent with the Honda lineup, featuring thin LED headlights and a multi-tiered grille. Its design cleverly masked its size, giving it a more streamlined appearance. Inside, the Pilot offered a modern cabin with a semi-digital instrument panel, combining analog and digital elements. While the cabin was comfortable and spacious, it used hard plastics in many areas, which detracted from its overall refinement compared to competitors like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. The Pilot was available in several trims, each adding more features, with the Black Edition offering unique styling elements.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5, on the other hand, aimed to deliver a premium experience with captivating style and substance. It featured more standard equipment and enhancements to reduce noise and vibration. The CX-5's design, rooted in Mazda's "Kodo" styling, remained appealing and distinctive. Inside, the CX-5's Signature trim boasted premium Nappa leather upholstery and real wood accents, creating a luxurious feel. However, the interior was more cramped compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, which Mazda attempted to offset with a more upscale cabin and generous standard equipment.

The 2020 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, with standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The LX, EX, and EX-L trims featured a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the Touring and Black Edition received a 9-speed automatic for smoother acceleration and better fuel efficiency. Despite its lack of athleticism, the Pilot offered a refined and comfortable driving experience, with drive modes for various conditions via the Intelligent Traction Management System.

In contrast, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 came with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque in the GX, GS, and GT trims. The GT Turbo and Signature trims featured a turbocharged engine, producing up to 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with premium fuel. The CX-5's turbocharged engine provided strong acceleration, though it was less fuel-efficient. The SUV's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced driving engagement, but excessive body motions detracted from its overall thrill. Nevertheless, the CX-5 offered a delightful driving experience in typical situations.

The 2020 Honda Pilot provided a spacious 8-passenger cabin, with optional second-row captain’s chairs reducing capacity to seven. Its adult-friendly third row offered ample head and legroom, and the EX-L trim and higher featured one-touch fold-down rear seats for easier access. With the second and third rows folded, the Pilot offered 1,583 litres of cargo space, surpassing many competitors. The Pilot's family-friendly design included numerous storage spaces and features like a conversation mirror and CabinTalk for easier communication.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5, while more upscale, had a more cramped interior compared to mainstream competitors. Its interior reflected style and good taste, with heated front seats standard across all trims. Higher trims added features like ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and Nappa leather upholstery. The CX-5's cargo space measured 875 litres behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,687 litres with the back seat folded. Despite its smaller size, the CX-5 aimed to provide a luxurious experience with its upscale materials and features.

The 2020 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims in Canada. However, the system's layout was confusing, lacking a tuning knob and relying heavily on the touchscreen. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, a rear entertainment system, and an upgraded audio system.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system aimed for an upscale impression, similar to luxury brands. It featured a 7-inch touchscreen, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. Higher trims added SiriusXM satellite radio, a Bose premium sound system, and a surround-view camera system. However, the system's controls were not ideal, requiring users to rely on steering controls and avoid the voice-recognition technology.

The 2020 Honda Pilot came standard with the HondaSensing suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating from the IIHS, with a Superior score in crash prevention technology.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 offered a comprehensive ADAS package, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high marks in individual testing parameters.