2024 Subaru Ascent vs. 2024 Honda Pilot
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When deciding on an SUV for this year, you may be debating between a 2024 Subaru Ascent and a 2024 Honda Pilot. Both vehicles offer plenty of comfort, safety, and infotainment specs, with the Ascent being a bit more rugged and the Pilot boasting a boxier, larger appearance. No matter the case, a 2024 Subaru Ascent vs. a 2024 Honda Pilot is a fair comparison, as both models attract buyers for many reasons.
This article is here to explain both models and dive into safety, infotainment, performance, interior/exterior specifications, etc., so keep reading!
2024 Subaru Ascent: What's New?
For the 2024 Subaru Ascent, you see a similar model to last year's release. Considering the nameplate had a refresh in 2023, the 2024 models will continue the revised front-end design, standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and include the vertically oriented 11.6-inch touchscreen. Nothing for 2024 has changed, so you're getting the same great vehicle.
2024 Honda Pilot: What's New?
As the Honda Pilot continues its fourth generation, you will not see any changes in 2024. This year, you will continue to see the same range in trims and identical gas-engine powertrains as 2023 vehicles. Like the Ascent, Honda is sticking to what it knows people love for this release.
Interior Details
We see contrasting aesthetics and materials in the 2024 Subaru Ascent vs. 2024 Honda Pilot SUVs. For Ascent models this year, you can expect a roomy and well-appointed cabin complemented by advanced technology features and upgradable tech/comfort. For instance, the Ascent offers a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system in higher trims and premium material seats and trim. Even standard, the 2024 Subaru Ascent feels comfortable and made well.
Inside the 2024 Honda Pilot, drivers will experience a spacious, comfortable interior accommodating up to eight passengers. Moreover, this SUV option boasts second-row captain's chairs in TrailSport models, eliminating one of the seats. You also have multi-zone audio inside the Pilot, giving all riders a music-filled time.
You should also note that both vehicles offer up to eight seats for riders, which makes them ideal for families.
- Better interior: 2024 Ascent
Exterior
Moving to the exterior specs of a 2024 Subaru Ascent and a 2024 Honda Pilot, you have a more aerodynamic vibe with Subaru's model. In the 2024 Honda Pilot, a boxier design is being used, which may come across as overbearing for some drivers. Size-wise, the Pilot is slightly larger than the Ascent, with these being the dimensions of both vehicles:
2024 Subaru Ascent
- 196.8 inches long
- 76 inches wide
- 71.6 inches tall with roof rails
2024 Honda Pilot
- 199.9 to 200.2 inches long
- 78.5 inches wide
- 70.9 to 72 inches tall
Again, these measurements are not very different, and between the two nameplates, the Pilot has a better passenger volume (158 cubic feet) than the Ascent, which has 153 cubic feet.Aesthetics are also very different here, with the Ascent being more adventurous in nature and the Pilot feeling better for everyday roads and highways. Either way, you see a nice design in either vehicle.
- Better exterior: Pilot for size, Ascent for ruggedness/aerodynamics
Engine and Performance
Regarding the engine and performance of the 2024 Subaru Ascent vs. 2024 Honda Pilot SUVs, you will notice that the Pilot is a bit faster overall. For each vehicle's engine specs, the Ascent boasts a standard 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine, producing up to 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This year's Honda Pilot features a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that makes 285 horsepower and boasts up to 262 pound-feet of torque.
Again, the 2024 Honda Pilot is larger than the Ascent and is made to be slightly faster. However, the Subaru Ascent is known to be perky while driving on roads and highways and is quieter than the Pilot on average.
To summarize:
- 2024 Subaru Ascent engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER
- 2024 Honda Pilot engine: 3.5-liter V-6
MPG and Fuel Economy
Moving onto the MPG ratings and general fuel economy of both models for 2024, you see nearly identical estimates from the EPA. For example, the 2024 Subaru Ascent boasts up to 22 combined MPGs, with 20/26 city/highway ratings, while the 2024 Pilot offers up to 22 MPG combined and 19/27 city/highway ratings. In either vehicle, the non-AWD powertrain gives you the best fuel economy, so that is something to keep in mind.
Additionally, the EPA claims the Subaru uses about 4.5 gallons of gas per 100 miles driven, while the Pilot averages closer to 4.8. Therefore, the 2024 Ascent has an edge over the Pilot for broader fuel savings.
Safety and Driver-Assistance
When it comes to the safety and driver-assistance offerings between the 2024 Subaru Ascent vs. the 2024 Honda Pilot, you see excellent standard and upgradable specs. Starting with Subaru, this vehicle boasts standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, acting as an extra pair of eyes on the road ahead and behind (and to the side).
This includes:Â
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning
- Pre-Collision Braking
- Automatic Emergency Steering
- Pre-Collision Throttle Management
Moving onto the 2024 Pilot's safety suite, this SUV boasts HondaSensing technology, which consists of:
- Collision Mitigation Braking
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Road Departure Mitigation
- Auto High-Beam Headlights
Both vehicles are incredibly safe, although the IIHS has given the 2024 Ascent the coveted Top Safety Pick+ award. The Pilot receives a standard Top Safety Pick title.
Tech and Infotainment
Lastly, we have technology and infotainment for the 2024 Subaru Ascent vs. the 2024 Honda Pilot. In either model, you will notice quite a bit of technology being offered, with Subaru giving drivers things like an 11.6-inch touchscreen display; the Subaru Ascent offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features.
The 2024 Pilot, however, boasts a modern infotainment system (7.0 or 9.0-inch touchscreen) with advanced connectivity options, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and customizable sound per passenger.
Get Your Next Ascent at Granite Subaru
With this comparison behind us, there is no better time to swing by your local Subaru dealership, Granite Subaru, to test drive a 2024 Subaru Ascent SUV. Whether you love its ruggedness, passenger space, technology, safety, or competitive price tag, we'll be here to help you make the right decision. See you soon!
