2021 Honda Pilot vs 2021 Audi Q5

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 unique aesthetic. However, the interior, with its minivan-like front seat design and hard plastic panels, did not significantly elevate the Pilot's appeal.

In contrast, the 2021 Audi Q5 presented a sharp, modern design that carried the Audi design language with distinction. Its expressive front, characterized by LED headlights and a prominent Singleframe grille, and its sleek body lines, contributed to its classy appearance. The Q5 PHEV variant featured S-Line trim enhancements and larger wheels, further enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the Q5 maintained a sophisticated and uncluttered look, with high-quality materials and a well-organized layout, offering a premium feel throughout the cabin.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a torque-vectoring AWD system, provided smooth and refined acceleration. The Pilot's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.0 litres per 100 kilometres combined, with the test vehicle achieving 10.9 L/100 km. Its suspension system offered a comfortable ride and surprisingly agile handling, though its off-road capabilities were limited by modest ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV took performance to another level with a combined output of 362 horsepower and 373 pound-feet of torque, thanks to its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and electric motor. This setup allowed the Q5 PHEV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. The PHEV's fuel efficiency was impressive, with a rating of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres combined. The Q5's drivetrain featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission and full-time Quattro AWD, offering various driving modes for efficiency and performance. Its handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

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 standard on the Black Edition, providing comfort and flexibility. The Pilot's cargo space was generous, with 524 litres behind the third row and up to 3,092 litres with seats folded, making it ideal for family trips.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV excelled in smart packaging, with its battery pack located under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It offered 710 litres of space behind the second row and 1,503 litres with seats folded. The Q5 provided ample legroom, headroom, and shoulder room in the second row, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and optional ventilation. The interior featured practical storage solutions, maintaining a clean and functional design.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered navigation, wireless phone charging, and a premium audio system. The system was adequate but lacked some modern conveniences, such as a tuning knob and intuitive voice recognition. The Touring trim added a rear-seat entertainment system and Cabin Talk feature, enhancing family-friendly functionality.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV boasted a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a user-friendly touchpad. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus provided a customizable instrument panel, elevating the cabin's tech appeal. The Q5 included a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto, offering a superior audio and connectivity experience.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of ADAS features including adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. While effective, the system lacked refinement. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and "good" ratings from IIHS, except for an "acceptable" score in one category.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by IIHS, but the gasoline model received top ratings except for headlights. NHTSA awarded the gasoline model five stars. The Q5 included six airbags, electronic stability control, and a range of driver-assistance features like Audi Pre Sense and adaptive cruise control, ensuring comprehensive safety.