Subaru Ascent vs Honda Pilot—it’s a matchup that many car shoppers consider when choosing a reliable 3-row SUV. Both promise space, safety, and long-term value, but which one truly stands the test of time?
In this data-backed comparison, we dig into long-term reliability, common issues, and real-world ownership trends. And you might just be surprised by what the long-term data tells us about each of these vehicles.
Before you buy, see how the Ascent and Pilot really stack up when it comes to the problems that matter most.
Subaru Ascent vs Honda Pilot: All-Weather Confidence or Proven Practicality?
If you’re weighing the Subaru Ascent against the Honda Pilot, your choice may come down to how much you prioritize all-weather capability versus practicality. The Ascent delivers standard all-wheel drive across all trims, making it a go-to for families who value confident handling in rain and snow. Its cabin is modern and packed with safety tech, appealing to those who want peace of mind on every drive.
Meanwhile, the Honda Pilot has earned its reputation for rock-solid reliability ever since it’s debut in 2003. It offers more cargo space than the Ascent, comes standard with front-wheel drive (with all-wheel drive available), and delivers a smooth, composed ride. It’s a practical workhorse that consistently ranks among the most dependable family SUVs on the market.
But is the Honda Pilot still the king of long-term reliability, or has the Subaru Ascent stolen the crown? Let’s dive into real-world owner data to find out.
Ascent vs Pilot Reliability Ratings Through the Years
When looking at J.D. Power ratings, the Honda Pilot has consistently stood out with better than average marks over the years. For instance, the 2014 Honda Pilot earned an impressive 81 out of 100, with a ‘Great’ rating for Quality & Reliability.” This matters because higher reliability often means fewer repairs and better resale value.
However, around the 2019 model year overall reliability slipped a few notches. Consumer Reports rated the 2019 Pilot’s predicted reliability as 3 out of 5, indicating average reliability compared to other vehicles in its class.
The Subaru Ascent debuted in 2019, and while many owners praise its comfort and features, reliability has been inconsistent. Early models faced transmission and electrical problems, but recent model years show improvement as Subaru has addressed those concerns.
Digging into real-world reliability ratings, Car IQ Report’s reliability data shows that over the last several model years, both the Ascent and Pilot have had their hits and misses in reliability.
In 2019, the Honda Pilot remained a dominant force in the midsize SUV market with 135,008 units sold in the U.S., significantly outpacing the Subaru Ascent, which posted 81,958 sales in its first full year on the market.
According to Car IQ Report data, the Honda Pilot had more total complaints, but it also sold significantly more units. When normalized per 1,000 units sold, the complaint rates are nearly identical — in fact, the Ascent is slightly higher.
Of course the total number of complaints alone doesn’t indicate long-term reliability problems. Instead, it’s the frequency of serious issues, such as transmission failure or safety concerns, that truly reflects a vehicle’s reliability over time.
The Honda Pilot has faced some problems over the years. Owners reported glitches with their infotainment screens and full electrical problems.
Looking at the Honda Pilot Car IQ Report for this model year confirms this as a widespread defect. One that left owners frustrated and concerned for their safety.
In fact, electrical issues persisted into the following model year, though they appeared to affect primarily early-build 2020 models, with fewer reports from later production runs.
The Subaru Ascent also faced electrical problems, particularly in the 2019 and 2020 model years, with many owners reporting battery drain and system malfunctions.
In fact, the electrical problems were so widespread this issue lead to a class action lawsuit.
Some owners also reported issues with front windshield visibility, citing glare and blurriness that made it difficult to see clearly at certain times of day or night.
While this safety concern didn’t receive widespread media attention, Car IQ Report flagged the issue early on.
Fact is, these problems affect more than just day-to-day driving. When things break after the warranty runs out, repairs can cost a lot. Cars with reliability problems often sell for less money later. Plus, dealing with repairs means time without your car.
While Subaru has fixed many of these problems in newer models, the early issues still make some buyers think twice.
