What To Know
- In terms of fuel efficiency, the Honda Pilot delivers an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while the Subaru Ascent returns 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
- The Honda Pilot and Subaru Ascent excel in providing spacious and comfortable interiors, catering to the needs of growing families and adventure enthusiasts alike.
- The Pilot features a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a premium audio system.
The quest for the perfect three-row SUV that seamlessly blends comfort, capability, and versatility often leads to the Honda Pilot and Subaru Ascent emerging as top contenders. Both these vehicles boast impressive features and have earned a reputation for excellence in their respective segments. However, understanding their differences is crucial to making an informed decision that aligns with your specific requirements.
In this comprehensive comparison guide, we will delve into the intricacies of the Honda Pilot and Subaru Ascent, scrutinizing their key aspects to determine which one reigns supreme. From performance and fuel efficiency to interior space and technological advancements, we will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of the ultimate three-row SUV.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency: A Tale of Two Powertrains
The Honda Pilot and Subaru Ascent offer distinct powertrain options, catering to diverse driving preferences. The Pilot boasts a potent 3.5-liter V6 engine that churns out 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission. This combination delivers a spirited performance, enabling effortless acceleration and confident overtaking maneuvers.
The Subaru Ascent, on the other hand, employs a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While the Ascent’s power output is slightly lower than the Pilot’s, its CVT offers seamless gear transitions, resulting in a refined and comfortable driving experience.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Honda Pilot delivers an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while the Subaru Ascent returns 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Both SUVs offer all-wheel drive as standard, ensuring optimal traction and stability in various road conditions.
Interior Space and Comfort: Embracing Versatility and Comfort
The Honda Pilot and Subaru Ascent excel in providing spacious and comfortable interiors, catering to the needs of growing families and adventure enthusiasts alike. The Pilot offers seating for up to eight passengers, with ample headroom and legroom in all three rows. Its second-row seats feature one-touch folding and sliding mechanisms, facilitating easy access to the third row.
The Subaru Ascent, known for its exceptional passenger space, can accommodate up to eight occupants with remarkable comfort. Its second-row seats recline and slide, providing ample legroom for both adults and children. The third row, though slightly cramped for taller individuals, offers decent headroom and legroom.
Both SUVs boast versatile cargo space, with the Pilot offering 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46.8 cubic feet with the third row folded and 83.9 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The Ascent provides 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded.
Technology and Safety: Embracing Innovation and Confidence
The Honda Pilot and Subaru Ascent are equipped with an array of advanced technology features, enhancing convenience, connectivity, and safety. The Pilot features a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a premium audio system. It also offers a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Honda Sensing, which includes lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.
The Subaru Ascent boasts a sophisticated infotainment system with a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen, offering intuitive navigation, smartphone integration, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system. It also comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight suite of safety features, which includes lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.
Both SUVs have received top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Off-Road Capability: Exploring Uncharted Territories
While both the Honda Pilot and Subaru Ascent are primarily designed for on-road driving, they offer varying degrees of off-road capability. The Pilot features an intelligent Variable Torque Management (VTM-4) all-wheel drive system that distributes power between the front and rear wheels, providing enhanced traction and stability on slippery surfaces. It also has a ground clearance of 8.3 inches, allowing it to tackle mild off-road trails.
The Subaru Ascent, renowned for its ruggedness, boasts a symmetrical all-wheel drive system that ensures optimal traction and control in challenging conditions. Its X-Mode system offers two settings, Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud, which optimize the vehicle’s performance for specific off-road scenarios. The Ascent also has a ground clearance of 8.7 inches, making it slightly more capable in tackling rough terrain.
Reliability and Maintenance: Ensuring Peace of Mind
The Honda Pilot and Subaru Ascent have established reputations for reliability and durability. Both vehicles are known for their low maintenance costs and high resale values. J.D. Power’s 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study ranked Honda and Subaru among the top automakers in terms of reliability.
The Honda Pilot offers a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Subaru Ascent comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Both SUVs also offer roadside assistance for the duration of the warranty period.
Which SUV Reigns Supreme? Deciding Factors for Your Purchase
The Honda Pilot and Subaru Ascent are exceptional three-row SUVs with distinct strengths and characteristics. The Pilot offers a powerful engine, spacious interior, and a comprehensive suite of technology and safety features. The Ascent impresses with its refined powertrain, exceptional passenger space, and advanced infotainment system.
Ultimately, the choice between the Honda Pilot and Subaru Ascent depends on your specific requirements and preferences. If you prioritize spirited performance, the Pilot is the way to go. If you seek a combination of comfort, versatility, and off-road capability, the Ascent is an excellent choice.
Final Note: Embracing the Perfect SUV for Your Journey
The Honda Pilot and Subaru Ascent stand as remarkable contenders in the three-row SUV segment, catering to diverse needs and preferences. Whether you seek a powerful performer or a spacious and versatile adventure companion, these vehicles deliver exceptional experiences. Embark on a test drive to discover which SUV resonates with your driving style and lifestyle. The journey to finding the perfect SUV is a unique adventure, and both the Honda Pilot and Subaru Ascent are worthy companions on this exciting quest.
Frequently Asked Questions: Unraveling Common Queries
1. Which SUV offers better fuel efficiency, the Honda Pilot or Subaru Ascent?
Both the Honda Pilot and Subaru Ascent deliver comparable fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA-estimated 27 mpg on the highway. However, the Ascent slightly edges out the Pilot with a 21 mpg city rating compared to the Pilot’s 20 mpg city rating.
2. Does the Honda Pilot or Subaru Ascent have a more spacious interior?
The Subaru Ascent offers a more spacious interior, particularly in the second and third rows. It provides ample headroom and legroom for passengers of all sizes, making it an excellent choice for families and those who frequently transport large groups.
3. Which SUV boasts a more advanced infotainment system, the Honda Pilot or Subaru Ascent?
The Subaru Ascent features a more advanced infotainment system with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, offering intuitive navigation, smartphone integration, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system. The Honda Pilot‘s infotainment system, while user-friendly, has a smaller 8-inch touchscreen.
4. Is the Honda Pilot or Subaru Ascent more capable off-road?
The Subaru Ascent has a slight edge in off-road capability due to its X-Mode system, which offers two settings optimized for different off-road conditions. The Honda Pilot, while capable on mild off-road trails, does not offer dedicated off-road modes.
5. Which SUV has a better reliability record, the Honda Pilot or Subaru Ascent?
Both the Honda Pilot and Subaru Ascent have established reputations for reliability and durability. J.D. Power’s 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study ranked Honda and Subaru among the top automakers in terms of reliability.