2021 Honda Pilot vs 2022 Lexus RX

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 Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, offered a unique aesthetic. However, the interior, with its flat dashboard and minivan-like feel, did not favour the Pilot's appeal. Quality materials were evident, but the design choices, such as the black mats that attracted pet hair, were less practical.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus RX presented a modern and sporty design, especially after its 2020 facelift. The RX stood out in the midsize luxury crossover segment with its aggressive styling and sharp character lines. The F Sport models added athletic elements like 20-inch wheels and unique front fascia. Inside, the RX maintained a luxury appeal with sporty touches in the F Sport trims. However, the centre stack felt dated, and the NuLuxe seats lacked comfort. Despite these drawbacks, the RX offered a high-quality feel and a serene cabin environment.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, providing a smooth and refined driving experience. Its nine-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system enhanced traction and handling. The Pilot's fuel efficiency was commendable, averaging 10.9 L/100 km. Its suspension system offered a comfortable ride and unexpectedly athletic handling, though off-road capability was limited by its ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350, with its 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivered 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The RX 450h hybrid variant offered a combined output of 308 hp. Despite its sporty F Sport designation, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lack of engine growl and hesitant acceleration. The adaptive variable suspension and drive modes, including Sport+, failed to significantly enhance driving dynamics. However, the RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, making it a pleasant companion for long drives. Fuel efficiency varied across models, with the RX 450h hybrid achieving the best figures.

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 nearly as comfortable as the front seats and offered easy access to the third row. Cargo space was generous, with 524 litres behind the third row and up to 3,092 litres with seats folded.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered 2,826 litres of passenger volume in its two-row configuration, comfortably seating four adults. The three-row L models, however, were cramped for anything beyond groceries. Cargo space in the standard RX was 453 litres behind the second row, expanding to 923 litres with seats folded. The RX's interior featured thoughtful design elements like a smartphone slot and adjustable-height cup holder, though the rear seats did not fold flat, and the load-in height was high.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Higher trims added features like a built-in navigation system, wireless phone charging, and a premium audio system. The Touring trim included a rear-seat entertainment system and Cabin Talk feature, enhancing family travel.

The 2022 Lexus RX featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch version available. Despite being moved closer to the driver, the screen's positioning was ergonomically challenging. The infotainment system was responsive, but the touchpad control was frustrating. The RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. The Lexus App provided additional connectivity options.

The 2021 Honda Pilot included Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. While effective, the system lacked refinement. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high scores from the IIHS, though some areas were rated lower.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. It was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, though it missed the top-tier designation due to headlight ratings. The RX received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with strong side crash test results.