2020 Honda Pilot vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2020 Honda Pilot exhibited a dynamic styling consistent with the Honda lineup, featuring thin LED headlights and a multi-tiered grille. Its design cleverly masked its size, giving it a more streamlined appearance. Inside, the Pilot offered a modern cabin with a semi-digital instrument panel, combining analog gauges for fuel and engine temperature with a digital screen for other information. The cabin was comfortable and spacious, though it used hard plastics in many areas, which detracted from its overall refinement compared to rivals like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. The Pilot was available in several trims, from the base LX to the luxurious Black Edition, each adding more features and upscale touches.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX retained its decade-old body shell with minor updates, including the signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. The GX's styling was coherent despite its age, with a tough, aggressive look that appealed to SUV shoppers. However, the interior did not meet modern luxury standards, with wood trim that felt like plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. While leather upholstery was standard, the overall feel was not as upscale as expected. The GX's interior ergonomics were outdated, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel position, though it did offer excellent outward visibility due to its boxy profile.

The 2020 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The LX, EX, and EX-L trims featured a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims came with a 9-speed automatic for smoother acceleration and better fuel economy. The Pilot's ride was tuned for comfort, making it ideal for commutes and road trips, though it lacked athleticism. The Intelligent Traction Management System offered drive modes for various conditions, enhancing its capability slightly in challenging terrains.

The 2021 Lexus GX was equipped with a 4.6-liter V8 engine delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX's performance was reminiscent of older SUVs, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. Its 5,130-pound weight was noticeable at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, lacking the refinement of unibody SUVs. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, and several driver aids. An optional Off-Road Package further enhanced its ruggedness, making it a strong contender for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2020 Honda Pilot offered a spacious cabin with seating for eight, or seven with second-row captain's chairs in higher trims. Its third row was adult-friendly, unlike many competitors. The Pilot provided 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, slightly less than some rivals but more than the Mazda CX-9. The SUV was designed for family use, with ample storage for toys and gear, and features like a conversation mirror to keep an eye on kids.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior reflected its age, with limited legroom and an awkward driving position. The dashboard design offered excellent visibility, but forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. Storage space was limited, with small bins and cupholders. The GX came standard with three rows, but the third row was best for children and difficult to access. Cargo space was limited to 64.7 cubic feet with the seats folded, significantly less than competitors. The GX was more suited as a two-row SUV with occasional third-row use.

The 2020 Honda Pilot's base LX trim featured a 5-inch color LCD screen and a 7-speaker stereo. Higher trims included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the system's interface was confusing. Additional features included HD Radio, SiriusXM, and Cabin Control Remote Capability. The Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims offered a premium audio system, navigation, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, with two USB ports for the first two rows. The infotainment system was outdated, with graphics reminiscent of the 1990s. However, analog controls for most functions provided a straightforward interface, a contrast to the touchscreen-centric systems in other luxury SUVs.

The 2020 Honda Pilot came standard with the HondaSensing suite, including forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. It earned a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating from the IIHS, with a Superior score in crash prevention technology.

The 2021 Lexus GX included the Lexus Safety System+ as standard, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition.