2019 Subaru Ascent vs. 2018 Honda Pilot: Faceoff Comparison

In this in-depth comparison, we're putting the all-new 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring vs. the 2018 Honda Pilot Elite, its biggest rival. These two three-rows are fully LOADED trims, but most of the information will also apply to the lower trim levels. We will look at many categories like interior comfort and features, exterior features and design, third rows, interior ergonomics, technology (infotainment), rear seat comfort, tow ratings, safety ratings, powertrain info and much more.
So come join us as we sample these two automotive delicacies and see which one is the best value!
If you'd like to watch one of our very detailed Full Review videos on either the 2019 Ascent or Pilot, follow the links provided below:
2019 Subaru Ascent Limited Full Review:
• 2019 Subaru Ascent: FU...
2018 Honda Pilot Elite Full Review:
• 2018 Honda Pilot: FULL...
*Please subscribe to Car Confections for more Faceoff Comparisons our our signature Full Reviews!
( / carconfections )
Special Thanks to...
Quantrell Subaru
1450 E New Circle Rd
Lexington, KY 40509
www.quantrells...
Gates Honda
1180 Dr Robert R Martin Bypass, Richmond, KY 40475
www.gateshonda...
© Car Confections 2018. All rights reserved.
"Sampling the Latest Automotive Delicacies!"

[@CarConfections]

Thanks for watching! In a couple of the text boxes 'Highlander' accidentally appears. The specs (numbers) are CORRECT, we just forgot to change the label. We apologize for any confusion!

[@_Amy]

Car Confections any chance you would be able to do Volvo XC90 vs Audi Q7

[@jonathanwishart5196]

My mom just got the Ascent Touring and it’s literally the best thing ever in my opinion

[@EngiNetion]

That's a nice car!

[@quickmaxwellmaxwellplays6797]

I have a friend who is a Honda mechanic, and he also works on Toyota, Subaru, Mazda; he also owns three Hondas (Odyssey ,TL, and S2000), and he recently sold his WRX STI. In his opinion, the overall Honda vehicle engineering is superior to Subaru, in particular, he points out that he has encountered more issues with the Subaru 4 cylinder engines than the Honda 6 cylinders units; bottom line, he would check the reliability box for Honda vs Subaru.

[@thefng6772]

I just bought the Ascent Touring model. We traded in a Honda Crosstour. The Crosstour was nice for its first 50Kmi. But it went down hill sharply after that. We kept the Honda til it had 100,000. It was on its way for a second major repair for the front axles. Brakes always sucked. We have only had one day with the new Ascent, but its our second Subaru. I drive a 2018 Legacy as my work car. The Eyesight cruise control was the selling feature that I bought the car for. Drive into the city daily. The Eye sight operates in stop and go traffic. I only have to steer the car. Gas and braking is all done by the car. The system works wonderfully. Takes all the stress out of bumper to bumper stop and go traffic. Ive owned the Legacy for just 1 yr. put a whopping 40K miles on it. The car just continues to impress me. Never in a million years would I think I would own a Subaru. Im a GM and Dodge guy my whole life. Tried Honda for the last two cars. A civic and a CrossTour. Ill never buy another Honda again. Their reliability reputation didn't hold true for my two cars. Neither did GM. I still own my Dodge Ram and love it. Now for the Ascent, we love the interior and updated electronics. Fit and Finish is top of the line. My wife and I both like the styling. Its beautiful inside and out. Only think I am not happy about is the Financing % Subaru offers.

[@smrtguy77777]

Why is it pointless to talk about 3rd row space??? That’s very important for a lot of people.

[@oscarverduzco697]

smart one I totally agree with ur comment. I test drove the ascent and also sat in third row. I’m only 5’8” and my head was touching the ceiling in the 3rd row seat of the ascent. I didn’t have that issue in the third row of the pilot. I’m still a huge fan of the ascent. The biggest beef with the ascent is every stealer I’ve talked to isn’t willing to discus invoice pricing. Msrp isn’t going to sell me. I’ll wait.

[@CarConfections]

I was just referring to the official numbers. Obviously I did show rear the rear space (I am 5'8"). Headroom was fine in both. How this helps!

[@smrtguy77777]

Oscar Verduzco, if you go through a third party ex. Costco auto, or a car buying program through your credit union, you will always get some kind of a discount, even for newly released models. You should check those out once your dealer gets some inventory in July.

[@danjenson3351]

Do you have a huge afro or something? I'm 5'10" and can fit in the third row of an Ascent with maybe an inch or so to spare.

[@mbchudno]

i was also surprized that cars were not rated on room available in 3rd row seats. its one of the main reason those cars even exist. why would someone buy ether of those if they did not care about 3rd row? there are better options with 2 rows, both better for off roading, city driving, cheaper...etc.

[@djayt1215]

Superior awd, superior safety system, better handling. Subaru is the no brainer

[@TheGomezIndustries]

The Subaru will maintain engine power at higher elevations since it's turbocharged. Higher elevations means less air density hence less oxygen available for the fuel combustion inside the engine. Force inductions system like a turbocharger rectifies this issue.

[@agm6095]

The radio on the Ascent has knobs for volume and station tuning, the Pilot you have to go to the touch screen, I like knobs.

[@douglasadams8961]

Yeah you do

[@SMOKYMTNPATRIOT]

The Honda (and Highlander) are great vehicles so "better" is often a matter of preference. My Ascent will be Subie #7 for me when it arrives because of the symmetrical AWD and Eyesight. Nobody else does these technologies better than Subaru. That's not a matter of opinion. Thanks for the video!

[@iseeu2002]

You do know Toyota started doing tss+ on every car since 2018 right? I would rather take a 4Runner vs the ascent as it still comes with a lame cvt. 4Runner is full fledge 4WD vs a symmetrical awd.

[@SMOKYMTNPATRIOT]

iseeu2002 As I said, they're all good vehicles and it's a matter of preference between features. I do mostly highway driving but have a mountain cabin I use year round up a 1.5 mile dirt road with 16% grades so traction is really important to me. CVT technology is in more and more vehicles for s reason and Toyota's TSS system doesn't perform like Subaru Eyesight (standard on all Advents). If I wanted an enclosed small 4WD pickup truck with terrible gas mileage I might look at a 4runner. Toyota and Subaru are related companies (until last year Toyota Camrys were built in the same plant as the Subaru Outback) so settle down my friend and peace out.

[@alliejr]

...and the 4Runner is one of the Toyota vehicles that does not offer TSS+. Not sure why you brought the 4Runner into this fight. It is a full body-on-frame truck, not a 3-row crossover like the Highlander, Pilot and Ascent.

[@clintmacas]

true. though it doesnt happen all the time but that subaru awd had always saved me from conditions like going over the grassy area of the highway due to emergency traffic situations like flood or a bad accident. I've seen trucks and 2wd suvs get stuck doing this. but me and my forester got through it like nothing.

[@clintmacas]

iseeu2002 3rd row awd or 4x4 in 4 runner is not offered i think? allthough I've seen a 4 runner with optionl 3rd row but no awd or 4x4.

[@alexmcdonough6279]

The Ascent has remote start and climate controls, seat heat etc through your Cell phone, not just a line of sight fob. It is subscription based though 375 for 7 years which also includes car location in Google maps.

[@DarianDT]

I know this video is old but I watched this to purchase a 2020 Honda Pilot EXL AWD (8 seaters, nobody realistically purchases this with 7 seaters for a family mover). When purchasing in this segment of SUV it's mainly for family movers. I'll list out a few of the good and bad on both vehicles since I tested drove both for over an hour. Pilot + Armrest here is a win since it saves so much space on the middle console for storage like a minivan + Storage on the door of Pilot is so much more practical + Seating feel higher even though it is almost 1 inch less than the Ascent ground clearance +/- It feels like a higher Odyssey (I owned an Odyssey) For me that's a plus because I love the Odyssey but I need AWD. - Acceleration and cornering is not as good as Ascent - Styling is dated - Interior material is not as nice Ascent + Acceleration and corning with minimal body roll + Better styling (interior) + Huge ass moonroof (I never use a moon/sunroof in 20 years of driving and all my cars have it) +++ AVH, that mode that holds the brake for you at a stoplight or in heavy traffic is a blessing +/- It feels smaller despite being the same size (not a pro or con depending on personal taste) - Ridiculous Brake and Acc pad, it feels very awkward to switch my foot between the two. I feel like I have to turn my entire right leg just to reach the brake pad. This needs to be re-engineered. - Horribly low and short armrest, this is very noticeable right away when I try to get comfortable when doing a test drive. I can't rest my right arm without tilting my whole body to the right or being able to reach the steering wheel with my right arm if it's resting. I"m 5"8 so maybe NBA players have a better chance than I do. - Not much storage inside the car, it's very minimal and not practical at all (this failed because as a family mover, you have kids and lots of things to carry with) - Subaru safety features have to be manually turned off every time if you don't want it beeping at you. I really hate that annoying lane change assists beep and having to hard-pressed the button for 5 seconds to turn off every time you start the car again. Honda (borrowed SH-AWD) i-VTM$ vs. Subaru AWD I have yet got to test these on snow, mud, and sand but from research, it seems the Honda i-vtm4 seem to be on par with Subaru if not better in some situation. I will be living in a snow region in a couple months and these two seem to be the best AWD system for this segment of SUV.