Historically, the Honda Pilot has had a better track record, with fewer high-severity issues compared to the Subaru Ascent. While Subaru has taken steps to address the Ascent’s early problems through recalls and updated components, the Pilot remains the more consistently reliable choice over time.
However, as a car buyer, it’s always smart to look at the current reliability ratings for the model year your are shipping and see what owners say before buying either one.
Ascent vs Pilot Cost of Ownership Comparison
There are some real differences in what you’ll spend over 5 years with the Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot. The Ascent will cost you about $51,696, while the Pilot comes in at $53,111. That’s about $0.69 per mile for the Ascent and $0.71 for the Pilot.
While neither the Honda Pilot nor the Subaru Ascent is known for excessive maintenance costs, the Pilot tends to have fewer high-cost repairs over time, giving it a slight edge in long-term ownership satisfaction.
For the Ascent, common out-of-pocket repairs include battery replacements due to premature drain issues (approximately $250) and repairs related to the power liftgate or electrical systems (around $500–$700), particularly in 2019–2020 models.
Another important consideration: when replacing tires on the Subaru Ascent, all four tires typically need to be replaced at the same time. Because of Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, uneven tread wear can cause drivetrain binding or even damage the AWD system—making tire maintenance more costly compared to front-wheel-drive vehicles like the base-model Honda Pilot.
Honda Pilot owners, on the other hand, report occasional transmission service (about $400) and climate control issues (roughly $600), most notably in earlier models like 2016–2018. However, the Pilot has seen fewer complaints in newer model years, indicating better long-term refinement.
Both Honda and Subaru offer identical new vehicle warranties: 3 years or 36,000 miles of basic coverage and 5 years or 60,000 miles for the powertrain. Historically, Honda has logged fewer warranty claims, reinforcing its reputation for consistent reliability and helping owners avoid unexpected repair costs.
These numbers show that both SUVs are close in long-term costs, but the Pilot has a slight edge in overall savings. The choice might come down to your driving habits and what you pay upfront.
Depreciation Rates Over Time
The numbers show clear patterns in how these SUVs lose value. The Ascent holds its worth better than the Pilot as time goes by. Over 5 years, the Ascent loses $18,234 in value, while the Pilot drops $19,147.
When we look at the numbers more closely, both SUVs follow different paths. The Ascent starts at $35,386, and the Pilot begins at $38,382. These starting prices play a big part in how much money you’ll keep when it’s time to sell.
Safety Ratings
Both the Honda Pilot and Subaru Ascent shine in safety tests. Latest Safety Ratings show strong performance from both SUVs, earning 5-star overall ratings from the NHTSA and strong scores from the IIHS.
However, the Honda Pilot pulls slightly ahead, earning the prestigious IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award thanks to improved rear seat belt designs and strong performance in updated crash tests. It scored 4 stars in frontal crash and rollover tests, but excelled in side impact.
The Subaru Ascent, while still a Top Safety Pick, also received 5 stars from NHTSA overall, including top marks in frontal and side crash tests, and a 4-star rollover rating.
Both cars have won many safety awards. While both the Honda Pilot and Subaru Ascent have earned strong crash test ratings, owner reports reveal that certain mechanical and electrical issues have still posed safety risks.
In fact, our Car IQ Report safety data shows that these types of problems have, in some cases, contributed to on-road failures and even injuries.
While both models have had owner-reported issues involving crashes and injuries, the Honda Pilot has shown improvement over time, whereas some owners say the Subaru Ascent continues to experience recurring problems.
Fuel Economy Comparison
Both the Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot offer similar gas mileage, but each has its strong points. In city driving, the Ascent gets 20 miles per gallon, while the Pilot comes in at 19 MPG. On the highway, the Pilot pulls ahead with 27 MPG compared to the Ascent’s 26 MPG.
Daily Driving Impact
For a 30-mile daily commute in city traffic, an Ascent driver might save about $50-75 per year on gas compared to a Pilot driver. However, if you take lots of highway trips, the Pilot could save you about $25-50 yearly.
