Head-to-head clash: subaru ascent vs. rivals in the suv market
What To Know
- The Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander also offer all-wheel drive as an option, while the Kia Telluride comes standard with front-wheel drive and offers all-wheel drive as an upgrade.
- The Subaru Ascent has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
- The Pilot has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
The Subaru Ascent is a popular three-row SUV that has earned a reputation for its practicality, reliability, and all-wheel drive capability. However, it faces stiff competition in a crowded SUV market. In this comprehensive guide, we will compare the Subaru Ascent to its key rivals to help you make an informed decision when selecting your next SUV.
Performance and Handling
The Subaru Ascent is equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides ample power for everyday driving and towing, with a maximum capacity of 5,000 pounds. The Ascent also features a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that offers smooth shifting and improved fuel economy.
Honda Pilot: The Pilot offers a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It has a nine-speed automatic transmission that provides responsive shifting.
Toyota Highlander: The Highlander comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. It features an eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers a balanced combination of performance and fuel efficiency.
Kia Telluride: The Telluride is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It has an eight-speed automatic transmission that offers smooth and precise shifts.
Handling Comparison: The Subaru Ascent‘s standard all-wheel drive system provides excellent handling and stability on all types of road surfaces. The Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander also offer all-wheel drive as an option, while the Kia Telluride comes standard with front-wheel drive and offers all-wheel drive as an upgrade.
Interior Space and Comfort
The Subaru Ascent offers a spacious and comfortable interior with seating for up to eight passengers. The second row features captain’s chairs with ample legroom and headroom, while the third row provides decent space for adults. The Ascent also boasts a generous cargo capacity of 19.6 cubic feet behind the third row.
Honda Pilot: The Pilot has a similar interior space to the Ascent, with seating for eight passengers. The second row features adjustable seats that can be configured for maximum comfort or cargo space. The Pilot offers 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row.
Toyota Highlander: The Highlander provides slightly less interior space than the Ascent and Pilot, with seating for seven passengers. The second row features a bench seat, while the third row offers limited legroom. The Highlander has 16.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row.
Kia Telluride: The Telluride is the most spacious SUV in this comparison, with seating for up to eight passengers. The second row features captain’s chairs or a bench seat, while the third row offers ample legroom and headroom. The Telluride boasts an impressive 21.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row.
Safety Features
The Subaru Ascent has received top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including:
- EyeSight Driver Assist Technology
- Lane Departure Warning
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Automatic Emergency Braking
Honda Pilot: The Pilot also received top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. It offers a similar range of safety features as the Ascent, including:
- Honda Sensing Suite
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
Toyota Highlander: The Highlander received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS. It comes with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ system, which includes:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Automatic High Beams
Kia Telluride: The Telluride received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS. It features the Kia Drive Wise Driver Assist Technology suite, which includes:
- Forward Collision Avoidance Assist
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning
Fuel Economy
The Subaru Ascent has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Honda Pilot: The Pilot has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Toyota Highlander: The Highlander has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
Kia Telluride: The Telluride has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
Technology and Features
The Subaru Ascent comes well-equipped with a variety of technology and convenience features, including:
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- Starlink Safety and Security System
- Rear-seat entertainment system
Honda Pilot: The Pilot offers a similar range of technology features, including:
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- HondaLink Connected Services
- Rear-seat entertainment system
Toyota Highlander: The Highlander features a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is larger than the Ascent’s and Pilot’s displays. It also offers:
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- Toyota Safety Connect Services
- Rear-seat entertainment system
Kia Telluride: The Telluride comes with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is the smallest in this comparison. However, it still offers:
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- Kia Connect Services
- Rear-seat entertainment system
Price and Value
The Subaru Ascent has a starting price of $33,995.
Honda Pilot: The Pilot has a starting price of $38,520.
Toyota Highlander: The Highlander has a starting price of $36,220.
Kia Telluride: The Telluride has a starting price of $34,990.
The Bottom Line: Choosing the Right SUV for Your Needs
The Subaru Ascent, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Kia Telluride are all excellent three-row SUVs with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Ascent offers a combination of performance, space, safety, and value, making it a great choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The Pilot provides similar capabilities at a slightly higher price point, while the Highlander offers a more refined interior and higher fuel economy. The Telluride is the most spacious and feature-packed SUV in this comparison, but it also comes with a higher price tag. Ultimately, the best SUV for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Which SUV has the most horsepower?
A: The Toyota Highlander has the most horsepower, with 295 horsepower.
Q: Which SUV has the best fuel economy?
A: The Toyota Highlander has the best fuel economy, with 29 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which SUV has the most cargo space?
A: The Kia Telluride has the most cargo space, with 21.0 cubic feet behind the third row.
Q: Which SUV has the best safety ratings?
A: All four SUVs have received top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, so they are all equally safe.
Q: Which SUV is the most affordable?
A: The Subaru Ascent has the most affordable starting price, at $33,995.