2020 Honda Pilot vs 2019 Subaru Forester

The 2019 Subaru Forester was slightly larger and wider than its predecessor, resembling a scaled-down version of the Subaru Ascent. This design choice made sense, as the Ascent was previously described as a scaled-up Forester with a third row. Inside, the Forester's cabin looked modern but prioritized function over aesthetics, ensuring all utility aspects were considered before design choices. The Forester was available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trims, each featuring standard LED headlights, Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD), and EyeSight driver-assistance systems. The base trim was well-equipped with 60/40 split-fold rear seats, dual front USB ports, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen. Higher trims added features like 17-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic moonroof, leather upholstery, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Subaru's Starlink infotainment system.

The 2020 Honda Pilot shared the dynamic styling of the current Honda lineup, featuring thin LED headlights and a multi-tiered grille. The subtle uptick in the belt-line around the rear side windows masked the Pilot's size, making it appear more svelte. Inside, the Pilot had a modern cabin with a semi-digital instrument panel, combining analog fuel and engine-temperature gauges with a digital screen for other information. The cabin felt comfortable and spacious, though it used hard plastics in many areas, making it less upscale compared to rivals like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. The Pilot was available in LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims, each offering various features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, and push-button start. Higher trims added amenities like leather upholstery, a power moonroof, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.

The 2019 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This was an improvement from the previous model's 170 hp and 174 lb-ft. However, the lack of torque was noticeable, especially since the previous 2.0XT trim with a turbocharged engine was no longer available. The Forester's engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which prioritized efficiency over performance, resulting in underwhelming acceleration. Subaru's SI-Drive system, standard across all trims, allowed drivers to switch between Intelligent and Sport modes for better throttle response. The Forester also featured the X-Mode terrain-management system, which worked with the AWD and hill-descent control to optimize power delivery in various driving conditions. Despite its off-roading capabilities, the Forester offered a smooth ride and handled well around town and on the highway. Fuel economy was impressive, with 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined.

The 2020 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission on the LX, EX, and EX-L trims, while the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims received a 9-speed automatic transmission. The 9-speed transmission provided more refined acceleration and better fuel economy. Honda's proprietary shifter button setup replaced the conventional shifter, which some found confusing. Despite this, the V6 engine offered strong acceleration and was capable of handling real-world driving scenarios with ease. The Pilot's ride was comfortable and refined, making it ideal for commutes and road trips, though it lacked athleticism. The Intelligent Traction Management System allowed drivers to switch between Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand modes, optimizing drivetrain and traction control for various conditions.

The 2019 Subaru Forester offered a slightly larger and wider body compared to the 2018 model, with a tailgate opening 5 inches wider. The base trim provided a class-leading 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while other trims offered 70.9 cubic feet. The larger wheelbase resulted in more backseat space, and the 8.7 inches of ground clearance made it suitable for dirt and snow. The cabin was designed with a "Function First" philosophy, featuring numerous cubbies, compartments, and bottle holders. The tall greenhouse provided a commanding driving position with excellent rearward visibility, making it easy to maneuver.

The 2020 Honda Pilot featured a spacious 8-passenger cabin with second-row bench seating, while the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims offered second-row captain’s chairs, reducing seating capacity to seven. The third row was adult-friendly, and EX trims and higher provided one-touch fold-down rear seats for easy access. With the second and third rows folded, the Pilot offered 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to rivals like the Toyota Highlander and Kia Telluride. The Pilot had plenty of storage spaces for family gear, and higher trims included a power liftgate and hands-free power tailgate. The second-row captain’s chairs provided a narrow passage for kids to access the third row and a helpful separation between them.

The 2019 Subaru Forester featured the Starlink infotainment system, available with a 6.5-inch screen in the base and Premium trims or an 8-inch screen in the Sport, Limited, and Touring trims. The system was responsive, with high resolution and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigating the screen was intuitive, and transitioning between Starlink and CarPlay was seamless. Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver-assistance systems included a unique Lead Vehicle Alert feature, which notified the driver if the vehicle ahead moved while the Forester remained stationary.

The 2020 Honda Pilot's LX trim came with a 5-inch color LCD screen, operating a 215-watt, 7-speaker stereo with a subwoofer. Higher trims featured the Display Audio 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the system lacked a tuning knob and had a confusing layout. All but the LX trim included HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Cabin Control Remote Capability, allowing back seat passengers to control the stereo via a smartphone app. Navigation, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a wall-style power outlet were optional on the EX-L and standard on the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims. These higher trims also received a 590-watt, 10-speaker premium audio system and mobile hotspot capability, with the Elite and Black Edition featuring a wireless charging pad.

The 2019 Subaru Forester came standard with the EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and adaptive headlights. Lane-keeping Assist provided small steering inputs to keep the vehicle centered in the lane. Other standard safety features included front- and side-impact airbags and a reversing camera, making the Forester a very safe vehicle with excellent visibility.

The 2020 Honda Pilot came standard with the HondaSensing suite of driver assistance systems, including forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Standard safety equipment also included front and side-impact airbags, child-seat anchors, Vehicle Stability Assist, and traction control. Optional safety features included front and rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Pilot earned a five-star overall crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the best crash test score of Good from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It also received a Superior rating in IIHS crash prevention technology evaluation.