2021 Honda Pilot vs 2022 Volvo XC90

2021 Honda Pilot
2021 Honda Pilot
$32,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2022 Volvo XC90
2022 Volvo XC90
$50,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Honda Pilot
$32,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Volvo XC90
$50,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
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CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Honda Pilot is 7.2 out of 10, while the 2022 Volvo XC90 scores 8.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Volvo XC90 is the recommended choice, offering a superior blend of luxury, safety, and performance.

Overview

MSRP

$32,550

MSRP

$50,900

Average price

$29,235

Average price

$42,456

Listings

1571

Listings

1033
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.2 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10
Pros
  • Spacious
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Stylish design
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Irritating transmission
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Quiet cabin
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • Cramped third row
  • Sluggish touchscreen response

2021 Honda Pilot Reviews Summary

It’s been seven years since Honda last redesigned the Pilot, the automaker’s popular midsize three-row crossover SUV. In most ways, age has been kind to it, but to love a 2021 Honda Pilot you must first live with one. Unlike some competitors, the styling is not a strong suit. Rather, it is the Pilot’s interior, powertrain, driving dynamics, and simple but useful technology that makes you appreciate it each and every day. Well, that, and the cheap lease payment.

2022 Volvo XC90 Reviews Summary

What does your average vegan internet mogul drive while waiting for their Tesla to charge? The 2022 Volvo XC90 three-row crossover can slot right in with an available plug-in hybrid variant, available leather-free features, and crunchy memories from the late 20th century. With fuel economy ratings up to 66 MPGe, XC90 owners can hold their eco heads high.
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Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.5L 280 hp V6

Engine

2.0L 250 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

8

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

280 hp @ 6000 rpm

Horsepower

250 hp @ 5500 rpm

MPG City

20

MPG City

21

MPG Highway

27

MPG Highway

30
2021 Honda Pilot
2021 Honda Pilot
$32,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Volvo XC90
2022 Volvo XC90
$50,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda Pilot
$32,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Volvo XC90
$50,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Honda Pilot is 7.2 out of 10, while the 2022 Volvo XC90 scores 8.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Volvo XC90 is the recommended choice, offering a superior blend of luxury, safety, and performance.

Overview
MSRP
$32,550
$50,900
Average price
$29,235
$42,456
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.6
5.0
Expert reviews

7.2 out of 10

Read full review

8.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Spacious
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Stylish design
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Irritating transmission
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Quiet cabin
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • Cramped third row
  • Sluggish touchscreen response
Summary
It’s been seven years since Honda last redesigned the Pilot, the automaker’s popular midsize three-row crossover SUV. In most ways, age has been kind to it, but to love a 2021 Honda Pilot you must first live with one. Unlike some competitors, the styling is not a strong suit. Rather, it is the Pilot’s interior, powertrain, driving dynamics, and simple but useful technology that makes you appreciate it each and every day. Well, that, and the cheap lease payment.
What does your average vegan internet mogul drive while waiting for their Tesla to charge? The 2022 Volvo XC90 three-row crossover can slot right in with an available plug-in hybrid variant, available leather-free features, and crunchy memories from the late 20th century. With fuel economy ratings up to 66 MPGe, XC90 owners can hold their eco heads high.
Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
3.5L 280 hp V6
2.0L 250 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
8
7
Horsepower
280 hp @ 6000 rpm
250 hp @ 5500 rpm
MPG City
20
21
MPG Highway
27
30
Look and feel
2021 Honda Pilot
7/10
2022 Volvo XC90
9/10

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite a 2019 refresh and the introduction of the 2020 Black Edition, the exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot was available in seven trims, ranging from the base LX to the upscale Black Edition, with prices between $32,250 and $49,920. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional $2,000 on most trims. The new Special Edition trim added features like black 20-inch alloy wheels and wireless smartphone charging. The Black Edition, priced at $51,435 with optional white paint, featured exclusive black leather upholstery with red accents, but its black floor mats were a hassle to clean.

Quality materials were evident throughout the Pilot's interior, but its flat dashboard and minivan-like front seat design detracted from its appeal. The Black Edition's red ambient lighting and perforated seat inserts added a touch of luxury, but the overall design felt drab. The Pilot's interior was spacious and practical, with plenty of storage options, but its exterior design and minivan-like feel were not universally appealing.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from Volvo's boxy past, maintaining the brand's family-friendly, safety-oriented image while moving into the luxury class. The XC90, launched as a 2016 model, was Volvo's flagship SUV, built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. The 2022 model had a sleek, athletic stance with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches. The "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights added a touch of Swedish heritage, and the superior fit and finish conveyed quality.

