Is the 2021 Honda Pilot in Albuquerque NM a Match for the Subaru Ascent?

Before you set your heart on the 2021 Honda Pilot in Albuquerque NM, it's time to compare one of its three-row rivals. Let's see how well the Honda Pilot compares to the 2021 Subaru Ascent?

No two families are exactly the same, but their lists of requirements from any 3-row crossover or SUV is well-known: a quiet ride, good safety features, enough space, and a ton of USB chargers. Well, the Pilot and the Ascent have between them seating for 16 individuals, more than a dozen USB ports, and more cupholders than you'll ever need. 

So which one is the better choice for your family? Let's start the comparison.

HOW DO THEY COMPARE?

Both vehicles start with the same idea: three-rows of seats with space in the back for cargo. Both the Subaru Ascent and 2021 Honda Pilot in Albuquerque NM provide the tall ride heights which families desire, and they both offer standard active safety features that families should demand. Their lengths are within a half an inch from bumper to bumper. 

From there, the Pilot and Ascent move away from each other. The Honda is curvier, with organic shapes on the outside that feel big on the road. The Subaru is similarly big, but it's a lot like an Outback that's been enlarged.

2021 Honda Pilot in Albuquerque NM: Stats

Built on a modified SUV chassis in Alabama, the Pilot is powered by a standard 3.5-liter V-6, which delivers 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic are standard on most models, but a fully loaded Pilot Black Edition gets torque-vectoring all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Whereas the 2021 Honda Pilot in Albuquerque NM is built from the ground up on its own platform, the Indiana-built Subaru Ascent rides on Subaru's Global Platform, which underpins everything from the Crosstrek to the Forester. New in 2019, the Ascent is powered by a standard 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four, which produces 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a CVT and all-wheel drive. Both the CVT and all-wheel drive are standard across the line on the Subaru, from the base model all the way up to the fully loaded Ascent Touring model.

Of the two crossovers, the Ascent is more efficient; it's EPA-rated at 20/26/22 mpg city/highway/combined. The Pilot is rated at 19/26/22 mpg.

WHICH IS MORE FUN TO DRIVE?

Although many three-row crossovers/SUVs drive about as well as a refrigerator box, both the Pilot and Ascent are standouts in that aspect. However, The Pilot's 9-speed automatic, which is standard on the range-topping Pilot Touring, Elite, and Black Edition models, is still far from the smoothest transmission on the market. It's prone to slurred upshifts and rough downshifts, which takes away from the otherwise enjoyable experience.

The Subaru Ascent, like the Pilot, is among the rare 3-row crossover SUVs to not drive like a carton of regret. It feels sporty in its handling, steering, and braking. On winding roads, quick reactions make this 3-row crossover feel nimble, like a much smaller vehicle. The Ascent's turbocharged 4-cylinder deserves most of the credit. This punchy engine has excellent "get up and go." Although throttle response can be overly aggressive at times, the Ascent's engine has great low-end torque and very little turbo lag. Its good steering manners and body control make it comfortable for passengers to ride in and confidence-inspiring for the driver.

INTERIOR

Both crossovers seat up to eight with available captain's chairs in the second row. Subaru offers the captain's chairs as a no-cost swap on most trims and Honda does too, but only on top trims. The Subaru's second-row captain's chairs and eight available USB ports keep feuding teenagers separated with their eyes fixed on their Smartphones all the way home (the Pilot only offers up to five USB ports). The Ascent has a bit more cargo room as well; 17.0 cubic feet with all three rows of seats in place vs. the Pilot's 16.5 cubic feet. That kind of difference is mostly on paper, although the Ascent opens up for more cargo with the second and third rows folded down: 86.5 cubic feet vs. 83.8 cubic feet.

SAFETY

Both the 2021 Subaru Ascent and the 2021Honda Pilot in Albuquerque NM offer first-rate safety equipment as standard equipment on all of their crossovers: automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and active lane control. Most Ascents and Pilots will be equipped with blind-spot monitors, too. The Ascent also includes lane-departure and sway warning, and a head-up display. There are also now seatbelt reminders for second and third row occupants and a Rear Seat Reminder. This valuable but uncomplicated standard feature operates by detecting if either of the rear doors has been opened and closed within 30 minutes of the following three situations: starting the car, the vehicle is running and stationary or the engine is turned off and back on again with the rear doors remaining closed. An audible tone and message in the top display panel remind the driver to check the rear seats before exiting the vehicle.

The IIHS rates the Ascent a little higher than the Pilot; the Subaru earned a top "Good" score in the passenger-side small overlap crash test (the Honda earned an "Acceptable") and the Subaru Ascent earned top "Superior" scores for its front crash prevention with vehicles and pedestrians (the Honda isn't rated for pedestrian safety).
 

WHICH CROSSOVER WINS?

The choice between the Honda Pilot and Subaru Ascent wasn't an easy one. Both are roomy, comfortable, and surprisingly great to drive. Ultimately, the Ascent is more affordable, more modern, and ever-so-slightly more enjoyable to drive. The Pilot puts up a good fight, but the Subaru Ascent is the better three-row family SUV.