2021 Honda Pilot vs 2020 Subaru Outback

The 2020 Subaru Outback maintained its reputation for utility, safety, and performance, with a handsome profile that saw only incremental improvements. Built on Subaru’s Global Platform, it boasted a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-liter engine, though seemingly unchanged, featured 90% new parts, while higher trims offered a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine for more power. Exterior changes were subtle, focusing on head- and taillights, while the interior saw significant upgrades, including an 11.6-inch touchscreen for most trims and the innovative DriverFocus technology. The Outback was available in seven trims, starting at an MSRP of $26,645, with a range of features and safety systems, making it a versatile choice for buyers.

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance, the exterior design remained divisive. The Pilot was available in seven trims, from the base LX to the upscale Black Edition, with prices ranging from $32,250 to $49,920. The new Special Edition trim added features like black alloy wheels and wireless smartphone charging. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, offered a premium experience. The Pilot's interior was spacious, with quality materials and a design reminiscent of a minivan, providing comfort and practicality for families.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured a 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower, offering a modest 7-hp increase over the previous year. This engine achieved 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, thanks to 90% new components and direct injection. For those seeking more power, the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in XT trims delivered 260 hp and 277 pound-feet of torque, reaching 60 mph in about 7 seconds. Both engines were paired with a CVT, tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission. Subaru's symmetrical AWD system provided seamless power delivery and enhanced stability, while the Outback's 8.7 inches of ground clearance and upgraded X-Mode on the Onyx XT trim offered respectable off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, ensuring a smooth and responsive driving experience. A nine-speed automatic transmission powered the front wheels, with an optional torque-vectoring AWD system available. The Pilot featured Hill Start Assist and Intelligent Traction Management with various driving modes. Fuel efficiency was aided by variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined for AWD models. The Pilot's suspension provided a comfortable ride and agile handling, while its off-road capabilities were limited by 7.3 inches of ground clearance and all-season tires.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered the functional benefits of a station wagon, with 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The interior was spacious, accommodating taller passengers comfortably, and visibility was a priority in its design. Despite its compact exterior, the Outback provided ample headroom and legroom, though rear-quarter visibility could be improved. The low load height and increased width between the rear wheels enhanced cargo capacity, making it a practical choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2021 Honda Pilot provided ample space for families, seating up to eight with a second-row bench seat. The test vehicle featured leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. Second-row captain’s chairs were optional, offering comfort and flexibility, while the third-row seat was less accommodating for adults. Storage solutions were abundant, with compartments throughout the cabin and a large center console. The power tailgate revealed 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 46.8 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded, and a maximum of 83.9 cubic feet, making it suitable for family trips.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, appealing to tech enthusiasts with its large, vibrant display. While the interface was generally intuitive, some functions, like climate control, were buried within menus. The system suffered from lag, affecting navigation and audio controls, and the camera resolution was subpar. Despite these drawbacks, the potential for improvement was evident, and the system's overall design was promising.

The 2021 Honda Pilot included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The Special Edition added wireless phone charging, while the Touring trim offered navigation, a premium audio system, and a rear-seat entertainment system. The infotainment system was functional but lacked a tuning knob and required specific voice commands. The Cabin Talk feature allowed communication with rear-seat passengers, enhancing convenience for families.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered a comprehensive safety suite, including standard AWD and EyeSight technology. However, the optical system could be obstructed by weather conditions, leading to occasional deactivation. The DriverFocus system, intended to alert distracted drivers, was overly sensitive and often triggered false alarms, detracting from its effectiveness.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of ADAS features including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. While effective, the system lacked refinement, and the lane-departure warning's steering wheel wobble was intrusive. The Pilot received favorable crash-test ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though some areas could be improved.