2024 Honda Pilot Vs. 2024 Subaru Outback: The Battle Of The SUVs

The 2024 Honda Pilot and the Subaru Outback are top contenders when choosing a reliable and capable SUV. Both models offer impressive features and versatile designs but cater to different driving preferences and lifestyles. If you’re seeking the right mix of performance, technology, and style, this comparison provides a closer look at how each SUV holds up in key areas.

Design & Style

The design of the 2024 Honda Pilot and the Subaru Outback sets each model apart with distinct characteristics. The Honda Pilot offers a commanding road presence, with a spacious and robust exterior that signals strength and versatility. Its bold grille, sleek body lines, and available roof rails provide a modern, rugged appeal ideal for family adventures. Inside, the Pilot focuses on comfort and space, featuring three rows and generous cargo capacity to accommodate passengers and gear.

On the other hand, the Subaru Outback leans into a more compact, off-road-ready design. It boasts raised ground clearance, skid plates, and protective cladding, making it visually appealing for outdoor enthusiasts. While the Outback’s interior is also comfortable, it prioritizes utility over expansive seating space, making it suitable for smaller groups or solo adventurers.

Technology & Safety

Both SUVs have advanced technology and safety features tailored to meet user needs. The Honda Pilot offers an intuitive infotainment system with smartphone integration, a multi-zone climate system, and an available 12-speaker audio setup for a high-quality in-cabin experience. Safety-wise, the Pilot includes a suite of driver-assist technologies. This ranges from collision mitigation to lane-keeping assistance with robust on-road protection for families and drivers alike.

While similarly equipped with smartphone connectivity and driver-assist technologies, the Subaru Outback focuses on off-road-specific features such as X-MODE® for improved traction on challenging surfaces. The Outback’s safety and tech features complement its rugged nature, appealing to those who prioritize off-road exploration.

Performance

Performance is where the Pilot and Outback begin to diverge noticeably. The Honda Pilot runs on a powerful V6 engine that provides smooth acceleration, ample towing capability, and a comfortable ride on highways and city streets. Its responsive handling and optional all-wheel-drive system make it well-suited for diverse driving conditions, from suburban commutes to family road trips.

Meanwhile, the Subaru Outback offers a choice between a standard engine and a turbocharged option, which excel in off-road scenarios and rougher terrain. Its standard all-wheel-drive system and elevated ground clearance equip the Outback for adventures off the beaten path. Each SUV brings a unique driving dynamic: the Pilot for those seeking smooth power and versatility and the Outback for off-road enthusiasts.

The Bottom Line

Deciding between the 2024 Honda Pilot and the Subaru Outback depends on your lifestyle and driving priorities. The Pilot delivers an ideal blend of comfort, technology, and capability if you need a spacious and powerful SUV for family-oriented driving.

In contrast, the Outback is tailored for drivers prioritizing off-road capabilities and a more compact design. Both vehicles offer quality and durability, but they shine in different areas. Whether you value the Pilot’s spacious cabin and smooth performance or the Outback’s ruggedness and agility, each model has distinct advantages that cater to specific needs.

Schedule a Test Drive Today

Experiencing these SUVs in person is the best way to determine which model suits your driving style. Schedule a test drive with us to explore the features and feel of each vehicle firsthand. Visit our dealership to schedule a service and see why our preferred brand could be the right fit for you. Start your journey with an SUV built to match your needs.