Hey guys! Choosing the right SUV can feel like navigating a maze, right? With so many options out there, it's easy to get lost. But don't worry, we're here to help! Today, we're diving deep into a 2022 Honda Pilot vs. Subaru Ascent showdown. We'll break down everything from performance and features to which SUV truly shines for different lifestyles. Get ready to explore these two popular family-friendly SUVs and discover which one deserves a spot in your driveway. This comparison aims to give you a clear understanding of what each vehicle offers, helping you make an informed decision.

Performance and Driving Experience

Let's kick things off by talking about what’s under the hood and how these SUVs handle on the road. After all, the driving experience is super important! The 2022 Honda Pilot boasts a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, which cranks out a solid 280 horsepower. This engine is paired with a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission. The Pilot delivers a responsive and confident drive, making it great for both city commutes and highway cruising. Its suspension is tuned for a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road with ease. The Pilot's steering feels well-weighted, providing good feedback and control. Moreover, the Pilot's available all-wheel-drive system enhances its capabilities, particularly in challenging weather conditions, ensuring optimal traction and stability.

Now, let's turn our attention to the Subaru Ascent. The Ascent is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower. It comes standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This combination offers a different feel compared to the Pilot. The Ascent's turbocharger provides peppy acceleration, especially at lower speeds, which can be advantageous in stop-and-go traffic. Subaru is known for its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, which is a standard feature on all Ascent models. This system enhances handling and provides excellent grip, particularly on slippery surfaces. The Ascent's ride quality is generally comfortable, although some drivers might find it slightly firmer than the Pilot. Steering is precise, and the Ascent feels stable and composed on the road.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Honda Pilot achieves an estimated 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, with front-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive models see a slight decrease in fuel economy. The Subaru Ascent, with its standard all-wheel drive, earns an estimated 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Both SUVs offer respectable fuel economy for their class, but the Ascent generally has a slight edge in combined fuel efficiency. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual preferences and priorities. If you value a smooth and refined driving experience with a powerful V6 engine, the Honda Pilot might be more appealing. On the other hand, if you prefer peppy acceleration, standard all-wheel drive, and slightly better fuel economy, the Subaru Ascent could be the better fit. Both SUVs excel in different areas, so it's essential to consider your specific needs and driving style.

Interior and Features

Alright, let's hop inside and see what these SUVs have to offer in terms of their interiors and cool features. The 2022 Honda Pilot provides a spacious and versatile cabin, with seating for up to eight passengers, depending on the configuration. The Pilot's interior design is functional and user-friendly, with a focus on practicality. The materials used are of good quality, and the overall fit and finish are excellent. The infotainment system includes a touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, making it easy to connect your smartphone. Other notable features include a multi-angle rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking, enhancing safety and convenience.

The Subaru Ascent also offers a roomy interior, with available seating for up to eight passengers. The Ascent's design is more rugged and adventurous, with a focus on functionality. The materials used are durable, and the build quality is solid. The infotainment system includes a touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The Ascent also boasts a suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. The Ascent also stands out with its standard all-wheel drive, providing extra confidence and capability. Moreover, the Ascent offers a unique feature: a built-in front-facing camera, which can be useful for off-road driving or navigating tight spaces.

When comparing the Honda Pilot and Subaru Ascent in terms of interior space, both SUVs provide ample room for passengers and cargo. The Pilot has a slightly larger cargo capacity behind the third row, making it ideal for families who need to haul a lot of gear. The Ascent offers a comfortable ride for passengers in all three rows, and its standard all-wheel drive enhances its versatility. In terms of features, both SUVs are well-equipped, with user-friendly infotainment systems and a range of advanced safety technologies. The Honda Pilot offers a more refined and luxurious interior, while the Subaru Ascent emphasizes durability and ruggedness. Choosing between the two often comes down to personal preference and priorities. If you prioritize a luxurious and refined interior with a focus on convenience, the Honda Pilot might be the better choice. If you value durability, off-road capability, and a more adventurous feel, the Subaru Ascent could be the perfect fit. Both SUVs deliver exceptional value and are ideal for families seeking a spacious, reliable, and feature-rich vehicle.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority, right? So let's talk about the safety features these SUVs pack. The 2022 Honda Pilot comes standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced safety technologies. This suite includes features like collision mitigation braking system, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist system, and adaptive cruise control. The Pilot also has a multi-angle rearview camera and available blind-spot information system, further enhancing driver awareness and safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Pilot a five-star overall safety rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Pilot the highest rating of “Good” in most crashworthiness tests.

