Comparison: Subaru Ascent vs Honda Pilot

If you're looking to have adventures with the entire family plus those who are like family, the 2023 Subaru Ascent and 2023 Honda Pilot are both up for the task, as they are the largest and most capable SUVs ever to come from their respective brands.

With stylish ruggedness and loads of technology for connectivity and safety, it's no secret why these popular midsize SUVs have been family favorites for decades and counting.

Let's look at all the reasons to fall in love with the 2023 Subaru Ascent and 2023 Honda Pilot, with the goal of finding one that best matches the way your family plays.

       

2025 Subaru Ascent Comparison Highlights

For the 2023 model year, the Subaru Ascent is increasing its appeal with redesigned front and rear elements, enhanced safety features, and updated multimedia capabilities.

This three-row SUV sports a bolder look thanks to a new front fascia that features a more prominent grille, redesigned LED headlights, and an aggressively styled front bumper cover that's also very functional. The new front bumper design incorporates lower-edge air ducts to smooth out aerodynamic flow under the vehicle for improved stability at higher speeds. At the rear, Konoji tail lights round out the Ascent's new look for 2023.

As the biggest SUV that Subaru has ever produced, it goes without saying that it's backed by big performance too, courtesy of a 2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru Boxer engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. And regardless of your trim level choice, every 2023 Ascent comes standard with Subaru's legendary symmetrical all-wheel drive and X-Mode with hill descent control, giving you the confidence to go out in any kind of weather on rougher terrain. Plus, with the Ascent's optimized fuel efficiency and uniquely large gas tank, you can spend less time refueling since a full tank can deliver up to 500 miles of driving range.

On the inside, the Ascent takes advantage of its larger footprint by offering a spacious 7- or 8-passenger configuration along with flexible seating for ease of access to the third row or expanded cargo capacity. The 7-seat option features comfortable captain's chairs in the second row with underfloor storage, while the 8-seat variant comes with a second-row 60/40 split bench that folds flat.

And every Ascent now features an upgraded Subaru STARLINK multimedia system that comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can manage your navigation, music, connected apps, and more through the high-resolution 11.6-inch tablet-like touchscreen. Just like your smartphone, the STARLINK system offers intuitive control and gesture support for simple and safe operations.

Speaking of operational safety, all 2023 Ascent models are equipped with the latest version of Subaru's award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which offers capabilities like pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and more. The system powering this suite of advanced safety features has been updated to operate more smoothly and within a larger range of scenarios. You'll benefit from EyeSight's wider field of view, improved control software, and the addition of an electric brake booster.

And for enhanced awareness while parking, a new 360-degree Surround View Monitor provides an overhead view of the vehicle by stitching together footage from four cameras positioned around the vehicle for one seamless bird's-eye view.