2024 Lexus GX vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign, presenting a more rugged and substantial appearance. Its upright grille and boxier styling not only made it look bigger but also increased its dimensions, being 8.6 centimetres longer, up to 3.8 cm wider, and 2 cm taller than its predecessor. These changes complemented the all-terrain-capable TrailSport model, which featured a 2.5 cm taller ride height, unique 18-inch wheels, chunky all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates. The interior adopted a more conventional styling, maintaining attractiveness and functionality, with materials meeting class expectations. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard in Canada, emphasizing a utilitarian aesthetic that prioritized function without sacrificing appeal.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX embraced a geometric styling, moving away from the softer, rounded corners of its predecessor. The new design featured a less pronounced spindle grille, standard triple-beam LED headlights, and a more aggressive front fascia. The GX's side profile appeared as if carved from a solid metal block, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline for better visibility. The interior blended luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a large 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road functions. The GX offered a single trim level with five packages, focusing on luxury and off-roading capabilities, making it a premium SUV ready for hard use.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was powered by a new 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD in Canada. The Pilot offered quick initial acceleration and a pleasant engine hum, though it was tuned more for comfort than performance. The TrailSport model increased ground clearance by 2.5 cm and featured all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities without sacrificing on-road comfort. The Pilot's towing capacity reached up to 2,268 kg, making it a versatile family SUV capable of handling daily duties and outdoor adventures.

The 2024 Lexus GX, on the other hand, replaced its V8 engine with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6, producing 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX offered a stiffer chassis for improved stability both on and off-road. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission, full-time 4WD, and a locking Torsen limited-slip centre differential. The Overtrail packages added a locking rear differential and the E-KDSS suspension system, enhancing off-road performance. The GX demonstrated impressive acceleration and braking, with a controlled and relaxed on-road behaviour despite its off-road prowess.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior was more conventional, with a handy dash shelf and a seven-inch or nine-inch infotainment touchscreen, depending on the trim. The Touring trim offered a larger touchscreen, though it seemed small for the available space. The Pilot featured logical placement of controls, ample storage, and a stowable second-row centre seat for added versatility. The second row provided ample space for adults, while the third row was less inviting but suitable for short trips. Cargo space was generous, with up to 3,219 litres available behind the front seats, and a power tailgate was standard.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was minimalist and sophisticated, with fewer physical buttons and a focus on essential controls. It offered comfortable seating for six-foot-tall adults in the first and second rows, though the third row was tight for adults. The GX excelled in cargo space, with 292 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,138 litres with it folded, and a total of 2,178 litres. Overtrail models offered even more space, with 1,291 litres of total cargo capacity.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's EX-L trim and above offered a larger touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless phone charger. The Touring trim added USB ports in every row, a multi-view camera system, head-up display, and a fully digital instrument panel. The infotainment system was functional, with quick responses and a logical layout, though the graphics were not particularly modern. Features like Honda's CabinTalk and a Bose premium audio system were available on higher trims.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Drive Connect subscription service with an intelligent voice assistant. The GX offered multiple USB-C ports and a 120-volt AC outlet, with additional ports in the Overtrail packages. The Lexus Interface was user-friendly, though some features required subscription plans after an initial trial. The GX's audio system ranged from a 10-speaker setup to a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo in higher packages.

The 2023 Honda Pilot received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with standard Honda Sensing safety features across all trims. These included forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. Higher trims added front and rear parking sensors and multi-view camera systems. The Pilot's safety features functioned well, with no false alarms during testing.

The 2024 Lexus GX saw significant improvements in safety, with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 standard across all models. It included pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. The GX's safety features were enhanced by its modern GA-F architecture, though it had not yet been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA.