With regards to reliability and functionality in an SUV, it’s robust to not look straight to the 2024 Honda Pilot and 2024 Subaru Ascent.
The 2024 Honda Pilot seems to be like an off-road beast, particularly in TrailSport trim. Whereas the Subaru Ascent seems to be a bit much less rugged, it’s definitely each bit as able to dealing with harsh driving circumstances, on the street or off.
Let’s see how these fashionable midsize 3-row SUVs match up.
2024 Honda Pilot


Honda gave the Pilot a significant makeover in 2023 as a result of it wanted to compete extra successfully with different extra rough-and-tumble 3-row SUVs. Whereas the 2024 Pilot nonetheless excels at soccer duties, it’s now higher at venturing into the nice past to get pleasure from nature’s magnificence. One of the best-equipped trim package deal for that’s the TrailSport version, that includes metal skid plates, an additional inch of floor clearance, and a TrailWatch Digicam System that helps this 3-row Honda SUV higher navigate trails with a number of rocks and roots. The TrailSport additionally advantages from particular software program designed to enhance efficiency over difficult terrain.
Nonetheless, not everyone seems to be trying to take to the nice outside. Some SUV homeowners are searching for a roomy, snug place to be whereas getting round city. To that finish, Honda has stiffened the chassis and up to date the suspension and steering to enhance agility. Pricing for the Pilot begins at $37,090.
Honda Pilot Highlights
Prepared to flee: The highest entry of Honda’s SUV lineup is the TrailSport. With its 285-horsepower V6 engine, it’s able to towing 5,000 kilos. Honda says that’s ok for a 24-foot camper or a 22-foot boat. The Ascent can match that in all however its Base trim.
Loads of room: In the event you’re driving a 3-row SUV, you’re searching for as a lot seating as you will get, and the Pilot gives that with room for eight passengers. Second-row captain’s chairs come commonplace within the TrailSport, which lowers passenger capability by one. This configuration is extra frequent all through the Ascent’s vary.
Secure area: Whereas Honda has made the Pilot extra succesful off-road, it’s additionally safer. The Honda Sensing Suite comes commonplace on the Pilot. It incorporates a slew of superior driver security know-how, together with Visitors Jam Help, Visitors Signal Recognition, adaptive cruise management, lane-keeping help, in addition to out there blind-spot data and parking sensors with low-speed braking management. Subaru’s EyeSight has lots of the similar applied sciences, plus computerized emergency steering, which can steer the Ascent away from a possible collision if there’s room within the adjoining lane.
Verify this week’s Truthful Buy Value or see the Pilot fashions on the market close to you.
2024 Subaru Ascent


Let’s reduce to the chase: Individuals love Subaru. Even individuals who don’t purchase Subies take a look at them like cute canine on another person’s leash. Nonetheless, those that purchase the model are inclined to keep it up for a very long time. The Ascent, which seats eight individuals, gave these caught in a Forester a spot to go after they outgrew that smaller ute.
Most SUVs — the Honda Pilot now included — look the half: a rectangle on wheels. Nonetheless, the Ascent performs to its model power — functionality — however with a mushy and rounded exterior. Moreover, the 2024 Ascent options eight trim ranges, and AWD is commonplace on every. Subaru vehicles are seen as protected autos, and Ascent lives as much as that notion: It has secured a Prime Security Choose+ designation from the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security. Pricing for the Ascent begins at $34,195.
Subaru Ascent Highlights
Able to rumble: The Ascent isn’t the quickest or greatest midsize SUV, however it solutions the decision when street circumstances get dangerous. With commonplace AWD and loads of floor clearance, it’s able to go in rain or shine — and particularly snow. Regardless of its extra sedate look, it boasts practically 1.5 inches of additional floor clearance.
No sounds of silence: The cabin of the Ascent is snug and roomy, with loads of know-how that makes you a greater driver whereas additionally making it simpler to benefit from the infotainment know-how. The out there Harman Kardon sound system and its 13 audio system and subwoofer pump out 792 watts of clear, crisp sound. Honda’s no stranger to premium sound methods however gives multi-zone audio, permitting the driving force to isolate which audio system have output.
Security first: The Ascent is a protected automobile. With a 5-Star general security score from the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and a Prime Security Choose+ designation from the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS), the Ascent is a protected SUV. The worth of that can’t be overstated. The redesigned Pilot can be an IIHS Prime Security Choose+ however has not but been examined by NHTSA.
Verify this week’s Truthful Buy Value or see the Ascent fashions on the market close to you.
Similarities
Whereas the 2024 Honda Pilot and 2024 Subaru Ascent don’t look a lot alike, they do have one huge factor in frequent: great model loyalty. They’re among the most devoted patrons within the business, and swaying one to maneuver to a different model would require some excellent effort — and options. Of be aware, each have equal guarantee safety and practically similar EPA mixed gas financial system scores (22 mpg); Pilot fashions with AWD do a mile per gallon worse in mixed driving.
Conclusion
The 2024 Honda Pilot is dearer however has a much bigger engine and barely more room. The Subaru Ascent offers you AWD it doesn’t matter what you purchase, and it’s practically $3,000 cheaper on the low finish.
All issues equal, we just like the added decisions and energy of the Pilot. However if you happen to already personal a Subaru, likelihood is you’re completely happy.
| 2024 Honda Pilot | 2024 Subaru Ascent | |
| Beginning Value | $37,090 | $34,395 |
| Common Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.5-liter 6-cylinder | 2.4-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 285 hp @ 6,100 rpm | 260 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm | 277 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm |
| Transmission | 10-speed computerized | CVT |
| Gas Economic system | 19 metropolis/27 freeway/22 mixed mpg | 20 metropolis/26 freeway/22 mixed mpg |
| Additionally Out there | AWD | |
| Specs | ||
| Fundamental Guarantee | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Guarantee | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA General Security | TBD | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capability | 8 | 8 |
| Wheelbase | 113.8 inches | 113.8 inches |
| General Size | 199.9 inches | 196.8 inches |
| Width | 78.5 inches | 76.0 inches |
| Peak | 70.9 inches | 71.6 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.8 toes | 38.0 toes |
| Headroom, Entrance/2nd Row | 40.5/40.2 inches | 41.2/40.0 inches |
| Headroom, third Row | 39.3 inches | 36.2 inches |
| Legroom, Entrance/2nd Row | 41.0/40.8 inches | 42.2/38.6 inches |
| Legroom, third Row | 32.5 inches | 31.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Entrance/2nd Row | 61.9/61.7 inches | 61.1/60.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, third Row | 59.5 inches | 57.0 inches |
| Cargo Quantity | 18.6/87.0 cubic toes | 17.8/75.6 cubic toes |