2021 Honda Pilot vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Toyota Highlander presented a design that was subtle yet refined, with a trapezoidal theme evident in its tailgate, bumper, and headlights. The vehicle's exterior, while not particularly exciting, was complemented by new paint colours like the attractive Blueprint. Inside, the Highlander boasted a high-quality cabin with silver-painted accents and a multi-layered dash. The interior was noted for its rich textures and pleasing colour palettes, especially in the Limited trim, which featured a three-tone interior. The Highlander's cabin was praised for its attention to detail, offering a level of quality that was only rivalled by the Kia Telluride.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Pilot aimed for a rugged appearance with its 2019 refresh and 2020 Black Edition. However, its exterior design was considered an acquired taste. The Pilot was available in five trims in Canada, with AWD as standard. The Black Edition, which we tested, featured exclusive black leather upholstery with red accents and ambient lighting. The Pilot's interior was noted for its quality materials, though it resembled a minivan from the front seat. Despite its drab exterior, the Pilot offered a comfortable and practical cabin, though it struggled with pet hair on its floor mats.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided smooth and brisk acceleration, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. However, the Highlander's steering was loose, and its suspension was soft, leading to a floaty ride. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander offered a calm and isolating driving experience, with good fuel efficiency for its size. The AWD system on higher trims included torque vectoring and selectable driving modes, enhancing its handling capabilities.

The 2021 Honda Pilot also featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Its nine-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring AWD system contributed to its smooth and refined performance. The Pilot offered a comfortable ride with unexpectedly athletic handling, thanks to its MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with an average of 10.9 L/100 km during testing. However, its off-road capability was limited by its ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander offered seating for eight, or seven with second-row captain's chairs. Its second-row seats were versatile, with generous legroom and easy access to the third row. The Highlander excelled in ergonomics, with wide-opening rear doors and comfortable seating heights. Cargo space was ample, with up to 2,378 litres available when seats were folded. The interior featured practical storage solutions, though the wireless charging pad could obstruct access to the centre armrest cubby.

The 2021 Honda Pilot provided seating for up to eight, with comfortable and supportive front seats. Second-row captain's chairs were optional, offering nearly the same comfort as the front seats. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults due to its low cushion. The Pilot excelled in storage, with numerous compartments and a large centre console. Cargo space was generous, with up to 3,092 litres available. The power tailgate and hands-free operation on higher trims added convenience.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander's infotainment system was outdated, with low-resolution screens and a lack of onboard apps. The 12.3-inch touchscreen on the Platinum trim was underutilized, though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The Highlander redeemed itself with a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch instrument cluster display. Safety features included adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams, with a decent JBL audio system on higher trims.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was adequate but lacked a tuning knob and required specific voice prompts. Higher trims offered a rear-seat entertainment system, wireless charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Touring trim added a Cabin Talk feature, allowing the driver to communicate with rear-seat passengers through the stereo speakers.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Highlander received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a 2020 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured Honda Sensing, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The system was functional but lacked refinement. The Pilot received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, despite a four-star mark for front-passenger protection. The IIHS gave it high ratings, with an "acceptable" score for front passenger small overlap protection.