[@chadrickhill6737]

I've driven both of these vehicles recently and although the Pilot has higher torque and horsepower, the Ascent can access this power at 2,000 rpms, making the Ascent much quicker vs the Pilot not reaching power til much later on. That point should be taken from the Pilot and given where it deserves.

[@matty_o]

The pilot has less torque, only hp is higher but your other facts hold true

[@mgreen5207]

People that say Honda is garbage or Subaru is garbage is very misleading for everyone out there. Both are great brands and the ascent and pilot are overall great suvs. The fact that if you haven’t ever driven either one or have ever owned either brand, you have no way of saying anything until you do. So keep your comments to yourself.

[@mgreen5207]

As an actual Subaru owner, I will say they are great vehicles.

[@MoCarey]

14-8 for the Subaru and Honda respectively, if not counting minor -5% difference and preferences. The Subaru has standard symmetrical all wheel drive on all trims, the exterior uses LED on all lighting, and a few advanced safety features e.g. front camera. The Honda has a conventional automatic, an interior with many storage spaces, and the rear seats offers an integrated entertainment system and are spacious.

[@PardyN2]

If the Subaru has remote start you shouldn't need a separate remote to start, while it does come with one, not many people know if you slowly push the lock button 3 times (so that it honks to find it) if you hold it down on the 3rd push, it'll honk, and then start. No separate remote or app required.

[@omert9681]

Honda doesn’t need to keep up with the other competitors, Honda is all about performances,reelable and fuel efficient.

[@juanzingarello4005]

Problem with the Ascent is that yes its about 3k cheaper, but I can get 1.9% APR on the Pilot and an absurd 3.49% on the Ascent. Thats another $4,000 in interest you are paying on the Subie. So for now, until they offer 0% APR, the Pilot is actually cheaper.

[@adamwright9741]

Dude your channel is da BOMB when it comes to showing constant side-by-side/up-and-down videos of BOTH so I don't have to keep remembering what one or the other seemed like! Even in most other comparisons they only show one or the other at the same time... ? So let's all help this guy so he can expand to driving the bitches!!

[@adamwright9741]

Oh and by the way I wish the Subaru had a bit more swooping styling of the Honda because this generation of Hondas seem to have some very good timeless styling, and I will also bet the next generation Pilot and Ridgeline and other Hondas will take the show for years, even more than this extremely good generation

[@CarConfections]

Haha thanks we appreciate that!

[@xomthood]

Seriously, you gave a point to Honda for a 0.9 percent difference in range? 0.9 percent? I hope you don't ever have to see if the Pilot will actually go the additional 4 miles.

[@CarConfections]

For future videos we are changing it to at least a 5% difference to receive a point. I agree, that was not really a fair thing to do. Hope you still enjoyed the rest of the video!

[@yann9378]

The ascent also gets a household outlet so you gave the pilot an extra point (touring version)

[@corygalvan5660]

That way you can plug in a microwave?

[@kristinhershey1903]

I wish Subaru had updated/upgraded the interior. This 45k ascent looks barely different than a 4 year old middle of the road subie. The ascent could be SO nice! Also why does the CRV have a nicer more luxury looking interior than the pilot?

[@ks-bg5uk]

barely different? you're own drugs.

[@idripthat1671]

Do the AWD test pilot would get destroyed by Subaru

[@Sena-co1ug]

Huge fan of the Subaru Outback, but the Ascent looks a little lacking in its presentation. However dated Pilot may seem, it has a more “substantial” feel to it.

[@derricklofton9946]

I don't think this was a 2019 pilot elite since there's no volume button.Also the instrument panel for the speedometer is completely digital. I have a 2019 pilot Touring and this looks nothing like mine.

[@stephenpowstinger733]

Yes, it is the old model Pilot so this review is outdated.

