2023 Honda Pilot vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 has evolved significantly since its introduction in 1996. Initially launched as a practical alternative to the larger SUVs dominating the market, the RAV4 quickly gained popularity among younger buyers. This original model stood out with its distinctive design and quickly prompted many competitors to enter the "cute-ute" segment, including the Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue.

By 2022, the RAV4 had grown both in size and sophistication. This fifth-generation model, which stemmed from a 2019 redesign, became one of the best-selling SUVs in the United States. Its appearance, though aligned with modern crossover aesthetics, had unique touches that caught the eye. The angular wheel arches and sharp lines contrasted with smoother body contours. Its front fascia, with expressive headlights, a snub-nosed grille, and playful lower openings, resembled an anthropomorphic face. Inside, the RAV4 featured a layered dashboard, combining various textures and colors. The centerpiece touchscreen was easy to use without distracting from the road. Unique design elements, like a circuit-board pattern, appeared throughout the interior, creating a cohesive and distinctive aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign, adopting a more rugged and substantive appearance. This version was noticeably bigger, being 3.4 inches longer, up to 1.5 inches wider, and 0.8 inches taller. These changes suited the off-road-capable TrailSport model, which included distinctive features like a one-inch taller ride height, unique wheels, and underbody skid plates.

Inside, the Pilot maintained a relatively conventional design. Compared to other new Hondas, its dash was less avant-garde but provided a handy shelf for the front passenger. The lower trims came with a seven-inch infotainment screen, while higher trims featured a nine-inch display. Controls for climate and drive modes were intuitively placed, simplifying adjustments. Additional storage, like a wireless charging pad and a large center console bin, enhanced convenience. The Pilot's standout feature was its stowable second-row center seat, which could be removed for easier third-row access and stored beneath the cargo floor. Space-wise, the second row was generous, while the third row s Service Connect with a 10-year trial, and Wi-Fi Connect with up to 2 gigabytes of data for three months. The infotainment system also boasted Bluetooth for hands-free calls and audio streaming.

Higher trims, like the XLE models, swapped the 7-inch screen for a 9-inch one, but retained the six-speaker setup. The Limited and RAV4 Prime XSE trims showcased a Premium Audio system with an 11-speaker JBL setup and integrated navigation. Interestingly, built-in navigation has become less critical due to widespread smartphone integration, making factory systems somewhat redundant for tech-savvy users.

The RAV4 Prime particularly highlighted tech features. It boasted five USB ports, two 12-volt/120-watt auxiliary power outlets, an available 120-volt/1,500-watt AC power outlet, and blue ambient lighting for various in-dash elements. The top trim also provided luxury tech touches like a wireless charging pad, a bird’s-eye view camera system, and a 10-inch head-up display.

In comparison, the 2023 Honda Pilot also brought a suite of modern technological features, though with distinct highlights. To fully benefit from the Pilot’s tech offerings, opting for at least the EX-L trim was advisable, which included a larger infotainment screen, wireless variants of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charger, and USB ports for every row. Higher trims also featured a multi-view camera system, and the Elite trim added a head-up display and a fully digital instrument panel.

The Pilot’s infotainment screen was noted for its responsiveness, intuitive layout, and large on-screen buttons, prioritizing functionality over aesthetics. Additional features, such as Honda's CabinTalk (an interior PA system), elevated the usability for families. The Touring and Elite trims peaked with navigation, Bose premium audio, remote monitoring via a smartphone app, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. TrailSport and Elite trims also came with the TrailWatch camera system, perfect for off-roading enthusiasts.

Safety was a significant consideration for both models, with each vehicle loaded with advanced features to protect occupants.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota's Star Safety System, which encapsulated expected features like enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. In addition, the vehicle included LATCH anchors for child seats, child-guard locks, and Safety Connect with services like emergency assistance and stolen vehicle locator for a year. There were eight airbags within the cabin.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 featured prominently, providing driver-assist systems such as a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beams, lane-tracing assist, and road sign recognition. Upper trims also received blind-spot monitors with rear cross-traffic alerts and automated rear cross-traffic braking. Front and rear parking assist with automatic braking was available on top trims.

Given its extensive safety features, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 earned top ratings, including being an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick and receiving the highest five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2023 Honda Pilot also excelled in terms of safety. While crash test results from NHTSA were pending, Honda anticipated top scores based on its advanced feature set. It received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating.

Standard across all trims was the Honda Sensing suite, which included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, traffic-jam assist, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor. EX-L and above trims added low-speed automatic braking and front and rear parking sensors, while the TrailSport and Elite trims included advanced surround-view and multi-view camera systems.

In practical use, the Pilot’s safety systems performed well, without false alarms, maintaining consistency and reliability across varied driving conditions. Adaptive cruise control, in particular, was praised for its smooth operation, ensuring a steady following distance and responsive braking and acceleration.