2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 Honda Pilot

When discussing styling, the 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to strike a balance between ruggedness and versatility, a goal that it had been refining since a 2019 model year refresh. However, the exterior design of the Pilot was often seen as an acquired taste. With seven trims available, buyers had a plethora of options. From the base LX to the high-end Black Edition, prices ranged from $32,250 to $49,920, with an option to add all-wheel drive (AWD) for an extra $2,000 in most trims. The new Special Edition trim for 2021 featured black 20-inch alloy wheels, wireless smartphone charging, and a hands-free power tailgate.

During our test drive of the top-tier Black Edition, which carried a sticker price of $51,435, the unique black leather upholstery with red accents and ambient lighting immediately stood out. Another notable improvement was the introduction of a new Platinum White Pearl paint color. While quality materials were evident throughout, the interior of the Pilot, especially its flat dashboard and minivan-like aesthetics, received mixed reviews.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent, launched initially in 2019, filled a crucial gap in Subaru's lineup for a three-row SUV. Drawing design inspiration from its smaller siblings, the Forester and Outback, the Ascent presented a cohesive family look. The cabin mirrored this strategy with a layout familiar to Subaru enthusiasts. Available in four trims—Standard, Premium, Limited, and Touring—the Ascent ensured a wide range of features from the get-go. While the Standard trim offered ample driver-assistance features and a 6.5-inch touchscreen, the top-of-the-line Touring trim brought luxury with ventilated front seats and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that churned out 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth, responsive power. The vehicle showed notable agility for its class, aided by its torque-vectoring AWD system, which could direct up to 70% of power to a single rear wheel. However, with its 7.3-inch ground clearance, the Pilot's off-road capabilities were somewhat limited. Fuel efficiency was decent for its size, averaging 21.5 mpg in combined driving.

On the other hand, the 2021 Subaru Ascent featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine was mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and sent power to Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical AWD system. The Ascent focused on delivering a comfortable and composed ride, with its 8.7 inches of ground clearance making it more adept at handling snowy conditions and mild off-roading. With a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, the Ascent was designed for practicality without sacrificing performance.

The interior of the 2021 Honda Pilot was designed with family utility in mind, offering seating for up to eight people. The front seats were comfortable, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. Second-row captain’s chairs were standard on higher trims and nearly as comfortable as the front seats, sliding forward for easier third-row access. Although the third-row seating was less comfortable for adults, it was suitable for children.

Cargo space in the Pilot started at 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and maxing out at 83.9 cubic feet with all rear seats down. Meanwhile, hidden storage compartments and various bins and trays further enhanced its practicality.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent also provided a spacious cabin, with seating for eight or seven with optional second-row captain’s chairs. While the first two rows offered ample headroom and legroom, the third row was somewhat cramped for adults on long trips. Storage was abundant, featuring 19 cupholders and various trays and cubbies.

In terms of cargo space, the Ascent offered 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 86.5 cubic feet with all rear seats down. Despite this being generous, some competitors offered more, such as the Volkswagen Atlas with 96.8 cubic feet and the Chevrolet Traverse with 98.2 cubic feet.

Most 2021 Honda Pilots came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supported Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text messaging, and satellite radio. The new Special Edition trim introduced wireless phone charging. Higher trims added advanced features like a navigation system and a premium 10-speaker audio system. A rear-seat entertainment system with Cabin Talk, an intercom-style feature, was available in the Touring trim.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent featured the StarLink infotainment system with user-friendly interfaces and large icons, available in either a 6.5-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. The system included hard buttons and dials for core functions, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ascent came standard with USB ports for the first two rows, expanding to third-row USBs in higher trims. Optional features included a WiFi hotspot and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

Safety was a strong focus for both SUVs. The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. However, its lane-departure warning system's steering wheel wobble was less refined than competitors' implementations. The Pilot received high marks from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), with some minor exceptions.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation, thanks to its EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features. Standard across all trims, EyeSight included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a useful feature indicating when the vehicle in front had moved. New for 2021 were standard automatic high beams and adaptive headlights. Optional safety features included reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.