Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot — What's New for 2025?

If you're looking for a midsize SUV with comfort and convenience features to make routine Decatur commutes a pleasure and the capability to enhance your adventurous lifestyle, the 2025 Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot should be at the top of your list. 

Both vehicles have spacious cabins with advanced tech. These SUVs have unique strengths that separate them, so it's a good idea to compare their features to see which best fits your lifestyle. Join us as we compare the Subaru Ascent vs. the Honda Pilot to help you make an informed decision. We'll discuss the key differences, features, and performance insights to help you choose which vehicle belongs in your driveway.

Exterior Design and Features

The 2025 Subaru Ascent received a refresh that commands attention. The Ascent's sleek lines and athletic posture have that distinctive Subaru style. You'll find standard power-operated heated mirrors with available power-folding capability and turn signal indicators. LED headlights have auto-leveling technology and automatic high beams, and standard fog lamps illuminate the way in adverse weather.

The Ascent's raised roof rails allow you to carry additional cargo and accessories, and its rear roof-mounted spoiler adds style and aerodynamic performance. The Ascent rolls on 18- or 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-season tires for optimal traction. Wheels come in various styles, such as dark gray with a machine finish, black finish, or bronze finish for a customized appearance.

The Ascent's power rear gate provides hands-free access to the cargo hold, and keyless push-button start will get you inside and the engine running with the key fob in your pocket.

The Honda Pilot hasn't seen a refresh in seven years, but it has equipment similar to the Ascent. The Pilot's front fascia has a mesh grille framed by LED headlights and fog lamps. It also has 18- or 20-inch alloys in various styles that wear all-season tires. The Honda Pilot has a power liftgate, roof rails, and a roof-mounted rear spoiler. 

Even though these SUVs have similar equipment, the Ascent's modern design offers a sleek, sporty style, while the Pilot's bold, upright stance suggests a more practical look.

Interior Comfort and Technology

The Subaru Ascent can seat up to eight passengers and emphasizes versatile comfort. Higher trims have standard features such as tri-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated seats, which provide sophisticated comfort. An optional second row of captain's chairs reduces your passenger count to seven but enhances second-row comfort.

An 11.6-inch interactive display operates all your infotainment. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration allow you to sync your smartphone, access your favorite apps, stream music, and make calls. A premium Harman Kardon audio system provides theater-quality sound as you drive down Decatur streets.

The Honda Pilot seats up to eight passengers in a spacious cabin. A removable middle seat in the second row reduces the passenger count to seven. Upholstery comes in cloth, synthetic leather, or leather-trimmed fashions. The entry-level Pilot trim has a 7-inch touch screen, and all others have a 9-inch touch screen. You also get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility with every Pilot model.

Both models offer similar interior equipment, but the Ascent's modern, premium interior and larger interactive display give it a clear advantage over the Pilot.

Performance and Capability

Subaru equipped its 2025 Ascent with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission. This powertrain produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque and can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Every Ascent has Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive (AWD) system for confident driving on various terrains and weather conditions.

Honda uses a 3.5-liter V-6 engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain generates 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive comes standard, or you can opt for AWD. Front-wheel-drive models can tow up to 3,500 pounds, and AWD trims can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Both vehicles have very similar power numbers. The Ascent's standard AWD puts it ahead of the Pilot, giving it better control and higher tow ratings across the lineup.

Fuel Efficiency

The EPA estimates that the Subaru Ascent Premium trim, available in seven- or eight-passenger configurations, gets 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. All other Ascent models rate 19 mpg on surface roads and 26 mpg on the freeway.

Two-wheel-drive Pilot models get an EPA-estimated 19 mpg on surface roads and 27 mpg on the interstate. The EPA estimates AWD Pilot models get 19 mpg around town and 26 mpg on the highway. The Pilot TrailSport trim has additional off-road equipment that lowers these numbers to 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the freeway.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The Ascent comes equipped with Subaru EyeSight, a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems designed to improve safety and reduce stress. These systems use radar and optical sensors to monitor your Ascent in traffic, alerting you to potential hazards. These systems can provide braking, steering, and acceleration to help you avoid a possible collision.

The suite includes advanced adaptive cruise control, lane departure and sway warning, precollision braking, automatic emergency steering, precollision throttle management, rear cross-traffic alert, DriverFocus, reverse automatic braking, and blind-spot detection.

Honda equips its Pilot SUV with Honda Sensing, a similar suite of driver-assistance technology. This suite includes forward collision warning, lane departure warning, collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, lane keeping assist, traffic jam assist, adaptive cruise control, driver attention monitor, blind-spot information, and cross-traffic monitor systems.

Pricing and Value

The Subaru Ascent Premium trim starts at $38,910 MSRP. Ascent's mid-range Onyx Edition, Limited, and Limited Bronze Edition trims range from $32,310 to $47,110 MSRP. The top-tier Touring and Onyx Edition Touring are priced at $49,110 and $49,995, respectively.

The Honda Pilot base model Sport trim starts at $40,200 MSRP. Midrange Pilot EX-L and Touring trims are priced at $43,500 and $47,500, respectively. The off-road-oriented TrailSport model has an MSRP of $49,400. Top-tier Elite and Black Edition Pilot trims start at $53,080 and $54,580.

When considering overall value, the Subaru Ascent offers more features, such as symmetrical AWD, larger infotainment screens, and premium materials throughout the lineup than the Honda Pilot. Subaru does this without the premium price tag that Honda applies to its Pilot models. 

Which SUV Should You Choose?

While the Ascent offers more for less, choosing between the Honda Pilot and the Subaru Ascent requires a personal demonstration. We invite you to contact our team at Stivers Subaru in Decatur, Georgia, to schedule a test drive. One of our friendly, professional team members will answer your questions and demonstrate the Ascent's superior features.

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