2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Honda Pilot

In the 2021 Honda Pilot, styling was as critical to consumers as reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Honda had tried to strike the right balance, with a 2019 model year refresh that aimed to give the SUV a more rugged look and a 2020 Black Edition featuring the trendy blacked-out aesthetic. Despite these efforts, the exterior design remained polarizing among consumers.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came in seven trims: LX, EX, EX-L, Special Edition, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition, with prices ranging from $32,250 to $49,920. Notably, front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, and all-wheel drive (AWD) cost an additional $2,000, except on the Elite and Black Edition, where it was standard.

The new Special Edition trim in 2021 added black 20-inch alloy wheels, blacked-out exterior trim, wireless smartphone charging, and a hands-free power tailgate, with an MSRP of $38,960.

We tested the Black Edition, which came fully loaded. It featured exclusive black leather upholstery with red accents and ambient lighting. The only option was a $395 Platinum White Pearl paint, resulting in a final price of $51,435, including a $1,120 destination charge. Black Editions from previous years were only available in black, so the new white paint was a welcome option.

Inside, quality materials were evident throughout, including the hard plastic panels. The flat dashboard, thin windshield pillars, and low center console contributed to a minivan-like feel from the front seat. However, this design choice, coupled with the subdued exterior styling, did not help the Pilot's overall appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester came in six trims: Base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring. Prices started at $25,195 for the base model, and the Forester Touring topped out at $35,295, with a destination charge of $1,125. AWD was standard across all trims.

We drove the new-for-2022 Forester Wilderness in the Cascade Mountains of Bend, Oregon. Priced at $33,945, including a destination charge, our test car featured white paint, a dark gray interior fitted with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, and an option package that included navigation, a Harman Kardon premium sound system, a power rear liftgate, and a dealer-installed engine underguard. This brought the total price to $36,014.

Despite the Wilderness trim's rugged utility, the Forester's exterior could still be considered homely. The Wilderness package's suspension lift, higher ride height, and extensive protective cladding made it look like a “raccoon on wheels.” However, the Forester's interior placed function over form, combining hard plastic and soft surfaces to create a cabin that felt durable, albeit somewhat dated.

Overall, the 2022 Forester Wilderness emphasized quality and clarity of purpose. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system retained its physical controls for ease of use, but the addition of three display screens for different functions was less than ideal.

While both vehicles focused on different aspects of styling and interior design, the 2022 Subaru Forester’s emphasis on practicality and ruggedness made it stand out for those interested in off-road adventure and utility.

Under the hood of the 2021 Honda Pilot was a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produced 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The engine was smooth and refined, providing ample power to keep the SUV lively. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels, with an AWD system option available. The AWD system could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel.

The Pilot included Hill Start Assist and Intelligent Traction Management, offering driving modes such as Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand. Fuel-saving measures like variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start helped achieve an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving for the AWD model, although our testing loop averaged 21.5 mpg.

With a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, the Pilot offered a comfortable ride and surprisingly athletic handling. The Black Edition’s 20-inch wheels and torque-vectoring AWD system contributed to the driving fun on paved roads, backed by well-weighted responsive steering and well-calibrated brakes.

However, the Pilot's off-road capability was limited by its 7.3 inches of ground clearance and all-season tires. While it could handle minor tricky situations, it wasn’t designed for serious off-roading.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which delivered 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. The Forester was equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard AWD. The Wilderness trim featured a CVT design that increased initial torque supply by 25%, doubling the SUV's towing capacity to 3,000 pounds from the standard 1,500 pounds.

The EPA rated the Forester Wilderness at 26 mpg in combined driving, but our real-world testing in central Oregon returned 25.9 mpg. The Forester's engine provided adequate performance at sea level, emitting the characteristic boxer-engine grumble. But at higher altitudes, it felt sluggish due to the lack of a turbocharger.

The CVT with eight programmed ratios rarely called attention to itself, and the SI-Drive’s Sport mode made the Forester feel more responsive. Subaru’s dual-function X-Mode system with new standby settings and re-engagement capabilities improved performance across varied terrain.

All 2022 Foresters received a re-tuned suspension for better ride and handling. The Wilderness trim, with its longer springs and shocks, improved the ground clearance to 9.2 inches, while enhancing approach, breakover, and departure angles. The Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires and aluminum front skid plate further added to its rugged capabilities.

We tested the Forester in multiple environments, including town driving, highways, an off-road course, and forest roads. Despite the engine’s lack of power and some wind noise at higher speeds, the Forester excelled in every scenario. The long-travel suspension absorbed bumps and maintained a good road feel, with less body roll than other Forester models.

On minimally maintained forest roads, the Forester Wilderness proved itself, navigating through snow, mud, streams, and eroded terrain without much trouble. Its performance was miles ahead in terms of off-road prowess compared to most crossovers.

