2020 Honda Pilot vs 2021 BMW X5

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 with a digital screen for essential information. The cabin was spacious and comfortable, though 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's trim levels ranged from the value-oriented LX to the luxurious Black Edition, each adding progressively more features and upscale touches.

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's high-quality craftsmanship, with a design that unmistakably identified it as part of the BMW family. Its exterior featured adaptive LED headlights and a choice of matte aluminum or high-gloss black finishes, depending on the trim. The interior, while sharing many elements with other BMW models, was not lacking in quality, offering leather and soft-touch materials. The M Sport models added unique styling elements for a sportier look. The X5's interior was spacious, though the front seats could become uncomfortable on long trips. The split liftgate and adjustable air suspension made loading cargo easier, while the optional third row provided additional seating flexibility.

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, and a 9-speed automatic for the Touring and Black Edition. The V6 provided strong acceleration for everyday driving, though it wasn't the segment leader in performance. 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 challenging terrains.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i model featured a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The M50i variant boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with 523 horsepower, while the X5 M delivered up to 617 horsepower with the Competition Package. The new xDrive45e plug-in hybrid combined a six-cylinder engine with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 389 horsepower and offering up to 50 kilometres of all-electric range. Despite its power, the X5's steering and handling were less engaging than expected, with dynamics more akin to a Lincoln than a typical BMW.

The 2020 Honda Pilot provided a spacious cabin for up to eight passengers, with optional second-row captain’s chairs reducing capacity to seven. Its third row was adult-friendly, offering ample head and legroom. The Pilot excelled in cargo space, with 1,583 litres available with the second and third rows folded, surpassing many competitors. Higher trims featured a power liftgate and hands-free tailgate, enhancing convenience. The Pilot was designed for family use, with numerous storage spaces and features like a conversation mirror and CabinTalk to facilitate communication with rear passengers.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The front seats were comfortable for short trips but could become hard over longer journeys. The rear seats accommodated adults comfortably, and an optional third row was available. The X5's split liftgate and air suspension made loading cargo easier, though the doors did not open wide enough for easy access to the second row. The xDrive45e model offered slightly less cargo space due to its battery, but this was a minor issue for most buyers.

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, 7-speaker stereo, but its interface was criticized for being confusing and lacking a tuning knob. Higher trims added navigation, a rear entertainment system, and a 590-watt, 11-speaker premium audio system. The Touring and Black Edition also included a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless charging pad.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was complemented by a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and numerous connectivity options. Additional features included a panoramic sunroof, remote start, and optional upgrades like a head-up display and premium audio systems. The iDrive system required some acclimatization but was intuitive once mastered.

The 2020 Honda Pilot was equipped 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.

The 2021 BMW X5 featured a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control, particularly in bright sunlight or rain. The X5 received Good ratings from the IIHS but had a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.