2023 Ford Bronco vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2023 Ford Bronco was a standout with its retro-cool styling and modern engineering, offered in nine distinct trim levels. Its blocky, upright shape, wide horizontal grille, and big round headlights were unmistakable, even from afar. The Base trim had a primitive charm with steel wheels and minimal adornment, while the Raptor trim boasted a wide stance, elevated height, and massive tires. The Heritage Edition trim added nostalgic elements like a white grille, roof, and wheels, along with plaid seat upholstery. The interior continued the rugged theme with a broad dash, sealed switches, and waterproof upholstery, designed more for durability than luxury. Despite some creaking over bumps, it was quieter than a Jeep Wrangler.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was fully redesigned with a more rugged and substantial appearance, featuring an upright grille and boxier styling. It was larger than its predecessor, fitting well with the all-terrain-capable TrailSport model, which included off-road parts like a taller ride height and underbody skid plates. The interior took a more conventional styling route, remaining attractive and functional. Materials quality met class expectations, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard in Canada. The Pilot emphasized function over form, offering a tidy and utilitarian aesthetic that was preferred over the last generation.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices, starting with a 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, available with a seven-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The optional twin-turbo 2.7-litre V6 engine increased power to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, while the top-of-the-line Raptor featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. All Broncos came with a 4WD drivetrain and a two-speed transfer case. The Bronco excelled in off-road capabilities without sacrificing on-road manners, offering a quieter ride than a Jeep Wrangler. However, its high-riding dimensions required more care on curving roads.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was powered by a new 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Honda’s i-VTM4 AWD system in Canada. The Pilot offered quick initial acceleration and a pleasant engine hum. It cornered well for a three-row SUV, with noticeable body roll but no alarming rebounds. The Pilot was tuned for comfort, with feather-light steering that felt somewhat vague on the highway. The TrailSport trim added ground clearance and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities without sacrificing on-road composure. Towing capacity was up to 2,268 kg.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space, with the four-door model offering easier access to rear seats. Up front, there were numerous storage options, including netted door pockets and a rubberized tray. The two-door Bronco had up to 634 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,481 litres with seats folded, while the four-door offered 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. However, the rear seats didn't fold flat, creating a step-up that hindered sliding longer cargo. The Bronco's fenders and doors were easily removable, appealing to hardcore off-roaders.

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 logical placement of controls and ample storage, including a large rubberized shelf and a wide centre console bin. The stowable second-row centre seat provided a useful pass-through for third-row passengers. The second row offered abundant space, while the third row was less inviting. Cargo space ranged from 635 litres behind the third row to 3,219 litres with seats folded, with a power tailgate standard.

The 2023 Ford Bronco featured G.O.A.T. drive modes for off-road novices, optimizing engine and suspension settings for various terrains. Seasoned off-roaders could manually select features like transfer case gearing and sway-bar disconnects. Numerous camera views and the Trail Turn Assist feature enhanced off-road capabilities. The Bronco also offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Ford’s SYNC 4, and FordPass Connect. Most Broncos came with an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12-inch display available.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's EX-L trim and above offered a larger touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 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 functional with quick responses and a logical layout. Other features included Honda's CabinTalk and a Bose premium audio system.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received partial crash test results from the NHTSA, with four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection. The IIHS awarded it a "Good" score in most tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and hill-start assist. The Mid package added features like a blind-spot monitor and lane-keep assist, while the High package included front parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2023 Honda Pilot earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Standard Honda Sensing safety features included forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The EX-L trim and above added front and rear parking sensors, while the Touring trim included surround-view and multi-view camera systems. The advanced safety features functioned well, with no false alarms experienced.