Compare the New Subaru Ascent to the Competition

Subaru Ascent vs. Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Nissan Pathfinder, and the Hyundai Palisade

The Subaru Ascent is an experience you don't want to miss. But with competing brands, it can be challenging to determine which SUV is right for you. Let's take a look at the Subaru Ascent go toe-to-toe with its closest competitors, and see which vehicle wins the title of the most capable in comfort and quality.

Subaru Ascent vs. the Toyota Highlander

  • The Subaru Ascent has a standard turbocharged 2.4-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. In comparison, the Toyota Highlander comes with a 295 horsepower V6 engine but only manages 263 pound-feet of torque.
  • Unfortunately, the Highlander only offers all-wheel-drive in more expensive trims, whereas the Ascent comes standard with all-wheel-drive on the base trim.
  • The Toyota Highlander has a smaller fuel tank than the Ascent, giving it a rate of 20/27 all-wheel-drive compared to the Ascent's 21/27 miles-per-gallon.
  • The Subaru Ascent holds a larger cargo capacity of 86.5 cubic feet. The Toyota Highlander has 84.3 cubic feet of cargo and is shorter in length at 195-inches. Both models can seat up to eight passengers and offer a panoramic moonroof on select trims.
  • Although the Ascent offers fewer trim options than the Highlander, they make up for it in the plethora of exterior and interior options that the Highlander cannot.

Subaru Ascent vs. the Honda Pilot

  • The Honda Pilot does offer more horsepower in a 3.5-liter V6 engine but sacrifices torque with a mere 262 pound-feet compared to the 272 pound-feet that the Ascent gives you.
  • The Pilot also offers less mileage with an EPA-estimated combined rate of 22 miles per gallon compared to the Ascent's 23 miles-per-gallon. With the Pilot costing substantially more than the Subaru Ascent, you'll save more money in price and gas with the Subaru Ascent.
  • The Honda Pilot does not offer a moonroof and only gives you one interior color choice compared to the Subaru Ascent, allowing you six interior upholstery color choices.
  • The Subaru Ascent offers more cargo space than the Pilot's 82.1 cubic feet, even though the Pilot is a wider vehicle.

Subaru Ascent vs. the Kia Telluride

  • The Kia Telluride carries a more prominent engine of 291 horsepower and a 3.8-liter V6. However, the combined rate of miles-per-gallon is the same as the Subaru Ascent due to its smaller gas tank.
  • The Telluride comes standard with a front-wheel-drive drivetrain - an unfortunate comparison to the Ascent's standard all-wheel-drive on the base trim.
  • The Kia Telluride placed two sunroofs on the model in place of a panoramic moonroof like the Subaru Ascent features. One above the front passenger row and the other between the back rows.
  • Both seat eight and offer the same amount of interior and exterior colors. However, the Telluride is about three inches shorter than the Ascent.

Subaru Ascent vs. the Nissan Pathfinder

  • The Nissan Pathfinder comes standard with front-wheel drive, making it inferior to the Subaru Ascent's competing standard all-wheel drive. However, the Pathfinder does have a V6 engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission. That being said, the Pathfinder does carry 284 horsepower but falls behind the Ascent's torque output at just 259 pound-feet.
  • Both the Ascent and Pathfinder have a combined EPA-estimated rate of 23 miles per gallon, in which case, you could spend less money for a smaller engine, more torque, and the same fuel economy as the Subaru Ascent.
  • If you're looking for more customization aesthetically speaking, the Nissan Pathfinder has eight trims and offers 14 exterior color options and seven interior color options. However, the Nissan Pathfinder does not include SiriusXM Satellite Radio standard, like the Ascent does.
  • Both models seat up to eight passengers, but the Subaru Ascent has a larger cargo capacity of about seven cubic feet.

Subaru Ascent vs. the Hyundai Palisade

  • Again, the competitor disappoints with a standard front-wheel drive transmission compared to the Subaru Ascent.
  • Although the Hyundai Palisade has a V6 engine with 291 horsepower, it suffers a so-so fuel economy rating and lacks torque performance at 262 pound-feet.
  • The Palisade offers fewer trims and fewer exterior and interior color options than the Ascent but does offer the same amount of seating as its competitor.
  • The Palisade also lacks various features for costing more than the Subaru Ascent, such as no remote start, no fog lights, less cargo space, no CD player option, no satellite radio, no premium speakers, and no climate control.

The Winner Is Clear

If you're looking for an SUV that offers more power, better fuel economy, more space, and more features for a lower price - you would be wise to choose the Subaru Ascent. Take your seasonal trips to Delaware and Maine in style and comfort, knowing that you're getting the most out of your investment. While every SUV has its unique perks, the Subaru Ascent tops them by offering all of your favorite characteristics in one vehicle.

Still Not Convinced?

Stop by our Tri-City location in Somersworth, New Hampshire, and take the Subaru Ascent for a test drive. You'll see precisely why this SUV is the right one for you. Schedule a test drive with us today or stop by during our business hours at your convenience. We're happy to help.

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