Honda
Pilot
Subaru
Ascent
Honda Pilot vs Subaru Ascent: 2023 Comparison
The short answer
The Honda Pilot offers power, while the Subaru Ascent excels at fuel economy instead. Choose the Honda Pilot if you prioritize power in daily driving, or the Subaru Ascent if fuel economy matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Pilot
Overall
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability, practicality, and driving experience. The Pilot is consistently praised as a durable, high-mileage family vehicle capable of reaching 250,000+ miles with proper maintenance. Owners express deep emotional attachment, describing their Pilots as dependable partners through major life events.
Best version to buy
Second Generation (2009-2015) models, specifically the 2013-2015 years, are frequently cited as the most reliable and desirable used examples. These are described as "tried and true," benefiting from resolved early-generation issues while retaining the simpler, proven 3.5L V6 and 5-speed automatic transmission.
Known issues
- ⚠Rust and corrosion (particularly in Northeast climates on older generations): affects rear unibody, subframe mounting bolts, transmission fluid lines, and catalytic converters. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Transmission problems (varies by generation): 2002-2003 models have "junk" transmissions; 2005-2008 models can experience torque converter shudder; 2023+ models with the 10-speed automatic exhibit jerkiness, gear hunting, and poor low-spee…
- ⚠Timing belt maintenance: critical service required approximately every 105,000 miles on V6 engines; failure leads to catastrophic engine damage. Frequency: very frequent (as a maintenance point, not a defect).
Ascent
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. The vehicle is widely praised for its safety, all-weather capability with standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, spacious and usable third row, strong towing capacity for the class, and car-like handling. The turbocharged 2.4L FA24 engine is frequently noted for being robust and providing good power.
Best version to buy
Model year 2021 or newer. Specific feedback on trims is limited, but the Limited trim is mentioned positively for its feature set.
Known issues
- ⚠CVT transmission reliability: failures, recalls, whining noise, inability to handle heavy load or towing, concerns about long-term durability. Primarily affects 2019-2020 models. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Disappointing fuel economy: real-world combined mileage reported around 22 MPG, which is considered poor for the class. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Interior build quality and materials: interior rattles, use of hard plastics, compromises to meet price point. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Subaru Ascent is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Honda Pilot, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Honda Pilot is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Honda Pilot or the Subaru Ascent?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Honda Pilot and the Subaru Ascent. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Honda Pilot or the Subaru Ascent?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Honda Pilot or the Subaru Ascent?
The Subaru Ascent is more fuel-efficient on paper: 10.7-11.2 L/100km combined versus 11.8 L/100km for the Honda Pilot, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Honda Pilot or the Subaru Ascent?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Subaru Ascent than the Honda Pilot. See the known issues comparison above.