2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2020 Honda Pilot

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 fell short of the upscale feel provided by some competitors, with hard plastics in various areas. The Pilot was available in several trims, each adding more features, culminating in the Black Edition with unique black accents and red interior lighting.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 showcased Cadillac's efforts to reclaim its status as a refined brand, with updates from the previous year carrying over. The XT5's exterior featured a snub-nosed design with distinct trim level differentiation and standard LED lights. Its interior, while not entirely luxurious, was more upscale than its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer. The Premium Luxury trim exuded elegance with cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fibre accents. The XT5's design favoured simplicity and thoughtful material placement, offering a more refined experience than previous Cadillac models.

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 had a 9-speed automatic for smoother acceleration and better fuel efficiency. Despite its unconventional shifter button setup, the Pilot delivered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, though it lacked athleticism. The Intelligent Traction Management System offered various drive modes for different conditions, enhancing its versatility.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which was smooth when upshifting but less so when downshifting. The XT5's throttle response was immediate with the V6, though it could benefit from more low-end torque. The XT5's fuel efficiency was competitive, with the AWD V6 achieving 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, better than expected. The XT5 handled well, offering a comfortable driving experience.

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. The SUV 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 Cadillac XT5 accommodated four adults comfortably, though it technically seated five with a second-row bench. While legroom was adequate, headroom was limited for taller passengers. The XT5 offered 850 litres of cargo space, less than some rivals, but its deep rear cargo area was practical. The SUV featured a cargo-management system and a hands-free power liftgate. However, small-item storage was limited, with few convenient places for smartphones or other items.

The 2020 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims. While the system included a 215-watt stereo and Bluetooth connectivity, its interface was criticized for being confusing. Higher trims added features like navigation, a rear entertainment system, and an upgraded audio system. The Touring and Black Edition also offered a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless charging.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 boasted a streamlined infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen and a rotary controller for navigation. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Bose sound system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The XT5's climate control system featured haptic feedback and a chrome toggle switch for temperature adjustments. Additional features included a rear camera mirror, a head-up display, and a fully digital instrument cluster, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Honda Pilot came standard with the HondaSensing suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured front and side-impact airbags, child-seat anchors, and traction control. 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 Cadillac XT5 offered a range of safety features, including front automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-change alert. Not all features were standard across trims. The XT5's Night Vision technology enhanced nighttime visibility, while Teen Driver software allowed parents to monitor and limit vehicle features. A rearview camera and rear-seat reminder were standard.