Honda Pilot vs Subaru Ascent - Which Is Right For You?
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Date: 2019-05-30
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Comments and reviews: 10
EarlR
Havent driven the Ascent so cant really comment on which is better (my limited experience with Subaru makes me think it should also be a great choice, but as a recent Pilot buyer (EX-L AWD) I can say that it is a solid choice. The only things Ive found to criticize so far are 1) the seats, which arent as comfortable on long rides as my 13 Altima, 2) the ride is actually a little stiffer than I was expecting (again, as compared to my Altima, and 3) the computer-calculated MPG is way off. On the third point; I know most vehicles computers will over-estimate the MPG, but in the first chance I had to do a real MPG calculation I found the real MPG was about 3. 5 less than what the computer was telling me. On the plus side, the real MPG was very close to the EPA estimate - my actual was around 20. 4 in mixed driving - but the computer was showing 23. 9 as the average. On the plus side, the stiffer suspension makes for a better handling vehicle than I was expecting, the third row is actually big enough for an adult, and the seats fold to make a nice flat cargo area if you need to haul large objects. The selling points for me were the third row (which I will use) and the AWD system (which I also will use, which in all reviews seems to be one the best of the crossover SUVs. I do have a couple of gripes with the review here too - I personally dont see that a 1-2 MPG difference makes the Subaru the clear winner in that department. When you are talking about cars that are in the low 20s in MPG, I dont see that as a big difference. Also, the thing with getting into the third row with a child seat in place - as far as Im concerned, there is no difference between the two there; both make it (virtually) impossible to do so. I would much rather know how much, if any, difference there is getting to the third row with no child seat in place.
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Havent driven the Ascent so cant really comment on which is better (my limited experience with Subaru makes me think it should also be a great choice, but as a recent Pilot buyer (EX-L AWD) I can say that it is a solid choice. The only things Ive found to criticize so far are 1) the seats, which arent as comfortable on long rides as my 13 Altima, 2) the ride is actually a little stiffer than I was expecting (again, as compared to my Altima, and 3) the computer-calculated MPG is way off. On the third point; I know most vehicles computers will over-estimate the MPG, but in the first chance I had to do a real MPG calculation I found the real MPG was about 3. 5 less than what the computer was telling me. On the plus side, the real MPG was very close to the EPA estimate - my actual was around 20. 4 in mixed driving - but the computer was showing 23. 9 as the average. On the plus side, the stiffer suspension makes for a better handling vehicle than I was expecting, the third row is actually big enough for an adult, and the seats fold to make a nice flat cargo area if you need to haul large objects. The selling points for me were the third row (which I will use) and the AWD system (which I also will use, which in all reviews seems to be one the best of the crossover SUVs. I do have a couple of gripes with the review here too - I personally dont see that a 1-2 MPG difference makes the Subaru the clear winner in that department. When you are talking about cars that are in the low 20s in MPG, I dont see that as a big difference. Also, the thing with getting into the third row with a child seat in place - as far as Im concerned, there is no difference between the two there; both make it (virtually) impossible to do so. I would much rather know how much, if any, difference there is getting to the third row with no child seat in place.
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Stephen Hendricks
Wife and I went shopping for a 3 row crossover earlier this year. Neither the 2019 Pilot nor the Ascent were available on dealer lots at that point but we did look at the 2018 Pilot. Both the refreshed Pilot and the Ascent look to be strong entries in the category. Overall, if I were still shopping I think Id go with the Pilot over the Ascent for several reasons. First and foremost, while Im a fan of 4 cylinder turbo engines, I think a V6, especially one with a proven track record, is a better, more durable, and more reliable choice in this particular category. Second, though Im not a fanatic about it, I just dont like CVT transmissions and adding paddle shifters simply adds insult to injury. I understand why manufacturers are increasingly relying on CVTs for fuel efficiency and Ill grant that theyre improving the annoying behavior of CVTs but saving a single mpg simply doesnt make it worth it, at least for me. All in all, I can see a reasonable argument for either vehicle depending on ones priorities and brand preference. Here in the Pacific Northwest Subarites are a militant group and Im sure theyll love the Ascent. And for the heavy drinkers 19) cupholders may be appealing. :) Having owned several Hondas over the years, I have a considerable confidence in the brand and the updates in the form of torque vectoring are appealing. For our family (2 adults, a 14 y/o daughter, and a big dog) the KIA 2018 Sorento was a near ideal choice. And if we were shopping for a 2019 model I think it would still be the top pick with a more convenient overall size, more efficient allocation of space, a better warranty, and (in the top trim) a more luxurious interior than either the Honda or the Ascent. Others, no doubt, will have other priorities.
