2025 Subaru Ascent vs Honda Pilot

Three-row SUVs are really gaining popularity. And it's not just families that like them; plenty of drivers appreciate their versatility. These roomy vehicles can carry a group of friends one day and transport a ton of stuff the next. 

The 2025 Honda Pilot and the 2025 Subaru Ascent are two great picks in this category. The Ascent is Subaru's biggest ride, built tough for those who love the outdoors. Plus, it has all-wheel drive as standard for better handling. Meanwhile, the Honda Pilot has been around for a long time and has evolved into a solid mix of practicality and up-to-date features.

So, let's take a closer look at the 2025 Subaru Ascent versus the 2025 Honda Pilot in this car comparison review.

Performance and Efficiency

When it comes to performance, the 2025 Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot take different approaches, but both deliver the power and capability you need in a three-row SUV.

Engine Specs and Fuel Efficiency  

The Subaru Ascent has a 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder engine that gives you 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. It works with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for smooth acceleration. A cool thing about the Ascent is its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which is standard on all models, so you can feel more secure when driving in rain, snow, or on rough terrain. Fuel economy comes in at up to 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, offering a slight edge over the Pilot's ratings.

The Honda Pilot, on the other hand, sticks with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, putting out 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission for smooth and refined shifts. Unlike the Ascent, front-wheel drive is standard, and you'll need to upgrade if you want all-wheel drive. The Pilot's fuel economy is up to 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, although adding all-wheel drive results in some lower ratings.

Towing Capability

Both SUVs can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is perfect for boats, trailers, or campers. The big difference is that the Subaru Ascent provides that towing power on all its trims because of its standard all-wheel drive. The Honda Pilot can also tow up to 5,000 pounds, but only if you opt for all-wheel drive — otherwise, it falls short. If towing is a big factor for you, the Ascent gives you that capability right out of the gate.

Driving Experience and Handling

The Ascent is perfect for families who love road trips, regardless of the weather. It comes with all-wheel drive for good traction, and its CVT offers a smooth drive. Thanks to Subaru's solid suspension, your ride is always comfortable, even on bumpy roads.

The Pilot gives you a more classic driving experience, with smooth acceleration and steady handling making it a reliable everyday SUV. But you have to upgrade to all-wheel drive if you want that extra power and control.

At the end of the day, the Subaru Ascent is the go-to option if you want standard all-wheel drive, capable towing on every trim, and a well-balanced ride.

Interior and Tech Features

The 2025 Subaru Ascent has more space and comfort compared to the Honda Pilot. There's more legroom in the front, making it perfect for taller drivers and passengers. Both SUVs seat eight, but the raised seating of the Ascent gives you a better view of the road. Plus, all trims now come with heated front seats, a power liftgate, and an impressive 19 cupholders.

On the tech side, the Ascent features an 11.6-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hot spot right from the start. In contrast, the Honda Pilot comes with a smaller 7-inch screen, with the higher trims receiving a larger 9-inch screen. While the Pilot does have some quality Bose audio gear in its higher trims, the Ascent also offers an available premium audio system.

The Ascent focuses more on user-friendly tech with its larger, more intuitive screen. So, if you want more space and easy-to-use tech, the 2025 Subaru Ascent is the way to go.

Safety Features and Ratings

Safety is a top priority for many SUV buyers, and both the 2025 Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot come well equipped with advanced driver-assistance features. However, the Ascent sets itself apart with a better crash test ratings.

Every 2025 Subaru Ascent comes standard with Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes forward collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control with lane centering. The SUV has extra safety features such as blind-spot detection, an aerial view camera, and several other cameras to help you see your surroundings better. It also has a five-star frontal crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, showing it can handle crashes well.

The 2025 Honda Pilot also does a good job with its Honda Sensing package, which includes features such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. While these systems offer good protection, it's worth noting that in Honda Pilot crash tests, the rating for frontal-crash is a four-star, which may not feel as safe as the Ascent in a head-on collision.

Pricing and Value

If you want a three-row SUV that mixes good pricing, features, and value, the 2025 Subaru Ascent is a better choice than the Honda Pilot. The Ascent starts at $38,910, while the Pilot kicks off at $40,200. That price gap matters, especially since Subaru includes Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive on all its trims, while Honda charges for all-wheel drive.

Another benefit of the Ascent is the diversity. There are eight trims available from Subaru, making it more likely you'll find one that fits your budget and style. The Pilot, however, has just six trims, and its top trim has a starting price of $54,580 — higher than the top-of-the-line Ascent, which starts at $49,995.

With a lower starting price, more trim options, and standard all-wheel drive, the 2025 Subaru Ascent gives you more for your money.

Explore the 2025 Subaru Ascent at McGrath Evanston Subaru

Check out the 2025 Subaru Ascent at our McGrath Evanston Subaru dealership in Skokie, Illinois. This SUV is perfect for families and road trips, offering all-wheel drive, great safety features, and lots of room. We've got financing options to help make it work for your budget. If you want to take the Ascent for a spin, schedule a test-drive or simply come by and see what this impressive SUV is all about.