The 2021 Honda Pilot excelled in providing interior space conducive to family needs. It offered seating for up to eight people when equipped with the second-row bench seat. Our test vehicle featured leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats which were comfortable and supportive. While the driver's seat had 10-way power adjustment, the front passenger's seat had only four-way adjustment but sat high enough to support the occupant’s legs properly.

The second-row captain’s chairs, which were optional on the Touring trim and standard on the Elite and Black Edition models, were nearly as comfortable as the front seats and could slide forward to provide more space for the third-row passengers. Features like side window shades, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a rear-seat entertainment system made the cabin more user-friendly.

However, the third-row seats, with their low and flat bottom cushion, were not comfortable for long journeys for adults. Storage was well-thought-out, with compartments carved into door panels and the center console, complemented by a large storage console between the front seats.

The Pilot offered a generous cargo area with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third-row seats and 46.8 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded down. The maximum cargo capacity was 83.9 cubic feet.

The 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized functionality and practicality. Entry and exit were effortless due to tall seating hip points. The StarTex upholstery in the Wilderness trim was water-resistant, complemented by all-weather floor mats, a rubber cargo mat, and washable materials on the rear seatbacks for easy cleaning.

A notable feature for the 2022 model year was the upgraded roof rails capable of supporting a dynamic load of 220 pounds and a static load of 800 pounds. This made the SUV suitable for a three-person roof tent, catering to outdoor adventurers.

Both front and rear seats offered high comfort levels. Tall seating provided excellent visibility, while features like rear air conditioning vents and quick-charge ports enhanced passenger contentment. Storage solutions included armrest bins, door panel bottle holders, front seatback pockets, and a fold-down center armrest with cupholders.

Cargo space in the Forester was decent, with 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it. The squared-off shape of the cargo area and new ceiling-mounted cargo hooks added practicality. Folding the 60/40-split rear seats increased the cargo capacity to 74.2 cubic feet without the sunroof and 69.1 cubic feet with it, rivaling the roomiest compact SUVs.

Although the Pilot offered greater overall cargo space, the Forester’s combination of practical design and maximum utility was noteworthy.

Most trims of the 2021 Honda Pilot came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text-messaging support, satellite radio, and HondaLink connected services. The Special Edition added wireless phone charging, while the Touring trim offered navigation, a premium audio system, and a WiFi hotspot, among other features.

The infotainment system, while functional, had a small screen and lacked a tuning knob. Voice recognition required specific prompts, and HondaLink services were limited to higher trims. Touring trim also added a rear-seat entertainment system and a Cabin Talk feature, allowing the driver to communicate with rear-seat passengers without shouting.

In the 2022 Subaru Forester, even the base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. The Premium trim added access to a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and remote engine starting via an active Starlink plan.

Higher trims, including Wilderness, Limited, and Touring, featured an 8-inch screen with additional functionalities like a navigation system and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Forester Wilderness also included a 180-degree forward-view camera, useful for off-roading.

The test vehicle’s Harman Kardon audio system delivered clear and rich sound. While the navigation system was helpful, it lacked a breadcrumb function, which could have been useful for off-road exploration. The voice recognition system had variable effectiveness.

Moreover, the Forester’s PIN Code Access feature allowed owners to leave the key fob inside the car and use a PIN code to re-enter, adding convenience for outdoor activities. Overall, the Forester's technology offerings were both practical and user-friendly.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured Honda Sensing, an advanced driving assistance system (ADAS) package standard across all trims. It included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Starting with the EX trim, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic warning were also included.

However, the version of Honda Sensing used in the Pilot was older and less refined. The lane-departure warning’s steering wheel wobble felt overt compared to more modern systems. Despite these limitations, crash-test ratings were favorable, with the NHTSA awarding a five-star overall rating. The IIHS gave the Pilot its highest "Good" ratings, except for an "Acceptable" score for front passenger small overlap frontal-impact protection. Higher trims earned a "Good" rating for their headlights.

For the 2022 Subaru Forester, Subaru introduced EyeSight 4.0, an upgraded ADAS package providing expanded field of vision and smoother operation. A new Automatic Emergency Steering system helped maintain stability during evasive maneuvers at speeds under 50 mph.

EyeSight 4.0 encompassed automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. During testing, EyeSight 4.0 showed fewer false warnings and more confidence in its operation.

The Forester standard safety features included a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. Starlink connected services offered automatic collision notification and SOS emergency assistance. Touring trim added DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology monitoring for drowsiness and distraction.

The NHTSA awarded the 2022 Forester a 5-star overall crash-test rating, while the IIHS had not yet rated it at the time of this review, but it was expected to maintain its "Top Safety Pick+" rating.