2021 Honda Pilot vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance style 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, all featuring standard all-wheel drive. 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 high-quality, resembled a minivan, which, along with its exterior, did not appeal to everyone.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 evolved from its original "cute ute" status to a mature crossover SUV, maintaining its popularity in Canada. The latest iteration of a 2019 redesign, the RAV4's exterior styling blended in with current crossover trends but stood out upon closer inspection with angular wheel arches and expressive headlights. The interior featured a layered dash with contrasting textures and a user-friendly touchscreen interface. The RAV4's design cues, such as a circuit-board-inspired pattern, added a unique touch, while the overall fit and finish elevated its quality perception.

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 a smooth and refined driving experience. The Pilot's fuel economy was rated at 11.0 litres per 100 kilometres combined, with the test vehicle achieving 10.9 L/100 km. The SUV offered a comfortable ride and agile handling, thanks to its suspension setup and 20-inch alloy wheels. However, its off-road capability was limited by modest ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains, with the gasoline-only model featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The RAV4's fuel economy ranged from 7.9 to 8.5 L/100 km combined, depending on the drivetrain. The RAV4 Hybrid and Prime models provided impressive fuel efficiency, with the Prime capable of 68 kilometres on electricity alone. The RAV4's handling was car-like, with a four-wheel independent suspension and dynamic torque vectoring. The gasoline AWD models featured a fuel-saving rear-driveline disconnect for improved efficiency.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, seating up to eight people with a bench second-row seat. The Black Edition featured comfortable leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, with second-row captain’s chairs providing additional comfort. The Pilot's cargo space was generous, with 524 litres behind the third row and up to 3,092 litres with seats folded. Storage solutions were abundant, including a large centre console and hidden compartments.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, while classified as a small SUV, provided substantial cargo capacity, with 1,059 litres behind the second row and 1,977 litres with seats folded. The RAV4's towing capacity varied by model, with Trail and TRD Off-Road models capable of towing up to 1,588 kilograms. Inside, the RAV4 was spacious and comfortable for four adults, with ample storage options and a well-designed cabin. The front seats offered plenty of room, while the second-row bench seat was less desirable for long journeys.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered additional features like a built-in navigation system, wireless phone charging, and a premium audio system. The Touring trim added a rear-seat entertainment system and Cabin Talk feature. However, the infotainment system's small screen and limited voice-recognition technology were drawbacks.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 9-inch screen available on higher trims. Standard features included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The RAV4 Prime showcased advanced technology, including multiple USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a head-up display. The navigation system was less emphasized due to smartphone integration, but the overall tech package was comprehensive.

The 2021 Honda Pilot included Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, as standard. This package featured adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "good" ratings from the IIHS, except for an "acceptable" score in one category.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota’s Star Safety System and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. These included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic emergency braking. The RAV4 was an IIHS Top Safety Pick and received a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Additional safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring and parking assist, were available on higher trims.