2022 Subaru Forester vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2022 Subaru Forester presented a range of trim levels, from the base model to the Premier, with prices starting at $29,495 and reaching $40,595. All models came with standard all-wheel drive, and the Forester Wilderness, priced at $38,995, featured a distinctive rugged design with white paint and a dark grey interior. The Wilderness model stood out with its suspension lift, higher ride height, and protective cladding, giving it a unique appearance. Inside, the Forester emphasized functionality with a mix of hard plastic and soft surfaces, creating a cabin that felt well-constructed but somewhat dated. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, though the presence of three display screens was less than ideal. Overall, the Forester's design was practical, but the Wilderness's cladding and matte-black details were not universally appealing.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign, boasting a more rugged and substantial appearance. The fourth-generation model was larger, with an 8.6 cm increase in length, up to 3.8 cm in width, and 2 cm in height. The TrailSport model, in particular, gained off-road capabilities with a taller ride height, unique wheels, and underbody skid plates. The interior took a more conventional approach, focusing on functionality and versatility. Materials quality met class expectations, and the Pilot offered heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. The new design emphasized utility without sacrificing attractiveness, making it a preferred choice over the previous generation.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive, with the Wilderness model offering a 25% increase in initial torque supply. This allowed the Wilderness to double its towing capacity to 1,360 kg. The Forester's fuel consumption was rated at 9.0 L/100 km, and during testing, it averaged 9.1 L/100 km. The engine's boxer-style grumble was endearing, but the lack of a turbocharger made it feel sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT simulated an automatic transmission with eight programmed ratios, and the SI-Drive system provided a more lively response. The Forester excelled in various environments, including off-road courses, thanks to its long-travel suspension and Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires.

The 2023 Honda Pilot featured a new 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system was standard in Canada. The Pilot's acceleration was quick, and the engine emitted a pleasant hum. The SUV prioritized comfort over performance, with a soft brake pedal and light steering effort. The TrailSport model offered increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Pilot's towing capacity reached up to 2,268 kg. Despite its off-road capabilities, the Pilot maintained on-road composure and comfort, making it suitable for both daily family duties and outdoor adventures.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit due to tall seating hip points. The StarTex upholstery was water-resistant, and the Wilderness model included all-weather floor mats and a rubber cargo mat. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 100 kg and a static load of 362 kg, allowing for a three-person roof tent. The Forester offered high comfort levels in both front and back seats, with rear air conditioning vents and quick-charge ports. Cargo space measured 818 litres without the sunroof and 762 litres with it, expanding to 2,101 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior was more conventional, with a handy dash shelf for the front passenger. The entry-level Sport trim featured a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a nine-inch display. The Pilot offered clever storage solutions, including a stowable second-row centre seat that provided a centre pass-through for third-row passengers. The second row offered ample space for adults, while the third row was less inviting. Cargo space measured 635 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,685 or 1,702 litres with the third row folded, and reaching a maximum of 3,219 litres behind the front seats.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen with available navigation and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Wilderness model included a 180-degree forward-view camera for off-roading. The navigation system was helpful, though a breadcrumb function would have been beneficial.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's EX-L trim and higher offered a larger touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a wireless phone charger, and USB ports in every row. The Touring trim added a multi-view camera system, head-up display, and fully digital instrument panel. The infotainment system was responsive, with a logical layout and large on-screen buttons. The Touring trim also included Honda's CabinTalk, a navigation system, Bose premium audio, and a remote monitor.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the next-generation EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. It included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. The NHTSA awarded the Forester a 5-star overall crash-test rating, and it was expected to retain the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating.

The 2023 Honda Pilot received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Standard Honda Sensing safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, traffic-jam assist, blind-spot monitor, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign reader, automatic high beams, and driver attention monitor. The EX-L and higher trims added front and rear parking sensors, while the Touring trim included surround-view and multi-view camera systems. The Pilot's safety features functioned smoothly, with no false alarms during testing.