Subaru Ascent vs. the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander

Compare the Subaru Outback to the Midsize SUV Competition near Albany and Schenectady, NY

With its comfortable and flexible accommodations, standard driver-assist technologies, and all-weather capability, the Subaru Ascent delivers the automaker's renowned safety and capability in a three-row family-friendly format. Subaru's largest model offers a roomy cabin with ample cargo capacity and many appealing amenities, including standard features like Subaru's STARLINK® Multimedia system and EyeSight® driving aids. Plus, all models include performance-enhancing attributes like Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive, X-MODE advanced traction management, and 8.7-inches of ground clearance, providing sure-footed confidence for all Upstate New York Seasons.













 

Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander

Interior and Utility

The Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander each offer comfortable cabins with quality materials and desirable amenities. However, the Ascent treats passengers to a roomier third row, where they'll have an extra four inches of legroom and 2.2-inches more shoulder room than the Highlander.

Both models also offer ample cargo capacity. The Ascent's storage area measures 18 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 86.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Highlander falls a bit behind but still offers a usable 16 to 84.3 cubic feet behind the third and first rows, respectively. However, the Ascent's standard raised roof rails come in handy for adventure gear that won't fit inside the cabin. The Highlander requires climbing the trim ladder.

Capability

Both models equip potent powerplants and offer quick acceleration for their size. Still, the Ascent offers a smoother ride and more composed handling. It also gains the upper hand when venturing off the asphalt, with standard features like Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive, X-MODE advanced traction management, and elevated ground clearance. The Highlander's clearance is nearly an inch lower, and AWD is only optional for all trims.

Features

The Ascent and Highlander are well-equipped SUVs with appealing standard features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and three-zone automatic climate control. But the Ascent makes several features more accessible, offering them at lower trim levels than the Highlander. A few examples include heated seats, a power liftgate, Blind-Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot

Interior and Utility

The Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot have nearly identical-sized second and third-row passenger areas. But the Ascent is more accommodating for front-seat occupants, with 1.3-inches more legroom and 1.2-inches more headroom.

As three-row midsize SUVs, the Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot naturally offer excellent practicality. Still, the Ascent offers a bit more cargo capacity, with 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 47.5 behind the second, and 86.5 behind the first. The Honda Pilot offers storage measurements of 16.5, 47.8, and 83.9, respectively. If you've got gear that's too large for the interior, the Ascent's standard raised roof rails give you better flexibility than the Pilot's low-profile rails.

Capability

While both models boast well-behaved driving dynamics, it's tough to beat the Ascent when comparing on-road ride quality and handling. And when it comes to exploring beyond the pavement, the Ascent asserts its superiority with features like taller ground clearance, Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive, and X-MODE advanced traction control.

Features

Each model comes standard with a suite of driving aids, including collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Ascent's Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane-Centering is more advanced than the Pilot's. The Ascent also comes standard with LED adaptive headlights that turn with the steering wheel for better visibility around corners. The Honda Pilot doesn't offer this feature.













 

 

Experience the Subaru Ascent near Troy, NY

Get in touch with Capitaland Subaru to learn more about the Subaru Ascent's available features, financing offers, and reservation opportunities. And if you'd like to see for yourself what makes the Ascent an excellent choice for your family's daily drives, we invite you to visit our Glenville, NY, Subaru dealership for a firsthand look at its accommodations, amenities, and performance. We'll be happy to set you up with a test drive.