2022 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance style 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 five trims in Canada, with AWD as standard. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, was priced at $58,806, including destination charges. While the interior boasted quality materials, the design felt reminiscent of a minivan, which, along with its exterior, did not appeal to everyone.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness pushed the boundaries of the traditional station wagon, offering a more Jeep-like experience. With 23 cm of ground clearance, aggressive all-terrain tires, and improved approach and departure angles, it was designed for off-road adventures. The Wilderness featured unique design elements like a matte black hood decal and Anodized Copper accents. Inside, the cabin was outfitted with StarTex water-repellant upholstery and all-weather floor mats, emphasizing durability and practicality. The Outback Wilderness was priced at $41,995, plus a destination charge, making it a compelling option for those seeking adventure.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring AWD, provided a smooth and refined driving experience. The Pilot's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.0 L/100 km in combined driving, with the test vehicle averaging 10.9 L/100 km. The SUV's suspension offered a comfortable ride and surprisingly athletic handling, though its off-road capability was limited by 18.5 cm of ground clearance.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the CVT transmission detracted from the driving experience with its droning and soft gear changes. The Wilderness excelled off-road, thanks to its 23 cm ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and dual function X-Mode traction system. It could tackle a 40% grade and offered improved approach, breakover, and departure angles. On pavement, the Wilderness felt quick but was limited by its tires, making it less suitable for spirited driving.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, seating up to eight with a bench second-row seat. The Black Edition featured comfortable leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. Second-row captain’s chairs were standard, providing comfort and flexibility. The Pilot's cargo space was generous, with 524 litres behind the third row and up to 3,092 litres with seats folded. Storage solutions were abundant, making it practical for family use.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness's interior was designed for durability, with StarTex upholstery and waterproof materials. The front seats were heated, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. Rear seat space was generous, with air conditioning vents and USB ports. The cargo area offered 920 litres behind the rear seat and 2,144 litres with seats folded. The robust roof rack supported rooftop camping, enhancing its adventure-ready appeal.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered navigation, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. The Touring trim added a rear-seat entertainment system and Cabin Talk feature. While functional, the system's small screen and limited voice recognition were drawbacks.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness boasted an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with integrated climate control. While physical knobs were provided for volume and tuning, most functions required the touchscreen. Voice recognition was limited, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered better functionality. The lack of a premium audio system was a notable omission for its target demographic.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring. While effective, the system lacked refinement. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and "good" ratings from IIHS.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured the EyeSight suite, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It also had steering-responsive LED headlights and blind-spot warning. EyeSight was effective and unobtrusive, qualifying as a Level 2 ADAS. The Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.