2020 Honda Pilot vs 2021 Acura RDX

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 gauges for fuel and engine temperature with a digital screen for other information. The cabin was spacious and comfortable, though it used hard plastics in many areas, which detracted from its overall refinement compared to rivals 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 2021 Acura RDX, especially in the A-Spec trim, was a visually appealing SUV with subtle yet effective styling changes that conveyed sportiness without exaggeration. It avoided off-roading design cues, focusing instead on a sleek, road-friendly appearance. The RDX A-Spec sat in the middle of the trim hierarchy, offering a sporty interior with features like front sport seats with simulated suede inserts and a sport steering wheel. The cabin was designed with quality materials and a sporty feel, though the gauge cluster's red markings on a brushed silver background were difficult to read. The RDX's interior was not typical of a compact crossover SUV, offering a unique and engaging experience.

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, offering more refined acceleration and potential fuel efficiency benefits. 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 allowed drivers to select from Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand modes, enhancing traction in various conditions.

The 2021 Acura RDX came with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and the SH-AWD system, which improved handling by distributing power effectively to the rear wheels. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes, adjusting powertrain response and steering effort. The RDX A-Spec had exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels and performance tires, enhancing its handling. Despite lacking adaptive dampers, the RDX offered a rewarding driving experience with precise steering and fade-resistant brakes.

The 2020 Honda Pilot offered a spacious 8-passenger cabin, with optional second-row captain’s chairs on higher trims reducing seating to seven. It provided an adult-friendly third row with ample head and legroom. The Pilot's cargo space was competitive, offering 1,583 litres with the second and third rows folded. It featured a power liftgate on EX-L trims and higher, with a hands-free power tailgate on Touring and up. The Pilot was designed for family hauling, with plenty of storage spaces and features like a conversation mirror and CabinTalk for easier communication with rear passengers.

The 2021 Acura RDX, though a compact SUV, offered remarkable passenger and cargo space. The front seats were comfortable, with 12-way power adjustment and heating as standard, and ventilation on higher trims. The rear seats, however, lacked leg support due to their low and flat design. Cargo space was practical, with 835 litres behind the rear seat and a deep storage well for smaller items. Folding the rear seats increased capacity to 1,668 litres, though Acura quoted a maximum of 2,260 litres using a less practical measurement method. The RDX's interior was designed for utility, though storage space could be improved.

The 2020 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims. The system included a 215-watt stereo with seven speakers and a subwoofer. However, the interface was criticized for its confusing layout and lack of a tuning knob. Higher trims added features like navigation, a rear entertainment system, and a premium audio system. The Touring and Black Edition also included a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless charging pad.

The 2021 Acura RDX introduced the True Touchpad Interface, which used a touch-sensing pad instead of a touchscreen. This system mirrored the screen, allowing drivers to control it by touching corresponding areas on the pad. While an improvement over similar systems, it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The RDX included standard satellite radio, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi tethering, with a 16-speaker premium audio system on higher trims. Despite its innovative approach, the TTI was not ideal for all users.

The 2020 Honda Pilot came standard with the HondaSensing suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured front and side-impact airbags, child-seat anchors, and traction control. Optional safety features included parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring. The Pilot 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 2021 Acura RDX included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking as standard. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available on higher trims. The RDX lacked some features found in the TLX sedan, such as pedestrian detection and traffic-sign recognition. Despite this, its safety systems were refined and effective. The RDX earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.