2023 Subaru Outback vs 2023 Honda Pilot

For 2023, Subaru gave the Outback a facelift, introducing a new front end with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding. This makeover rendered the Outback’s appearance more aggressive, marked by features such as simulated skid plates, oversized housings for the fog lights, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim reminiscent of the Wilderness model. The design changes could divide opinions, with dark paint colors being a way to downplay the Outback’s pronounced design features, and the Onyx Edition providing black wheels and trim that better complement its audacious cladding.

The Onyx Edition, now available with both the base and turbocharged powertrains, made the model more accessible with a starting price of $33,495 for the non-turbo version. The Subaru Outback equipped with the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine was offered in six trims, with prices ranging from $28,395 to $39,845 plus a destination charge of $1,225. Those opting for the turbocharged XT models could choose between Wilderness, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring trims with prices ranging from $38,445 to $42,295, plus the destination charge. Regardless of the trim, all Outback models came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD).

The Outback Touring model chosen for a test drive featured Cosmic Blue paint and Java Brown premium Nappa leather upholstery. The interior was a highlight, with complimentary and cohesive design elements, including Java Brown leather that contrasted beautifully with the otherwise black interior, harmonized further by light gray contrast stitching on the dashboard matching the headliner. Overall, the interior exuded an upscale feel without looking or feeling inexpensive, despite some hard plastic trimming.

Honda, on the other hand, completely redesigned the 2023 Pilot to give it a rugged and substantial appearance. The new Pilot grew in size, with dimensions making it 3.4 inches longer, up to 1.5 inches wider, and 0.8 inches taller than its predecessor. The more upright grille and boxier styling aligned perfectly with the TrailSport model, which received legitimate off-road parts like a one-inch taller ride height, unique 18-inch wheels, chunky all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates capable of supporting the vehicle's full weight.

Inside, the Honda Pilot favored function over form, offering plenty of practicality while maintaining a clean and attractive aesthetic. The materials quality met expectations for its class, which had risen due to strong competition in recent years. The interior design resulted in a more utilitarian look, preferred by those valuing practicality over flamboyant design.

The Subaru Outback maintained its reputation with horizontally opposed boxer engines. The standard engine, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, delivered 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), the engine’s performance was underwhelming, especially in a 3,781-pound vehicle. Subaru claimed a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, but this figure seemed ambitious given the engine's limited power. Despite an EPA rating of 28 mpg in combined driving, the test vehicle averaged only 25.6 mpg over 600 miles, primarily due to the frequent need to coax more acceleration from the drivetrain.

The Outback XT models offered a significant performance boost with a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine producing 260 hp at 5,600 rpm and 277 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm. However, this came at the cost of fuel efficiency, with most XT models rated at 25 mpg combined, and the higher-riding Wilderness trim rated at 23 mpg combined due to its all-terrain tires.

Both engines were paired with a CVT designed to mimic an eight-speed automatic transmission, complete with paddle shifters. All 2023 Outbacks featured an Active Torque Split AWD system and an X-Mode traction system to optimize performance on challenging terrains. Off-roading was a strong suit for the Outback, which managed mud, ruts, and trails with ease, showcasing excellent ground clearance and robust drivetrain components.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Pilot came with an all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard for most models, with AWD available or standard on higher trims like the Elite and TrailSport. The Pilot's power delivery was smooth, with quick initial acceleration and a pleasant engine hum when pushed harder. Brake pedal feedback was soft yet reassuring, contributing to a relaxed driving experience.

While the Pilot cornered competently for a three-row SUV, it prioritized comfort over performance, which made it ideal for family use. Steering effort was light for easy maneuverability in tight spaces, although it felt detached at higher speeds. The TrailSport trim's increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires added a subtle vibration on pavement but granted the Pilot respectable off-road capability without compromising on-road comfort significantly.

The Subaru Outback emphasized practicality with features like a purposeful roof rack and flat door sill trim. The Touring trim offered a luxurious interior with heated and ventilated front seats wrapped in Nappa leather, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear outboard seats. With 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 75.6 cubic feet with the seats folded, the Outback provided ample room for luggage and day-to-day items. The interior design included clever storage solutions like a dashboard shelf, although more practical storage spaces could be added with a redesigned transmission shifter.

The Honda Pilot’s interior was conventional but practical with a dash shelf for the front passenger and logically placed primary controls. The EX-L trim level and higher featured a nine-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless smartphone compatibility, USB ports in every row, and a wireless phone charger, ensuring technological convenience. The standout feature was the stowable second-row center seat, which allowed for flexible seating and cargo configurations. The Pilot offered a substantial 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 60.1 cubic feet with the second row folded and a maximum of 114.3 cubic feet with all seats down, surpassing competitors like the Kia Telluride.

Subaru equipped the 2023 Outback with a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system on all but the base trim, with controls for climate functions, seat heating, and ventilation embedded into the screen. The base Outback’s 7-inch touchscreen supported wired Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Wireless smartphone connectivity and subscription-based Starlink services were available with the larger screen, offering conveniences like a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. However, the native voice recognition system proved ineffective, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto essential for ease of use.

The Honda Pilot benefited from user-friendly technology, especially from the EX-L trim and above, which featured wireless smartphone integration, a wireless charging pad, and a larger touchscreen. Higher trims added a multi-view camera system, head-up display, and a fully digital instrument panel. The infotainment touchscreen was responsive and well-organized, featuring Honda’s CabinTalk PA system, navigation, Bose premium audio, remote monitoring, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. TrailSport and Elite trims included the TrailWatch camera system, ideal for off-road driving.

Subaru’s dedication to safety was evident with new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster to enhance pedestrian, cyclist, and automatic steering functions. The Outback achieved top marks from the IIHS, including in the new side-impact crash test. Standard EyeSight features on the base model included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist, with additional features like blind-spot monitoring on higher trims. An innovative Automatic Emergency Steering system further enhanced safety by steering within the lane to avoid obstacles when necessary.

The Honda Pilot also excelled in safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. All trims came with Honda Sensing safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added low-speed automatic braking and front and rear parking sensors. The TrailSport and Elite trims featured surround-view and multi-view camera systems for enhanced situational awareness.