2020 Honda Pilot vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2020 Honda Pilot shared the same dynamic styling as the rest of the current Honda lineup. It featured thin LED headlights and a multi-tiered grille. The subtle uptick in the belt-line around the rear side windows masked the size of the Pilot, making it look more svelte than it really was. Inside, the Pilot boasted a modern cabin with a semi-digital instrument panel, combining analog fuel and engine-temperature gauges with a digital screen for other information. Despite its comfortable and spacious cabin, the use of hard plastics in many areas left it feeling less upscale compared to rivals like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade.

The 2021 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, was a large, shiny, and impressive SUV that harkened back to Buick's glory days while addressing modern consumer preferences for SUVs. It was the largest of Buick's four SUVs, offering a premium look, especially in the Avenir trim, which added a unique grille pattern, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured an upscale theme with organic forms, a minimalist approach to instrumentation, and tasteful polished accents. The soft, perforated, piped, and embroidered leather seats added a sense of luxury, although the wood trim was not genuine.

The 2020 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This power was sent to the front wheels or available all-wheel drive through a 6-speed automatic transmission on the LX, EX, and EX-L trims, while the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition received a 9-speed automatic transmission. The V6 provided stout acceleration, making it easy to move from a standstill or make passing moves on the highway. The Pilot's ride was refined and comfortable, designed for easy commutes and relaxing road trips, though it lacked athleticism. The Intelligent Traction Management System offered drive modes for various conditions, enhancing its real-world driving capabilities.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine, generating 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at a low 2,800 rpm. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and offered a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The Enclave's acceleration was strong, and it drove like a smaller SUV despite its large size. The nine-speed automatic provided smooth shifts, and the premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, available in the Avenir Technology Package, delivered a sensational ride. The Enclave's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg in combined driving, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2020 Honda Pilot provided a spacious 8-passenger cabin with second-row bench seating, while the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims featured second-row captain’s chairs, reducing seating capacity to seven. The Pilot's third row was adult-friendly, and EX trims and higher offered one-touch fold-down rear seats for easier access. With the second and third rows folded, the Pilot provided 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to its rivals. The higher trims included a power liftgate and a hands-free power tailgate. The Pilot was designed for family hauling, with plenty of spaces for toys and gear, and a conversation mirror to keep an eye on the kids.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering roomy and comfortable seating for six people (seven if needed). The Avenir trim featured a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with a basic massaging function, and a 10-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, both heated and ventilated. The stylish center console provided ample storage, and the second-row captain’s chairs and three-person third-row bench seat offered easy access. The Enclave's third row was genuinely useful, with commendable room behind it, providing 23.6 cubic feet of space. With the third row folded, it offered 58 cubic feet, and a maximum of 97.6 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2020 Honda Pilot's LX trim level featured a 5-inch color LCD screen, operating a 215-watt, 7-speaker stereo with a subwoofer. Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port were also included. All other trims had Honda’s Display Audio 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the system's layout was confusing, and it lacked a tuning knob. Higher trims included HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Cabin Control Remote Capability. Navigation, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a wall-style power outlet were optional on the EX-L and standard on the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition. The higher trims also featured an upgraded 590-watt, 10-speaker premium audio system and mobile hotspot capability.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with quick response times, good voice recognition, and a simple user interface. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, connected services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and USB charging ports in all three rows. Upgrades included a premium sound system, navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a surround-view camera system. However, the 8-inch touchscreen display was the largest available, and the 10-speaker Bose sound system was not as impressive as those in other SUVs. The Enclave also offered a rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of what’s behind the vehicle.

The 2020 Honda Pilot came standard with the HondaSensing suite of driver assistance systems, including forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also featured front and side-impact airbags, child-seat anchors, Vehicle Stability Assist, and traction control. Optional safety equipment included front and rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Pilot earned a five-star overall crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the best crash test score of Good from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It also received a Superior rating in IIHS crash prevention technology evaluation.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety systems were less comprehensive, with features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available only on higher trims. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and front and rear parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control with enhanced automatic emergency braking was available only on the Avenir trim with the Avenir Technology Package. The Enclave did not offer lane-centering assistance, rear automatic-braking, or self-parking functions. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though frontal-impact protection rated four stars. The IIHS gave it high marks, but a Marginal headlight performance rating prevented it from earning a Top Safety Pick accolade.