2025 Subaru Ascent Vs. Honda Pilot: Find Your Perfect SUV Match
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The search for your next three-row SUV may well end after reading our Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot matchup. We compare how the rugged Subaru Ascent contends with the affordable Pilot in performance, capability, size, and more. Our assessment? The Ascent wins with its standard AWD, higher standard towing capacity, and better reliability score.
If you're ready to adventure with ease, our Wallace Subaru of Johnson City experts can show you the model that'll be your key to achieving it: the 2025 Ascent.
2025 Subaru Ascent vs. 2025 Honda Pilot at a Glance
- The Pilot may make more horsepower, but the Ascent pulls ahead with more torque and standard AWD; the Pilot has standard FWD.
- Both models can tow up to 5,000 pounds,1, 2 but the Ascent will do it on every configuration, while the Pilot only manages 3,500 pounds2 without AWD.
- The Ascent received a higher J.D. Power Quality & Reliability score than the Pilot.3, 4
- The Pilot is longer and wider than the Ascent, making it less suitable for tight parking spots than the Subaru model.
Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot Specs & Performance
No matter which of these SUVs you purchase, you'll benefit from reliable performance. Both models come equipped with a sole engine option across their lineups: a 2.4-liter turbocharged option under the hood of the Ascent and a 3.5-liter V-6 for the Pilot. The Pilot makes more horsepower than the Ascent (285 vs. 260), but the Ascent pulls ahead with its torque value (277 pound-feet vs. 262 pound-feet).
The Ascent breaks the tie by offering standard AWD, while the Pilot comes standard with FWD. Additionally, the Ascent has a turbocharged engine, and the Pilot does not.
| 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-Passenger | 2025 Honda Pilot Sport | |
| Engine | 2.4L DOHC Turbocharged | 3.5L V-6 |
| Horsepower | 266 | 285 |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs1 | 3,500 lbs2 |
| EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) | 20 / 26 / 225 | 19 / 27 / 226 |
| Seating Capacity | 8 | 8 |
| Wheelbase | 113.8 in | 113.8 in |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 in | 7.3 in |
Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot Towing Capacity
Regarding towing capacity, we find some common ground between the two models in our Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot clash. Both models can tow a maximum of 5,000 pounds1,2. However, the Honda Pilot requires you to upgrade to a model with AWD to achieve this number. Pilot SUVs with FWD can tow only 3,500 pounds.2
Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot Trim Levels
Do you want an SUV with more or fewer configurations? If you're someone who values versatility and likes a wide number of models to choose from, the Ascent will likely be the model to win your attention. This rugged SUV is available in eight trim levels, each with unique features.
The Honda Pilot has six, which is still comparable but lags behind the availability of the Ascent. Read on to learn more about these bold SUVs' features.
Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot Interior & Tech Features
You can expect various amenities and technologies inside both the Ascent and the Pilot. Standard Ascent features include an eight-way power driver's seat, cloth upholstery, and an 11.6-inch touchscreen display. On higher trims, your adventures get upgrades like a premium Harman Kardon sound system, leather upholstery, and heated second-row seats.
The Honda Pilot keeps up with interior features, including standard cloth seating, available leather upholstery, and an optional premium audio system. However, the Pilot includes a standard 7-inch touchscreen display that pales in comparison to the 11.6-inch option offered inside the Ascent. Even the upgraded Pilot touchscreen is only 9 inches.
Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot Safety Features
In the battle of safety features, the Honda Pilot and Subaru Ascent run neck-and-neck. The Ascent has the EyeSight Driver Assistance Technology suite, which offers many features, including Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, and Blind-Spot Detection. The Honda Sensing suite on the Pilot includes features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Jam Assist, and Lane Departure Warning.
Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot Reliability
Both the Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot are long-lasting models that can reach the 200,000-mile mark on the odometer when given proper care and maintenance at regular intervals. However, if you're looking for the most reliable model, the Subaru Ascent is it.
J.D. Power gives the 2025 Subaru Ascent an 82 out of 100 for Quality & Reliability.5 Meanwhile, the Honda Pilot only scores 80 out of 100.6 While an 80 is hardly a poor score, the Ascent is understood to bethe more reliable automobile.
