2023 Honda Pilot vs 2024 Subaru Outback

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 larger 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 included off-road enhancements like a 2.5 cm taller ride height, unique 18-inch wheels, and underbody skid plates. The interior adopted a more conventional style, maintaining attractiveness and functionality, with materials meeting class expectations. Standard features in Canada included heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, emphasizing a utilitarian yet appealing aesthetic.

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its familiar look, with the Wilderness trim receiving a new front fascia and LED fog lights. The dark grey cladding contrasted with the Autumn Green Metallic colour, offering a surprisingly appealing aesthetic. Different trims featured varying levels of black and chrome exterior fittings, with tasteful chrome on the Premier XT trim. Wheel sizes and designs varied, with the Wilderness trim sporting matte black wheels. The interior of the top-trim test car was notably luxurious, featuring Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery. The Outback offered a range of seating materials across trims, from cloth to synthetic leather, catering to different preferences.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was equipped with 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 acceleration and a pleasant engine sound, though it prioritized comfort over sporty driving. The TrailSport model increased ground clearance by 2.5 cm and featured all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Pilot's towing capacity reached up to 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs), and it maintained on-road composure and comfort, making it suitable for family duties and outdoor adventures.

The 2024 Subaru Outback featured a "Boxer" engine, with the base 2.5-litre flat-four producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, upgraded to a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine, offering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 1,587 kg (3,500 lbs). The Premier XT test car's turbo engine managed the vehicle's weight well, and the CVT mimicked eight distinct gears. The Outback provided a comfortable ride, with a ground clearance of 22 cm, increasing to 24.1 cm in the Wilderness trim. The Wilderness also included all-terrain tires and Subaru’s X-Mode for enhanced off-road performance.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior was more conventional, featuring a dash shelf for the front passenger. The entry-level Sport trim had a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a nine-inch display. The Touring trim included a wireless charging pad, large cupholders, and a wide centre console bin. The Pilot offered clever storage solutions, including a stowable second-row centre seat, providing a centre pass-through for third-row passengers. The second row accommodated adults over six feet tall, while the third row was less inviting. Cargo space varied, with a maximum of 3,219 litres behind the front seats, and a power tailgate was standard.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered ample interior space, with more headroom and legroom than some competitors. The cargo area measured 923 litres with all seats in place and 2,141 litres with the rear seats folded. The Outback featured dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. Higher trims included additional features like a powered front passenger seat and ventilated front seats. The hands-free power liftgate and power moonroof were standard from the Touring trim, and the Outback's roof rails with retractable cross bars added practicality.

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

The 2024 Subaru Outback's Premier XT trim featured an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity becoming wireless from the Touring trim. The Subaru Starlink multimedia platform included hard buttons for essential climate controls, while other functions were managed through the touchscreen. Bluetooth and SiriusXM connectivity were standard, and most trims had a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2023 Honda Pilot received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with standard Honda Sensing safety features across all trims. These 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 safety features functioned well, with no false alarms during testing.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technologies was standard, with features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The Touring trim added reverse automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a wide-angle camera. The Premier XT included a digital rearview mirror and a driver-attention monitor, enhancing safety.