2021 Toyota Venza vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Toyota Venza was a stylish SUV that drew comparisons to Lexus models, thanks to its sleek design and elongated profile. Critics noted its resemblance to the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept, which was showcased at the 2018 North American International Auto Show. The Venza was available in three trim levels—LE, XLE, and Limited—and offered a choice of seven paint colours. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, a wireless charging pad, and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. The Venza XLE added black bumper garnishes and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, while the Limited trim boasted a digital rearview mirror and a Star Gaze panoramic roof.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Pilot aimed for a rugged appearance with its 2019 refresh and the 2020 Black Edition's blacked-out look. However, its exterior design was considered an acquired taste. The Pilot was available in five trims in Canada, with AWD as standard. The Black Edition, which we tested, featured exclusive black leather upholstery with red accents and ambient lighting. The Pilot's interior was noted for its quality materials, though it resembled a minivan from the front seat. Despite its drab exterior, the Pilot offered a comfortable ride and unexpectedly athletic handling, thanks to its torque-vectoring AWD system and 20-inch alloy wheels.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a lithium-ion battery pack and electric motors, delivering a combined 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid system was mated to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) with a sequential-shifting feature. While the Venza's acceleration was smooth, it was not rapid, and engine noise was noticeable during acceleration. However, the Venza excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving an estimated 5.9 L/100 km in the city and 6.1 L/100 km combined, outperforming competitors like the Murano and Passport. Toyota Canada backed the hybrid powertrain with a 10-year/240,000-kilometre warranty.

The 2021 Honda Pilot, on the other hand, was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a torque-vectoring AWD system. The Pilot offered a smooth and refined driving experience, with quick acceleration and a comfortable ride. Fuel-saving features included variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start, resulting in a combined fuel consumption of 11.0 L/100 km. The Pilot's handling was enhanced by its AWD system and 20-inch alloy wheels, though its off-road capability was limited by its ground clearance and approach angles.

Inside the 2021 Toyota Venza, the cabin offered a unique design with premium appointments, including a deep centre console with resizable cup holders and a wireless charging pad. The Venza's seating was comfortable for both front and rear passengers, with more headroom than the RAV4. However, its cargo space was limited to 816 litres, about 60% of the RAV4's capacity. Despite this, the Venza's cargo space was sufficient for daily use, and the 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks made it easy to arrange.

The 2021 Honda Pilot provided ample space for families, with seating for up to eight people. The test vehicle featured leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. Second-row captain's chairs were optional, offering comfort and sliding forward for third-row access. The Pilot's cargo space was generous, with 524 litres behind the third row and up to 3,092 litres with seats folded. Storage was abundant, with compartments throughout the cabin, making it ideal for family road trips.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came with an 8-inch infotainment system on the LE trim, while the XLE and Limited featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The Entune system, though improved, was not the most user-friendly, requiring multiple menu trips for certain functions. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a six-speaker audio system. The XLE and Limited trims included a nine-speaker JBL audio system. Toyota connected services, such as Safety Connect and Remote Connect, were also standard, with dynamic navigation available on models with the larger screen.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The EX-L Navi trim introduced built-in navigation, while the Touring grade added wireless phone charging and a 10-speaker premium audio system. The infotainment system was adequate but lacked a tuning knob and had limited HondaLink subscription services. The Touring trim also included a rear-seat entertainment system and Cabin Talk, allowing the driver to communicate with rear passengers through the speakers or headphones.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic emergency braking. Additional safety features included eight airbags, a rearview camera, and blind-spot monitoring. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came with Honda Sensing, offering 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 was effective, it lacked refinement. The Pilot received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "good" ratings from the IIHS, with some exceptions.