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Wife and I went shopping for a 3 row crossover earlier this year. Neither the 2019 Pilot nor the Ascent were available on dealer lots at that point but we did look at the 2018 Pilot. Both the refreshed Pilot and the Ascent look to be strong entries in the category. Overall, if I were still shopping I think Id go with the Pilot over the Ascent for several reasons. First and foremost, while Im a fan of 4 cylinder turbo engines, I think a V6, especially one with a proven track record, is a better, more durable, and more reliable choice in this particular category. Second, though Im not a fanatic about it, I just dont like CVT transmissions and adding paddle shifters simply adds insult to injury. I understand why manufacturers are increasingly relying on CVTs for fuel efficiency and Ill grant that theyre improving the annoying behavior of CVTs but saving a single mpg simply doesnt make it worth it, at least for me. All in all, I can see a reasonable argument for either vehicle depending on ones priorities and brand preference. Here in the Pacific Northwest Subarites are a militant group and Im sure theyll love the Ascent. And for the heavy drinkers 19) cupholders may be appealing. :) Having owned several Hondas over the years, I have a considerable confidence in the brand and the updates in the form of torque vectoring are appealing. For our family (2 adults, a 14 y/o daughter, and a big dog) the KIA 2018 Sorento was a near ideal choice. And if we were shopping for a 2019 model I think it would still be the top pick with a more convenient overall size, more efficient allocation of space, a better warranty, and (in the top trim) a more luxurious interior than either the Honda or the Ascent. Others, no doubt, will have other priorities.
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Collin Smith
For me it boiled down to the Honda Pilot and the Subaru Ascent. I ended up going with the Ascent but sometimes I second guess myself. I had a Honda Element and I loved that car. No real issues and it lasted me 15 years. The Ascents smooth ride and Subarus great reputation for handling in the snow pushed me towards the Ascent, plus my wife wanted to go with a Subaru. The one thing that Alex failed to mention about the AWD systems is Subaru always has at least 20% of the power going towards the rear tires. The Pilot might be more capable in some instances but that initial slippage, where it takes the computer a moment to adjust, you at least have some power in the Ascent in place and that might be just enough to avoid a slide where the Honda might be better at correcting it once you are in it. Anyway I think both SUVs are great cars and Id by happy to own either, as a mostly grocery getter we ended up with an Ascent Premium. A reason to go with the Honda though, if you are less risk averse, is the Ascent is a first year model, and there is always a risk there, where the Honda Pilot is pretty well proven save the 9 speed automatic transmission. If you are an Ascent fan at this point you might want to wait a few more months and get the 2020 model as there might be some bugs worked out. So far I havent had any real issues with my Ascent though. Lastly on my invoice is said 50% of the parts of the Ascent were made in the USA, but not the drive train. Honda even though an Asian brand also builds and assembles a lot of their components here in the USA so I bet that over 50% of the Pilot is made in the USA, though Id double check. Just pointing that out. Overall I think Alexs comparison of both great vehicles was very fair.
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For me it boiled down to the Honda Pilot and the Subaru Ascent. I ended up going with the Ascent but sometimes I second guess myself. I had a Honda Element and I loved that car. No real issues and it lasted me 15 years. The Ascents smooth ride and Subarus great reputation for handling in the snow pushed me towards the Ascent, plus my wife wanted to go with a Subaru. The one thing that Alex failed to mention about the AWD systems is Subaru always has at least 20% of the power going towards the rear tires. The Pilot might be more capable in some instances but that initial slippage, where it takes the computer a moment to adjust, you at least have some power in the Ascent in place and that might be just enough to avoid a slide where the Honda might be better at correcting it once you are in it. Anyway I think both SUVs are great cars and Id by happy to own either, as a mostly grocery getter we ended up with an Ascent Premium. A reason to go with the Honda though, if you are less risk averse, is the Ascent is a first year model, and there is always a risk there, where the Honda Pilot is pretty well proven save the 9 speed automatic transmission. If you are an Ascent fan at this point you might want to wait a few more months and get the 2020 model as there might be some bugs worked out. So far I havent had any real issues with my Ascent though. Lastly on my invoice is said 50% of the parts of the Ascent were made in the USA, but not the drive train. Honda even though an Asian brand also builds and assembles a lot of their components here in the USA so I bet that over 50% of the Pilot is made in the USA, though Id double check. Just pointing that out. Overall I think Alexs comparison of both great vehicles was very fair.
