2018 Honda Pilot vs. 2018 Subaru Outback
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2018 Honda Pilot and 2018 Subaru Outback contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2018 Honda Pilot and the 2018 Subaru Outback.
When we compare the 2018 Honda Pilot's and the 2018 Subaru Outback's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Honda Pilot has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume and base engine power. The 2018 Subaru Outback has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency and resale value. The 2018 Honda Pilot and 2018 Subaru Outback have the same overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the 2018 Honda Pilot's and the 2018 Subaru Outback's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2018 Honda Pilot ranges from $15,117 to $28,997 while a used 2018 Subaru Outback is priced between $12,700 to $23,995.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2018 Honda Pilot loses 48.3 percent of its value and the 2018 Subaru Outback loses 43.3 percent of its value. This means the 2018 Subaru Outback retains 4.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2018 Honda Pilot.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Honda Pilot and Subaru Outback is 8.3 out of 10. With both vehicles earning the same number they are extremely competitive in their vehicle segment. Honda Pilot is ranked 10 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs and Subaru Outback is ranked 11 out of 67, with their respective reliability, retained value, and safety ratings used to break the tie, in that order.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Honda Pilot is 8.0 out of 10. For the Subaru Outback the reliability rating is 7.8 out of 10. This gives the Honda Pilot a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Subaru Outback.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2018 Honda Pilot’s base engine makes 280 horsepower, and the 2018 Subaru Outback base engine makes 175 horsepower. The Pilot is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 527 miles. The Outback is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 592 miles. This gives the 2018 Subaru Outback the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2018 Honda Pilot. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The 2018 Honda Pilot, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The 2018 Subaru Outback, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2018 Honda Pilot and the 2018 Subaru Outback have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
30900
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
30126
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
22995 - 34810
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
25895
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
24370
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
22550 - 27895
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
21722
Price Range:
15117 - 28997
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
19664
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
12459 - 31292
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
510
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
103688
# Good or Great Deals:
278
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
18324
Price Range:
12700 - 23995
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
16311
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
12871 - 23031
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
728
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
93975
# Good or Great Deals:
366
Honda Pilot Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Subaru Outback Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
8.2 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Honda Pilot
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.4
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.1 - 9.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.401
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Subaru Outback
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
5.7
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
4.1
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6 - 8.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.253
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
11.267874925532348
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.0 - 15.2
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
6.177009662673234
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
4.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.9 - 14.0
Honda Pilot Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 34Ranking
4 out of / 34Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 30Ranking
6 out of / 34Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 28Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 34Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 34Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 34Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 34Ranking
16 out of / 30Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 34Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
20 out of / 34Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 28Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 56Ranking
23 out of / 34Ranking
24 out of / 34Ranking
24 out of / 34Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
40 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 67Ranking
50 out of / 56Subaru Outback Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 9Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 18Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 56Ranking
15 out of / 18Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 56Ranking
28 out of / 67Summary Review
The Honda Pilot is one of America’s favorite three-row family vehicles. All but two trim levels offer seating for eight passengers, though many buyers opt for the 7-passenger configuration with two large captain's chairs in the second row.
Summary Review
The Subaru Outback has been a staple on American roads since its inception in 1994. Two different Subaru models, sold side-by-side, bore the Outback name: the wagon-style crossover-SUV we associate with the name today, and the Outback Sport, which eventually became the Crosstrek. The Outback is best known for its standard all-wheel drive, excellent utility, and all-weather capability. New models of the Outback average $36,354 and 3-year-old models average $25,939.
Pros and Cons
- Seating for up to 8 in almost every trim
- Family-friendly features galore
- Among the largest interior volume and cargo capacity of this segment’s SUVs
- One of the most “made-in-America” models in this segment (Alabama)
- No green (hybrid/electric) powertrain option available
Pros and Cons
- Utilitarian with easy entry and exit and highly function cargo space
- Comfortable ride quality with an upscale interior
- Excellent all-weather and light off-road capability
- Not always fast or inspirational for driving enthusiasts
- Similarly-sized SUVs often have more cargo and passenger room
- Fuel economy can be less than expected
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2018 Honda Pilot Trim Levels
Elite, EX, EX w/Honda Sensing, EX-L, EX-L w/Honda Sensing, EX-L w/Navi, EX-L w/RES, LX, Touring
2018 Subaru Outback Trim Levels
2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Touring, 3.6R Limited, 3.6R Touring
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
280 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
262 foot-lbs @ 4700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.069 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
175 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
174 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.048 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 27 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
371 / 527 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 32 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
463 / 592 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
62 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
62 inches
Cargo Space:
16.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
83.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
169.4 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.3 inches
Cargo Space:
35.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
73.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
143.6 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4054 lbs
Width:
78.6 inches
Height:
69.8 inches
Length:
194.5 inches
Wheelbase:
111 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3622 lbs
Width:
81.3 inches
Height:
66.1 inches
Length:
189.9 inches
Wheelbase:
108.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Pearl
Blue
Obsidian Blue Pearl / Steel Sapphire Metallic
Gray
Modern Steel Metallic
Green
Black Forest Pearl
Red
Deep Scarlet Pearl
Silver
Lunar Silver Metallic
White
White Diamond Pearl
Beige
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Dark Blue Pearl / Twilight Blue Metallic
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Green
Wilderness Green Metallic
Red
Crimson Red Pearl
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Beige
Tungsten Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Beige
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
Interior Colors
Beige
Warm Ivory
Black
Slate Black
Gray
Titanium Gray
