2020 Honda Pilot vs 2021 Volvo XC90

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.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a successful design evolution for Volvo, maintaining its traditional boxy profile while adding softer lines and more chrome. The distinctive LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights were a standout feature. The XC90's interior embraced Swedish minimalism, offering high-quality materials and thoughtful design. The Inscription trim featured luxurious touches like an Orrefors crystal shifter, though some elements seemed out of place in the otherwise restrained interior. The XC90's design was both elegant and functional, with a focus on comfort and understated luxury.

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 for lower 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 fastest in its class. The Pilot's ride was tuned for comfort, making it ideal for commutes and road trips, though it lacked sporty handling. The Intelligent Traction Management System offered drive modes for different conditions, enhancing its versatility.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains based on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. The T5 was turbocharged, producing 250 horsepower, while the T6 added a supercharger for 316 horsepower. The T8 plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric motors for a total of 400 horsepower. All models featured all-wheel drive in Canada. Despite the power, the XC90's small engine struggled with flexibility, and the plug-in hybrid's electric mode was limited. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, with an optional air-suspension system providing a smooth experience. It also offered a respectable towing capacity of 2,250 kilograms.

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 boasted 1,583 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, surpassing many competitors. Higher trims included features like a power liftgate and hands-free tailgate. The Pilot was designed for family use, with plenty of storage spaces and features like a conversation mirror and CabinTalk to keep passengers connected.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom for the segment. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. A power sunroof and four-zone climate control enhanced the interior's spacious feel. The Inscription trim offered luxurious front seats with massage functions, though storage space was limited. Cargo capacity was 317 litres with all seats in place, expanding to 1,815 litres with the second and third rows folded, which was below average for the segment. A hands-free power tailgate was standard.

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 stereo, but its interface was criticized for being confusing. Higher trims added features like navigation, a rear entertainment system, and a premium audio system. The Touring and Black Edition also offered a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless charging.

The 2021 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was praised for its simplicity and functionality. It included a 9-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, and smartphone integration. The system was easy to use, though some text was difficult to read while driving. A 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and head-up display were available. The wireless charging pad was a new addition for 2021, though it had compatibility issues with some phones.

The 2020 Honda Pilot came with the HondaSensing suite of driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and top scores from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking, reinforcing Volvo's reputation for safety.