Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into a head-to-head comparison that's been on a lot of minds: the 2023 Subaru Ascent versus the Honda Pilot. If you're in the market for a reliable, spacious, and family-friendly SUV, you've probably got these two on your shortlist. Both offer three rows of seating, capable performance, and a host of features designed to make your life easier. But which one comes out on top? Let's break it down and see what makes each of these SUVs tick, so you can make the best decision for you and your family.

Overview of the 2023 Subaru Ascent

Let's kick things off with the 2023 Subaru Ascent. This SUV is Subaru's largest vehicle, designed to cater to families needing extra space and versatility. The Ascent boasts a standard all-wheel-drive system, a hallmark of Subaru's commitment to safety and capability in various driving conditions. Under the hood, you'll find a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers a respectable 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain provides ample power for daily commutes, road trips, and even some light off-roading adventures.

Inside, the Ascent offers three rows of seating, accommodating up to eight passengers, depending on the configuration. The interior is designed with practicality in mind, featuring durable materials and a user-friendly infotainment system. Standard features include a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Subaru's EyeSight suite of safety technologies. Higher trims add features like a larger 8-inch touchscreen, leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system. The Ascent also shines in terms of cargo space, offering plenty of room for luggage, groceries, and sports equipment. With all the seats folded down, you get a cavernous area that rivals many of its competitors.

Safety is a top priority for Subaru, and the Ascent reflects this with its impressive array of standard and available safety features. The EyeSight suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, pre-collision braking, and more. The Ascent has also earned top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, giving you peace of mind knowing your family is well-protected. Subaru's reliability and strong resale value further enhance the Ascent's appeal, making it a smart choice for those looking for a long-term investment. Overall, the 2023 Subaru Ascent is a well-rounded SUV that offers a blend of capability, comfort, and safety, making it a strong contender in the three-row SUV segment. For families who prioritize these attributes, the Ascent is definitely worth a closer look.

Overview of the Honda Pilot

Now, let's turn our attention to the Honda Pilot. The Pilot has long been a favorite in the three-row SUV class, known for its reliability, spacious interior, and comfortable ride. The 2023 model continues this tradition, offering a compelling package for families and individuals alike. Under the hood, the Pilot features a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission, providing confident acceleration and efficient highway cruising.

The Honda Pilot also offers seating for up to eight passengers, with a choice between a second-row bench seat or captain's chairs, depending on the trim level. The interior is well-designed, with high-quality materials and a focus on functionality. Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies. Higher trims offer upgrades like a larger 9-inch touchscreen, a premium audio system, a panoramic sunroof, and leather upholstery. The Pilot excels in providing a comfortable and quiet cabin, making it a great choice for long journeys.

In terms of cargo space, the Honda Pilot offers ample room for all your gear. With all the seats in place, there's still a decent amount of space behind the third row. Folding down the rear seats expands the cargo area significantly, providing plenty of room for larger items. Honda's reputation for reliability is a major selling point for the Pilot. It consistently scores high in reliability surveys, giving owners confidence in its long-term dependability. The Honda Sensing suite includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Pilot has also earned excellent safety ratings, further solidifying its reputation as a safe and family-friendly SUV. With its blend of comfort, reliability, and practicality, the 2023 Honda Pilot remains a top choice in the three-row SUV segment.

Performance Comparison

When it comes to performance, both the 2023 Subaru Ascent and the Honda Pilot offer capable powertrains that are well-suited for daily driving and family adventures. The Ascent's 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides strong acceleration and responsive performance, especially at lower speeds. The turbocharger helps to deliver ample torque, making the Ascent feel confident when merging onto the highway or climbing hills. One of the key advantages of the Ascent is its standard all-wheel-drive system, which provides enhanced traction and stability in various weather conditions. This makes the Ascent a great choice for those who live in areas with snow, rain, or rough terrain.

On the other hand, the Honda Pilot features a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine provides a smooth and refined driving experience, with plenty of power for passing and towing. The Pilot's nine-speed automatic transmission shifts seamlessly, contributing to its overall driving comfort. While the Pilot doesn't come standard with all-wheel drive, it is available as an option. The all-wheel-drive system in the Pilot provides added traction and stability, but it's not quite as capable as the Ascent's standard system in challenging conditions. In terms of fuel economy, both SUVs are fairly comparable. The Ascent's turbocharged engine offers decent fuel efficiency, while the Pilot's V6 engine provides a good balance of power and efficiency. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference. If you prioritize standard all-wheel drive and a turbocharged engine, the Ascent may be the better choice. If you prefer a smooth V6 engine and don't necessarily need all-wheel drive, the Pilot could be a better fit.

