2025 Honda Pilot vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$40,200 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the family-hauling capability of the 2025 Honda Pilot and the value-focused efficiency of the 2026 Subaru Outback often comes down to priorities. If you need space, the Pilot boasts 285 horsepower and a considerable 199.9 inches in length, fitting more passengers comfortably. However, the Outback wins on pure practicality for many daily drives, sipping fuel to achieve 27 MPG combined versus the Pilot's 22 MPG combined. Furthermore, the Outback saves you a significant $5,205 upfront with an MSRP of $34,995 compared to the Pilot's $40,200. While the Pilot offers an extra 105 horsepower, drivers focused on lower running costs and superior cargo-per-dollar will lean toward the smaller footprint and better mileage of the standard all-wheel-drive Subaru.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback is better for commuters due to its superior 27 MPG combined fuel economy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Honda Pilot

The 2025 Honda Pilot is better for larger families due to its greater overall size and assumed passenger/cargo volume, despite the listed cargo figures.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Honda Pilot

The 2025 Honda Pilot appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its substantial 285 horsepower output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback provides better value, starting at $5,205 less than the Pilot.

Choose the Honda Pilot if...

You prioritize outright power, as the Pilot delivers 285 hp versus the Outback's 180 hp.
Your daily drive requires maximum engine torque, with the Pilot offering 262 lb-ft.
You need the longer frame, measuring 199.9 inches in length for maximum cabin breadth.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Saving money upfront is key, given the $34,995 MSRP is $5,205 cheaper than the Pilot.
Fuel economy is a top concern, as the Outback achieves 31 highway MPG.
You need better utility per square inch, as the Outback offers 34.6 cu ft of cargo space, nearly double the Pilot's 18.6 cu ft minimum.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda Pilot	Subaru Outback
Length	199.9"	191.7"
Width	78.5"	74.0"
Height	71.0"	67.5"
Wheelbase	113.8"	108.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	—
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	285 hp @ 6100 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/27 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.5/499.5 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	18.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Driver Vanity Mirror	✓	—
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	12.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	240W	—
Speaker System	7	6
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Honda	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Front Head Room	40.5 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	58.4 in.	55.5 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	4-way	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Rear Head Room	40.2 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.8 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.7 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.4 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	20 x 8.0 in	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/50R	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 24000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda Pilot and 2026 Subaru Outback.

Which crossover is more fuel-efficient for the daily grind?

The 2026 Subaru Outback is the clear winner on fuel consumption, rated at 27 MPG combined. The 2025 Honda Pilot trails behind at only 22 MPG combined.

How big is the performance difference between these two vehicles?

The performance gap is significant; the Honda Pilot generates 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, while the Outback produces 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, making the Pilot much punchier.

Is the higher price of the Honda Pilot worth it for features or space?

The Pilot costs $5,205 more, yet the Outback lists substantially more cargo capacity at 34.6 cu ft versus the Pilot's 18.6 cu ft minimum, suggesting better utility value in the Subaru.

Which car is better equipped for snowy or slippery conditions?

The 2026 Subaru Outback comes standard with all-wheel drive, which is generally preferred for maximum traction in adverse weather compared to the Pilot's standard front-wheel drive configuration.

Are the transmission types similar in these crossovers?

No, the Pilot uses a traditional 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, offering distinct gear shifts, whereas the Outback employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) for smoother, gearless acceleration.

How much does the difference in length affect usability?

The Pilot is almost eight inches longer than the Outback (199.9 inches vs. 191.7 inches), which generally translates to more spacious passenger accommodations but might make parking slightly trickier in tight urban spots.