Family suv showdown: forester vs pilot – space, safety, and value compared
What To Know
- Both the Subaru Forester and the Honda Pilot have earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
- However, if you need a larger vehicle with more seating and cargo space, a more powerful engine, and a wider range of features, the Honda Pilot may be a better fit.
- The Subaru Forester has better fuel economy, with 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, compared to the Honda Pilot’s 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
In the competitive market of compact SUVs, two prominent contenders emerge: the Subaru Forester and the Honda Pilot. Both vehicles offer a blend of functionality, comfort, and adventure-ready capabilities. This blog post delves into an in-depth comparison of the Subaru Forester vs Pilot, examining their key features, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Capability
Engine Power and Fuel Economy
The Subaru Forester comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It offers a fuel economy of 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The Honda Pilot, on the other hand, boasts a more powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. However, its fuel economy is slightly lower, at 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
All-Wheel Drive and Off-Roading
Both the Subaru Forester and the Honda Pilot feature all-wheel drive systems. However, the Forester’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is renowned for its superior traction and handling in various conditions, including snow, mud, and off-road terrain. The Pilot’s Intelligent Variable Torque Management (iVTM-4) system provides enhanced stability and power distribution, but it may not offer the same level of off-road prowess as the Forester.
Interior Comfort and Features
Passenger and Cargo Space
The Subaru Forester offers ample seating for five occupants, with a spacious cargo area that can accommodate up to 31 cubic feet of luggage. The Honda Pilot, with its three rows of seating, can comfortably accommodate up to eight passengers. Its cargo capacity is also larger, with 18.5 cubic feet of space behind the third row and up to 109 cubic feet with all seats folded down.
Interior Features and Technology
Both the Forester and the Pilot offer a comfortable and well-equipped interior. The Forester features a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while the Pilot comes with an 8-inch touchscreen. Both systems offer Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a variety of connectivity options. The Pilot also offers additional features such as heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a rear-seat entertainment system.
Safety and Reliability
Safety Features and Ratings
Both the Subaru Forester and the Honda Pilot have earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Forester comes standard with a suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Pilot offers similar safety features, along with additional options such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Reliability and Ownership Costs
Subaru has a reputation for producing reliable vehicles, and the Forester is no exception. It has consistently ranked highly in reliability surveys. The Honda Pilot has also proven to be a reliable choice, with good ratings in owner satisfaction and long-term durability.
Value and Pricing
Starting Prices and Trims
The Subaru Forester has a lower starting price than the Honda Pilot, with an MSRP of $26,395 for the base trim. The Pilot starts at $38,150 for the LX trim. Both vehicles offer a range of trim levels with varying levels of features and equipment.
Resale Value and Depreciation
Subaru vehicles are known for holding their value well, and the Forester is no different. The Pilot, on the other hand, has a slightly higher depreciation rate than the Forester.
Final Note: The Right Choice for Your Needs
Choosing between the Subaru Forester and the Honda Pilot ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize off-road capability, fuel efficiency, and reliability, the Subaru Forester is an excellent choice. However, if you need a larger vehicle with more seating and cargo space, a more powerful engine, and a wider range of features, the Honda Pilot may be a better fit.
Questions You May Have
Q: Which vehicle has better fuel economy?
A: The Subaru Forester has better fuel economy, with 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, compared to the Honda Pilot‘s 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which vehicle has a larger cargo capacity?
A: The Honda Pilot has a larger cargo capacity, with 18.5 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 109 cubic feet with all seats folded down, compared to the Forester’s 31 cubic feet of cargo space.
Q: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
A: The Honda Pilot has a more powerful engine, with a 3.5-liter V6 that generates 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Forester’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque.
Q: Which vehicle has a better safety rating?
A: Both the Subaru Forester and the Honda Pilot have earned top safety ratings from the NHTSA and the IIHS.
Q: Which vehicle is more reliable?
A: Subaru vehicles are known for their reliability, and the Forester has consistently ranked highly in reliability surveys. The Honda Pilot has also proven to be a reliable choice, with good ratings in owner satisfaction and long-term durability.