2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2023 Honda Pilot had undergone a complete redesign that gave it a more rugged and substantial appearance. The upright grille and boxier styling not only made it look bigger but it actually was bigger than the third-generation model it replaced. The Pilot was now 3.4 inches longer from nose to tail, up to 1.5 inches wider, and 0.8 inches taller. These design changes were perfectly aligned with the Pilot's all-terrain-capable TrailSport model, which featured legitimate off-road parts including a one-inch taller ride height, unique 18-inch wheels, chunky all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates capable of supporting the vehicle's entire weight. Previous TrailSport trims had been more of an appearance package, so this change was a noteworthy upgrade.

Inside, the Pilot took a more conventional styling route compared to its predecessor but retained its attractiveness while being more functional and versatile. The materials used matched the class standards, which had notably improved due to rivals' advancements. In essence, the new Pilot emphasized function over form, creating a tidy and utilitarian aesthetic favored over the last generation.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 was offered in six trim levels, giving shoppers a range of options from the sub-$30K RAV4 LE to the premium RAV4 Limited. The design remained faithful to the 2019 introduction, especially in the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims, which were distinguished by a two-part face. The Adventure trim, which shifted the Toyota badge closer to the center of the grille and added blacked-out wheels, a faux skid plate, and beefier black cladding, was more style-focused than truly off-road capable.

Orange accents in the Adventure trim added a dash of flair to the interior, with stripes on the seats and plastic borders around the center console. This trim also included a frameless rearview mirror that added a premium touch amidst a rather basic interior. Other trims varied in material and equipment levels, with fabric seats in the LE and XLE trims and synthetic leather upholstery in the XLE Premium. Key features like dual-zone climate control were standard.

Under the hood, the 2023 Honda Pilot housed an all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This was paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission. While front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard on most trims, all-wheel drive (AWD) was available across the lineup and standard on the Elite and TrailSport trims. The acceleration response was quick with minimal delay, and while the power was adequate, it wasn't particularly exciting. The engine emitted a pleasant hum under acceleration, and the braking system, although soft, was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

Driving the Pilot felt stable and confidence-inspiring but not sporty, with noticeable body roll when cornering. The steering was particularly light, which was useful in tight spaces but felt too detached on the highway. The TrailSport trim, designed for off-road adventures, offered increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires, allowing it to handle off-road excursions with minor on-road vibrations. Despite its off-road capabilities, the Pilot maintained a comfortable and composed ride, making it an excellent choice for family duties and outdoor adventures.

On the other side, the 2023 RAV4 came with front-wheel drive as standard, except for the AWD standard Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims. The RAV4's sole gas engine was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the eight-speed auto was preferred over competitors' CVTs, it didn't offer exciting acceleration. It was competent but leaned more towards "unobjectionable" rather than "exciting." The engine noise was noticeable but not overly loud.

The RAV4 Adventure came with 19-inch wheels wrapped in all-season tires, sharing suspension components with other trims, while the TRD Off-Road variant had 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires and a TRD-tuned suspension. This setup made the Adventure trim appear rugged without offering the same off-road prowess as the TRD Off-Road.

Inside, the Honda Pilot's interior was more conventional compared to newer Honda models. It featured handy storage solutions like a dash shelf for the front passenger. The LX and Sport trims had a seven-inch infotainment screen, while higher trims offered a nine-inch display. The Elite trim’s touchscreen, while adequate, seemed small for the available space. Future Pilots might benefit from a larger screen. Essential controls for climate and drive modes were logically placed, and the cabin offered plenty of clever storage spaces, including a large rubberized shelf, sizable cupholders, and storage bins.

The standout feature of the Pilot was its stowable second-row center seat, which could be removed to create a center pass-through, especially useful for accessing the third row. The second row offered ample space for adults over six feet tall, while the third row, although less spacious, was suitable for average-sized adults on short trips. Cargo space was impressive, with up to 22.4 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 60.1 cubic feet with the second-row flat, and a maximum of 114.3 cubic feet. This extensive capacity made the Pilot a versatile choice for families needing substantial cargo space.

The 2023 RAV4 seated five and offered 37.7 inches of front headroom with the moonroof, and 39.5 inches in the rear. Front legroom measured 41 inches, with 37.8 inches in the back, placing the RAV4 mid-pack in its segment. The back seat was narrower compared to competitors, which might affect passenger comfort depending on individual needs. Storage options included a shelf for the front passenger, generous door pockets, and center cupholders. Cargo space was 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, placing it ahead of some rivals but behind the Honda CR-V.

Technologically adept buyers would have found the EX-L trim level of the Honda Pilot appealing for its larger infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charger, and USB ports in every row. Higher trims included a multi-view camera system and the top Elite trim boasted a head-up display and a fully digital instrument panel. The infotainment system was quick and logically laid out, with a CabinTalk PA system and features like navigation, Bose premium audio, remote monitoring via a smartphone app, and a Wi-Fi hotspot available on higher trims. The TrailSport and Elite trims had a multi-view TrailWatch camera system for enhanced off-roading visibility.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with larger screens—an 8.0-inch touchscreen standard, and a 10.5-inch touchscreen for Limited and TRD Off-Road trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with voice command, were now standard. The Adventure trim we tested had this upgraded multimedia system with a premium JBL audio system and a 7-inch driver-information display, with a 12.3-inch display available in Limited and TRD Off-Road trims.

For the Pilot, crash test results weren't yet available from NHTSA, but Honda expected top scores. The 2023 Pilot received a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. The Honda Sensing suite of safety features was standard across all trims, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, traffic-jam assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and more. Higher trims added low-speed automatic braking and parking sensors, while TrailSport and Elite trims included a surround-view camera system. The safety features worked seamlessly in our tests, with adaptive cruise control maintaining smooth acceleration and braking.

The RAV4 came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. Higher trims included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The updated TSS 2.5 suite featured Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control for adaptive cruise control at lower speeds. The RAV4 performed well in IIHS evaluations, earning a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award.