2026 Ascent vs 2026 Honda Pilot

2026 Subaru Ascent vs. 2026 Honda Pilot: Which Midsize SUV Triumphs in the Tri-Cities Area?

Many families in the Pacific Northwest want an SUV that can handle mountainous trails just as effectively as school runs. The 2026 Subaru Ascent offers three rows of comfortable seats and standard all-wheel drive for more engaging family adventures. Other midsize SUVs like the 2026 Honda Pilot can also carry up to eight passengers, but they can't compete with the Ascent's combination of practicality and capability. At McCurley Subaru, we strive to match drivers in the Tri Cities Area with the ideal vehicles for their lifestyles. The following comparison is designed to help you decide for yourself whether the 2026 Subaru Ascent or the 2026 Honda Pilot should be your next SUV.

Capabilities

You'll encounter a wide range of weather conditions in Pasco, WA, from winter snows to summer thunderstorms. The 2026 Subaru Ascent comes standard with Symmetrical all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance to help you get around safely in any terrain or road condition. X-Mode with hill-descent control gives it stable handling over challenging landscapes.

The 2026 Honda Pilot comes standard with front-wheel drive, though all-wheel drive is an available option. Most trims only have 7.3 inches of ground clearance, and you must pay more for the off-road-focused TrailSport model to get 8.3 inches of clearance.

Safety

Your family's safety is the prime objective of any SUV, and the Subaru Ascent earns some of the best safety scores in its class. It consistently achieves Top Safety Pick honors from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Five-Star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The 2026 Ascent comes equipped with the EyeSight safety suite, which includes eight standard driver assistance features. Its adaptive headlights swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination around curves at night in Walla Walla.

The 2026 Honda Pilot only provides five standard advanced active safety features. Adaptive headlights are not available.

Passenger Space

Family vacations are more fun if your whole family stays comfortable throughout the trip. The 2026 Subaru Ascent has 153.2 cubic feet of passenger volume so that everyone has space to stretch out in. This includes 42.2 inches of front legroom.

Like the Ascent, the 2026 Honda Pilot has three rows of seats that hold up to eight occupants. However, it only offers 41.0 inches of front legroom.

Interior Quality

Whether you have a long commute in Kennewick or frequently travel on distant excursions, your SUV should provide a relaxing, inviting atmosphere. The 2026 Subaru Ascent comes standard with StarTex water-repellant upholstery that's both attractive and practical. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever add to its appeal.

The 2026 Honda Pilot also comes with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, but cloth seats are standard. They don't look as luxurious as the Ascent's StarTex synthetic leather and they're not as easy to clean after outdoor adventures.

Dependability

You count on your SUV to transport the kids to school or yourself to work every day in Richland. The Subaru Ascent is known for having a long background of dependability. The 2026 Ascent received a predicted reliability score of 84 out of 100 from J.D. Power - further burnishing its reputation for trustworthiness.

The 2026 Honda Pilot earned an 81 out of 100 predicted reliability rating. Good, but not as impressive as the Ascent's dependability grade.

Price

Despite its standard all-wheel drive, wealth of standard safety tech, and superior interior quality, the 2026 Subaru Ascent's starting MSRP is nearly 1,400 less than the base price of the 2026 Honda Pilot - making it a better overall value and easier on your pocketbook.

Test Drive a 2026 Ascent at McCurley Subaru

While both the 2026 Subaru Ascent and the 2026 Honda Pilot have plenty of space for your family, the Ascent is safer, more dependable, and more capable in difficult road conditions. At McCurley Subaru in Pasco, WA, we offer a full line of Ascent models in our showroom. Stop by our dealership and test drive your favorite trim today.