2021 Honda Pilot vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

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's minivan-like feel and drab exterior design were not universally appealing.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson featured a new platform and a long-wheelbase model for North America, offering a spacious two-row seating arrangement. Its design was modern and distinctive, with a parametric grille and LED lighting that created a unique visual signature. The Tucson's side profile and rear design elements, including toothy taillights, helped it stand out in the compact SUV segment. The vehicle rode on 17- or 19-inch alloy wheels, depending on the trim, and offered high-end features like a panoramic sunroof and gloss black pillars on premium models.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and a torque-vectoring AWD system, which could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The Pilot offered a smooth and refined driving experience, with a fuel consumption rating of 11.0 L/100 km in combined driving. Its suspension provided a comfortable ride and athletic handling, although off-road capability was limited by its ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrain options: a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and a hybrid powertrain with a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine and electric motor, delivering 226 combined horsepower. The hybrid was more powerful and fuel-efficient, with a consumption rating of 6.4 L/100 km combined. The Tucson's AWD system performed well in off-road testing, and the hybrid powertrain provided a more engaging driving experience. A plug-in hybrid version was also planned, promising even more power and efficiency.

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, with optional second-row captain’s chairs. The Pilot offered 524 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,583 litres with the third row folded. Storage solutions were abundant, with compartments throughout the cabin.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson, a compact SUV, offered a spacious interior with a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat as standard. Higher trims included more advanced seating options and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Tucson's new platform provided more passenger and cargo space, with 1,095 litres of cargo capacity. The rear featured a 60-40 split-folding bench seat and a dual-level cargo floor, accommodating a family of four comfortably.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims included navigation, wireless phone charging, and a premium audio system. The Touring trim added a rear-seat entertainment system and Cabin Talk feature. However, the system's small screen and limited HondaLink services were drawbacks.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson boasted a robust set of standard tech features, including an 8-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a fully digital instrument cluster. The touchpoints on the centre console were challenging to use while driving, but the system was responsive, and steering wheel controls were available.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured Honda Sensing as standard, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Touring trim added blind-spot monitoring. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and high scores from IIHS.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA. However, it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention monitor. Additional features like blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control were available, providing a level of safety comparable to luxury SUVs.