2021 Dodge Durango 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, from the value-packed LX to the luxurious Black Edition, which included unique black-painted wheels and red interior lighting.

The 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular stance and athletic styling, aligning with Dodge's family of vehicles. The 2021 model year saw revisions, particularly in the high-performance SRT Hellcat model, which featured a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, and LED headlamps. The Durango offered a variety of wheel options and a choice of 11 exterior colours, with six interior colour schemes. Inside, the Durango's cabin was updated with a new instrument panel and touchscreen options, enhancing its premium feel as one moved up the trim levels. The Durango's design strategy catered to a wide range of buyers, offering models with track-ready equipment and unique packaging.

The 2020 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It came with standard all-wheel drive in Canada, with a 6-speed automatic transmission on lower trims and a 9-speed automatic on the Touring and Black Edition. The 9-speed transmission offered smoother acceleration and improved fuel efficiency. Despite its lack of athleticism, the Pilot provided a refined and comfortable driving experience, ideal for commutes and road trips. The Intelligent Traction Management System allowed drivers to select from Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand modes, enhancing traction in various conditions.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered four engine options: a 3.6-litre V6, a 5.7-litre HEMI V8, a 392 HEMI V8, and a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8. The V6 engine produced up to 295 horsepower, while the 5.7-litre V8 delivered 360 hp. The 392 HEMI V8 offered 475 hp, and the supercharged 6.2-litre V8 in the SRT Hellcat produced a staggering 710 hp. All engines were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions, with all-wheel drive standard in Canada. The Durango's performance was impressive, with smooth acceleration and responsive steering. However, its chassis showed its age, with a suspension that transmitted bumps to the cabin. The Durango R/T's Tow N Go Package allowed for a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds, making it a versatile choice for those needing to haul heavy loads.

The 2020 Honda Pilot provided a spacious cabin with seating for up to eight passengers, with second-row captain’s chairs available on higher trims. Its third row was adult-friendly, offering ample head and legroom. The Pilot's cargo space was competitive, with 1,583 litres available with the second and third rows folded. This capacity surpassed many rivals, making it a practical choice for families. The Pilot's interior was designed for family use, with plenty of storage spaces and features like a conversation mirror and CabinTalk to facilitate communication with rear passengers.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered seating for up to seven passengers across three rows. Its front and second-row seats were spacious, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The third row was more spacious than many competitors, providing adequate room for adults. The Durango's cargo space was average for its class, but its fit and finish had improved significantly over the years. The Durango's midsize packaging made it a versatile family hauler, balancing comfort and practicality with its athletic design.

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 and lacking a tuning knob. Higher trims added features like navigation, a rear entertainment system, and a premium audio system. The Pilot's technology offerings were comprehensive but could benefit from a more user-friendly interface.

The 2021 Dodge Durango came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims, while higher trims received a 10.1-inch screen with the new Uconnect 5 system. This system was faster and more customizable, offering features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, TomTom navigation, and connected services. The Durango also offered a rear-seat entertainment system with Blu-ray and DVD capabilities. The Uconnect 5 system was praised for its ease of use and clear graphics, enhancing the Durango's technological appeal.

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.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's safety features were less comprehensive, with a back-up camera as the only standard active safety feature. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Durango received a Marginal rating from the IIHS for small overlap frontal impact and a four-star front crash rating from the NHTSA.