The Subaru Ascent also prioritizes safety, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Ascent comes standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Ascent also features a blind-spot detection system with rear cross-traffic alert and lane change assist. The NHTSA gave the Ascent a five-star overall safety rating. The IIHS awarded the Ascent the highest rating of “Good” in all crashworthiness tests, and it earned the Top Safety Pick+ award, which is the highest safety designation offered by the IIHS. Both SUVs offer impressive safety ratings and a comprehensive array of safety features. The choice between the Honda Pilot and Subaru Ascent is not based on which is safer, but on the preferred design and features.

Trim Levels and Pricing

Alright, let's break down the different trim levels and talk about the price tags, 'cause that's a big factor, am I right? The 2022 Honda Pilot is available in several trim levels, including LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, Special Edition, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition. The base LX trim is well-equipped, while higher trims add features like leather upholstery, a premium sound system, and advanced driver-assistance technologies. The starting price for the Pilot varies depending on the trim level and options. Generally, the Pilot is positioned in the mid-range of the three-row SUV market, offering a good balance of features and value. Prices can fluctuate based on the market and availability.

The Subaru Ascent offers a range of trim levels, including Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring. The base trim is equipped with essential features, while higher trims add features like leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium sound system. The Ascent's pricing is competitive within the three-row SUV segment. The base Ascent is generally priced competitively, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. The higher trim levels offer a variety of options to suit different tastes and needs, with the Touring trim being the most luxurious. Both the Honda Pilot and Subaru Ascent offer a variety of trim levels with different features, allowing buyers to customize their SUVs based on their budget and needs. The best choice depends on individual preferences and priorities. If you prioritize a well-equipped base model and a refined driving experience, the Honda Pilot might be a better fit. If you value a more affordable option with standard all-wheel drive, the Subaru Ascent could be the perfect choice.

Which SUV Should You Choose? - Honda Pilot or Subaru Ascent

So, after all this info, which SUV should you choose, the Honda Pilot or the Subaru Ascent? The Honda Pilot is a great choice if you prioritize a smooth and refined driving experience, a spacious and versatile interior, and a strong reputation for reliability. It's ideal for families who value a comfortable ride and a user-friendly design. The Pilot's V6 engine provides ample power, and its well-equipped trim levels offer a range of features to suit different needs and budgets. The Honda Pilot excels in the areas of comfort, refinement, and user-friendliness.

The Subaru Ascent, on the other hand, is a strong contender if you prioritize standard all-wheel drive, a more rugged and adventurous design, and a competitive price. It's a great choice for families who enjoy outdoor activities and value safety. The Ascent's turbocharged engine provides peppy acceleration, and its standard all-wheel-drive system enhances its capabilities in various conditions. The Ascent is a top pick in terms of safety ratings and offers great value. In the end, it really comes down to your personal needs and priorities. Test drive both vehicles if you can, and see which one feels like the best fit for your lifestyle. Good luck with your search, guys! I hope this helps you make the right choice! Consider the driving experience, the interior and features, the safety aspects, and the trim levels and pricing. Both SUVs offer unique strengths, so the best choice depends on what you value most in a vehicle. The 2022 Subaru Ascent is the winner in terms of offering more features and a competitive price. The 2022 Honda Pilot is a winner due to comfort and a luxurious interior.