2022 Subaru Outback vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness presented a rugged and elevated stance, distinguishing itself from the standard Outback with its 23-centimetre ground clearance and aggressive all-terrain tires. Its design elements, such as the unique grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents, contributed to its adventurous aesthetic. The interior featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but lacked ventilated seats, making it less comfortable in hot weather. The cabin was equipped with heated seats, a black headliner, and all-weather floor mats, enhancing its practicality for outdoor enthusiasts.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Pilot showcased a more substantial and rugged appearance with its redesigned exterior, including an upright grille and boxier styling. The TrailSport model added off-road capabilities with a taller ride height and all-terrain tires. Inside, the Pilot offered a conventional yet functional design, with materials meeting class expectations. The interior was spacious, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard in Canada. The Pilot emphasized utility and comfort, making it a preferred choice for family-oriented buyers.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided ample power for its 3,896-pound weight, with a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. Fuel efficiency was rated at 10.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.9 on the highway. The Outback's CVT, while offering paddle shifters, was less engaging due to its droning nature. The Wilderness trim featured all-wheel drive, enhanced ground clearance, and specialized tires for off-road capability, making it adept at tackling challenging terrains.

The 2023 Honda Pilot featured a new 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Pilot's acceleration was responsive, and its brake pedal was easy to modulate. While not designed for sporty driving, the Pilot offered a comfortable ride with light steering. The TrailSport variant increased ground clearance and added all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road prowess. The Pilot's towing capacity reached up to 5,000 lbs, making it suitable for family adventures.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness offered a practical interior with dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats were heated, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Rear seat space was generous, with heated seats and USB ports. The cargo area provided 920 litres of space, expanding to 2,144 litres with the rear seats folded. The robust roof rack supported rooftop camping, adding to its adventure-ready appeal.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior was more conventional, with a handy dash shelf and a seven-inch or nine-inch infotainment touchscreen, depending on the trim. The Pilot excelled in storage solutions, with a stowable second-row centre seat and ample space for passengers. The cargo area offered 635 litres behind the third row, expanding to 3,219 litres with seats folded. The Pilot's power tailgate and clever storage features made it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with integrated climate control. While physical knobs were available for volume and temperature, other functions required touchscreen use. Voice recognition was less intuitive, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided better functionality. The lack of a premium audio system was a notable omission for its target demographic.

The 2023 Honda Pilot, particularly in the EX-L trim and above, offered a larger touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Touring trim added a multi-view camera system, head-up display, and digital instrument panel. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick responses and logical layout. Features like CabinTalk and a Bose premium audio system enhanced the Pilot's technological appeal.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with the EyeSight suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Wilderness trim maintained these features despite modifications, ensuring safety was not compromised. The Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for 2021, with a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Honda Pilot received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added parking sensors and a surround-view camera system. The Pilot's safety systems performed well, with no false alarms during testing.