Unveiling the ultimate family suv: subaru ascent vs honda pilot face-off
What To Know
- The Honda Pilot, on the other hand, has a more streamlined and sophisticated appearance, featuring sleek lines and a chrome-accented front fascia.
- While the Pilot has a slight advantage in power, the Ascent’s turbocharged engine provides better fuel economy, with EPA ratings of up to 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
- The Subaru Ascent has better fuel economy than the Honda Pilot, with EPA ratings of up to 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
When it comes to choosing a family SUV, the Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot are two top contenders. Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, advanced safety features, and impressive performance. But which one is the better choice for you? In this detailed comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot to help you make an informed decision.
Exterior Design
The Subaru Ascent exudes a rugged and adventurous spirit with its boxy silhouette and prominent grille. The Honda Pilot, on the other hand, has a more streamlined and sophisticated appearance, featuring sleek lines and a chrome-accented front fascia. Both SUVs offer stylish alloy wheels and LED headlights, but the Ascent’s available 20-inch wheels give it a more commanding presence.
Interior Space and Comfort
The Ascent and Pilot both offer ample seating for up to eight passengers. However, the Ascent has a slight edge in legroom and headroom, particularly in the third row. Both vehicles feature comfortable seats, but the Pilot’s front seats provide more support and adjustability. The Ascent’s panoramic moonroof offers a brighter and more airy cabin experience.
Engine Performance and Fuel Economy
The Subaru Ascent is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The Honda Pilot has a larger 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. While the Pilot has a slight advantage in power, the Ascent’s turbocharged engine provides better fuel economy, with EPA ratings of up to 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Safety Features
Both the Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot have received top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Ascent comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight suite of advanced safety features, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Pilot offers Honda Sensing, which provides similar features, but it also includes a blind-spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alert.
Technology and Infotainment
The Subaru Ascent features a user-friendly 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Honda Pilot has a larger 8-inch touchscreen with a more intuitive interface and a premium audio system. Both SUVs offer navigation, satellite radio, and Wi-Fi connectivity, but the Pilot’s wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is a convenient feature.
Off-Road Capabilities
The Subaru Ascent comes standard with all-wheel drive and a ground clearance of 8.7 inches. The Honda Pilot also offers all-wheel drive, but its ground clearance is slightly lower at 8.3 inches. Both SUVs have hill descent control and snow modes, but the Ascent’s X-Mode system provides more advanced off-road capabilities.
Price and Value
The Subaru Ascent has a starting price of $33,470, while the Honda Pilot starts at $38,060. Both vehicles offer a range of trim levels with varying features and options. The Ascent Touring trim, which includes a premium audio system, leather upholstery, and a power liftgate, is priced at $48,120. The Pilot Elite trim, which offers a panoramic moonroof, heated and ventilated seats, and a 10-speaker audio system, is priced at $49,320.
Wrap-Up: Which SUV is Right for You?
The Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot are both excellent choices for families seeking a spacious and capable SUV. The Ascent offers better fuel economy, more off-road capabilities, and a lower starting price. The Pilot has a more powerful engine, a more sophisticated interior, and a more advanced infotainment system. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Which SUV has better fuel economy?
A: The Subaru Ascent has better fuel economy than the Honda Pilot, with EPA ratings of up to 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which SUV has more seating capacity?
A: Both the Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot can seat up to eight passengers.
Q: Which SUV has the best safety features?
A: Both the Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot have received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. However, the Ascent’s EyeSight suite of advanced safety features is considered more comprehensive.
Q: Which SUV has the most cargo space?
A: The Subaru Ascent has slightly more cargo space than the Honda Pilot behind the third row of seats.
Q: Which SUV has the best off-road capabilities?
A: The Subaru Ascent has better off-road capabilities than the Honda Pilot, thanks to its X-Mode system and higher ground clearance.