Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot: Which Three-Row SUV Is Right for You?

When an actual passenger bus is overkill but the standard SUV doesn’t quite measure up to your (obviously substantial) people-delivery needs, it’s time to turn to the three-row SUV. 

The problem, though, is that not many manufacturers make them. So shopping for a three-row SUV comes down to a short list, with the Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot comparison being one of the most searched matchups in the segment. 

Both models seat up to eight passengers, come loaded with driver-assist tech, and start within about $1,400 of each other. Let’s start off with a quick overview of each. 

Ascent vs. Pilot at a Glance

Category	Subaru Ascent	Honda Pilot
Starting Price	$40,795	$42,195 (FWD)
Engine	2.4L turbo 4-cyl: 260 hp, 277 lb-ft	3.5L V6: 285 hp, 262 lb-ft
Drivetrain	AWD standard on every trim	FWD standard on Sport/EX-L (AWD optional); AWD standard on TrailSport, Touring, and above
Towing	5,000 lbs on every trim	3,500 lbs (FWD) or 5,000 lbs (AWD)
Seating	Up to 8	Up to 8
Max Cargo	75.6 cu ft	113.7 cu ft

On paper at least, the Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot decision often comes down to the following: The Ascent gets you AWD and its full (5000 lbs) towing capacity at every price point, while the Pilot asks you to pay more to unlock the same capability.

Engine, Drivetrain & Towing

The Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot gap gets more interesting once you look past the spec sheet and into how each engine delivers its power.

• The Ascent’s turbocharged four-cylinder trades horsepower for torque: 277 lb-ft arrives low in the rev range, which is why every Ascent trim tows up to 5,000 lbs without an upgrade.
• The Pilot’s V6 has the horsepower edge (285 vs. 260), but its 5,000-lb tow rating only applies to AWD trims; stick with the base FWD Pilot and you’re capped at 3,500 lbs.
• Fuel economy lands close enough for both that neither model warrants an oversell: The Ascent is rated around 19 city/26 highway, and the AWD Pilot comes in around 19 city/25 highway. In other words, don’t expect a noticeable difference at the pump.

Subaru Ascent Interior, Comfort & Technology

• Front-row legroom is generous in both, but the Subaru Ascent interior includes a standard 11.6-inch touchscreen, larger than what many Pilot trims offered before Honda’s 2026 refresh brought a 12.3-inch screen across the board.
• The Subaru Ascent interior leans into third-row legroom (31.7 inches) and an open dashboard layout, while the Pilot’s boxier shape gives it the edge in total cargo and passenger volume.

The bottom line? The Ascent feels roomier up front and is easier to see out of, while the Pilot has the advantage once you’re loading gear behind the third row.

Safety & Subaru Ascent Reliability

• Both SUVs earn 5-star NHTSA overall ratings, but the IIHS edge goes to the Ascent this year. The Ascent earned the top-tier TOP SAFETY PICK+ award for 2026, while the Pilot’s most recent award dates back to the 2025 testing cycle and didn’t carry over under this year’s tougher criteria.
• Subaru Ascent reliability is a fair question. Early Ascent model years (2019 and 2020) had documented electrical and transmission issues. Subaru addressed most of them, and Consumer Reports now predicts about-average reliability for the 2026 Ascent, with RepairPal scoring the brand 3.5 out of 5.
• The Pilot doesn’t have a clear edge here either: RepairPal rates it at the same 3.5 out of 5, and Consumer Reports predicts about-average reliability for the 2026 Pilot too. That’s the honest picture on Subaru Ascent reliability: rocky in its first two model years, average today, and effectively tied with the Pilot rather than a reason to rule the Ascent out.

Which One Fits Your Frederick Driving?

For Subaru Frederick, MD shoppers, the Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot decision often comes down to winter capability more than anything else on the spec sheet.

• Winter on I-270 and the backroads around Frederick County rewards standard AWD. The Ascent has it on every trim; the Pilot only guarantees it starting at TrailSport and Touring, so the base Sport and EX-L need the AWD upgrade.
• Weekend trips to DC, Baltimore, or the mountains lean on towing and cargo. Both handle small trailers and gear well, though the Ascent reaches its 5,000-lb rating without an upgrade.
• For school runs and the daily commute, both cabins are quiet and comfortable. It comes down to whether you’d rather have the Ascent’s easier third-row access or the Pilot’s extra cargo depth.

How the Ascent Stacks Up Against the Rest of the Segment

The Ascent isn’t just worth comparing to the Pilot. Against the Toyota 4Runner, Chevy Traverse, and Ford Explorer, its standout traits hold up: a lower starting price than most of the field, a feature list that doesn’t require a trim upgrade to get AWD or driver-assist tech, and fuel economy that beats the 4Runner without giving up towing capability. 

This combination has made the Ascent a favorite among Subaru Frederick, MD shoppers cross-shopping the whole segment, not just the Pilot.

Take a Test Drive at Frederick Subaru

Browse Ascent inventory or check out the full Ascent lineup to see current trims and pricing. Of course, the best way to settle the Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot question is behind the wheel. It’s a big purchase, and a test drive is always worth your time. Contact us to schedule a test drive, and we’ll get you behind the wheel of your next Subaru.

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