Real-World Performance
The actual gas mileage you get depends on:
- How you drive
- Weather conditions
- City vs. highway mix
- Regular maintenance
- Cargo weight
Both SUVs need regular gas, not premium, which helps keep fuel costs down. They also have similar size gas tanks – the Ascent holds 19.3 gallons while the Pilot takes 19.5 gallons. This means you’ll get about the same driving range from each vehicle.
Family Travel Costs
For family road trips, the difference in fuel costs is small. On a 500-mile trip, you might spend about $2-3 more in the Ascent than the Pilot. Over a year of best fuel economy mixed driving, most families won’t see more than a $100 difference in fuel costs between these two SUVs.
Neither model offers a hybrid option right now, so gas mileage is pretty much set. Both cars use modern fuel-saving features like stop-start systems and smart engine management to help stretch each gallon of gas.
Common Problems Reported by Owners on Reddit for Subaru Ascent
Engine Issues
Many Ascent owners on Reddit talk about problems with their engines. The most common issue is the auto start-stop system acting up. Some owners say their engines shut off at stop lights but won’t restart right away. Others report rough idling when the car is cold.
Electronic Glitches
The infotainment system gets mixed reviews from Reddit users. Some owners say their screens go black without warning. Others report that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto sometimes disconnect while driving. The backup camera has also stopped working for some drivers.
Interior Comfort Concerns
Reddit users often bring up issues with the seats and climate control. Several owners say the leather seats show wear too soon. The air conditioning system sometimes blows warm air on one side and cold on the other. A few drivers mention squeaky noises from the third row when going over bumps.
How Subaru Handles Problems
Most owners say Subaru dealers fix issues under warranty without much fuss. The company has put out software updates to fix many of the electronic problems.
Owner Solutions
Reddit users share ways to work around some issues:
- Turning off auto start-stop when starting the car
- Updating the infotainment system regularly
- Using leather cleaner and conditioner on seats
- Taking the car in for regular software updates
Many owners still say they like their Ascents despite these problems. They point to the good gas mileage, smooth ride, and safety features as making up for the small issues they face.
Common Problems Reported by Owners on Reddit for Honda Pilot
Transmission Concerns
Honda Pilot owners on Reddit often mention transmission issues. Some say their cars shift roughly, especially between first and second gear. Others report delayed responses when pressing the gas pedal. A few drivers note that the transmission can be jerky in stop-and-go traffic.
Technology Problems
The infotainment system gets many comments from Reddit users. Problems include:
- Screens that freeze or go blank
- Wireless phone charging that works sporadically
- Bluetooth connections that drop unexpectedly
- Navigation system that sometimes shows wrong locations
Interior Quality Issues
Several owners point out problems with interior parts. The most common complaints are:
- Rattling noises from the dashboard
- Squeaky seats when turning corners
- Loose trim pieces around door panels
- Fading or wearing leather seats
Honda’s Response Times
Most Reddit users say Honda dealers fix issues quickly under warranty. The company often sends out software updates to fix electronic glitches. For bigger problems, Honda sometimes recalls and public alerts cars back to fix them free.
Owner Tips and Fixes
Reddit users share helpful ways to handle common issues:
- Updating system software regularly
- Using Honda’s online help guides
- Taking the car in for early oil changes
- Getting transmission fluid checks often
Many Pilot owners still like their SUVs overall. They say the good points, like smooth highway driving and lots of space, make up for these small problems. Most would buy another Pilot, even with these issues.
Making Your Final Decision: Subaru Ascent vs Honda Pilot
When it comes down to choosing between the Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot, your decision may hinge on what you value most.
The Subaru Ascent holds a slight edge in overall value, thanks to its standard all-wheel drive, modern tech features, and competitive pricing across trim levels. However, if long-term reliability and lower ownership costs are priorities, the Honda Pilot stands out as the smarter choice.
With its strong track record of fewer high-severity issues, lower maintenance complexity, and consistent performance over time, the Pilot has proven itself as one of the most dependable midsize SUVs on the road.
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