2021 Honda Pilot vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot was available in five trims in Canada, with AWD as standard. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, offered a premium feel. However, the interior's resemblance to a minivan and the exterior's lack of flair were noted drawbacks.

In contrast, the 2021 Acura RDX, especially in the A-Spec trim, was praised for its sporty yet subtle design. It avoided excessive off-road styling, focusing instead on a sleek, road-friendly appearance. The A-Spec trim, positioned mid-range, featured unique styling elements that enhanced its sporty appeal without compromising daily usability. The RDX's design was well-received, offering a modern and attractive look that resonated with consumers seeking a stylish compact SUV.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, delivering a smooth and refined driving experience. Its nine-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring AWD system enhanced traction and handling, with driving modes for various conditions. Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with an average of 10.9 L/100 km. The Pilot's suspension provided a comfortable ride, and its steering and brakes were responsive, though the brakes could heat up with prolonged use. Off-road capabilities were limited by its ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and SH-AWD system. The RDX offered dynamic handling and a fun driving experience, with driving modes that adjusted powertrain and steering characteristics. The A-Spec trim's 20-inch wheels and performance tires contributed to its sporty feel, though adaptive dampers would have improved ride quality. The RDX's steering and brakes were precise, and the turbo engine's torque curve provided ample power across driving conditions.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, seating up to eight with a bench second-row seat. The Black Edition featured comfortable leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, though the front passenger seat had limited adjustment. Second-row captain’s chairs were nearly as comfortable as the front seats, and the third-row offered mid-pack comfort. Storage was abundant, with a large centre console and various compartments. Cargo space was generous, with up to 3,092 litres available with seats folded.

The 2021 Acura RDX, while compact, provided impressive passenger and cargo space. The A-Spec trim included comfortable Alcantara and leather seats with 12-way power adjustment. Rear-seat comfort was compromised by a low cushion and excessive recline angle. Storage was limited, though the cargo area was practical, with 835 litres behind the rear seat and additional compartments for organization. Folding the rear seats increased capacity to 1,668 litres, with a maximum of 2,260 litres when measured unconventionally.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added navigation, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. The system was functional but lacked a tuning knob and had limited voice-recognition capabilities. The Touring trim included a rear-seat entertainment system and Cabin Talk feature, enhancing family-friendly functionality.

The 2021 Acura RDX introduced the True Touchpad Interface, a touchpad-based system with satellite radio, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi tethering. While innovative, the TTI required a learning curve and could be distracting. The A-Spec trim included a 16-speaker premium audio system, delivering excellent sound quality. Acura's approach to infotainment was unique but not without its challenges, as it deviated from traditional touchscreen interfaces.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of ADAS features including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "good" ratings from the IIHS, though some areas were rated "acceptable."

The 2021 Acura RDX included a comprehensive safety suite with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available on higher trims. The RDX earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.