Honda Pilot vs. Subaru Ascent
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Honda Pilot and Subaru Ascent contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Honda Pilot and the Subaru Ascent.
In comparing the Honda Pilot's and the Subaru Ascent's specifications and ratings, the Honda Pilot has the advantage in the areas of resale value, interior volume and base engine power. The Subaru Ascent has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. The Honda Pilot and Subaru Ascent have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the Honda Pilot's and the Subaru Ascent's specifications and ratings, the Honda Pilot is a better car than the Subaru Ascent.
Pricing: A used 2025 Honda Pilot ranges from $39,313 to $53,331 while a used 2025 Subaru Ascent is priced between $36,466 to $51,991. For a new model, the Honda Pilot's price is between $43,749 and $56,483, with the Subaru Ascent priced between $40,483 and $54,484.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Honda Pilot loses 48.3 percent of its value and the Subaru Ascent loses 49.7 percent of its value. This means the Honda Pilot retains 1.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Subaru Ascent.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Honda Pilot’s base engine makes 285 horsepower, and the Subaru Ascent base engine makes 260 horsepower. Both the Pilot and the Ascent are rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with highway ranges of 500 and 502 miles respectively. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the Honda Pilot has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Subaru Ascent has the advantage in the areas of front head room and front leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Honda Pilot and the Subaru Ascent have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
Overview
The Honda Pilot and Subaru Ascent 3-row, 8-passenger midsize SUVs are priced similarly, but the latter comes with standard all-wheel drive, effectively giving it the advantage. The Pilot counterpunches with better resale value and reliability ratings. The Ascent’s exterior design is a touch more stylish than the Pilot’s. The Pilot has a better-sorted interior, but the Ascent comes with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. The Subaru also has a larger, sharper touchscreen compared to the Honda. The Ascent has slightly more cargo room and a lot more cupholders, but the Pilot scores points for its clever interior storage features. While the Pilot offers a quality ride and a more powerful, standard V6 engine, the Ascent is more engaging to drive, especially when the pavement ends, thanks to its turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, extra ground clearance, and Subaru’s X-Mode traction control. The Pilot, however, is quieter than the Ascent and is better in terms of noise, vibration, and harshness.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
43749 - 56483
Starting MSRP:
40200
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
38382
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
31990 - 43000
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
40483 - 54484
Starting MSRP:
39995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
38382
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
31990 - 43000
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
46219
Price Range:
39313 - 53331
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
45804
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
36966 - 59949
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
12188
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
1181
# Good or Great Deals:
413
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
43948
Price Range:
36466 - 51991
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
45804
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
36966 - 59949
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
19573
Depreciation %:
0.48688218
Resale Value $:
20627
Residual Value %:
0.51311782
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.48432299
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.30530799 - 0.56163117
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
20087
Depreciation %:
0.50224136
Resale Value $:
19908
Residual Value %:
0.49775864000000003
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.48432299
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.30530799 - 0.56163117
Honda Pilot Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Subaru Ascent Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Honda Pilot
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
13.4
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.7 - 16.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.401
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Ascent
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.7 - 16.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
39.21854441461925
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.5 - 39.2
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.783858968567717
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.5 - 39.2
Honda Pilot Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 34Ranking
4 out of / 34Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 30Ranking
6 out of / 34Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 28Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 34Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 34Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 34Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 34Ranking
16 out of / 30Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 34Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
20 out of / 34Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 28Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 56Ranking
23 out of / 34Ranking
24 out of / 34Ranking
24 out of / 34Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
40 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 67Ranking
50 out of / 56Subaru Ascent Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 30Ranking
15 out of / 34Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 28Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
26 out of / 34Ranking
28 out of / 34Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 34Ranking
29 out of / 32Ranking
30 out of / 34Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
48 out of / 67Ranking
48 out of / 56Ranking
51 out of / 67Summary Review
The Honda Pilot is one of America’s favorite three-row family vehicles. All but two trim levels offer seating for eight passengers, though many buyers opt for the 7-passenger configuration with two large captain's chairs in the second row.
Summary Review
The Subaru Ascent joined the crossover SUV lineup at Subaru in 2018. It quickly earned the praise of reviewers.
Pros and Cons
- Seating for up to 8 in almost every trim
- Family-friendly features galore
- Among the largest interior volume and cargo capacity of this segment’s SUVs
- One of the most “made-in-America” models in this segment (Alabama)
- No green (hybrid/electric) powertrain option available
Pros and Cons
- Excellent on-road and off-road capability
- Seven or eight-seat configurations available
- Class-leading diver-assist technology
- Below-average reliability scores (unusual for a Subaru)
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Honda Pilot Trim Levels
Black Edition, Elite, EX-L, EX-L+, Sport, Touring, Touring+, TrailSport
Subaru Ascent Trim Levels
Limited 7-Passenger, Limited 8-Passenger, Limited Bronze Edition, Onyx Edition, Onyx Edition Touring, Premium 7-Passenger, Premium 8-Passenger, Touring
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
285 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
262 foot-lbs @ 5000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.066 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
260 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
277 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.059 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 27 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
352 / 500 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 26 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
386 / 502 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.7 inches
Cargo Space:
18.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
87 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
177 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
40 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
60.3 inches
Cargo Space:
17.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
75.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
171 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4313 lbs
Width:
78.5 inches
Height:
71 inches
Length:
199.9 inches
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4433 lbs
Width:
85.9 inches
Height:
71.6 inches
Length:
196.8 inches
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
20.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/50R20
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Pearl
Blue
Obsidian Blue Pearl
Gray
Sonic Gray Pearl
Red
Radiant Red Metallic II
Silver
Lunar Silver Metallic
White
Platinum White Pearl
Green
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Cosmic Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Red
Crimson Red Pearl
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Green
Autumn Green Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Slate Black
Beige
Warm Ivory
