2020 Lexus RX vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2020 Lexus RX received a significant refresh, enhancing its appeal both inside and out. The exterior updates included standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with optional triple-beam LED headlamps. The grille was redesigned to align more closely with other Lexus models, and a new paint option, Moonbeam Beige Metallic, was introduced. The rear of the vehicle was updated with a new shape, featuring dual exhausts, a rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, along with an available hands-free tailgate. Inside, the RX maintained its reputation for luxury with standard heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The interior offered a variety of colour and material combinations, with leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel as standard. The F Sport packages added unique features like a distinctive steering wheel, shift knob, and 20-inch wheels. Despite its premium feel, the centre stack's design was beginning to show its age.

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance style with practicality, offering a rugged appearance with its 2019 refresh and a blacked-out look with the 2020 Black Edition. The Pilot was available in five trims in Canada, all with standard all-wheel drive. The Black Edition, which we tested, came fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery, red-tinted seat inserts, and red ambient lighting. The interior featured quality materials, including hard plastic panels, and a design reminiscent of a minivan, with a flat dashboard and low centre console. While the Pilot's exterior design was not universally appealing, it provided a comfortable and functional interior space. However, the black floor mats were prone to collecting pet hair, requiring a lint roller for thorough cleaning.

The 2020 Lexus RX was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The RX 350 L variant offered slightly reduced power at 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with an electric motor, achieving 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, with a CVT transmission. The RX was not particularly athletic, taking 7.9 seconds to reach 60 mph, but it provided a smooth and connected driving experience. Fuel efficiency was a strong point for the hybrid models, with the RX 450h achieving 7.9 L/100 km combined. The RX offered various drive modes, including Normal, Eco, and Sport, with F Sport models adding Sport S+ and Customize modes. The RX's adaptive variable suspension and 20-inch wheels enhanced agility, while the cabin remained quiet and comfortable.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. The Pilot offered a smooth and refined driving experience, with Intelligent Traction Management modes for different conditions. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.0 L/100 km combined, with the test vehicle averaging 10.9 L/100 km. The Pilot's MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension provided a comfortable ride and surprisingly athletic handling. The torque-vectoring AWD system and 20-inch alloy wheels contributed to its performance on pavement. However, the Pilot's off-road capability was limited by its ground clearance and approach angles. The steering and brakes were responsive, though the brakes could heat up with prolonged use.

The 2020 Lexus RX offered a spacious interior, though not as minimalist or stylish as some German competitors. The two-row RX comfortably accommodated four adults, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best suited for small children. The cabin was wide and tall, with comfortable front seats and decent visibility, though the A-pillar could obstruct views. The RX's cargo area was smaller than rivals, with a high load floor limiting space. The RX 350 L and 450h L also had less cargo space compared to competitors like the Lincoln Aviator. A hands-free liftgate was available on certain models.

The 2021 Honda Pilot provided ample room for families, seating up to eight with a bench second-row seat. The test vehicle featured leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. Second-row captain’s chairs were optional, offering comfort and sliding forward for third-row access. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults due to its low cushion. Storage was abundant, with compartments throughout the cabin and a large centre console. The Pilot offered 524 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,583 litres with the third row folded. Maximum cargo volume reached 3,092 litres, making it competitive for family trips.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system was often criticized, but improvements were made for 2020, including moving the display closer to the driver. The 12.3-inch touchscreen was still challenging to navigate, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity helped mitigate issues. The RX also offered Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and other app compatibility. The touchpad system was improved, and the RX featured six USB ports. The standard 12-speaker audio system was adequate, with a 15-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2021 Honda Pilot included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The EX-L Navi trim added navigation, while the Touring grade offered wireless phone charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The infotainment system was functional but lacked a tuning knob and had limited HondaLink services. The Touring trim featured a rear-seat entertainment system and Cabin Talk, allowing the driver to communicate with rear passengers through the speakers. The system played DVDs and Blu-Ray discs, but many users preferred using Wi-Fi for streaming.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The 2020 update added features like daytime bicyclist detection and lane-tracing assist. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though not as high as newer models. Lexus Enform Safety Connect and Service Connect were included, though connectivity issues were noted during testing.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured Honda Sensing, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Touring trim added blind-spot monitoring. The older version of Honda Sensing was functional but not as refined. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "good" ratings from the IIHS, except for an "acceptable" score for front passenger small overlap protection.