Subaru Ascent Vs. Honda Pilot: Which Three-Row SUV Is Best For You?
As your family grows and you take on new opportunities, finding the best three-row SUV – which our Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot guide can help you find – becomes a priority. The competition is fierce: The Honda Pilot is well-known for its excellent ruggedness, off-roading potential, and 3.5-liter V-6 engine that makes 285 horsepower. However, in terms of interior comfort, safety features, and AWD availability, the Subaru Ascent rises above the competition with ease.
Before making your decision, let our team at Wallace Subaru of Bristol walk you through the highlights.
2025 Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot at a Glance
- While the Honda Pilot has higher horsepower, the Ascent actually has the better torque, MPG, and standard towing capacity.
- The Honda Pilot has great, high-quality interior features, but the Subaru Ascent takes it a step further, such as with its 11.6-inch central touchscreen.
- For a more maneuverable vehicle with competitive cargo space and better front-row legroom, try the Subaru Ascent.
- That's why you see reviews from accredited websites, such as J.D. Power, prefer the Subaru three-row SUV.
Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot Specs
When driving home your preferred three-row SUV, the engine is a critical consideration. Both of these models only have one to choose: the 2025 Subaru Ascent with its 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and the Honda Pilot with a 3.5-liter V-6. The Pilot definitely has the larger engine of the two SUVs, but when you put them both into action, you'll see just how advantaged you are when you drive an Ascent.
< Drag to scroll >
| 2025 Subaru Ascent | 2025 Honda Pilot | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4L turbo 4-cyl | 3.5L V-6 |
| Max. Horsepower | 260 | 285 |
| Max. Torque | 277 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Standard Drivetrain | AWD | 2WD, 4WD avail |
| Max. EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) w/ AWD | 20 / 26 / 221 | 19 / 25 / 212 |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbsstow | 3,500 - 5,000 lbshtow |
| Seating Capacity | 7 - 8 | 7 - 8 |
| Passenger Volume | 150.2 - 153.2 cu ft | 154.9 - 158.4 cu ft |
| Max. Cargo Space (SAE) | 75.6 cu ft | 87 cu ft |
The only edge that the Pilot holds in a head-to-head engine comparison is horsepower. Torque goes to the Ascent, with a 15-pound-foot lead, meaning the Ascent is faster to reach cruising speed on the interstate and react to sudden changes on the road. It also has standard AWD – the Pilot can get 4WD, but there are more hoops to jump through.
The Ascent, by default, has easier handling and prepares you for poor weather, no matter the trim or package you select. That's thanks to Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. This Subaru-exclusive drivetrain carefully monitors all wheels, sending power to them all simultaneously, and applying or removing traction as needed to get you out of slippery situations.
If that wasn't enough, the standard Subaru Ascent towing capacity outpaces the Pilot, which needs 4WD to access the same 5,000-pound limit as the Subaru Ascent.3,4 Otherwise, Honda owners are stuck with a 3,500-pound tow rating for their vacations,4 which can leave them unable to carry the boats, tow dollies, and campers that a Subaru owner could bring along.
Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot Dimensions
Dimensions are a more competitive battlefield than what's under the hood. The Pilot is the longer of the two SUVs, measuring 199.9 inches, while the Ascent sits at 196.8 inches. It's also wider by a few inches, but these increases are a double-edged sword. While this means the Pilot has the overall better passenger volume and cargo space, the Ascent is an easier-to-drive model with better parking and navigation ability.
? Drag to scroll ?
| 2025 Subaru Ascent | 2025 Honda Pilot | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.8 in | 199.9 in |
| Width | 76 in | 78.5 in |
| Height | 71.6 in | 71 in |
| Legroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd) | 42.2 / 38.6 / 31.7 in | 41 / 40.8 / 32.5 in |
| Headroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd) | 41.2 / 40 / 36.2 in | 40.5 / 40.2 / 39.3 in |
As shown in the above chart, the Ascent holds a distinct advantage in front-row comfort. At 42.2 inches of legroom and 41.2 inches of headroom, the Subaru SUV's front row takes the lead over what the Honda Pilot offers. For families, the minor differences in second- and third-row specifications may not be as important: your kids will be comfortable in either model. Taller parents, however, will appreciate the Ascent for its ability to cater to their need for relaxation while driving.
Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot Features
That dedication to convenience is further emphasized as you benefit from the upgraded features of the Subaru Ascent. The dashboard, for example, is equipped with a standard 11.6-inch touchscreen, allowing you to easily customize your driving experience. The Pilot, meanwhile, comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen and offers an upgrade to a 9-inch display. The Pilot features available leather upholstery, but the Ascent can upgrade to Nappa leather upholstery, adding an extra layer of carefully-crafted comfort to your cabin. Enjoy a 14-speaker premium sound system on the Ascent, a stark contrast to the 12-speaker offering in the Pilot.
Safety is a concern for both models, but the Subaru three-row SUV accommodates your peace of mind with luxury-grade features and accessible sensor technology. The standard Reverse Automatic Braking of the Ascent watches behind you while parking, autonomously stopping if you get too close to an obstacle.
To get the same quality from the Pilot, you'll need to upgrade to the second-level EX trim. An Auto-Dimming Rearview Compass Mirror comes standard with your Ascent, while the Honda SUV requires you to climb to the Elite trim level to reach similar mirror technology.
Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot Reviews
This combination of responsive engine and elite swathe of features typically works together to give the Subaru Ascent more positive reviews in general. J.D. Power collectively rated the Subaru Ascent an 84/100 for Quality & Reliability, Driving Experience, Resale, and Dealership Experience.5 The last category will be evident once you visit Wallace Subaru of Bristol and schedule a test drive. The Honda Pilot is similarly impressive, but only attains a score of 82/100 from their owners, with lower Quality & Reliability, Driving Experience, and Dealership Experience scores than the Ascent.6
With that in mind, the Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot reliability battle is a close one. Both models received the Top Safety Pick Award by the IIHS, a testament to their ability to keep their passengers safe even in the worst-case scenario.7,8 They also share a warranty duration of three years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first) of bumper-to-bumper protection.9
Shop the Winner of the Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot Comparison at Wallace Subaru of Bristol
The Honda Pilot is a great choice for growing families, but the Subaru Ascent is the choice for the driver who wants a more consistent driving performance, a value-driven cabin, and better safety technology. These are the highlights that our Subaru Ascent deals emphasize so well. Browse our inventory to see how easy it is to climb the trim levels. Then, once an SUV catches your eye, our financing department will work with you on a lease or financing plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot Comparison
Which has better driver-assist features, the Ascent or Pilot?
Both the Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot come with exceptional driver assistance technology, but the Ascent provides a better suite of options. For example, you have Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirrors as a standard amenity, creating a more comfortable experience when driving in the daytime by preventing glare. The Pilot does have this feature, but it's only available on the Elite trim level and is limited to side mirrors.
Which offers more cargo space, the Subaru Ascent or Honda Pilot?
The Honda Pilot, being the larger SUV, has the larger cargo area, though the Subaru Ascent is right behind at 75.6 cubic feet. This is plenty for family trips, move-out days, or school events. Combine that with a mighty towing capacity of 5,000 pounds3 (compared to the base 3,500-pound towing capacity of the Honda Pilot4) and you have a very competitive model.
Which gets better MPG, the 2025 Ascent or the 2025 Pilot?
The Subaru Ascent gets better AWD MPG than the Pilot, though both models match in terms of standard MPG, sitting at 22 MPG (Combined).1,2 However, this view of MPG is tilted toward the Pilot: The Ascent is an AWD-standard vehicle, a drivetrain that has lower gas efficiency compared to FWD. So, even with AWD, the Ascent is tied in fuel economy, making it the clear choice.
See Other Subaru Comparisons
| Subaru Crosstrek Vs Chevy Trax | Subaru Crosstrek Vs Honda HR-V | Subaru Forester Vs Hyundai Tucson |
| Subaru Forester Vs Toyota RAV4 | Subaru Outback Vs Honda CR-V | Subaru Outback Vs Toyota RAV4 |
1EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and your vehicle's condition.
2Based on 2025 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, and other factors.
3Maximum towing capacity varies by trim level. Trailer brakes may be needed. See your retailer for details.
4Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.
5Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2025/subaru/ascent
6Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2025/honda/pilot
7Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/subaru/ascent-4-door-suv/2025
8Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/honda/pilot-4-door-suv/2025
9Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.
