2022 Lexus NX vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the SUV's exterior design remained polarizing. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, offered a rugged yet sophisticated look. However, the interior, with its flat dashboard and minivan-like front seat design, did not enhance the Pilot's appeal. The SUV's drab exterior and minivan-like feel from the front seat were not its strong points.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX showcased a bold design with its signature spindle grille and refined styling details. The new model was longer, wider, and taller, offering more space for passengers and cargo. The NX's interior adopted a minimalist approach, moving away from the cluttered dashboard of its predecessor. While the decluttering was necessary, it sometimes made it challenging to locate features quickly. Despite this, the NX's quality materials and thoughtful design elements, like padded door panels and centre console sides, provided a comfortable and luxurious experience.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, delivering a smooth and refined driving experience. Its nine-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system ensured power distribution to the wheels, enhancing traction and handling. The Pilot's fuel efficiency was commendable, with an average of 10.9 L/100 km during testing. Its suspension system provided a comfortable ride, while the torque-vectoring AWD system and 20-inch alloy wheels contributed to its athletic handling. However, the Pilot's off-road capability was limited by its ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions, with the NX 350h delivering 239 horsepower and the NX 450h+ offering 302 horsepower. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The NX's platform, with a lower centre of gravity and dynamic tuning, provided a composed and capable driving experience. The NX 350 F Sport, with its adaptive variable sports suspension and 20-inch wheels, offered a more engaging drive. However, the turbocharged engine lacked the refinement of its German rivals, and the NX's off-road capabilities were limited by its ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2021 Honda Pilot provided ample space for families, with seating for up to eight people. The leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats were comfortable, though the front passenger seat had limited adjustment options. The second-row captain's chairs, standard on Black Edition models, offered comfort and flexibility, while the third-row seats were less comfortable for adults. The Pilot excelled in storage, with numerous compartments and a generous cargo area. With the third-row seats folded, the Pilot offered 1,583 litres of cargo space, expanding to 3,092 litres with all seats down.

The 2022 Lexus NX, while offering more interior room, felt cozy from the driver's seat due to its new dashboard design. The NX's front seats, especially in F Sport trim, provided excellent comfort and support. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed spacious accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents and heated cushions. The NX's cargo space increased by 14%, offering 643 litres behind the back seat and 1,328 litres with the seats folded. The panoramic glass sunroof and ambient lighting system added to the NX's luxurious feel.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The Touring trim added a rear-seat entertainment system, wireless phone charging, and a premium audio system. However, the infotainment system's small screen and limited voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. HondaLink subscription services were only available on higher trims, limiting access to features like a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant technological advancements with its new Lexus Interface infotainment system. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen available. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and over-the-air updates. The NX offered a 10-speaker sound system, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system as an option. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems provided natural voice control, while connected services like Drive Connect and User Profiles enhanced the driving experience. However, the large touchscreen collected fingerprints and lacked a tuning knob.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Touring trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. While the system worked, it lacked refinement. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "good" ratings from the IIHS.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. New features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Oncoming Vehicle Detection enhanced safety. The NX also offered Emergency Driving Stop System, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional safety features were available in packages, including rear pedestrian detection and a panoramic view monitoring system.