The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder and the 2020 Honda Pilot are two of the more popular large SUVs on the market. These family-friendly vehicles offer great cargo capacity, plenty of seating room, and more than enough horsepower for towing and hauling.

While the two vehicles are in the same class, they both offer very different driving experiences. We decided to take a look at both models to see how they compare and find out why Kelley Blue Book prefers one over the other.

The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder has an MSRP of $34,465. The rugged SUV has seating capacity for seven, but there is no option for captain’s chairs in the second row. The V6 engine provides more than enough power for towing up to 6,000 pounds.

The CVT automatic transmission offers seamless acceleration, but it does tend to be sluggish at times. The hefty SUV is capable of low-key off-roading, and the overall ride experience is considered decent. The infotainment system is a disappointment as it cannot support Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Kelley Blue Book feels the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder is another example of an SUV that has not “kept up with the times.”

The 2020 Honda Pilot

With a starting price of $32,645, the 2020 Honda Pilot combines safety and practicality. The comfortable interior offers great seating options for eight passengers and tons of storage space. One of the few negatives with the interior of the Honda Pilot is the outdated infotainment system that is in need of a serious upgrade.

The V6 engine allows for a smooth, quiet ride, but the available all-wheel drive doesn’t lend to practical off-roading capabilities. Honda products are known for their reliability, which holds true with the 2020 Honda Pilot. The three-row vehicle retains its resale value well and is a worthy competitor in the large SUV class.

Kelley Blue Book’s recommendation

Comparing the two vehicles side-by-side, Kelley Blue Book test drivers prefer the 2020 Honda Pilot. While both SUVs receive five-star NHTSA safety ratings, the Pilot has a better build quality overall.

Similarities between the Pilot and Pathfinder include the cargo capacity, fuel economy, and warranty terms. The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder is better looking, but the 2020 Honda Pilot is less expensive, making it a more appealing choice to consumers. The Pilot also retains a higher resale value, which could be an important deciding factor down the road.

Undeniably, both vehicles are very similar in not only performance but dependability. In the end, Kelley Blue Book decided the 2020 Honda Pilot is the better choice because, “it’s fresher, includes modern safety and driver-assist features, and is both rock-solid and reliable.”

What’s next for the Honda Pilot?

Honda typically releases the next generation of a vehicle about every five years. That means it will soon be time for the Honda Pilot to get a makeover. It’s expected that the major redesign won’t happen until the 2022 model. It’s speculated that a refresh will occur on the 2021 Honda Pilot, with only minimal design changes.

The new models are usually released in the summer, but with the coronavirus shutdowns, there is still not an exact date for new model arrivals. Cars Direct reported that the 2021 Honda Pilot won’t deter from the 3.5-liter V6 engine setup. Their research shows that the price will remain consistent with today’s pricing, allowing for a base MSRP of $32,770.

With 135,008 units of the Honda Pilot sold in the United States in 2019, it’s clear that consumers will be ready to check out whatever new models Honda decides to reveal.