Interior and Comfort

Stepping inside the 2023 Subaru Ascent and the Honda Pilot, you'll find that both SUVs offer spacious and comfortable interiors designed with families in mind. The Ascent's interior is functional and practical, with durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear of daily use. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making long road trips more enjoyable. The Ascent offers seating for up to eight passengers, with a choice between a second-row bench seat or captain's chairs, depending on the trim level. The third-row seats are reasonably spacious, although they may be a bit tight for taller adults on longer journeys. The Ascent's infotainment system is user-friendly, with a responsive touchscreen display and intuitive controls. Standard features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to easily connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps.

The Honda Pilot's interior is also well-designed, with a focus on comfort and convenience. The materials are of high quality, and the overall fit and finish are excellent. The Pilot's seats are comfortable and supportive, providing good support for long drives. Like the Ascent, the Pilot offers seating for up to eight passengers, with a choice between a second-row bench seat or captain's chairs. The third-row seats are more spacious than those in the Ascent, making them more suitable for adults. The Pilot's infotainment system is also user-friendly, with a large touchscreen display and intuitive controls. The Pilot also offers a range of available features, such as a premium audio system, a panoramic sunroof, and a rear-seat entertainment system. In terms of overall comfort, both SUVs are fairly comparable. The Ascent may have a slight edge in terms of practicality, while the Pilot may offer a bit more luxury and refinement.

Technology and Features

When it comes to technology and features, both the 2023 Subaru Ascent and the Honda Pilot offer a wide range of amenities designed to enhance your driving experience. The Ascent comes standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Subaru's EyeSight suite of safety technologies. Higher trims add features like a larger 8-inch touchscreen, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system. The EyeSight suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, pre-collision braking, and more.

The Honda Pilot also offers a comprehensive suite of technology features, including an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies. Higher trims offer upgrades like a larger 9-inch touchscreen, a premium audio system, and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Honda Sensing suite includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Both SUVs offer a range of available features, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference and which features are most important to you.

Safety Ratings and Features

Safety is a top priority for families, and both the 2023 Subaru Ascent and the Honda Pilot excel in this area. The Ascent has earned top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, reflecting Subaru's commitment to safety. The Ascent comes standard with Subaru's EyeSight suite of safety technologies, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, pre-collision braking, and more. These features help to prevent accidents and protect occupants in the event of a collision.

The Honda Pilot has also earned excellent safety ratings, solidifying its reputation as a safe and family-friendly SUV. The Pilot comes standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies. Honda Sensing includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Both SUVs offer a range of available safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. With their comprehensive safety features and excellent safety ratings, both the Ascent and the Pilot provide peace of mind for families.

Price and Value

When it comes to price and value, both the 2023 Subaru Ascent and the Honda Pilot offer competitive options in the three-row SUV segment. The Ascent typically has a slightly lower starting price than the Pilot, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. However, the Pilot offers a wider range of trims and features, allowing you to customize it to your specific needs and preferences. Both SUVs offer good value for money, with a range of standard and available features that enhance their appeal.

Subaru's reputation for reliability and strong resale value further enhances the Ascent's value proposition. Honda is also known for its reliability, which makes the Pilot a smart choice for those looking for a long-term investment. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. If you're looking for the most affordable option with standard all-wheel drive, the Ascent may be the better choice. If you prefer a wider range of trims and features, the Pilot could be a better fit.

Conclusion: Which SUV is Right for You?

So, after a thorough comparison, which SUV reigns supreme: the 2023 Subaru Ascent or the Honda Pilot? The answer, as always, depends on your specific needs and preferences.

If you prioritize standard all-wheel drive, a slightly lower price point, and a reputation for safety and reliability, the Subaru Ascent is an excellent choice. It's a capable and practical SUV that's well-suited for families who need extra space and versatility.

On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother V6 engine, a more refined interior, and a wider range of available features, the Honda Pilot may be a better fit. It's a comfortable and reliable SUV that's perfect for long road trips and daily commutes.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which SUV is right for you is to take both for a test drive and see which one feels better. Consider your budget, your needs, and your preferences, and choose the SUV that best meets your requirements. Happy driving, folks!