2021 Honda Pilot vs 2021 Honda CR-V

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. Available in five trims in Canada, the Pilot offered standard all-wheel drive and a price range from $42,905 to $56,805. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, was priced at $58,806 with a destination charge. While the interior boasted quality materials, the design felt reminiscent of a minivan, which, along with its exterior, did not appeal to everyone.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V's styling was typical of compact crossovers, with few distinguishing features. The CR-V offered seven colours, though most were shades of grey, black, or white, making it challenging to find more vibrant options. Inside, the CR-V provided a modern look with angular seats and optional wood panels and chrome accents. While not a standout in design, the CR-V's form was functional, offering ample space for five passengers and their gear, with more interior volume than competitors like the Toyota RAV4.

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 torque-vectoring all-wheel drive. This setup provided smooth acceleration and a comfortable ride, with fuel efficiency rated at 11.0 L/100 km in combined driving. The Pilot's handling was unexpectedly athletic, aided by its suspension and 20-inch alloy wheels. However, its off-road capability was limited by modest ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivered 190 horsepower. Its acceleration was adequate, reaching 100 km/h in about 8 seconds. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) offered smooth but uninspiring performance. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. The CR-V's suspension provided decent handling and ride quality, typical of its class, but lacked the engagement found in some competitors with conventional transmissions.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered spacious seating for up to eight, with comfortable front seats and optional second-row captain's chairs. The third-row seating was less comfortable for adults. Storage was abundant, with a large centre console and various compartments. Cargo space was generous, with 524 litres behind the third row and up to 3,092 litres with seats folded. A power tailgate was standard on higher trims.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, comfortably seating five with ample cargo space. It offered more interior volume than the Toyota RAV4, with 1,065 litres of cargo space with rear seats folded. Depending on the trim, the CR-V featured manual, power, or hands-free tailgate operation. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing its practicality for carrying additional gear.

The 2021 Honda Pilot included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims added features like wireless charging, a premium audio system, and a rear-seat entertainment system. The system was functional but lacked some user-friendly elements, such as a tuning knob and intuitive voice recognition.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering similar connectivity features. Audio systems varied by trim, with the Touring trim featuring a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful, and higher trims included a wireless phone charger. Navigation was available on the Touring and Black Edition trims.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured the Honda Sensing suite, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star NHTSA rating and "good" IIHS ratings, except for an "acceptable" score in some areas.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It included the Honda Sensing suite as standard, with features like forward collision warning and lane departure warning. Blind spot monitoring was available on higher trims. The CR-V's safety features were comprehensive and accessible across all trims.