2024 Genesis GV70 vs 2025 Honda Pilot

The 2024 Genesis GV70 distinguished itself within the Genesis lineup and its competitive set. It featured signature Genesis styling elements like split headlights and a large shield-like grille for brand recognition. However, it was sleeker than the larger GV80 and avoided the quirkiness of the smaller GV60. Notable details included a hatchback-like rear window profile, large round exhaust outlets on the Sport trim, and distinctive 21-inch wheels. The GV70 struck a balance between SUV size and luxury-car style, outperforming competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 in finesse. The Electrified GV70, recognized as the 2024 Canadian Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year, maintained the same styling as its gasoline counterpart, with a unique grille housing the charge port for convenience at charging stations. Inside, the GV70 boasted a distinctive interior with quilted Nappa leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and unique design elements like an elliptical pod for controls and a rotary infotainment controller.

The 2025 Honda Pilot, available in Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, and Black Edition trims, offered a rugged yet suburban-friendly appearance. The Black Edition featured black wheels, blacked-out trim, and red accents inside. While the Pilot aimed for a rugged look, it was more suited for suburban environments. The interior showcased thoughtful design and quality materials, though the digital displays appeared dated. The Black Edition included a 10.2-inch digital gauge panel and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Despite its appearance, the Pilot provided essential features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. However, the voice recognition system was inconsistent, and the wireless phone charging pad needed improvement.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered unchanged powertrain options. The gasoline version came with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Electrified GV70 featured front and rear electric motors delivering 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a Boost Mode providing 483 hp for short bursts. While the GV70 offered strong acceleration, its chassis tuning didn't match its sporty rivals. The ride quality was reasonable but not exceptional, with the suspension crashing over bumps. The Electrified model maintained similar dynamics despite its additional weight, offering adjustable regenerative braking for a customizable driving experience.

The 2025 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, generating 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It could tow up to 2,268 kilograms and offered various driving modes, including Normal, Econ, Snow, Tow, Sport, Trail, and Sand. The Pilot's AWD system provided torque vectoring and up to 18.5 centimetres of ground clearance. While the V6 offered good acceleration, the transmission occasionally felt slow to downshift. Fuel economy was less impressive, with city driving averaging 15.9 litres per 100 kilometres. The Pilot's handling was predictable, with a compliant suspension benefiting typical driving situations. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems had some inconsistencies, affecting the overall driving experience.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered competitive interior space, with slightly less headroom than some rivals but more front-seat legroom than the BMW and Mercedes. It provided 818 litres of cargo space with rear seats up, surpassing the Mercedes but slightly less than the Audi. Folding the rear seats yielded 1,611 litres, less than its German competitors. The Electrified GV70 had minimal impact on interior space, with slight reductions in legroom and headroom. The stylish interior design came at the cost of small-item storage, but features like automatic side bolsters in Sport mode added to the luxury experience.

The 2025 Honda Pilot excelled in form and function, with three rows of comfortable seats and thoughtful storage solutions. The Black Edition's front row had a potential drawback with limited passenger seat adjustments. However, the front seats were comfortable and supportive, with heating and ventilation options. The second-row seats were roomy, with removable centre sections for flexibility. The third row was suitable for adults for short rides. The Pilot offered 635 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 3,219 litres with both rear rows folded. Features like remote engine start, triple-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof enhanced convenience.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 3D effect and a 12-inch head-up display. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with a rotary controller for added convenience. A fingerprint scanner allowed for personalized driver profiles, though digital key functionality was not yet available for the GV70 in Canada.

The 2025 Honda Pilot's technology appeared dated, with smaller display screens. The Black Edition included a 10.2-inch digital gauge panel and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. However, the wireless CarPlay function had connectivity issues, and the voice recognition system was inconsistent. The CabinTalk feature allowed communication with rear passengers, and a small head-up display provided basic information.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 received the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ award for both gasoline and electrified versions. The NHTSA awarded the gasoline model a five-star overall safety rating for 2023, with four-star frontal and rollover ratings for 2024. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and Highway Driving Assist. The Highway Driving Assist 2 system added automated lane-change capability and blind-spot monitoring. Genesis also offered high-tech safety features like safe exit assist and a radar-based rear occupant alert system.

The 2025 Honda Pilot came with standard Honda Sensing safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Black Edition added parking sensors and a multi-view camera system. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems had inconsistencies, affecting performance. The Pilot earned high marks in crash tests, receiving the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.