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Jeffrey Washburn
I wanted to thank you for this video and others you made. I was able to see the Ascent for the first time. I am a die hard Subaru fan. I was so excited for the Ascent to come out. But with a family of four and two requiring car seats the vehicles out there were slim. Here are the requirements handed down by my wife. 1. Must not be a mini van2. Must have AWD3. Must have 8 passengers 4. Must have the capability of two car seats sitting side by side while being able to access the rear seats traditionally and not through the hatch. Also wanted to add the Britax was the only safest and slimmest car seat available although pricey it was well worth it. So in 2013 ran with and came up with the Honda Pilot, and Dodge Durango. As you could imagine dealerships werent keen to having an infant, toddler and two 7 year olds running around. Let alone trying out our numerous car seats. We ended going with the Durango. Seemed to be the right choice for value, styling and her requirements. After leasing Durango twice now the Ascent was making its debut in 2018 right in line with our trade in. But Subaru at this time had no test models and she wasnt going to just jump into it without seeing it. Considering it was much different that the Durango. But in the end we went with the 2018 Durango GT with Black Top trim. Sharp looking vehicle but for me not the Subaru. Edit: Also VW Atlas was a possibility in 2018
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I wanted to thank you for this video and others you made. I was able to see the Ascent for the first time. I am a die hard Subaru fan. I was so excited for the Ascent to come out. But with a family of four and two requiring car seats the vehicles out there were slim. Here are the requirements handed down by my wife. 1. Must not be a mini van2. Must have AWD3. Must have 8 passengers 4. Must have the capability of two car seats sitting side by side while being able to access the rear seats traditionally and not through the hatch. Also wanted to add the Britax was the only safest and slimmest car seat available although pricey it was well worth it. So in 2013 ran with and came up with the Honda Pilot, and Dodge Durango. As you could imagine dealerships werent keen to having an infant, toddler and two 7 year olds running around. Let alone trying out our numerous car seats. We ended going with the Durango. Seemed to be the right choice for value, styling and her requirements. After leasing Durango twice now the Ascent was making its debut in 2018 right in line with our trade in. But Subaru at this time had no test models and she wasnt going to just jump into it without seeing it. Considering it was much different that the Durango. But in the end we went with the 2018 Durango GT with Black Top trim. Sharp looking vehicle but for me not the Subaru. Edit: Also VW Atlas was a possibility in 2018
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Russell Delaney
I recently made a real life decision between these two vehicles and chose the Subaru Ascent Limited with package #23 and tow package. As you have noted, there are some pros and cons with each. I liked the look of the interior on the Ascent with the two toned trim (ivory and black. I carry a hitch mount bike carrier and like the hidden hitch which was already installed on the Ascent (this was, of course, an accessory but was already on this particular vehicle. My biggest struggle was accepting the 4 cylinder in this relatively large vehicle. So far, this has not been a real problem for me in real life. I was looking at a Touring model Pilot, so I compared the 9 speed to the CVT. If you like the feel and sound of the shift change, then you may prefer the Pilot. However, this was not a big concern to me looking for a crossover SUV. In the end, it came down to overall appearance and novelty of the Ascent. I enjoy having something new and different. Honda Pilots are everywhere (for good reason - they are great vehicles and I owned a 2004 once upon a time. For now, my Blue Abyss Ascent has turned a few heads (not like a Ferrari, but still. I dont think you can go wrong with either. If you are in the market, check them both out and make your own decision.
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I recently made a real life decision between these two vehicles and chose the Subaru Ascent Limited with package #23 and tow package. As you have noted, there are some pros and cons with each. I liked the look of the interior on the Ascent with the two toned trim (ivory and black. I carry a hitch mount bike carrier and like the hidden hitch which was already installed on the Ascent (this was, of course, an accessory but was already on this particular vehicle. My biggest struggle was accepting the 4 cylinder in this relatively large vehicle. So far, this has not been a real problem for me in real life. I was looking at a Touring model Pilot, so I compared the 9 speed to the CVT. If you like the feel and sound of the shift change, then you may prefer the Pilot. However, this was not a big concern to me looking for a crossover SUV. In the end, it came down to overall appearance and novelty of the Ascent. I enjoy having something new and different. Honda Pilots are everywhere (for good reason - they are great vehicles and I owned a 2004 once upon a time. For now, my Blue Abyss Ascent has turned a few heads (not like a Ferrari, but still. I dont think you can go wrong with either. If you are in the market, check them both out and make your own decision.
