2021 Honda Pilot vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

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 range of features, with prices from $42,905 to $56,805. The Black Edition, priced at $58,806 with optional paint, featured exclusive black leather upholstery with red accents, but its minivan-like front seat design and drab exterior did not appeal to everyone.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid showcased a bold new design, with sharp, angular lines and a futuristic grille that integrated seamlessly with the LED lights. The Tucson was longer and wider than its predecessor, making it unmistakable from the 2021 model. While its aggressive styling was a gamble, it offered a unique aesthetic. The Tucson's interior was open and airy, with a bulky centre console but an unobstructed view thanks to its integrated displays. The Ultimate trim added ambient lighting, enhancing the cabin's appeal.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Its nine-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system provided smooth power delivery and agile handling. 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. Despite its limited off-road capability, the Pilot offered a comfortable ride and responsive steering, though the brakes could heat up with prolonged use.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid impressed with its 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and electric motor, producing a combined 226 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid's six-speed automatic transmission performed well, and its suspension absorbed road imperfections while maintaining balance through corners. Fuel efficiency was notable, with ratings of 6.3 L/100 km city, 6.6 highway, and 6.4 combined. The Tucson Hybrid's performance was a significant improvement over the gas model, offering a quicker and more efficient driving experience.

The 2021 Honda Pilot provided 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, offering nearly the same comfort as the front seats. 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 suitable for family trips.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, despite its larger footprint, offered impressive cargo space with 1,097 litres in the trunk and 2,108 litres with the rear seat folded. The Tucson provided excellent legroom and reclining rear seats, enhancing passenger comfort. Its dual-level cargo floor allowed for flexible storage options, and the Ultimate trim's ambient lighting added a touch of elegance to the interior.

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

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid boasted a 10.25-inch touchscreen in the Ultimate trim, though Android Auto and Apple CarPlay required a wired connection. The touch-capacitive controls for infotainment and HVAC were less user-friendly, but steering-wheel controls offered an alternative. The Tucson provided ample USB ports and a Bose premium audio system in the Ultimate trim, ensuring a well-equipped cabin.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. While effective, the system lacked refinement. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and high scores from IIHS.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and rear occupant alert. The Preferred trim added blind-spot collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control. The Ultimate trim featured a surround-view monitor and unique technologies like blind-spot view monitor and remote smart park assist. The Tucson earned a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were pending.