2020 Honda Pilot vs 2021 Honda CR-V

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.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V's exterior design was less distinctive, blending in with other compact crossovers. It featured a few unique details, such as the grille opening and chromed plastic accents, but overall, it wasn't a vehicle chosen for its looks. The CR-V was available in seven colours, though most were shades of grey, black, or white, with limited availability of more vibrant options. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and a choice of materials depending on the trim. While it didn't stand out in terms of styling, it provided a functional and comfortable interior space.

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 on lower trims and a 9-speed automatic on the Touring and Black Edition. The 9-speed offered smoother acceleration and better fuel efficiency. Despite its power, the Pilot wasn't the segment leader in acceleration but provided ample power for everyday driving. It featured a comfortable ride, ideal for commutes and road trips, though it lacked athleticism. The Intelligent Traction Management System offered different drive modes for various conditions, enhancing its versatility.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower. It wasn't designed for rapid acceleration, taking about 8 seconds to reach 100 km/h, but it offered smooth and steady performance. All trims featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which maintained constant engine revs as speed increased. While not the most engaging driving experience, it was adequate for most drivers. The CR-V came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. Its suspension setup provided decent handling and ride quality, typical for its class.

The 2020 Honda Pilot offered a spacious cabin with seating for up to eight passengers, or seven with optional second-row captain's chairs. Its third row was adult-friendly, providing ample head and legroom. The Pilot excelled in cargo space, offering 1,583 litres with the second and third rows folded, surpassing many competitors. Higher trims featured a power liftgate and hands-free power tailgate, enhancing convenience. The Pilot 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 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, comfortably seating five passengers and offering ample cargo space. It provided more interior volume than the Toyota RAV4 and 1,065 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Depending on the trim, the CR-V featured a manual, power, or hands-free power tailgate, adding convenience for loading and unloading. Roof rails were standard on most trims, allowing for additional cargo-carrying options. The CR-V's design focused on practicality, making it a versatile choice for families and individuals alike.

The 2020 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims. It included a 215-watt, 7-speaker stereo with a subwoofer, though the interface was criticized for its confusing layout. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM, navigation, a rear entertainment system, and a 590-watt, 11-speaker premium audio system. Wireless charging was also available on top trims, enhancing convenience for tech-savvy users.

In the 2021 Honda CR-V, a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system was standard, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Audio systems varied by trim, with the Touring trim featuring a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. The CR-V EX-L and higher trims included SiriusXM and HD radio, while the Touring and Black Edition offered satellite navigation. Charging ports were abundant, with USB and 12-volt outlets throughout the cabin, and a wireless phone charger was available on the Touring trim.

The 2020 Honda Pilot came equipped with the HondaSensing suite of driver assistance systems, 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 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system as standard, offering a comprehensive suite of safety technologies across all trims. These included a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring, which was included on higher trims.