2023 Subaru Ascent vs. 2023 Honda Pilot

They might both be three-row SUVs, but there are still many differences between the 2023 Subaru Ascent and the Honda Pilot. Sure, the Pilot has a little bit more power and a very slight advantage on cargo space-but our 2023 Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot comparison shows the Ascent wins out in several areas that truly matter to families in Orlando and Lake Mary. With an impressive safety rating, standard AWD, better fuel economy, and better standard infotainment features, the Ascent should be at the top of your list.

2023 Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot: Safety Ratings

The 2023 Honda Pilot has not been evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and since it's been completely redesigned for the new model year, there's really no telling how it will perform. However, it's worth noting that the 2022 Honda Pilot hasn't set a very high bar for improvement: it earned Acceptable, Marginal, and even Poor ratings in several areas.

The 2023 Subaru Ascent earned a score of Good or Superior in every single one of the IIHS crash tests and evaluations. It's even been named as a Top Safety Pick+ for 2023! In other words, there's a big difference between the 2023 Subaru Ascent and the Honda Pilot where safety is concerned.

What accounts for this difference? Although both models offer impressive driver-assistance systems and safety features, only the Subaru comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. To get AWD in the Pilot, you'll need to pay extra or upgrade to an upper-level trim.

2023 Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot: Fuel Economy

Both the Ascent and the Pilot come equipped with V6 engines-but the V6 in the Ascent is more efficient. If we compare the Ascent to a Pilot with all-wheel drive, the difference is plain to see:

2023 Subaru Ascent Fuel Economy

• City: Up to 20 mpg with AWD*
• Highway: Up to 26 mpg with AWD*

2023 Honda Pilot Fuel Economy

• City: Up to 17 mpg with AWD
• Highway: Up to 25 mpg with AWD

2023 Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot: Infotainment

If you're buying or leasing a new SUV, you shouldn't have to worry about small screens, cables, and other inconveniences. That's why Subaru equips every 2023 Subaru Ascent with an 11.6-inch central touchscreen, along with Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto®.

Honda offers the Pilot with a standard 7.0-inch touchscreen that leaves something to be desired. Even if you upgrade, a 9-inch touchscreen is the largest that you can get in the Pilot.

Additionally, although the Pilot comes standard with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto®, you'll need to plug your phone into the vehicle in order to use the feature. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto® are completely unavailable in the Pilot unless you upgrade all the way to the much-more-expensive EX-L trim level or higher.

Test Drive the Subaru Ascent in Orlando Today

So, should you choose the 2023 Subaru Ascent or Honda Pilot? We think the decision is an easy one. Our dealership in Sanford, Florida has the new Subaru Ascent in stock today, and we'd love for you to stop in and take a closer look. Start exploring our new Ascent inventory at home, and just let us know when you're ready to make the trip from Altamonte Springs or Deltona. If you prefer, you can even buy your next SUV online!

*EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and your vehicle's condition.