2021 Honda Pilot vs 2020 Subaru Outback

The 2020 Subaru Outback was a testament to Subaru's commitment to incremental improvement while maintaining its core strengths of utility, safety, and performance. Built on Subaru’s Global Platform, the Outback boasted a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-litre engine, although appearing similar to its predecessor, was redesigned with 90% new parts, offering 182 horsepower. For those seeking more power, the 2.4-litre turbocharged engine from the Ascent was available in higher trims. Externally, changes were subtle, with noticeable updates to the head- and taillights. Inside, the Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen on all but the base trim, and introduced DriverFocus, a tech usually reserved for luxury brands, which used facial recognition to enhance driver safety and convenience.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, and performance. Despite a rugged refresh in 2019 and a blacked-out Black Edition in 2020, the Pilot's exterior design remained divisive. Available in five trims in Canada, the Pilot offered standard all-wheel drive and a range of features across its lineup. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, was a standout. The Pilot's interior was reminiscent of a minivan, with quality materials and a focus on practicality. However, its exterior design and minivan-like feel from the front seat were less appealing to some.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre engine with 182 horsepower and a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that mimicked a traditional automatic transmission, minimizing the typical CVT drawbacks. Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system provided consistent power delivery and enhanced safety, especially in adverse conditions. With 22.1 centimetres of ground clearance, the Outback was capable off-road, though not designed for extreme terrains.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel, enhancing traction and handling. The Pilot's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.0 litres per 100 kilometres combined, with the test vehicle achieving 10.9 L/100 km. While the Pilot offered a comfortable ride and agile handling, its off-road capabilities were limited by its 18.5 centimetres of ground clearance and modest approach and departure angles.

The 2020 Subaru Outback excelled in functionality, offering 920 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,144 litres with the rear seats folded. The interior was spacious, with ample legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers. Visibility was a priority, with excellent sightlines in most directions, though the rear quarters had a notable blind spot. The Outback's design balanced exterior compactness with interior spaciousness, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Honda Pilot provided seating for up to eight, with comfortable and supportive front seats. Second-row captain’s chairs were available, enhancing comfort and accessibility to the third row. The Pilot offered 524 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 1,583 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum of 3,092 litres. Storage solutions were abundant, with compartments throughout the cabin. However, third-row comfort was average, with a low and flat bottom cushion.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which was visually appealing but suffered from lag and buried climate-control functions. The system's camera resolution was also lacking, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the potential for improvement was evident.

The 2021 Honda Pilot included an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered additional features like a rear-seat entertainment system and wireless phone charging. While the system was adequate, it lacked a tuning knob and required specific voice commands. The Touring trim added a Cabin Talk feature, enhancing communication with rear-seat passengers.

The 2020 Subaru Outback came with a comprehensive safety suite, including standard all-wheel drive and Subaru’s EyeSight system. However, the optical nature of EyeSight meant it could be obstructed by environmental factors. The DriverFocus system, intended to alert distracted drivers, was overly sensitive and often triggered false alarms, leading to frustration.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured Honda Sensing, a package of advanced driving assistance systems. While effective, the system lacked refinement, particularly in lane-departure warning feedback. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though some areas had room for improvement.