2023 Honda Pilot vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign, presenting a more rugged and substantial appearance. Its upright grille and boxier styling not only made it look larger but also increased its dimensions, being 3.4 inches longer, up to 1.5 inches wider, and 0.8 inches taller than its predecessor. These changes complemented the all-terrain-capable TrailSport model, which gained legitimate off-road parts like a one-inch 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, functional, and versatile, with materials quality meeting elevated class standards. Overall, the new Pilot emphasized function over form without sacrificing attraction, offering a tidy and utilitarian aesthetic.

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its familiar look with minor tweaks to the Wilderness trim, including a new front fascia and LED fog lights. The dark gray cladding contrasted nicely with the Autumn Green Metallic color, which was surprisingly appealing. Different trims featured varying levels of black and chrome exterior fittings, with tasteful chrome on the Touring trim. Wheel sizes and designs varied by trim, with the Wilderness trim getting matte black wheels. The interior of the top-trim test car was notably nice, with Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery that was both handsome and supple. The Outback offered a range of seating materials across trims, from cloth to synthetic leather, catering to different preferences.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was powered by an all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all models and standard on the Elite and TrailSport trims. The Pilot offered quick initial acceleration and adequate power, with a soft brake pedal suitable for a family SUV. It cornered well for a three-row SUV, prioritizing comfort over sporty driving. The TrailSport trim increased ground clearance by an inch and added all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities without sacrificing on-road comfort.

The 2024 Subaru Outback featured a “Boxer” horizontally opposed engine, with a default 2.5-liter flat-four producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, were upgraded to a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 3,500 lbs. Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a Lineartronic CVT were standard. The turbo powertrain managed the vehicle's weight better, and the CVT imitated the sound and feel of eight distinct gears. The Outback offered a comfortable ride, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, increasing to 9.2 inches on the Wilderness trim, which also featured all-terrain tires and an advanced X-Mode for off-road adventures.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior was more conventional compared to other new Honda vehicles, offering a handy dash shelf for the front passenger. The entry-level trims featured a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a nine-inch display. The Elite trim's touchscreen seemed small for the space but was adequate. The Pilot offered logically placed primary controls, a large rubberized shelf for phones, and a wireless charging pad. Clever storage features included a stowable second-row center seat, providing a center pass-through for third-row passengers. The second row offered ample space for adults, while the third row was less inviting. Cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 114.3 cubic feet available.

The 2024 Subaru Outback did not compromise on interior space despite its sleeker proportions. It offered more headroom and legroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The cargo area measured 32.6 cubic feet with all seats in place and 75.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Outback featured dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat starting with the Premium trim. Higher trims offered additional features like heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a hands-free power liftgate. The Outback's raised roof rails with retractable cross bars were standard, providing practical storage solutions.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's EX-L trim and higher offered a larger infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, and USB ports in every row. Higher trims included a multi-view camera system, a head-up display, and a fully digital instrument panel. The infotainment system was functional with quick responses and a logical layout. Features like Honda's CabinTalk, a navigation system, Bose premium audio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot were available on higher trims, enhancing the Pilot's technological offerings.

The 2024 Subaru Outback featured a larger 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen on all but the base trim, which retained a dual-7-inch-screen system. The Subaru Starlink multimedia platform offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with wireless connectivity starting with the Premium trim. The climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen, with hard buttons for essential functions. Wi-Fi capability was available on all but the base trim, and most trims featured a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, providing a comprehensive technological experience.

The 2023 Honda Pilot had not yet received crash test results from the NHTSA, but Honda expected top scores. It received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard Honda Sensing safety features included forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. Higher trims offered additional features like low-speed automatic braking and surround-view camera systems. The advanced safety features functioned well, providing a confident driving experience.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The EyeSight suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies was standard, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency steering. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on the Onyx Edition. The Touring trim added a wide-angle camera, digital rearview mirror, and driver-attention monitor, enhancing safety features for 2024.