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2026 Honda Pilot vs. 2026 Subaru Ascent Comparison

See how the 2026 Honda Pilot and 2026 Subaru Ascent performed in our rigorous, independent road tests. Our experts evaluate hundreds of vehicles annually at our 327-acre testing facility, putting each model through over 50 data-driven assessments—including braking, emergency handling, fuel economy, and cabin noise. Review our side-by-side comparison of tested specifications, real-world fuel efficiency, and crash-test safety ratings to see which is the best for reliability, performance, and more.

Comparing 2 Models

Pilot 2026

Midsized SUVs 3-row

2026 Honda Pilot

$42,395 - $55,195

All Test Results

Ascent 2026

Midsized SUVs 3-row

2026 Subaru Ascent

$40,795 - $51,995

All Test Results
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About
About
The Pilot is roomy, comfortable, and user-friendly. The smooth and refined V6 engine produces 285 hp and pulls strongly. It's paired with a slick, responsive 10-speed automatic. Most versions have an eight-passenger seating configuration with a flat-...
 
The Ascent's turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers ample power in daily driving and gets 22 mpg overall. But the jumpy initial takeoff takes some getting used to. The Ascent's plush ride is steady and controlled, and the suspension does an excel...
Highs
Highs
Green Checkmark Icon Smooth powertrain
Green Checkmark Icon Comfortable ride
Green Checkmark Icon Short braking distances
Green Checkmark Icon Roomy interior
Green Checkmark Icon Adult-sized third row
Green Checkmark Icon User-friendly controls
 
Green Checkmark Icon Comfortable ride
Green Checkmark Icon Quiet cabin
Green Checkmark Icon Lots of interior room
Green Checkmark Icon Airy outward visibility
Green Checkmark Icon Short stopping distances
Green Checkmark Icon Most controls are easy to use
Lows
Lows
Red 'X' Icon Short on handling agility
 
Red 'X' Icon Short on handling agility
Road Test Score
Road Test Score
/ 100
 
/ 100
Reliability
Reliability
/ 100
 
/ 100
Owner Satisfaction
Owner Satisfaction
/ 100
 
/ 100

Overview

Body Styles
Body Styles

4-door SUV

 

4-door SUV

Trim Lines
Trim Lines

Trailsport, Sport, Elite, EX-L, Black Edition, Touring

 

Premium, Limited, Touring, Bronze Edition, Onyx Edition Touring

Base Price Range
Base Price Range

$42,395 - $55,195

 

$40,795 - $51,995

Drive Wheels
Drive Wheels

AWD, FWD

 

AWD

Seating Capacity
Seating Capacity

2 Front, 3 Rear, 3 Third

 

2 Front, 3 Rear, 3 Third

Engines/Motors
Engines/Motors

3.5-liter V6 (285 hp)

 

2.4-liter 4 turbo (260 hp)

Transmissions Available
Transmissions Available

10-speed Automatic

 

CVT

Performance

Comfort & Convenience

Fuel Economy & Range

Vehicle Safety

Specification

Warranty

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Auto Test Center

Precision testing comes standard at our 327-acre auto test center.

TESTING LIKE NOBODY ELSE

50+

tests are conducted on every car we buy.

PERFORMANCE TESTING

6

miles of track for testing acceleration, ride, handling, braking, and advanced driver assist systems.

TIRE TESTING

400

tires tested a year for all-weather grip and rolling resistance.