Inside, the XC90's interior was described as "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," with natural wood and metal trim. Exquisite details like the sliding wood tambor cover and crystal gear selector handle emphasized its luxury status. Volvo's commitment to going leather-free by 2030 was evident, with options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery. The test car's leather seats were comfortable during a week of high temperatures and humidity, but the wool blend option might not suit everyone.

Performance
2021 Honda Pilot
8/10
2022 Volvo XC90
8/10

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The engine was smooth and refined, providing quick acceleration. A nine-speed automatic transmission powered the front wheels, with an available torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. The Pilot's fuel-saving measures included variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined for AWD models. The test vehicle averaged 21.5 mpg.

The Pilot's MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension provided a comfortable ride and unexpectedly athletic handling. The torque-vectoring AWD system and 20-inch wheels contributed to the fun on pavement. The steering was well-weighted and responsive, and the brakes were properly calibrated, though they could heat up and vibrate with prolonged use. Off-road capability was limited by the Pilot's 7.3 inches of ground clearance and all-season tires.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrain options. The T5 model had a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model featured a supercharged and turbocharged version of the same engine, delivering 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The T8 plug-in hybrid combined the supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, producing a combined 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. The T5 was available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while the T6 and T8 were AWD only. All models used an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The XC90's fuel economy varied by powertrain, with the T5 FWD achieving 25 mpg combined, the T5 AWD at 23 mpg combined, and the T6 AWD at 22 mpg combined. The T8 plug-in hybrid had a combined rating of 27 mpg on gas and 55 MPGe, with an 18-mile EV range. The extended-range variant offered 26 mpg combined on gas, 66 MPGe, and a 36-mile EV range. Charging the battery took about five hours at 240 volts.

The XC90's driving experience was superb, with minimal body roll and controlled handling. The T8 Inscription extended range provided spirited acceleration, with the electric motor eliminating turbo lag and smoothing power delivery. The XC90 was not a hot rod, but it was fun to drive.

Form and function
2021 Honda Pilot
9/10
2022 Volvo XC90
8/10

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample room for a family, seating up to eight people with a second-row bench seat. The test vehicle's leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats were comfortable, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver and four-way adjustment for the front passenger. Second-row captain's chairs were optional on the Touring trim and standard on Elite and Black Edition models, providing nearly as much comfort as the front seats. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults due to a low and flat bottom cushion.

Storage was abundant, with compartments in the door panels, center console, and front seatback pockets. The EX-L trim and higher included a power tailgate, with hands-free operation on higher trims. The Pilot offered 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 83.9 cubic feet.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 came in six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. The third row was suitable for children but lacked legroom and thigh support for adults. The XC90 provided 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 85.7 cubic feet. It could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration.

The XC90's interior was spacious and airy, with ample storage options and a standard laminated panoramic moonroof. The air-conditioning system performed well during a heat wave, providing rapid cooling and maintaining comfort.

Technology
2021 Honda Pilot
5/10
2022 Volvo XC90
8/10

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text-messaging support, satellite radio, and HondaLink connected services. The Special Edition added wireless phone charging, while the Touring trim included navigation, a WiFi hotspot, a 10-speaker premium audio system, and more. The system was adequate but had a small screen and limited voice-recognition capabilities. The Touring trim also added a rear-seat entertainment system with a 115-volt power outlet, HDMI port, and Cabin Talk feature.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system offered tablet-like functionality with familiar gestures. However, it was occasionally glitchy and slow to respond. The system worked better with Apple CarPlay, and the XC90 also supported Android Auto. The 9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen was positioned close to the driver's line of sight, minimizing distraction. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel provided easy customization and crisp graphics. The $1,650 Advanced package included a head-up display, 360-degree surround view camera, and advanced air cleaner.

The XC90 came with standard Harman Kardon Premium Sound, with an optional $3,200 Bowers & Wilkins upgrade for audiophiles. The vehicle included two front USB-A ports, two rear USB-C ports, a WiFi hotspot, and a complimentary trial subscription. The Volvo Care smartphone app was free for four years, offering remote lock/unlock and other vehicle controls.

Safety
2021 Honda Pilot
7/10
2022 Volvo XC90
9/10

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, a package of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Starting with the EX trim, the Pilot also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The older version of Honda Sensing was functional but lacked refinement. The Pilot received favorable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and high ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's commitment to safety with a comprehensive list of features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, slippery road alert, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, oncoming lane mitigation, and road-sign recognition. Volvo's Pilot Assist system combined several safety features for minimal driver intervention on highways. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

Cost Effectiveness
2021 Honda Pilot
7/10
2022 Volvo XC90
8/10
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