Close 2026 Subaru Ascent vs Honda Pilot
2026 Honda Pilot vs. 2026 Subaru Ascent
If you are comparing midsize three-row SUVs, the 2026 Honda Pilot and 2026 Subaru Ascent are two family-focused options that offer strong utility in different ways. This comparison page brings together pricing, performance, seating, cargo room, towing, fuel economy, and safety details so you can review them side by side before deciding which SUV works best for your needs.
At McCarthy Subaru of Lawrence, we know many shoppers in this segment want a capable family SUV with everyday comfort, solid safety, and enough flexibility for road trips, carpools, and weekend cargo. The 2026 Subaru Ascent stands out for standard all-wheel drive, quick tested acceleration, strong towing capacity, and a practical all-weather setup, while the 2026 Honda Pilot leans into roomy seating, smoother power delivery, and a stronger overall expert rating.
View our new Subaru Ascent inventory, explore our finance department, schedule service, or contact our team when you are ready for the next step.
Quick Comparison
| Category | 2026 Honda Pilot | 2026 Subaru Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $43,690 | $42,245 |
| Car and Driver Expert Rating | 8.5/10 | 6/10 |
| Rank In Segment | #5 in Best Mid-Size 3-Row SUVs | #17 in Best Mid-Size 3-Row SUVs |
| Fuel Economy (EPA Est. MPG) | 22 combined (est.) / 19 city (est.) / 27 highway (est.) | 22 combined / 19 city / 26 highway |
| Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs on base trim shown; up to 5,000 lbs with AWD per source notes | 5,000 lbs |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Blind Spot Monitor | Yes | Yes |
Key Differences
The 2026 Honda Pilot takes a more traditional family-SUV approach with a naturally aspirated V-6, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and more seating capacity in most trims. In the comparison information you shared, it also earns the higher expert rating and offers slightly more cargo room behind the third row.
The 2026 Subaru Ascent answers with standard all-wheel drive, quicker tested acceleration in the figures you provided, and stronger towing capability in the trim shown. The Ascent also returns a slightly better 75-mph highway fuel economy result in the cited testing and brings Subaru's EyeSight safety suite standard across the lineup.
What You Need to Know
2026 Honda Pilot
The 2026 Honda Pilot is a roomy three-row SUV aimed at families who want smooth V-6 power, comfortable ride quality, and a versatile cabin. The source information you provided notes a 285-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and 0-60 mph times as quick as 6.9 to 7.1 seconds in tested trims.
Most Pilot trims seat eight, and Honda adds updated cabin tech for 2026 with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and 10.2-inch digital cluster across the lineup in the source summary. For buyers who want a refined, roomy, and easy-to-live-with three-row SUV, the Pilot remains a strong choice.
2026 Subaru Ascent
The 2026 Subaru Ascent focuses more on standard all-weather confidence and family-ready practicality. In the comparison details you supplied, it uses a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four making 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, and it reached 60 mph in 6.8 seconds in testing.
The Ascent includes standard all-wheel drive, an 11.6-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Subaru EyeSight safety technology across all trims. While the source notes some powertrain noise and tighter third-row accommodations, the Ascent still stands out for capability, towing strength, and confidence in changing conditions.
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Pilot | Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gallons | 19.3 gallons |
| Fuel Economy (EPA Est. MPG) | 22 (est.) / 19 (est.) / 27 (est.) | 22 / 19 / 26 |
| 75-mph Highway Test | 27 mpg on Pilot Elite; 22 mpg on Pilot TrailSport in source notes | 28 mpg |
Warranty
| Coverage | Pilot | Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Roadside Assistance | 3 years / 36,000 miles | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Drivetrain | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Corrosion | 5 years / unlimited miles | 5 years / unlimited miles |
Interior & Storage Space
| Measurement | Pilot | Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
| Passenger Volume | 158.4 cu ft | 153.2 cu ft |
| Cargo Volume Behind Third Row | 19 cu ft | 18 cu ft |
| Cargo Volume Behind First Row | 55.1 cu ft | 54.7 cu ft |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in | 42.2 in |
| Second Leg Room | 40.8 in | 38.6 in |
Specifications
| Specification | Pilot | Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 285 @ 6100 | 260 @ 5600 |
| Torque | 262 @ 5000 | 277 @ 2000 |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | CVT |
| Turning Diameter | 37.8 ft | 38.0 ft |
Safety & Driver Assistance
| Feature | Pilot | Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | Yes | Yes |
| Front Collision Mitigation | Yes | Yes |
| Lane Departure Warning | Yes | Yes |
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating | Not listed in the source comparison | Not listed in the source comparison |
Why McCarthy Subaru of Lawrence?
McCarthy Subaru of Lawrence offers a straightforward place to research, compare, and shop for the 2026 Subaru Ascent. From new Subaru inventory and online finance tools to service support and trade-in resources, our dealership is built to help local and regional shoppers move from research to ownership with confidence.
Our Why McCarthy message emphasizes customer satisfaction and values such as teamwork, opportunity, integrity, adaptability, and community. If the Ascent's standard all-wheel drive, strong safety technology, and family-ready flexibility line up with what you want from a three-row SUV, our team can help you compare trims, review availability, value your trade, and explore financing options.
Learn more on our Why McCarthy page, shop new Ascent inventory, or get started with our finance department.
Helpful Links
Continue your research with these helpful pages: Ascent inventory | Finance | Service | Contact | Subaru showroom
External Sources
This comparison page was informed by the following source: Car and Driver comparison tool
Frequently Asked Questions
Which SUV is quicker, the 2026 Honda Pilot or 2026 Subaru Ascent?
Based on the testing figures you provided, the 2026 Subaru Ascent is slightly quicker. It reached 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, while the tested 2026 Honda Pilot trims ran between 6.9 and 7.1 seconds.
Does the 2026 Subaru Ascent come with all-wheel drive?
Yes. The 2026 Subaru Ascent comes standard with all-wheel drive in this comparison, while the 2026 Honda Pilot trim shown uses front-wheel drive.
Which SUV has more cargo room behind the third row?
In the cargo figures you shared, the 2026 Honda Pilot has a slight advantage behind the third row with 19 cubic feet versus 18 cubic feet in the 2026 Subaru Ascent.
Which SUV can tow more?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent has the towing advantage in the trim comparison shown, with a 5,000-pound tow rating. The base 2026 Honda Pilot trim shown is listed at 3,500 pounds, though the source notes that AWD Pilot versions can also tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Why choose the 2026 Subaru Ascent?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent is a strong fit for buyers who want standard all-wheel drive, strong towing capability, useful family space, and standard Subaru EyeSight driver-assist features in a three-row SUV.
Can I shop 2026 Subaru Ascent inventory online?
Yes. You can explore new 2026 Subaru Ascent inventory online at McCarthy Subaru of Lawrence, then contact our team for trim availability, financing questions, and next-step help.
Where is McCarthy Subaru of Lawrence located?
McCarthy Subaru of Lawrence is located at 2101 W 29th Terrace, Lawrence, KS 66047. You can reach the dealership at (785) 503-3297 for sales, service, finance, and inventory support.