2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 Honda Pilot

The 2025 Honda Pilot was available in Canada in several trims, including Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, and Black Edition. The Black Edition, evaluated in the U.S., featured distinctive black wheels, blacked-out exterior trim, and black badges. Inside, it offered black leather seats with red perforation accents, red contrast stitching, and red ambient lighting, creating a unique aesthetic. Despite its rugged redesign in 2023, the Pilot's Black Edition was more suited for suburban environments. The interior, while thoughtfully designed with quality materials, lacked a significant "wow factor" due to its modest digital displays.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, was a $90,000 SUV with an exclusive Incognito paint job and orange brake calipers. Despite its dramatic design elements, the RX was not particularly striking. The RX lineup included the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each offering different powertrains and efficiency levels. The RX 500h stood out with its turbocharged engine and sport-tuned features. Inside, the RX boasted a contemporary design with quality materials and ambient lighting, though some ergonomic controls were challenging to use.

The 2025 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It offered various driving modes and could tow up to 2,268 kilograms. The Pilot's AWD system provided torque vectoring and hill descent control, enhancing its off-road capabilities. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 14.1 L/100 km during testing. The Pilot's handling was predictable, though the suspension could benefit from adaptive damping.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three models with varying performance. The RX 350h delivered 246 hp, while the RX 450h+ PHEV offered 304 hp and a 60-kilometre electric range. The RX 500h, with 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, provided the best acceleration but at the cost of fuel efficiency, averaging 13.5 L/100 km. The RX 500h featured a sport-tuned suspension, performance brakes, and advanced AWD, though its handling lacked communication with the driver. The RX 500h excelled in straight-line acceleration but was less rewarding in dynamic driving.

The 2025 Honda Pilot excelled in form and function, offering three rows of comfortable seating and practical storage solutions. However, the front passenger seat's limited adjustability was a drawback. The second-row seats were roomy, with features like smartphone holders and rear side window shades. The third row was suitable for adults on short trips. The Pilot provided ample cargo space, with up to 3,219 litres available when both rear rows were folded.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h's front seats were snug but lacked long-term comfort. The rear seats were spacious and comfortable, with optional power-reclining features. The RX offered 838 litres of cargo space, though the cargo cover could be cumbersome. Folding the second row expanded the cargo volume to 1,308 litres, which was modest for a midsize SUV.

The 2025 Honda Pilot's technology appeared dated, with smaller display screens. However, it offered essential features like wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was inconsistent, and the wireless phone charging pad needed improvement. The Pilot's CabinTalk feature was useful for communicating with passengers.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid met luxury expectations with features like digital key functionality and a hands-free power liftgate. The RX 500h's infotainment system included a 14-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. However, the steering wheel controls were distracting and challenging to use. The Lexus Interface technology was generally effective, though occasional glitches occurred.

The 2025 Honda Pilot came equipped with Honda Sensing safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems had some quirks. The Pilot earned high safety ratings, with a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering advanced driver assistance systems like forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist was mostly agreeable, and the surround-view camera was a valuable addition. The RX received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS rated it poorly in a specific frontal-impact test.