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The Battle Of The Suvs: Honda Pilot Trailsport Vs Subaru Outback Wilderness – Which One Reigns Supreme?

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • When it comes to adventure vehicles, the Honda Pilot TrailSport and Subaru Outback Wilderness stand out as two of the most capable and versatile options on the market.
  • The Outback Wilderness, on the other hand, features a more rugged interior with water-resistant StarTex upholstery and a raised ride height that provides a commanding view of the road.
  • The Outback Wilderness boasts an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the Pilot TrailSport manages 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

When it comes to adventure vehicles, the Honda Pilot TrailSport and Subaru Outback Wilderness stand out as two of the most capable and versatile options on the market. Both vehicles offer impressive off-road capabilities, spacious interiors, and a host of features designed to make your outdoor adventures more enjoyable. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Honda Pilot TrailSport against the Subaru Outback Wilderness to determine which vehicle reigns supreme in the world of off-road exploration.

Interior and Comfort: A Close Match with Unique Advantages

Both the Honda Pilot TrailSport and Subaru Outback Wilderness offer comfortable and well-appointed interiors. The Pilot TrailSport boasts a spacious cabin with ample legroom and headroom for all passengers. The seats are supportive and offer excellent visibility, making long road trips a breeze. The Outback Wilderness, on the other hand, features a more rugged interior with water-resistant StarTex upholstery and a raised ride height that provides a commanding view of the road. Both vehicles come standard with a variety of infotainment features, including a large touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Off-Road Performance: TrailSport’s Ruggedness vs Outback’s All-Around Capability

The Honda Pilot TrailSport and Subaru Outback Wilderness are both highly capable off-road vehicles, but they approach their ruggedness in different ways. The Pilot TrailSport boasts a more aggressive suspension setup with increased ground clearance and 18-inch all-terrain tires, making it better suited for tackling rough terrain. The Outback Wilderness, on the other hand, features a more well-rounded approach to off-roading with a standard all-wheel drive system, X-Mode with dual-function X-Mode, and a raised suspension. While the Outback may not be as capable as the Pilot TrailSport in extreme off-road situations, it offers better overall performance on a variety of surfaces.

Towing and Payload Capacity: Pilot’s Strength vs Outback’s Versatility

The Honda Pilot TrailSport offers impressive towing and payload capacities, making it a great choice for those who need to haul heavy loads or tow trailers. With a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,625 pounds, the Pilot TrailSport can handle a wide range of tasks. The Subaru Outback Wilderness, while not as capable as the Pilot TrailSport in terms of towing, still offers respectable towing and payload capacities of 3,500 pounds and 1,300 pounds, respectively. However, the Outback Wilderness excels in terms of cargo space, with a maximum cargo capacity of 75.7 cubic feet compared to the Pilot TrailSport’s 69.5 cubic feet.

Fuel Efficiency: Outback’s Advantage in Urban Environments

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Subaru Outback Wilderness has a slight edge over the Honda Pilot TrailSport. The Outback Wilderness boasts an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the Pilot TrailSport manages 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. This difference in fuel efficiency is likely due to the Outback’s smaller engine and lighter weight. However, both vehicles offer decent fuel economy for their size and capabilities.

Safety Features: A Tie with Advanced Technologies

Both the Honda Pilot TrailSport and Subaru Outback Wilderness come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. The Pilot TrailSport offers the Honda Sensing suite of safety technologies, which includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Outback Wilderness, on the other hand, features the Subaru EyeSight suite of safety technologies, which includes similar features as Honda Sensing, as well as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Both vehicles offer excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Price and Value: Outback’s Affordability vs Pilot’s Premium Features

The Honda Pilot TrailSport and Subaru Outback Wilderness are both priced competitively in the midsize SUV segment. The Pilot TrailSport starts at $48,050, while the Outback Wilderness starts at $39,995. However, the Pilot TrailSport offers a more comprehensive list of standard features, including a larger touchscreen display, a more powerful engine, and a more robust off-road suspension. The Outback Wilderness, on the other hand, offers a more affordable price point and better fuel efficiency. Ultimately, the choice between these two vehicles depends on your budget and your priorities.

“Conclusion”: The Ultimate Choice for Your Adventurous Spirit

The Honda Pilot TrailSport and Subaru Outback Wilderness are both excellent choices for adventure-seekers who demand a vehicle that can handle a variety of terrains and conditions. The Pilot TrailSport offers impressive off-road capabilities, a spacious interior, and a host of premium features, while the Outback Wilderness provides a more well-rounded approach to off-roading, better fuel efficiency, and a lower price point. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize ruggedness and towing capacity, the Pilot TrailSport is the way to go. If you’re looking for a more versatile vehicle with better fuel efficiency and a lower price tag, the Outback Wilderness is the one for you.

What People Want to Know

1. Q: Which vehicle offers better off-road performance, the Honda Pilot TrailSport or the Subaru Outback Wilderness?

A: The Honda Pilot TrailSport has a more aggressive suspension setup, increased ground clearance, and all-terrain tires, making it better suited for extreme off-road situations.

2. Q: Which vehicle has a higher towing capacity, the Honda Pilot TrailSport or the Subaru Outback Wilderness?

A: The Honda Pilot TrailSport has a higher towing capacity of 5,000 pounds compared to the Subaru Outback Wilderness‘s 3,500 pounds.

3. Q: Which vehicle offers better fuel efficiency, the Honda Pilot TrailSport or the Subaru Outback Wilderness?

A: The Subaru Outback Wilderness offers better fuel efficiency with an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway compared to the Pilot TrailSport‘s 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

4. Q: Which vehicle has a more spacious interior, the Honda Pilot TrailSport or the Subaru Outback Wilderness?

A: The Honda Pilot TrailSport has a more spacious interior with more legroom and headroom for passengers.

5. Q: Which vehicle offers a more comprehensive suite of safety features, the Honda Pilot TrailSport or the Subaru Outback Wilderness?

A: Both vehicles offer a comprehensive suite of safety features, with the Pilot TrailSport featuring the Honda Sensing suite and the Outback Wilderness featuring the Subaru EyeSight suite.

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Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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