2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, maintaining its traditional styling while introducing more character and modern touches. The XC90 retained its boxy profile and rectangular grille, but with softer lines, increased chrome, and distinctive LED headlights featuring "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim was the most luxurious, with optional 21-inch alloy wheels, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more basic aesthetics, respectively. Inside, the XC90 embraced "Swedish minimalism," with high-quality materials like matte-finish wood and optional wool upholstery, creating a refined yet understated cabin.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance ruggedness with practicality, following a 2019 refresh and the introduction of the Black Edition in 2020. The Pilot's exterior design was polarizing, with a more rugged appearance that some found appealing. Available in five trims in Canada, the Pilot offered a range of features, with the Black Edition standing out for its exclusive black leather upholstery with red accents. The interior was spacious and functional, with quality materials and a design reminiscent of a minivan, providing comfort and practicality for families.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 variant added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, or Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric motors, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. While the XC90 provided ample power, the small engine struggled with flexibility compared to larger engines in competitor SUVs. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and offered a maximum towing capacity of 2,250 kilograms.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth and responsive performance. The Pilot's torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system enhanced traction and handling, while Intelligent Traction Management offered driving modes for various conditions. Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with an average of 10.9 L/100 km during testing. The Pilot's suspension provided a comfortable ride, and its steering and brakes contributed to an enjoyable driving experience. However, its off-road capability was limited by modest ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered six- or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom across all rows. The third row was tight for adults, and seats in the second and third rows lacked support. The interior felt spacious, thanks to an optional power sunroof and upright roof profile. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with massage, but storage space was limited. Cargo capacity was 317 litres with all seats in place, expanding to 1,815 litres with the second and third rows folded.

The 2021 Honda Pilot provided ample space for families, seating up to eight with a second-row bench. The front seats were comfortable, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. Second-row captain’s chairs were optional, offering comfort and easy access to the third row. The Pilot excelled in storage, with numerous compartments and a large centre console. Cargo space was generous, with 524 litres behind the third row and up to 3,092 litres with seats folded, making it ideal for family trips.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The system was user-friendly, with a portrait-oriented touchscreen that minimized the need for physical buttons. However, the text was sometimes difficult to read, and the wireless charging pad was too small for most phones. A 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and head-up display were available.

The 2021 Honda Pilot included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was adequate but lacked a tuning knob and required specific voice commands. Higher trims offered additional features like a rear-seat entertainment system, Wi-Fi hotspot, and premium audio. The Touring trim added a Cabin Talk feature, allowing the driver to communicate with rear passengers through the speakers or headphones.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings, with a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, a package of advanced safety features including adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. While effective, the system was not as refined as newer versions. 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 test.