VS
At a Glance
Power
285hp @ 6100
260hp @ 5600
Torque
262lb-ft @ 5000
277lb-ft @ 2000
Fuel
22 mpg est.
25 mpg est.
Towing
5000lbs
3500lbs
Engine
3.5 L/212ci
2.4 L/146ci
Choosing between the Honda Pilot and the Subaru Outback is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Honda Pilot delivers 285hp @ 6100 while the Subaru Outback produces 260hp @ 5600. On fuel, the Pilot returns 22 mpg est. while the Outback uses 25 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $46,595 for the Pilot and $44,365 for the Outback. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Honda PilotEX-L AWD 2026 - From $46,595
Subaru OutbackLimited XT AWD 2026 - From $44,365
Performance
Power Output (hp)
285hp @ 6100
260hp @ 5600
Torque (lb-ft)
262lb-ft @ 5000
277lb-ft @ 2000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.5 L/212ci
2.4 L/146ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic w/OD
Automatic
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
22 mpg est.
25 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
19 (Est)mpg
21mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
25 (Est)mpg
29mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18.5gal
18gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
200.1in
191.7in
Width (in)
78.5in
74in
Height (in)
70.9in
67.5in
Wheelbase (in)
113.8in
108.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4528lbs
3968lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
3500lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Pilot
Fuel Economy
Outback
Value
Outback
Practicality
Pilot
Pros & Cons
Honda Pilot
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Subaru Outback
Better fuel economy (25 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($44,365)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Pilot or Outback?
The Pilot gets 22 mpg est. and the Outback gets 25 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Outback is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Pilot or Outback?
The Pilot produces 285hp @ 6100 and 262lb-ft @ 5000 of torque while the Outback delivers 260hp @ 5600 and 277lb-ft @ 2000 of torque. The Pilot is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Pilot and Outback?
The Pilot starts from $46,595 and the Outback from $44,365. The Outback is cheaper by $2,230 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Pilot or Outback?
The Pilot has a braked towing capacity of 5000lbs and the Outback can tow 3500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Pilot or the Outback?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.