2020 Subaru Ascent vs 2019 Honda Passport
Overview | |
MSRP$31,990 | MSRP$31,995 |
Listings303 | Listings484 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| |
2019 Honda Passport Reviews SummaryWith four SUVs currently in its lineup, it may be hard to imagine, but there was a time when Honda had no idea how to build one. In 1993, Isuzu did the hard work, offering its body-on-frame Rodeo, which Honda rebadged as the Passport until 2002. Today's modern Passport is a Honda Pilot without a third-row seat, and like the Pilot (and the Ridgeline pickup), it's based on the Odyssey minivan chassis. And despite being tailored to families and outdoorsy types, the Passport is one of the most simplistic, unadorned new SUVs on sale. Offering basic transportation with gobs of space, all-wheel drive, and high ground clearance, the Passport hasn’t altered its original formula—and that's a good thing. | |
2020 Subaru Ascent Reviews SummaryLove might be what makes a Subaru a Subaru, as the automaker’s advertising has long claimed, but it's also what has traditionally made people outgrow Subarus. Subaru tried building a 3-row, 7-passenger SUV once before, but quirky design and a strange name flattened the B9 Tribeca’s tires before they got a decent chance to roll down the road. With the 2020 Ascent, however, Subaru has a family-size SUV for existing and would-be customers who need extra space for people, pets, and cargo. And while the Ascent is loaded with compelling details and thoughtful features, flaws might limit its appeal strictly to the Subaru faithful. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine3.5L 280 hp V6 | Engine2.4L 260 hp H4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainAWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity8 |
Horsepower280 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower260 hp @ 5600 rpm |
MPG City20 | MPG City21 |
MPG Highway25 | MPG Highway27 |
Engine | |
Engine Name3.5L 280 hp V6 | Engine Name2.4L 260 hp H4 |
Torque262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | Torque277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
Horsepower280 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower260 hp @ 5600 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainAWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City20 | MPG City21 |
MPG Highway25 | MPG Highway27 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity8 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space41.2 cu ft | Cargo Space17.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight3959 lbs | Curb Weight4430 lbs |
Height71.6 in | Height71.6 in |
Length190.5 in | Length196.8 in |
Width78.6 in | Width85.7 in |
Wheelbase111.0 in | Wheelbase113.8 in |
Maximum Payload1332 lbs | Maximum Payload1570 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity2000 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $31,990 | $31,995 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.5 out of 10Read full review | 7.5 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| |
Summary | With four SUVs currently in its lineup, it may be hard to imagine, but there was a time when Honda had no idea how to build one. In 1993, Isuzu did the hard work, offering its body-on-frame Rodeo, which Honda rebadged as the Passport until 2002. Today's modern Passport is a Honda Pilot without a third-row seat, and like the Pilot (and the Ridgeline pickup), it's based on the Odyssey minivan chassis. And despite being tailored to families and outdoorsy types, the Passport is one of the most simplistic, unadorned new SUVs on sale. Offering basic transportation with gobs of space, all-wheel drive, and high ground clearance, the Passport hasn’t altered its original formula—and that's a good thing. | Love might be what makes a Subaru a Subaru, as the automaker’s advertising has long claimed, but it's also what has traditionally made people outgrow Subarus. Subaru tried building a 3-row, 7-passenger SUV once before, but quirky design and a strange name flattened the B9 Tribeca’s tires before they got a decent chance to roll down the road. With the 2020 Ascent, however, Subaru has a family-size SUV for existing and would-be customers who need extra space for people, pets, and cargo. And while the Ascent is loaded with compelling details and thoughtful features, flaws might limit its appeal strictly to the Subaru faithful. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 3.5L 280 hp V6 | 2.4L 260 hp H4 |
Drive Train | FWD | AWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 8 |
Horsepower | 280 hp @ 6000 rpm | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm |
MPG City | 20 | 21 |
MPG Highway | 25 | 27 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 3.5L 280 hp V6 | 2.4L 260 hp H4 |
Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | 277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
Horsepower | 280 hp @ 6000 rpm | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 20 | 21 |
MPG Highway | 25 | 27 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 8 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 41.2 cu ft | 17.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3959 lbs | 4430 lbs |
Height | 71.6 in | 71.6 in |
Length | 190.5 in | 196.8 in |
Width | 78.6 in | 85.7 in |
Wheelbase | 111.0 in | 113.8 in |
Maximum Payload | 1332 lbs | 1570 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 3500 lbs | 2000 lbs |
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Honda Passport as 7 out of 10 and the 2020 Subaru Ascent as 8 out of 10. The 2019 Honda Passport maintains a rugged and boxy appearance, resembling a traditional SUV with a chunky design and off-road capabilities. The 2020 Subaru Ascent presents a practical and utilitarian look, with robust features and appealing design elements.










CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Honda Passport 8 out of 10 and the 2020 Subaru Ascent 5 out of 10. The 2019 Honda Passport is equipped with a large, naturally aspirated V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It offers strong acceleration and significant towing capacity, making it a capable performer in various driving conditions.
The 2020 Subaru Ascent features a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, providing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. While it offers good acceleration and performance, the turbocharged engine results in lower fuel efficiency and there are some handling limitations, especially on rough road surfaces.
CarGurus experts rate both the 2019 Honda Passport and the 2020 Subaru Ascent 9 out of 10. The 2019 Honda Passport offers ample space, with 41.2 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats and 77.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. It provides a practical and user-friendly interior, with thoughtful storage compartments and comfortable seating arrangements.
Similarly, the 2020 Subaru Ascent prioritizes comfort and functionality, with a spacious and well-equipped interior. It offers a range of seating configurations, ample storage space, and thoughtful features such as rear-seat climate controls and USB ports in all three rows.
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Honda Passport 7 out of 10 and the 2020 Subaru Ascent 6 out of 10. The 2019 Honda Passport offers advanced technology features, including an 8-inch high-res touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Garmin navigation. It also includes Honda Sensing driver assists as standard, providing additional safety and convenience features.
The 2020 Subaru Ascent comes equipped with a Starlink infotainment system, offering Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and integrated apps. While it provides a range of connectivity options, the voice-control system and navigation performance may not meet all user expectations.
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Honda Passport 7 out of 10 and the 2020 Subaru Ascent 10 out of 10. The 2019 Honda Passport offers a range of safety features, including Honda Sensing driver assists and blind-spot monitoring. While it has not been fully rated by safety organizations, it demonstrates strong performance in various crash tests.
In comparison, the 2020 Subaru Ascent excels in safety, receiving a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It offers a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, including EyeSight driver assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, ensuring exceptional occupant protection and collision avoidance.
CarGurus highlights

Both the 2020 Honda Passport and 2020 Subaru Ascent score equally well, but the Subaru emerges as the more compelling choice, offering superior safety features, spacious and functional interior, and a practical and utilitarian design.
Choose the 2020 Subaru Ascent if:
- Safety is a top priority, and you seek a vehicle with exceptional occupant protection and collision avoidance features.
- You prioritize a spacious and functional interior with thoughtful design elements and ample storage space.
- You are looking for a practical and utilitarian SUV with a range of customization options and attractive value proposition.
Choose the 2019 Honda Passport if:
- You prioritize strong performance and towing capabilities in an SUV.
- You value advanced technology features and driver assists.
- You prefer a rugged and boxy design with a practical and user-friendly interior.
CarGurus highlights

Both the 2020 Honda Passport and 2020 Subaru Ascent score equally well, but the Subaru emerges as the more compelling choice, offering superior safety features, spacious and functional interior, and a practical and utilitarian design.
Choose the 2020 Subaru Ascent if:
Shop Now- Safety is a top priority, and you seek a vehicle with exceptional occupant protection and collision avoidance features.
- You prioritize a spacious and functional interior with thoughtful design elements and ample storage space.
- You are looking for a practical and utilitarian SUV with a range of customization options and attractive value proposition.
Choose the 2019 Honda Passport if:
Shop Now- You prioritize strong performance and towing capabilities in an SUV.
- You value advanced technology features and driver assists.
- You prefer a rugged and boxy design with a practical and user-friendly interior.

By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.



































