2021 Lexus NX Hybrid vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 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. The Black Edition featured exclusive black leather upholstery with red accents, but its minivan-like front seat design and drab exterior did not appeal to everyone.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured sharp edges and a streamlined profile, maintaining a familiar yet distinct look. Built on the previous-generation Toyota RAV4 platform, it lagged behind in engineering. The F Sport Black Line model showcased a larger mesh grille, dark-finish wheels, and a striking Grecian Water paint. While the interior design was initially radical, it became familiar over time, with a stepped center console and plastic switchgear. The NX Hybrid's material quality felt more mainstream than luxury.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and optional torque-vectoring all-wheel drive. The Pilot offered a smooth ride with a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, providing comfort and athletic handling. Fuel efficiency was rated at 22 mpg combined for AWD models, with the test vehicle averaging 21.5 mpg. However, its off-road capability was limited by modest ground clearance and all-season tires.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering 194 horsepower. Despite its sporty F Sport styling, the NX Hybrid prioritized fuel efficiency over performance, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds. The sport-tuned suspension improved handling, but the steering felt numb. Drive modes like Eco and Sport offered minimal impact on performance. The NX Hybrid's drivetrain struggled with power delivery, making it less responsive in traffic.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, seating up to eight with a second-row bench. The test vehicle featured comfortable leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. Second-row captain’s chairs were optional, providing comfort and easy access to the third row. Cargo space was generous, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 83.9 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited front and rear headroom, with cramped rear seats due to thick pillars. Front seats were comfortable with 10-way power adjustment, and heated and ventilated options were available. The sloping roofline affected rear visibility, but exterior mirrors helped. Cargo space was limited to 16.8 cubic feet with seats up and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. A power liftgate was available but not standard.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HondaLink services. The Touring trim added navigation, a WiFi hotspot, and a premium audio system. The system was adequate but lacked a tuning knob and had limited voice-recognition capabilities. A rear-seat entertainment system was available on higher trims.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and a difficult-to-use Remote Touch Interface touchpad. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa were standard, but the system felt dated. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system available on higher trims. The base audio system lacked quality, making it less appealing for a luxury vehicle.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. It received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and "Good" ratings from IIHS, with some exceptions in specific tests.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. It included the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 with features like adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were newly standard, but a 360-degree camera system was missing.