2023 Subaru Outback vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2023 Subaru Outback received a facelift that gave it a more aggressive appearance. It featured a redesigned front end with new LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark grey vertical cladding, simulating large air intakes. The addition of a jutting simulated skid plate, fog lights in oversized housings, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim reminiscent of the Wilderness model contributed to its bold look. While these changes might not appeal to everyone, opting for a dark paint colour could help tone down the design's excesses. The Outback Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, complemented the audacious cladding well. The Limited trim, with its Cosmic Blue paint and Java Brown premium Nappa leather upholstery, offered an upscale and cohesive interior, despite some hard plastic elements. The large infotainment screen and gloss black trim, however, were prone to collecting dust and smudges.

The 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign, resulting in a more rugged and substantial appearance. Its upright grille and boxier styling made it look larger, and it was indeed bigger than its predecessor. The fourth-generation Pilot was 8.6 centimetres longer, up to 3.8 cm wider, and 2 cm taller. These changes suited the all-terrain-capable TrailSport model, which gained legitimate off-road parts, including a 2.5 cm taller ride height, unique 18-inch wheels, chunky all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates. The interior took a more conventional styling route, remaining attractive and functional. Materials quality met class expectations, and heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard in Canada. The new Pilot emphasized function over form, offering a tidy and utilitarian aesthetic.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured horizontally opposed engines, known for their flat design, which helped reduce the vehicle's centre of gravity. The standard engine produced 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. While the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) made good use of the power at lower speeds, passing and climbing power was lacking. The Outback's towing capacity was 1,225 kilograms. Fuel efficiency was disappointing, with a combined rating of 9.2 L/100 km, despite expectations of 8.3 L/100 km. The turbocharged XT models offered 260 hp at 5,600 rpm and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing better performance but at the cost of fuel efficiency. The Outback's suspension tuning was spot-on, offering a firm ride at lower speeds and excellent ride quality at higher speeds. The Active Torque Split AWD system and X-Mode traction system enhanced its off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was powered by a new 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Honda's i-VTM4 AWD system. The Pilot's acceleration response was quick, and the engine emitted a pleasant hum when pushed. The brake pedal was soft, suitable for a family SUV, and easy to modulate. The Pilot cornered well for a three-row SUV, with noticeable body roll but no alarming rebounds. It was tuned for comfort rather than performance, with feather-light steering. The TrailSport model offered increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Pilot's towing capacity was up to 2,268 kg. Despite its off-road capabilities, the Pilot maintained on-road composure and comfort, making it a versatile family SUV.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a purposeful roof rack, flat door sill trim, and a dashboard storage shelf. The Limited trim offered a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat, and heated seats wrapped in premium Nappa leather. The Outback provided ample legroom and comfort for passengers, though wind noise was noticeable on the highway. The cargo space measured 923 litres behind the back seat and 2,141 litres with the back seat folded down. The roof rails and rack were robust, ready for accessories. However, the Outback could benefit from more practical storage space.

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 Touring trim offered a logical layout with primary controls for climate and drive modes. The Pilot excelled in storage and convenience features, with a stowable second-row centre seat providing a useful 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 3,219 litres with the seats folded. A power tailgate was standard, with hands-free operation on higher trims.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, featured a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with physical controls for volume, tuning, and climate control. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with subscription-based Starlink connected services. The infotainment system worked well, though the graphics and voice recognition system were lacking. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's EX-L trim and higher offered a larger touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Touring trim included 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. Features like Honda's CabinTalk and a Bose premium audio system were available on higher trims.

The 2023 Subaru Outback earned top marks from the IIHS, thanks to new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Outback Premier XT added a third Wide-Angle Mono Camera for better pedestrian and cyclist detection. While the adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems were accurate, they felt artificial in operation.

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 a blind-spot monitor. The EX-L trim and higher 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 during testing.