With their large size, seating capacity, and various capabilities 3-row midsize SUVs offer an abundance of versatility. Let’s take a closer look at how the 2021 Honda Pilot and 2020 Dodge Journey compare.
2021 Honda Pilot
2021 Honda Pilot Starting Price: $33,370 | Price Yours or View listings near you
Above Average: Standard safety equipment; roomy; good resale; standard V6 engine and 9-speed automatic transmission.
Below Average: Design ready for a refresh; minivan-like driving experience; LX trim doesn’t include Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Consensus: The 2021 Honda Pilot can seat eight passengers and still offer plenty of cargo space. AWD is available. As a bonus, it has some off-road features that make it relatively capable should you venture off the pavement.
2020 Dodge Journey
2020 Dodge Journey Starting Price: $24,990 | Price Yours or View listings near you
Above Average: Superior Uconnect infotainment; lots of available storage; economical three-row crossover SUV.
Below Average: Only available with a 4-cylinder engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission; no AWD option; poor resale value.
Consensus: The 2020 Dodge Journey is one of the most affordable 7-seat midsize SUVs available. The Journey is comfortable and offers remarkable cargo hauling. With the second and third rows folded flat, there is a significant amount of load space.
Pilot vs. Journey: Distinct midsize SUVs
Honda Pilot
The 2021 Honda Pilot has plenty to offer like seating for up to eight, generous cargo space, and a powerful V6 engine that makes 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Also new for 2021, all models now come with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Pilot offers selectable terrain modes like Snow, Mud, and Sand, making it able to handle a variety of on- and off-road adventures. The Pilot’s torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system improves handling for the midsize 3-row vehicle by varying the amount of power that is sent to each wheel, focusing on the wheel with the most grip. The Pilot also comes equipped with a host of safety equipment called Honda Sensing. Included are active safety features and driver-assistance features that are among the best in the class. If you want Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, however, you will need to step up to the EX trim.
Dodge Journey
The 2020 Dodge Journey is an affordable midsize SUV. While it comes with front-wheel drive and a 2.4-liter inline-4 only, it does net an EPA-rated 25 highway mpg. Even as a budget-friendly 7-seat crossover it is available with the highly regarded Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch color touch screen. Worth noting is the seat configuration, which is like a smaller version of a minivan. Something to consider if you do not want to commit to a minivan and price is a factor. Along with comfortable seating, the Journey has a remarkable amount of onboard storage available, aided in no small part by seats that fold flat and deep floorboard wells. Of the two models offered, the SE Value and the Crossroad, the latter comes with a leather interior, black alloy wheels, blacked-out grille, fog lights, and tinted side glass.
Similarities
Seating for seven; lots of cargo space.
2021 Honda Pilot Advantages
Standard V6; available AWD; plenty of standard safety features; roomy and versatile cabin; solid resale.
2020 Dodge Journey Advantages
Modestly priced; spacious cargo area.
Final Recommendation
The Honda Pilot is a standout when it comes to everyday family transportation. With its more powerful V6, a 9-speed automatic transmission, seating for up to eight passengers, standard modern safety features, and higher resale value it is the best choice here. However, if you are on a tight budget, need lots of cargo space, and happen to live in a state where the Dodge Journey is sold, then it’s worth consideration.
Ready to buy a Honda Pilot or Dodge Journey? Shop now for one on sale near you.
| 2021 Honda Pilot | 2020 Dodge Journey | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.5-liter V6 | 2.4-liter I4 |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 173 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm | 166 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 4-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 23 mpg (20 city/27 hwy) | 28 mpg (26 city/30 hwy) |
| Also Available | AWD | |
| Specs | ||
| Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating | 5 stars | 4 Stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
| Wheelbase | 111.0 inches | 113.8 inches |
| Overall Length | 196.5 inches | 192.4 inches |
| Width | 78.6 inches | 72.2 inches (w/o mirrors) |
| Height | 70.6 inches | 66.6 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 39.4 feet | 38.5 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.1 inches | 40.8 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 40.2 inches | 39.9 inches |
| Headroom, Third Row | 38.9 inches | 37.7 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 40.9 inches | 40.8 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 38.4 inches | 36.1 inches |
| Legroom, Third Row | 31.9 inches | 23.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 62.0 inches | 57.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 62.0 inches | 56.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Third Row | 57.6 inches | 43.5 inches |
| EPA Passenger Volume | 153.5 cu. ft. | 124 cu. ft. |
| EPA Cargo Volume | 83.9 cu. ft. | 67.6 cu. ft. |