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Todd Haynes
Alex my friend, I have some bad news for you. The all wheel drive systems for these cars dont even compare in the real world. My cousin, who lives in Vermont, has an Acura MDX and a Subaru outback. When there is snow on the ground they do not take the Acura out if the snow is deep or slushy. In his own words, the best all-wheel-drive system is a continuous one because they do not over heat, the torque vectoring sounds good but in real world situations the all wheel drive system gets overheated and he told me that his Acura MDX has gotten stuck countless times. In one case, his wife got stuck and he brought the Subaru from their home to pull the MDX out of some snow and slush so that she could drive home. And the one he has isnt even the brand new one with the new snow and slush mode that Subaru put in the car or so he was telling me. They are about to trade their three-year-old outback in on a brand new one and told me that easily half of the cars up there are Subarus of some or 4 wheel drive trucks. He told me there is no way in the world he would suggest buying a Honda pilot over the Subaru. He has had three Subaru is that hes driven for over 250, 000 miles. They are the only cars in his opinion that carry their value over time.
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Alex my friend, I have some bad news for you. The all wheel drive systems for these cars dont even compare in the real world. My cousin, who lives in Vermont, has an Acura MDX and a Subaru outback. When there is snow on the ground they do not take the Acura out if the snow is deep or slushy. In his own words, the best all-wheel-drive system is a continuous one because they do not over heat, the torque vectoring sounds good but in real world situations the all wheel drive system gets overheated and he told me that his Acura MDX has gotten stuck countless times. In one case, his wife got stuck and he brought the Subaru from their home to pull the MDX out of some snow and slush so that she could drive home. And the one he has isnt even the brand new one with the new snow and slush mode that Subaru put in the car or so he was telling me. They are about to trade their three-year-old outback in on a brand new one and told me that easily half of the cars up there are Subarus of some or 4 wheel drive trucks. He told me there is no way in the world he would suggest buying a Honda pilot over the Subaru. He has had three Subaru is that hes driven for over 250, 000 miles. They are the only cars in his opinion that carry their value over time.
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Mark Lilley
In all fairness, I did not try the Honda Pilot, but I was incredibly impressed with the Ascent (Im coming from a 2010 Chevy Traverse, which I loved. I hadnt even heard of the Ascent and it wasnt even on my list to test drive. My long time car guy suggested it to me and I really never liked Subaru. Either too small or ugly. Ever. But wow, this completely changed my mind. The turbo gives it some immediate pep, I love the dash and console arrangement, Android Auto and Apple Auto. It drives really nice, feels roomy (Im 63. 5) and impressed with the third row even for me, but not for super long road trips for me. I had about 5 other cars on my list to look at, all 2019s (Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Honda CRV, even the Toyota Tundra truck for kicks) I put off driving the Ascent because I just dont like Subarus, but now this is probably the one I will buy It has a ton of luxury items that come standard, fantastic safety features, large rear camera. This completely changed my mind about Subarus. BTW, this is also larger than all the other cars I mentioned except for the Tundra obviously, but having a third row was important to me and this really works out. Well done, Subaru.
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In all fairness, I did not try the Honda Pilot, but I was incredibly impressed with the Ascent (Im coming from a 2010 Chevy Traverse, which I loved. I hadnt even heard of the Ascent and it wasnt even on my list to test drive. My long time car guy suggested it to me and I really never liked Subaru. Either too small or ugly. Ever. But wow, this completely changed my mind. The turbo gives it some immediate pep, I love the dash and console arrangement, Android Auto and Apple Auto. It drives really nice, feels roomy (Im 63. 5) and impressed with the third row even for me, but not for super long road trips for me. I had about 5 other cars on my list to look at, all 2019s (Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Honda CRV, even the Toyota Tundra truck for kicks) I put off driving the Ascent because I just dont like Subarus, but now this is probably the one I will buy It has a ton of luxury items that come standard, fantastic safety features, large rear camera. This completely changed my mind about Subarus. BTW, this is also larger than all the other cars I mentioned except for the Tundra obviously, but having a third row was important to me and this really works out. Well done, Subaru.
