2020 Honda Pilot vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2020 Honda Pilot was a testament to Honda's dynamic styling, sharing its design language with the rest of the lineup. It featured thin LED headlights and a multi-tiered grille, with a subtle belt-line uptick around the rear side windows that cleverly masked its size, giving it a more streamlined appearance. Inside, the Pilot boasted a modern cabin with a semi-digital instrument panel, where analog fuel and engine-temperature gauges complemented a digital screen displaying other information. The cabin was spacious and comfortable, though it fell short of some rivals in terms of upscale materials, with hard plastics in many areas. The Pilot offered various trims, from the value-packed LX with standard all-wheel drive and tech features to the luxurious Black Edition with unique styling elements.

The 2021 Audi Q5, on the other hand, was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that carried Audi's design language with distinction. Its expressive face featured LED headlights and a prominent Singleframe grille, while crisp character lines and bold taillights added to its classy, modern appearance. Inside, the Q5 maintained a sophisticated and uncluttered look, with smartly grouped controls and high-quality materials like real wood and metal. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was strategically placed for easy access, and the second row offered standard leather upholstery. The Q5's interior was a blend of technology and elegance, providing a comfortable and stylish environment for both driver and passengers.

The 2020 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 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 boasted a 9-speed automatic for smoother acceleration and improved fuel efficiency. Despite Honda's unconventional shifter button setup, the V6 engine provided robust acceleration for everyday driving, though it wasn't the segment leader. The Pilot's ride was tuned for comfort, making it ideal for commutes and road trips, albeit lacking in athleticism. The Intelligent Traction Management System offered drive modes like Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand, enhancing traction in various conditions.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV took performance to another level with its innovative setup. Combining a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, it delivered a total output of 362 horsepower and 373 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the Q5 PHEV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds, while achieving impressive fuel efficiency of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres combined. The seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission and full-time Quattro all-wheel drive provided seamless power delivery. The Q5 PHEV offered various driving modes, including electric-only and hybrid, allowing drivers to optimize efficiency. Its handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2020 Honda Pilot offered a spacious 8-passenger cabin, with optional second-row captain’s chairs on higher trims reducing seating to seven. Unlike some rivals, the Pilot's third row was adult-friendly, providing ample head and legroom. With the second and third rows folded, it offered 1,583 litres of cargo space, surpassing many competitors. Higher trims featured a power liftgate and hands-free power tailgate. 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 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV excelled in smart packaging, with its battery pack located under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It offered 710 litres of space behind the second row, expanding to 1,503 litres with the seats folded. The second row provided ample legroom, headroom, and shoulder room, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with optional ventilation. The Q5's interior was thoughtfully designed, with convenient storage solutions and a focus on functionality.

The 2020 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch Display Audio touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims. However, its interface was criticized for being confusing, lacking a tuning knob, and relying heavily on the touchscreen. Higher trims added features like navigation, a rear entertainment system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Touring and Black Edition boasted an upgraded 590-watt, 11-speaker audio system and wireless charging.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV impressed with its MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster, offering customizable views. The cabin featured adjustable LED ambient lighting, enhancing the futuristic feel. A Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers provided exceptional sound quality. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto were included, ensuring seamless connectivity.

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 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. Optional safety features included parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top "good" ratings, except for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, electronic stability control, and a rearview camera. Available driver-assistance features included Audi Pre Sense front, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition.