VS
At a Glance
Power
285hp @ 6100
260hp @ 5600
Torque
262lb-ft @ 5000
277lb-ft @ 2000
Fuel
23 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Towing
3500lbs
5000lbs
Engine
3.5 L/212ci
2.4 L/146ci
Choosing between the Honda Pilot and the Subaru Ascent is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Honda Pilot delivers 285hp @ 6100 while the Subaru Ascent produces 260hp @ 5600. On fuel, the Pilot returns 23 mpg est. while the Ascent uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $44,495 for the Pilot and $51,995 for the Ascent. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Honda PilotEX-L 2WD 2026 - From $44,495
Subaru AscentOnyx Edition Touring 7-Passenger 2026 - From $51,995
Performance
Power Output (hp)
285hp @ 6100
260hp @ 5600
Torque (lb-ft)
262lb-ft @ 5000
277lb-ft @ 2000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.5 L/212ci
2.4 L/146ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
23 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
19 (Est)mpg
19mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
27 (Est)mpg
25mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18.5gal
19.3gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
200.1in
196.8in
Width (in)
78.5in
76in
Height (in)
70.9in
71.6in
Wheelbase (in)
113.8in
113.8in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4334lbs
4588lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
5000lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Honda Pilot
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Pilot
Fuel Economy
Pilot
Value
Pilot
Practicality
Ascent
Pros & Cons
Honda Pilot
Better fuel economy (23 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($44,495)
Few notable weaknesses
Subaru Ascent
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Pilot or Ascent?
The Pilot gets 23 mpg est. and the Ascent gets 22 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Pilot is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Pilot or Ascent?
The Pilot produces 285hp @ 6100 and 262lb-ft @ 5000 of torque while the Ascent delivers 260hp @ 5600 and 277lb-ft @ 2000 of torque. The Pilot is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Pilot and Ascent?
The Pilot starts from $44,495 and the Ascent from $51,995. The Pilot is cheaper by $7,500 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Pilot or Ascent?
The Pilot has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Ascent can tow 5000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Pilot or the Ascent?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.