2020 Honda Pilot vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner

The 2020 Honda Pilot exhibited a sleek design that aligned with Honda's contemporary styling. Its thin LED headlights and multi-tiered grille contributed to its dynamic appearance, while the subtle uptick in the belt-line around the rear side windows cleverly masked its true size, giving it a more streamlined look. Inside, the Pilot offered a modern cabin with a semi-digital instrument panel, combining analog gauges for fuel and engine temperature with a digital screen for other information. The cabin was spacious and comfortable, though it did feature hard plastics in several areas, which detracted from its overall refinement compared to some competitors.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota 4Runner maintained a timeless, utilitarian design with tall slab sides, a high beltline, and short overhangs. Its rugged appearance was accentuated by flared wheel wells designed for off-road tires and a near-vertical front fascia. The 4Runner's interior was characterized by large, chunky knobs for HVAC controls and a straightforward layout, though the steering wheel controls lacked illumination, making them difficult to use in the dark. The 4Runner's tall seating position provided a commanding view of the road, but its third-row seats were best suited for short, occasional use due to their limited legroom and comfort.

The 2020 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It came standard with all-wheel drive in Canada, with a 6-speed automatic transmission for the LX, EX, and EX-L trims, while the Touring and Black Edition featured a 9-speed automatic for smoother acceleration and improved fuel efficiency. 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 snow, mud, and sand.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner, built on a truck chassis, featured a 4-litre V6 engine with 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms, though it was not known for fuel efficiency, with consumption rates of 14.8 L/100 km in the city and 12.5 on the highway. The 4Runner excelled off-road, with its body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like crawl control and Multi-Terrain Select, making it a formidable choice for rugged terrain.

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

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner prioritized outward visibility and a tidy turning radius of 5.6 metres, making it easy to maneuver despite its size. Inside, the dashboard featured large, easy-to-use controls, though the steering wheel buttons were not illuminated. The 4Runner's tall seating position offered a commanding view, but the optional third-row seats were narrow and lacked legroom, making them suitable only for short trips. The 4Runner's design focused on off-road capability, with features like power-retractable running boards for easier access.

The 2020 Honda Pilot came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the system included a 215-watt, 7-speaker stereo, its interface was criticized for being confusing and lacking a tuning knob. Higher trims added features like navigation, a rear entertainment system, and a 590-watt, 11-speaker premium audio system. The Pilot's technology offerings were comprehensive but could have been more user-friendly.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner received an update with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While Toyota's system was generally easy to use, the onboard navigation was less efficient than smartphone alternatives. The 4Runner included Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port, with higher packages offering a JBL stereo and navigation. Despite these updates, the 4Runner lagged behind competitors in terms of technology features and usability, focusing more on off-road capabilities.

The 2020 Honda Pilot featured the HondaSensing suite of driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, 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 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. It received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a three-star rating in the rollover test, and a Good rating from the IIHS, except for a Marginal score in the small overlap front: driver-side test.