2021 Honda Pilot vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

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 but struggled with practical issues like pet hair on its black mats. The interior, while using quality materials, resembled a minivan, which, along with its exterior, did not appeal to everyone.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 embraced a rugged SUV look with boxy fender flares and a scowling front end, setting it apart from other compact crossovers. While the exterior was aggressive, the RAV4's underpinnings were based on the TNGA platform, shared with other Toyota models. The RAV4 Trail and TRD Off-Road models added unique styling elements and off-road capabilities. Inside, the RAV4 featured functional touches like large rubberized knobs, but material quality did not match the price of higher trims. The TRD Off-Road model had SofTex upholstery, but real leather was not an option, even on the top Limited trim.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by 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 AWD. It offered a smooth and refined driving experience, with Intelligent Traction Management modes for various conditions. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.0 L/100 km combined, with the test vehicle achieving 10.9 L/100 km. The Pilot's suspension provided a comfortable ride and athletic handling, though its off-road capability was limited by ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the engine was efficient and rev-happy, the transmission lagged in responsiveness. The RAV4's steering lacked feel, and the "Sport" mode only added weight to the steering. The RAV4 Hybrid and Prime offered more power and refinement. On the highway, the RAV4 was quiet and comfortable, but its off-road focus was evident in the Trail and TRD Off-Road models, which had torque-vectoring AWD and 21.7 cm of ground clearance.

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 front seats with heating and ventilation, though the front passenger seat had limited adjustment. Second-row captain’s chairs were optional, providing comfort and sliding for third-row access. The Pilot had extensive storage options and a power tailgate, with cargo space ranging from 524 litres behind the third row to 3,092 litres with seats folded.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 provided good headroom and visibility, but legroom was less than some competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats were flat and hard. Cargo space was above average at 1,059 litres with seats up and 1,977 litres with them folded. The RAV4's interior featured oversized knobs and easy-to-use controls, but lacked large cupholders and storage space on the console.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added navigation, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. The Touring trim included a rear-seat entertainment system with various connectivity options. The system was functional but not cutting-edge, with limited HondaLink services on lower trims.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with screen sizes varying by trim. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons for key functions, but lacked flashiness. The RAV4 Prime offered a larger screen and HUD, but the gasoline model did not. The RAV4's infotainment was straightforward, appealing to those seeking simplicity.

The 2021 Honda Pilot included Honda Sensing as standard, with 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 overall rating from NHTSA and "good" ratings from IIHS, except for an "acceptable" score in one test.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 earned a "Top Safety Pick" from IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating. Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 included features like adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning. Blind spot monitoring was also standard, with a 360-degree camera available in some packages.