When shopping for cars similar to the Subaru Ascent, you’ll find options like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, which offer upscale designs and spacious interiors.
The Honda Pilot emphasizes comfort and versatility. Each model caters to different preferences, with unique features in design, performance, and safety. As you investigate these midsize SUVs, consider factors like price, fuel efficiency, and interior comfort to find the best fit for your needs.
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Key Takeaways
- Honda Pilot: Offers similar seating capacity and fuel efficiency.
- Hyundai Palisade: Comparable in size and features, but with a more powerful engine.
- Toyota Highlander: Provides better fuel economy with hybrid options.
- Kia Telluride: Excels in third-row space and luxurious design.
- Ford Explorer: Offers a similar midsize SUV experience with varied trim options.
Price Comparison Among Midsize SUVs
When comparing prices among midsize SUVs, the 2025 Subaru Ascent stands out as a budget-friendly option, starting at under $32,500 with standard all-wheel drive included.
However, this price is incorrect; the Ascent actually starts at $41,415.
A price comparison among mid-size SUVs reveals that the Kia Telluride is more expensive, starting at $37,805.
The Hyundai Palisade begins at $38,675, and the Honda Pilot at $41,650.
This price comparison highlights the Ascent’s competitive position in the market.
Fuel Efficiency in the Midsize SUV Segment
In the midsize SUV segment, fuel efficiency varies significantly among models. The Subaru Ascent achieves 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, remaining competitive. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid stands out for its superior efficiency.
| Model | City MPG | Highway MPG |
|---|---|---|
| Subaru Ascent | 20 | 26 |
| Toyota Highlander Hybrid | 36 | 35 |
| Ford Explorer | 18 | 24 |
| Honda Pilot | 19 | 22 |
Efficiency-focused buyers often pass over the Honda Pilot and Hyundai Palisade due to lower fuel economy ratings.
Interior Space and Comfort
As you consider midsize SUVs for their interior space and comfort, the 2025 Subaru Ascent stands out with its generous passenger volume of up to 153.2 cubic feet, accommodating up to eight passengers.
It offers versatile cargo space, with up to 75.6 cubic feet available. Competitors like the Honda Pilot and Hyundai Palisade provide similar comfort, while the Kia Telluride excels in third-row seating and cargo capacity.
The Ascent’s spacious interior guarantees ample room for passengers and cargo, making it a solid choice for family needs.
Design and Style Analysis
The 2025 Subaru Ascent’s design melds rugged capability with modern functionality, featuring bold lines, an aggressive grille, and sleek body contours that command attention on the road.
However, its style is less polished compared to competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride, known for their sleek aesthetics.
The Ascent’s design lacks the luxurious feel of the Telluride, but it offers distinctive options like the Bronze Edition, setting it apart in the three-row SUV segment.
This contrasts with competitors, which often prioritize style over the Ascent’s practical design.
Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot
As you compare the Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot, consider their drive systems: the Ascent features standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, while the Pilot offers front-wheel drive with all-wheel drive available at a higher price point.
You’ll also notice differences in torque performance, with the Ascent’s turbocharged engine producing 277 pounds-feet of torque and the Pilot’s V6 delivering 262 pounds-feet.
Additionally, regarding tech features, the Ascent includes a standard power liftgate, whereas the Pilot doesn’t include this feature on its base model.
Drive System
When you compare drive systems between the Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot, you’ll notice the Ascent offers standard symmetrical all-wheel drive on every trim—no extra charge required—giving you consistent traction and off-road confidence, regardless of weather or surface.
This improves the Subaru Ascent’s off-road capabilities. In contrast, the Honda Pilot comes with standard front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option.
The Ascent’s setup provides a seamless driving experience with its continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the Pilot uses a traditional automatic transmission.
This difference can be key for buyers seeking robust off-road performance.
Tech Features
Whether you’re comparing the Subaru Ascent to the Honda Pilot or considering other options like the Hyundai Palisade, tech features play an essential role in your decision.
The Subaru Ascent offers several key tech and safety features:
- Multimedia System: The Ascent includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all models.
- Standard Safety Features: It offers advanced safety features like Adaptive Cruise Control.
- Integrated Controls: The Ascent provides user-friendly tech controls, complementing its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
Torque Performance
In comparing torque performance between the Subaru Ascent and the Honda Pilot, you’ll notice a significant difference.
The Subaru Ascent’s turbocharged engine produces 277 pounds-feet of torque, offering strong acceleration and responsiveness. In contrast, the Honda Pilot’s V6 engine generates 262 pounds-feet, resulting in slightly less robust performance.
