2020 Honda Pilot vs 2020 Subaru Ascent

Crossover and compare!

And the winner is…..

When it comes to the best in three-row crossovers, take the time to compare what the 2020 Honda Pilot and the 2020 Subaru Ascent have to offer. Whether it’s ample space you desire or a quiet ride, both crossovers have their own set of advantages that can perfectly suit your specific needs. See what style fits your lifestyle and also what power lies beneath their hoods. Take a moment to compare these crossovers and determine who the true winner is! Jay Honda located on Broadway avenue in Bedford Ohio understands their commitment to success. Similar to the Jay Honda specials in Bedford, Jay Honda wants to peak your interest in a new vehicle.

Overall look/comfort
When it comes to these two crossovers, it is in their style that their difference is first made clear. The Honda is more curvier in appearance, with more organic shapes on the exterior that give a “big” presence on the open road. It boasts an aggressive styling front to back and is considered both rugged and refined. It shows off how Honda is redefining the modern-family SUV. An aggressive chrome layout integrates delightfully and beautifully with sculpted headlights with auto-on/off. Bright 20-inch alloy wheels with machine-finished faces are definitely a show stopper.

While the Subaru is similarly big, it looks identical to an Outback which seems more “stretched” in the rear. A three-row SUV with seating for up to eight, the Ascent’s base and premium trims can fit eight thanks to a second-row bench seat.

While the Pilot’s interior is considered somewhat mundane and quiet, it is roomy enough and comfortable. It features many soft-touch materials, at least in higher trims, and provides comfort in its first two rows of seats. Adults can sit in the third row on shorter trips with no issues at all!

A spacious interior with room for seven or eight can be found in both vehicles, although the Pilot’s third row is more accessible than the Ascent’s. The Pilot’s front seats and third-row seats are considered more comfortable, while the Subaru’s second-row captain’s chairs are a plus!

By comparison, the Ascent has a bit more cargo room, 17.0 cubic feet with all three rows of seats in place compared to the Pilot at 16.5 cubic feet.

Safety first
Both the Pilot and the Ascent are presented with top-notch safety equipment as standard on all of their crossovers. That includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and active lane control. Most Ascents and Pilots will also be featured with blind-spot monitors. Both scored high on safety tests, with the Ascent earning “Superior” scores for its front cash prevention.

Honda Sensing Standard, known to alert drivers of things they may miss, also includes the Road Departure Mitigation System and Collision Mitigation Braking System. The Honda scored a perfect 5 in overall safety, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Rating. The Subaru is equipped with standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which is an extra set of eyes on the road, adding overall confidence to each and every trip! It is a suite of active and passive driver aids that includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency breaking, lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist.

Power trip!
Under the hood of all of the Honda Pilots is a 280-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 mated to a 6- or 9- speed automatic transmission, depending on the trim. Standard front wheel drive is also found on the Honda, which is a popular option. This vehicle is also rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, and its power is adequate for nearly every circumstance drivers can encounter.

By comparison, the Ascent’s 2.4-liter turbo-4 is paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission that results in a crossover that is both efficient and powerful. What is key to this vehicle is that it has as standard all-wheel-drive and an 8.7-inch ground clearance, giving it a healthy share of off-road capability.

Both vehicles manage about 22 mpg combined, and offer a comfortable ride.

Tech savvy features
The 2020 Honda Pilot is loaded with sophisticated tech features, designed to get you on your way day and night! Confidence can be found in the vehicle’s ready-for-anything capability and smart connectivity. There is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration as well as an available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System, which features 3-D renderings of terrain, buildings and road signs, as well as lane guidance. There is Wi-Fi Hotspot capability as well as CabinControl, where passengers can change music, adjust the climate and more using this app on their smartphones.

The sole update for the Ascent’s 2020 model is the addition of a rear-seat reminder system. The way this works is that, after finishing a trip, if the car detected an open rear door at any point, it will alert the user with a chime and a warning in the instrument panel to check the rear seats for any occupants or leftover items. The base model features a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Satellite radio and HD Radio are also standard.

Other perks!
The Subaru, which is sporty and versatile, comes with dual-zone climate control and rear doors that open to 75 degrees. This makes getting into the second and third row much easier! By comparison, the Honda Pilot is a regular winner of the Kelly Blue Book Best Buy Award in its segment. This recognition is due in part to its durability, class-leading reputation and long list of available features. Honda has refreshed the front and rear fascia and updated its 9-speed transmission.

• Both vehicles are considered great for families, with the Ascent offering USB ports for every row and a whopping 19 cupholders in its cabin.
• Honda has a high resale value, plenty of space and safety features and is an overall great bet when considering purchasing a crossover! In fact, it is considered one of the most recommendable 3-row midsize SUVs on the market today!
• Everything you could ask for in an SUV, including a car rooted in comfort, safety, practicality and performance, the Ascent is truly considered a great buy!
• Both vehicles offer the “tall ride heights” desired by families, and bumper to bumper are within a half inch of one another.
• The Ascent is fitted with better standard equipment across all of its models, with Base Ascents coming with cloth upholstery, a 6.5-inch touchscreen for infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. The vehicle also has 18-inch wheels, among other perks.
• On the other hand, the Pilot skips a touchscreen altogether, but does offer cloth and 18-inch wheels.
• Both vehicles cost about $32,000 in their base configurations, but again, the Subaru is the only one offering standard all-wheel-drive.

Overall, the Honda Pilot makes for a great choice for families who do not want a minivan. While it is not truly a standout in its class, it is a good midsize SUV that delivers a smooth ride and good fuel economy in its segment. It is capable, comfortable and finishes in the top half of SUV rankings. Crossover and compare and take a test drive today!

*Based on model year EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery-pack age/condition, and other factors.

For more information, visit Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com. Kelley Blue book is a registered trademark of Kelley Blue Book Co., Inc.