Specs at a Glance
2018 Subaru Outback
MPG**
  25/32**
Cargo Space
  35.5 cu.ft.
2018 Honda Pilot
MPG**
  19/27**
Cargo Space
  16.5 cu.ft.
2018 Subaru Outback vs 2018 Honda Pilot
Serving Harrisonburg, Dayton, and Massanetta Springs, VA
Available in six editions, the 2018 Subaru Outback has a unique body that's a fusion of a traditional station wagon and crossover SUV. The 2018 Honda Pilot is an SUV that accommodates up to eight people. The STARLINK multimedia system in the Outback has more applications and services than the Pilot's infotainment platform. Additionally, the signature EyeSight Driver Assist technology beats the Honda Sensing package in active safety.
Infotainment System
The STARLINK platform in the 2018 Subaru Outback comes with a high-resolution screen that measures exactly 8.0 inches. Partially powered by Magellan, the built-in GPS navigation system will guide you towards a particular destination. An application by TomTom provides additional guidance for short and extended trips. The STARLINK suite offers access to plenty of other apps that are hosted on a cloud network. For example, Yelp includes a directory of businesses and other interesting venues along your way. With direct access to Aha, Pandora, iHeartRadio and SiriusXM Satellite Radio, you won't be bored in this Subaru crossover SUV. All of these great music channels could be played on the Harman Kardon sound system that has a dozen speakers and a digital amplifier that's rated at 576 watts. The Honda Pilot just doesn't offer as many music channels as the Outback. Although it has the Honda Satellite-Linked GPS Navigation, this SUV model lacks some of the apps that are included in the STARLINK portal.
Safety
The 2018 Subaru Outback's Pre-Collision Braking is comparable to the Honda Pilot's Collision Mitigation Braking. Both crossover SUVs offer the Lane Departure Warning that looks for other vehicles approaching from the side. Additionally, this warning system comes with the Sway Warning in the Outback. The Outback's Lane Keep Assist is similar to the Pilot's Lane Keeping Assist. When equipped with the Lane Change Assist, this Subaru provides better overall guidance for lane merges. Both vehicles have technology that monitors the driver's blind zones. Subaru's Rear Cross Traffic Alert is nearly identical to Honda's Cross Traffic Monitor. So what exactly makes the Outback safer than the Pilot? Perhaps it's the Reverse Automatic Braking. This technology applies the brakes when something is detected in an area directly behind you. The High Beam Assist is another prominent driving aide in this Subaru model.
Handling
The Symmetrical AWD is installed in every 2018 Subaru Outback trim. In the Honda Pilot's lineup, only the Elite model comes standard with an AWD that includes the Intelligent Variable Torque Management. Equipped with the Lineartronic CVT, the Outback is a lot more agile and versatile than this Honda, which offers an automatic transmission with nine or six speeds. This signature CVT includes the all-new Hill Holder function, Adaptive Cruise and Incline Start Assist. You can also use paddle shifters to toggle among six manual settings in the CVT. Engineered to maximize traction, the X-Mode keeps the Outback on its intended path in inclement weather. The Active Torque Vectoring and Hill Descent Control further highlight the superb capabilities of this Subaru crossover SUV.
Would you like to find out why the 2018 Subaru Outback is better than the 2018 Honda Pilot? Then hurry over to our dealership. We offer test drives in the Outback 2.5i, 3.6R Limited, 3.6R Touring and other editions that are available with optional packages.
** EPA-estimated fuel economy. Actual mileage may vary.
**Based on 2018 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.
