2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign, presenting a more rugged and substantial appearance. Its upright grille and boxier styling not only made it look bigger but also increased its dimensions, being 8.6 centimetres longer, up to 3.8 cm wider, and 2 cm taller than its predecessor. These changes complemented the all-terrain-capable TrailSport model, which featured a 2.5 cm taller ride height, unique 18-inch wheels, chunky all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates. The interior adopted a more conventional styling, maintaining attractiveness and functionality, with materials meeting elevated class standards. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard in Canada, emphasizing function over form without sacrificing appeal.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4, available in four trim levels in Canada, maintained the design introduced in 2019, particularly with the Trail trim. This trim featured a more aggressive grille, blacked-out wheels, and additional cladding, though it was more of an appearance package than a true off-roader. The interior of the Trail trim included orange accents and a relatively basic centre console. The RAV4 offered a frameless rearview mirror, adding a premium touch to an otherwise pedestrian interior. The LE and XLE trims came with fabric upholstery and standard heated front seats, while the XLE Premium package upgraded to synthetic leather. The Limited trim offered heated and ventilated power-adjustable seats with memory settings, enhancing comfort and convenience.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was powered by a new 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system was standard. The Pilot offered quick initial acceleration and adequate power, with a soft brake pedal for smooth stops. It handled corners well for a three-row SUV, prioritizing comfort over sporty driving. The TrailSport variant increased ground clearance by 2.5 cm and featured all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities without sacrificing on-road comfort. The Pilot's towing capacity reached up to 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs), making it a versatile family SUV.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was standard across all trims, including a Snow drive mode. While the RAV4's acceleration was unobjectionable, it lacked excitement, and the engine noise was noticeable. The Trail trim included 19-inch wheels with all-season tires and shared the same suspension setup as other RAV4s, offering a comfortable ride but limited off-road prowess.

The 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 Touring trim offered a touchscreen that seemed small for the space but was adequate. The Pilot provided ample storage options, including a large rubberized shelf, cupholders, and a wide centre console bin. The stowable second-row centre seat allowed for a centre pass-through, reducing seating to seven. The second row offered generous space for adults, while the third row was less inviting. Cargo space ranged from 635 litres to 3,219 litres, depending on the configuration, with a power tailgate standard.

The Toyota RAV4 seated five, offering 958 mm of headroom in the front and 1,001 mm in the back with the moonroof. Legroom measured 1,039 mm in the front and 960 mm in the second row. The RAV4 provided convenient storage options, including a shelf along the glove compartment and generous door pockets. Cargo space was 1,059 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded, placing it in the middle of the pack compared to competitors.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's EX-L trim and above featured a larger touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with a wireless phone charger. The Touring trim added USB ports in every row, a multi-view camera system, head-up display, and a fully digital instrument panel. The infotainment system was responsive with a logical layout, and the Touring trim included a navigation system, Bose premium audio, and Honda's CabinTalk feature.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen standard and a 10.5-inch screen for the Limited trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity were standard, along with voice command and connected services. The Limited trim featured an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system, while the Trail trim had a base six-speaker stereo. A 7-inch driver-information display was standard, with a 12.3-inch version for the Limited trim.

The 2023 Honda Pilot received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Standard Honda Sensing safety features included forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. Higher trims added front and rear parking sensors, surround-view, and multi-view camera systems. The advanced safety features functioned well, with no false alarms experienced during testing.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came with standard safety features like lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The TSS 2.5 suite included Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with top scores in crash-testing.