The Ascent’s higher torque improves its towing capability and off-road performance, making it a better choice for adventurous driving. This advantage also contributes to a more engaging driving experience, especially when merging onto highways or climbing hills.
Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander
When comparing the Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander, you’ll notice differences in performance and handling.
The Ascent offers standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, providing consistent traction, while the Highlander starts with front-wheel drive and offers all-wheel drive as an option.
You’ll also find that the Ascent has more passenger space and a slight edge in ground clearance, making it a roomier option for cargo and utility needs.
Performance and Handling
Performance and handling are essential factors when comparing the Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander.
You’ll find distinct differences in their driving capabilities. Here are some key features:
- Engine Performance: The Ascent uses a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, while the Highlander has a V6.
- Drive Type: The Ascent comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, whereas the Highlander offers optional all-wheel drive.
- Transmission: The Ascent features a CVT for a smooth ride, while the Highlander uses an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Cargo and Utility Space
As you investigate the capabilities of the Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander, cargo and utility space become significant factors.
The Ascent leads with up to 153.5 cubic feet of interior space versus the Highlander’s 141.3 cubic feet, giving you a remarkably more spacious cabin.
Behind the third row, Ascent offers 17.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity, besting the Highlander’s 16 cubic feet, though Highlander provides more overall cargo room elsewhere.
Standard roof rails on the Ascent boost utility for extra gear, while Highlander requires an optional roof rack.
Both seat up to eight, but Ascent’s third row is roomier.
Subaru Ascent vs. Hyundai Palisade
The Subaru Ascent and Hyundai Palisade are two midsize SUVs that cater to different preferences in the market.
The Ascent offers standard all-wheel drive and a more budget-friendly starting price, while the Palisade features a powerful V6 engine and refined interior.
When considering these vehicles, you might focus on the following key points:
- Interior Space: The Palisade slightly edges out the Ascent with 155.3 cubic feet of passenger volume.
- Performance: The Palisade’s V6 engine provides more power than the Ascent’s turbocharged engine.
- Towing Capacity: Both can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Subaru Ascent vs. Kia Telluride
When comparing midsize SUVs like the Subaru Ascent and Kia Telluride, several key differences emerge. The Ascent starts at under $32,500, while the Telluride begins at $36,390. Here’s a comparison of some key features:
| Feature | Subaru Ascent | Kia Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4L Turbo | 3.8L V6 |
| Horsepower | 260 | 291 |
| Cargo Space (behind 3rd row) | 17.8 cu ft | 21 cu ft |
| Reliability Score | 82/100 | 86/100 |
Subaru Ascent vs. Ford Explorer
Comparing the Subaru Ascent and Ford Explorer reveals distinct differences in their design and features.
You’ll notice the Ascent comes with standard all-wheel drive, while the Explorer offers it as an option.
Here are some key points to evaluate:
- Seating Capacity: The Ascent can seat up to eight passengers, compared to the Explorer’s seven.
- Fuel Efficiency: The Ascent achieves up to 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, making it more fuel-efficient.
- Transmission: The Ascent uses a continuously variable transmission for a smooth ride.
Reliability and Warranty Considerations
Reliability and warranty factors are essential elements you’ll want to weigh when choosing a vehicle.
The 2025 Subaru Ascent has a J.D. Power reliability score of 82/100, which is respectable but not as high as some competitors like the Kia Telluride, which scores 86/100.
Subaru offers a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Both Ascent and Telluride provide comprehensive driver assistance features, enhancing safety.
However, Subaru’s warranty is less extensive than Kia’s ten-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Safety Features and Technology
As you consider vehicles similar to the Subaru Ascent, its robust suite of safety features helps set it apart—especially since advanced driver-assist technologies come standard across all trims.
The Ascent earns a Top Safety Pick designation, thanks to features like Adaptive Cruise Control.
Consider these safety highlights:
- EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: Includes pre-collision braking and lane departure warning.
- Comprehensive Airbag System: Protects occupants with eight airbags.
- Advanced Passive Safety: Features a reinforced frame structure for improved crash protection.
Conclusion
As you navigate the midsize SUV landscape, you’re like a traveler in Odysseus’ journey, choosing between the sirens of style and the rocks of reliability. The Subaru Ascent, Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, and Hyundai Palisade each offer unique strengths—whether it’s the Ascent’s rugged versatility, the Pilot’s modern comfort, the Telluride’s luxury flair, or the Palisade’s powerful performance. Your choice depends on which siren song resonates with your needs.