Plus, the Ascent gives you more coverage. Both models in our matchup come with a three-year/36,000-mile New Car Limited Warranty7 and a five-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty.7 However, the Ascent also comes with a three-year/36,000-mile Wear Item Limited Warranty7 to tackle worn out items in that time. The Pilot comes with a comparable Replacement Part Limited Warranty, 7 but it spans only a single year from the purchase date.
Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot Fuel Economy
These two SUVs keep pace with each other, excelling in separate MPG categories. The standard Ascent enjoys better city values than the Pilot, earning an EPA-estimated 20/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined). 3 The base-model FWD Pilot gets better highway values with an EPA-estimated 19/27/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).4
The Subaru Ascent Limited, Touring, and Onyx models get the same MPG rating as AWD Pilot models: an EPA-estimated 19/25/21 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).3,4 The Pilot TrailSport gets a unique value, and it's less efficient than anything the Ascent offers: an EPA-estimated 18/23/20 MPG (City/Highway/Combined). 4
This category is yet another win for the Subaru Ascent.
Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot Size
Driving an SUV can be nerve-wracking; here's where the Subaru Ascent pulls ahead of the Pilot. The Ascent measures 196.8 inches long, 76 inches wide, and 71.6 inches tall. By comparison, the Honda Pilot measurements are 199.9 inches long, 78.5 inches wide, and 71 inches tall.
These values make it easier to tackle tighter parking spots, meaning swifter parking maneuvers and less time finding a spot than you'd need when driving the Pilot.
Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot Cargo Space
The Subaru Ascent offers 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and a maximum of 75.6 cubic feet behind the first row. The Pilot offers 18.6 cubic feet and 111.8 maximum cubic feet, respectively. Of course, to get that 100+ value, you'll need to push the front seats as forward as possible, and driving with your knees pressed to the wheel is hardly comfortable.
While this round slants against the new Subaru Ascent for sale, both vehicles offer tremendous cargo capacity. The Ascent more than makes up for it in other areas.
So, Which SUV Reigns Supreme?
A 5,000-pound towing capacity,1 standard AWD, more trim level options, a better J.D. Power reliability score, and more extensive warranty coverage are just a few reasons we think the Subaru Ascent is the right call in this clash between two all-season titans. Schedule your test drive to see the Ascent for yourself.
While perusing our showroom, remember to ask about our Subaru Ascent deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does highway fuel efficiency compare between the Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot?
The Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot are nearly equivalent in fuel efficiency. The standard Ascent gets an EPA-estimated 20/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),3 while the entry-level Honda Pilot gets an EPA-estimated 19/27/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).4 That means the Ascent gets better city MPG, and the Pilot gets better highway MPG. AWD changes these values, but they remain similar.
Which SUV offers standard all-wheel drive, the Subaru Ascent or Honda Pilot?
The Subaru Ascent comes with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, while the Honda Pilot comes with standard FWD. Although AWD is available at an additional cost for the entry-level Pilot, the Ascent delivers the feature at no extra expense. The Subaru Ascent also comes with a standard, thunderous turbocharged engine, while the Honda Pilot does not include a turbocharged option, neither standard nor available.
How do the standard safety features of the Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot compare?
Both the Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot come equipped with safety suites. The Ascent comes with the EyeSight Driver Assistance set of features, including Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure & Sway Control, Pre-Collision Braking, and Automatic Emergency Steering. The Pilot comes with the Honda Sensing Suite, including LaneDeparture Warning, Cross Traffic Monitor, a Lane Keeping Assist System, and Adaptive Cruise Control.
Discover More Subaru Model Comparisons
1Maximum towing capacity varies by trim level. Trailer brakes may be needed. See your retailer for details.
2Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.
3Reference 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?srsltid=AfmBOoopMWn6Pf2VR00kpRlleB3BHve5_jI6pYEp63oYvxs265do5gVf
4Reference 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
5EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and your vehicle’s condition.
6Based 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.
7Warranties 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.
