Is the Honda Pilot Better Than the Dodge Durango?
The Honda Pilot and the Dodge Durango are among the most popular midsize SUVs. Both of these models are family-friendly and are enjoyable to drive. But which one is better for you?
What it’s like to drive the Honda Pilot and the Dodge Durango
The 2020 Honda Pilot and the 2020 Dodge Durango offer entirely different driving experiences. With the Pilot, you get a smooth and relaxed ride. There’s only one engine option on the Pilot, and that’s a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280-horsepower.
Standard Pilot models feature a six-automatic transmission, and the upper-level trims come with a nine-speed automatic. Overall, the Pilot is enjoyable to drive, but it’s not as forceful as class rivals like the Durango.
The Durango gives you three powertrain options. This SUV comes standard with a 293-hp, 3.6-liter V6. The standard V6 should satisfy most drivers, but if more power is what you crave, you can choose from two available V8 engines. There’s a 360-hp 5.7-liter V8, as well as a 6.4-liter V8 that generates 475-hp. Each engine on the Durango comes standard with an eight-speed automatic.
Fuel efficiency isn’t a strong suit of either the Pilot or the Durango. But if you plan on towing heavy cargo, the Durango is the more capable choice here. The standard Durango can tow up to 6,200 pounds. The Pilot has a max towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
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Interior features
Depending on the configurations you pick, the Pilot can seat up to eight passengers, and the Durango can seat up to seven. Unlike some SUVs, the Pilot and the Durango offer plenty of comfort and space, even on their third-row seats. Cloth comes standard on both of these SUVs. You can upgrade them both with items like leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats.
As far as infotainment goes, the Durango offers more standard features. The Durango comes with a 7-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The most notable standard infotainment features on the Pilot is a 5-inch display and Bluetooth, so you’d have to upgrade for more connectivity. On the other hand, the Pilot comes with more advanced safety equipment, including forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring.
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Safety and reliability ratings
The NHTSA gave the Pilot a perfect five-star crash safety rating, and the Durango received a four-star rating. In regards to reliability, the Pilot also has a higher predicted reliability rating. Consumer Reports gave the Pilot an average reliability score and gave the Durango a below-average rating.
It’s also important to note that the NHTSA has recalled both of these 2020 models. The recall on the Durango related to a potential issue with its backup camera. The Pilot has two recalls for concerns related to its body structure and its label information.
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The final verdict
The 2020 Honda Pilot starts at $31,650, and the 2020 Dodge Durango starts at $30,795. While the Durango offers more potency, the Pilot is a more well-rounded family vehicle. The Pilot is pleasant to drive, offers more space, and has a higher safety rating.
