Subaru Ascent vs. The Competition

Compare the New Subaru Ascent Lineup to its Competition at Adventure Subaru in Fayetteville, AR

If you're shopping for a three-row SUV that comfortably fits your family, friends, and cargo, the Subaru Ascent lineup offers it all. While there are many three-row SUVs available, the Subaru Ascent lineup provides many advantages over the competition, allowing you and your passengers to not only enjoy a quiet, comfortable traveling experience, but also providing you with the legendary capability and confidence to traverse poor weather conditions and rugged terrain. At Adventure Subaru, we have a large selection of new Subaru Ascent models for sale in Fayetteville, AR.

We want to help drivers around Bentonville, AR, and other communities drive the best vehicle for them. That's why we're going to compare the new Subaru Ascent to some of its main competitors, helping you see some of the many reasons why the Subaru Ascent is the right three-row SUV for you.

Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot

Choose a new Subaru Ascent model if you want a strong and energetic three-row SUV. The Ascent has a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. The Pilot has a slight horsepower advantage but falls short with 262 pound-feet of torque.

Whether traveling around Fayetteville with friends and family or your next vacation takes you off the beaten path, you'll always conquer the elements thanks to standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive in every new Subaru Ascent SUV. The new Honda Pilot lineup offers standard front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available for a higher price.

All the new Subaru Ascent models come with a standard Starlink multimedia system on an 11.6-inch touchscreen display. With standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, you can use Bluetooth or a USB cord to sync your smartphone device and use the touchscreen or voice commands to control calls, apps, messages, music, maps, and more. The new Honda Pilot lineup has a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an available 9-inch touchscreen on higher trim levels.

Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander

The new Subaru Ascent lineup lets you and your passengers stretch out and enjoy every ride around Springdale, AR, and beyond, thanks to its spacious and comfortable cabin. All the new Subaru Ascent models provide you and up to eight passengers with 153.6 cubic feet of passenger volume. At the same time, the Toyota Highlander falls short with 141.3 cubic feet of passenger volume.

The Subaru Ascent is ideal for traveling with friends and family. It provides a strong performance that's also surprisingly friendly on fuel. One thing that sets the Ascent lineup apart from the Highlander is that all the new Subaru Ascent models have standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, providing you with the best possible traction, control, and handling in any weather and on any terrain, giving you more confidence and freedom behind the wheel. The Toyota Highlander lineup has standard front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available on all Highlander models, but it costs more.

Both the Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander three-row SUVs deliver impressive fuel economy in the city and on the highway. However, you can travel further on a full gas tank in the Ascent. All Ascent models have 19.2 gallons of fuel capacity, compared to 17.9 gallons in the Highlander.

Subaru Ascent vs. The Competition

Vehicle Comparison

 Subaru AscentToyota HighlanderHonda PilotHyundai Palisade
WarrantyThree years / 36,000 milesThree years / 36,000 milesThree years / 36,000 milesFive years / 60,000 miles
Seating CapacitySeven or EightSeven or EightSeven or EightSeven or Eight
Fuel Economy (City/Hwy/Combined)20 / 26 / 22 mpg21 / 28 / 24 mpg19 / 25 / 21 mpg19 / 24 / 21 mpg
Engine Power260 horsepower265 horsepower285 horsepower291 horsepower
Engine Torque277 pound-feet310 pound-feet262 pound-feet262 pound-feet
Engine ConfigurationTurbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinderTurbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder3.5-liter V6Turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder
TransmissionContinuously VariableEight-Speed AutomaticTen-Speed AutomaticEight-Speed Automatic
DrivetrainStandard Symmetrical All-Wheel DriveStandard Front-Wheel Drive (Optional All-Wheel Drive)Standard Front-Wheel Drive (Optional All-Wheel Drive)Standard Front-Wheel Drive (Optional All-Wheel Drive)

Visit Adventure Subaru to See All Our New Subaru Models in Person

We have a large selection of new Subaru models for sale in Fayetteville, AR, and are here to help you find the one that's right for you today. We encourage you to learn more about the new Subaru Ascent lineup online and browse our current selection of available models. We're here to answer all your questions and encourage you to contact us.

Rugged Design

The Subaru Ascent is ruggedly styled with built-in roof rails, protective body cladding, and high-ground clearance. Inside, you'll find thoughtful features like 19 cup holders and several USB ports scattered throughout the cabin to keep all seven or eight passengers comfortable and connected.  

Performance & Capabilities

The Subaru Ascent is the only SUV against the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Hyundai Palisade that comes standard with symmetrical all-wheel drive. Drive confidently over challenging terrain and changing road conditions without paying extra, like in competing models.

Technology & Safety

All but the Base Ascent offers a large, driver-friendly 11.6-inch infotainment system with a robust list of active and passive safety and driver assistance features at no additional cost.

Spacious 3-Row Seating for up to 8 Passengers

The Ascent is the biggest Subaru SUV we've ever made, and that goes for the inside, too. With more passenger volume than the Toyota Highlander or Mazda CX-9 at up to 153.2 cubic feet, it will be the roomy mobile headquarters for all your family adventures with its durable, high-quality materials, convenient technology, and thoughtful comfort for every passenger.

5,000-Pound Towing Capacity

The Ascent offers up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity, the most of any Subaru vehicle ever. With an available accessory Class III trailer hitch, 277 pound-feet of torque, and a wide selection of roof rail and trailer hitch accessories, you can bring along all the gear you'll need for all the places you'll be able to go.

Standard on: Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Onyx Edition Limited, Touring

Maximum towing capacity varies by trim level. Trailer brakes may be needed. See your retailer for details.

8.7 Inches of Ground Clearance and X-MODE®

Conquer rough terrain with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and standard X-MODE, which optimizes the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system for maximum traction on slippery surfaces. X-MODE also incorporates Hill Descent Control for stability and confidence when descending more difficult grades. Dual-Function X-MODE is also available on select trims with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes for even greater capability.

Standard on: All trims

The Subaru Ascent is a Consumer Reports Recommended vehicle.

Consumer Reports does not endorse products or services.

View the Report

TOP SAFETY PICK+

The 2024 Subaru Ascent is an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+.

Pedestrian Front Crash Prevention

The 2024 Subaru Ascent received the highest possible 2023 rating for pedestrian front crash prevention from IIHS.

Why Choose the Subaru Ascent at Adventure Subaru?

The Subaru Ascent is a rugged, capable SUV with plenty of room for family and friends. Compared to top rivals, the Ascent offers more for your money with confidence-inducing capabilities and advanced tech for entertainment and safety, all at a price point that makes sense for your budget. Test drive the new Ascent today at our dealership in Fayetteville.

* Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title or non-infringement. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license. Not responsible for typographical errors.

**The arrival timeline is an estimate. It may vary due to circumstances beyond Subaru’s or the retailer’s control.

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