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sdrcorbu
With my experience owning both a Honda Pilot and a Subaru Outback, I would run from the Honda as fast as I could get into the Subaru and get out of town. Our 2015 Outback 3. 6R with CVT is a dream, while our Pilots Automatic transmission has been a nightmare, and P. S. Honda has a reputation for defective, unreliable transmissions for decades. The Pilots transmission s torque converter is the problem, but the real problem is Hondas egregious disregard and avoidance policy. If you bring your car in to be diagnosed and they cant find or determine the problem, and you follow up with subsequent appointments that dont result in a final determination, Honda strikes (erases) the service history after one year. Are you kidding me? After buying 3 cars from Apple Honda, Riverhead, NY, that was it for me. For many years Honda was the underdog and had good or better products than the competition, but now in my opinion, you cant do any better than Subaru. I certainly hope that Subaru doesnt follow Honda down the hill.
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With my experience owning both a Honda Pilot and a Subaru Outback, I would run from the Honda as fast as I could get into the Subaru and get out of town. Our 2015 Outback 3. 6R with CVT is a dream, while our Pilots Automatic transmission has been a nightmare, and P. S. Honda has a reputation for defective, unreliable transmissions for decades. The Pilots transmission s torque converter is the problem, but the real problem is Hondas egregious disregard and avoidance policy. If you bring your car in to be diagnosed and they cant find or determine the problem, and you follow up with subsequent appointments that dont result in a final determination, Honda strikes (erases) the service history after one year. Are you kidding me? After buying 3 cars from Apple Honda, Riverhead, NY, that was it for me. For many years Honda was the underdog and had good or better products than the competition, but now in my opinion, you cant do any better than Subaru. I certainly hope that Subaru doesnt follow Honda down the hill.
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hugdeath929
Im currently driving a 17 Outback and Im thinking of moving up to a larger vehicle. The Pilot is a beautiful looking vehicle but the seating is lacking in the second row. The bench portion of the seat is thin and does not have enough of a tilt to relieve pressure on the thighs to allow for circulation. Fords trucks, Chrysler vans, Chevy Trucks and pre 2019 dodge trucks suffer similarly. As much as I like the look of the Honda and as good as its engine and drivetrain are those seats would drive me nuts. Ive spent a brief amount of time in an Atlas and that appears to be the most comfortable in all three rows. I see you have the Tahoe on the list of competitors but its listed at the larger end. Its only larger in number. The actual functionality of that third row seat is nil. If you have me one of those large GM SUVs for free I wouldnt keep it. I would immediately train it in for something with actual useable space.
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Im currently driving a 17 Outback and Im thinking of moving up to a larger vehicle. The Pilot is a beautiful looking vehicle but the seating is lacking in the second row. The bench portion of the seat is thin and does not have enough of a tilt to relieve pressure on the thighs to allow for circulation. Fords trucks, Chrysler vans, Chevy Trucks and pre 2019 dodge trucks suffer similarly. As much as I like the look of the Honda and as good as its engine and drivetrain are those seats would drive me nuts. Ive spent a brief amount of time in an Atlas and that appears to be the most comfortable in all three rows. I see you have the Tahoe on the list of competitors but its listed at the larger end. Its only larger in number. The actual functionality of that third row seat is nil. If you have me one of those large GM SUVs for free I wouldnt keep it. I would immediately train it in for something with actual useable space.
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tjs114
If only given the choice between the two, I would select the Honda primarily because Ive seen the long term effect of running a small displacement turbocharged engine in a large, heavy vehicle. That little 4 banger has to work significantly harder to accomplish its job than the v6. Then throw in a truly awful CVT which when it fails (not IF) will have to be completely replaced because the things are nearly impossible to repair. I honestly believe that is why most Subarus are underpowered- to increase the lifespan of their brittle CVTs. As for Subaru EyeSight; it gets defeated by weather far too easily. Alex says run the defogger, but what about the muddy slush that splatters the windscreen and is not removed by the wipers because they dont actually hit where the cameras are?
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If only given the choice between the two, I would select the Honda primarily because Ive seen the long term effect of running a small displacement turbocharged engine in a large, heavy vehicle. That little 4 banger has to work significantly harder to accomplish its job than the v6. Then throw in a truly awful CVT which when it fails (not IF) will have to be completely replaced because the things are nearly impossible to repair. I honestly believe that is why most Subarus are underpowered- to increase the lifespan of their brittle CVTs. As for Subaru EyeSight; it gets defeated by weather far too easily. Alex says run the defogger, but what about the muddy slush that splatters the windscreen and is not removed by the wipers because they dont actually hit where the cameras are?
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