What’s the Difference Between the Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot?

A three-row midsize crossover is a fantastic choice for families in Corinth, Texas. These SUVs provide ample space for passengers and cargo, a comfortable ride, and the latest infotainment and safety technology. While the Honda Pilot has long set the standard in this segment, the Subaru Ascent has emerged as a strong competitor. Which one is the better choice for your family? Our Huffines Subaru Corinth team breaks down the Ascent vs. Pilot comparison to help you decide.

Space for the Whole Family

Both the Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot offer room for up to eight passengers, making them ideal for families and regular carpooling in Corinth. The Pilot has a slightly larger passenger volume at 158.4 cubic feet, compared to the Ascent’s 153.2 cubic feet. However, Subaru provides more headroom and legroom for front-seat passengers, and the second and third rows are only a few inches apart in each vehicle—so your kids won’t feel cramped.

When it comes to cargo, the Pilot has more maximum space at 87 cubic feet with the seats folded, compared to the Ascent’s 75.6 cubic feet. But most families care more about space behind the third row. Here, the Ascent offers 17.8 cubic feet, just shy of the Pilot’s 18.6 cubic feet—enough for groceries, sports gear, or school bags.

Dimensions for City Driving

A few inches can make a big difference in city driving and parking. The Subaru Ascent is slightly more compact than the Pilot, which can make navigating parking lots and tight streets in Corinth easier. Both vehicles have nearly identical turning diameters, so maneuverability remains strong in either SUV.

Fuel Economy

Fuel efficiency is key for family budgeting. Both SUVs have a combined city/highway rating of 22 mpg. In city driving, the Ascent edges out the Pilot with 20 mpg versus 19 mpg (all-wheel drive). On the highway, the Pilot gets 27 mpg while the Ascent reaches 26 mpg. All-wheel drive is standard on the Ascent, so you get extra capability without sacrificing fuel economy.

Safety

Safety is always a top concern for families. The 2024 Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot come with advanced safety suites standard on all trims. Subaru EyeSight and Honda Sensing include:

• Adaptive cruise control

• Lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist

• Automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection

Both also feature multi-angle rearview cameras, with optional upgrades like rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic braking, and a smart rearview mirror. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2024 Ascent an overall five-star rating, earning five stars in all frontal and side crash tests. The Pilot has not yet been rated for 2024.

Infotainment Features

For entertainment and navigation, both SUVs offer touchscreens with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ascent comes standard with a large 11.6-inch touchscreen, compared to the Pilot’s 7-inch base screen and 9-inch upper trims. Subaru also offers Wi-Fi hotspot capability on nearly every trim, while Honda reserves this feature for higher-end models.

Off-Roading Capabilities

If your family loves weekend adventures, the Subaru Ascent has the upper hand. Standard all-wheel drive, torque vectoring, hill-descent control, and X-MODE traction make the Ascent capable on mud, snow, and rocky trails. The Honda Pilot offers similar features only on the TrailSport trim, which is one of the more expensive options.

Towing Capacity

Both SUVs can tow up to 5,000 pounds with all-wheel drive. The Ascent comes standard with AWD, while the Pilot requires an upgrade for maximum towing. Front-wheel-drive Pilots reduce towing capacity to 3,500 pounds, making the Ascent the better choice if you plan to tow regularly.

Pricing

The Subaru Ascent generally comes at a lower price point. The base Ascent starts at $34,395, nearly $3,000 less than the Pilot LX. On the high end, the Ascent Touring costs $48,695—$4,000 less than the Honda Pilot Elite.

Test-Drive the 2024 Subaru Ascent Today

Whether the Subaru Ascent seems like the right fit or you’re still comparing options, visit our Corinth dealership. Our friendly team can arrange a test drive, answer your questions, and walk you through financing options and limited-time Subaru incentives. Discover your next family SUV at Huffines Subaru Corinth today.