[@chuckcabrera]

Would love to see a Subaru Ascent comparison with the VW Atlas

[@djayt1215]

evilmountainlion612 talking out of your ass. Vw is average for the market. Rated higher than Subaru

[@stiiigabayheh3]

atlas is meh better than the POS BMW became

[@misterscruffle]

the atlas has worst gas mileage and more plastic cheap interior for a higher price as well as a very unzippy acceleration.

[@DannyzReviews]

The ascent wins it for me and that's saying something for me because my past 2 and current vehicles were all Hondas.

[@felsenrogers4083]

Great review! I love how you show a simultaneous shot of both vehicles while you narrate... awesome job!! I shall subscribe and like you channel

[@CarConfections]

Thanks! Welcome to the"family"! 🙂

[@high-techredneck2300]

while I would rather have a v6 and an automatic in a car this size, you cant beat the AWD system of Subaru for winter climates and the piano black accents that Honda uses finger print and scratch like crazy, The Subaru gets my vote for analog gauges and they tend to better insulate against wind noise. I would take the Subaru

[@ab5083]

I would still go with the traditional shifter than futuristic one. Same like having a volume knob versus the touch screen.

[@pilot2020]

Yeah now the 2019 pilot exl has shifter 6 spd auto vs touring elite has the push button 9 spd .I've heard 9spd auto is a little jerky on shifts

[@grizz474]

For me I'd go with the Honda. Proven reliability, fantastic resale, naturally aspirated 3.5 liter uber reliable V6. The 9 speed transmission in the Honda is also used by Acura, Range Rover and others. I'm just not sold on the CVT's yet, particularly for a 5.000# tow rating. There's a reason CVT's aren't used in high torque applications. I don't see the advantage to having a CVT in a SUV that you may be towing with, particularly if you're not getting better fuel economy with it.

[@Y10Q]

You are thinking Accord. Odyssey and Pilot aren't that reliable. Engine and transmission failures are very common. That 3.5 is burning up valves. 9 speed is being complained about by owners for years now. Subaru have the highest resale values, right next to Tacoma and Wrangler. That Subaru CVT is bullet proof. Designed for the 400hp Audis and Subaru uses it for 300hp applications. Engine on the other hand, is new and unproven.

[@jakes5530]

YES10 agree except that audis dont use cvt especially not the 400hp ones so not sure what you mean by that.

[@alanha7163]

Agreed with grizz474, I owned Subaru Tribeca before and never again with Subaru. I'm sticking with my Pilot Touring AWD, Subaru lost my trust period.

[@jakes5530]

Its YoMama I think thats a pretty poor attitude to have considering how different the tribeca is from anything in the current subaru lineup. The tribeca was horrible and everyone knows it, but the ascent truly seems to be a worthy competitor of the best vehicles in the 3 row midsize suv class

[@kanuckelwolfe4490]

We bought a 3 yr old Tribeca in 2012 and it's still going strong at 160,000+. Our driveway goes uphill off of a hill and the Tribeca is by far the best vehicle we've owned for driving in the snow (if everyone had one I would never have to get the snow plow out). My brother has a Pilot and it's not near as good.

[@crabbycripple]

Thanks for a great review. My wife and I are going to look at the Ascent tomorrow.

[@CarConfections]

You're welcome! Glad you liked it!

[@marciepreciado4067]

You did such a great job on this review. Thank you.

[@EazyT8439]

I was about to buy a pilot but decided to check out Subaru just in case. When I got there I never even heard about the ascent, after testing both I’m glad I went with the Subaru. And it was about 5000 dollars cheaper

[@howlingwolf125y]

I love how the Pilot sits up nice and tall - and it does look nice.. The Ascent has a much better interior dashboard/controls.. Thanks to Subaru for going (much) more traditional.. The Pilot's dashboard is Weird looking and not very attractive. But I do like the Pilot's steering wheel better. I wish I could take the Subaru's dashboards/controls and traditional shifter and put it into the Pilot.. That would be an awesome SUV.

[@brianmartin3920]

What I'd like to see is a comparison of their AWD performance. Subaru's AWD is supposed to be the best, but I've seen some reviews where the Pilot's AWD is pretty good too. The technology isn't all that new any more, so it'd be interesting to know if Subaru still has a commanding lead or if others have caught up.

[@MegaGeorge1948]

Some may prefer the gas filler door to be on the right, like the Subaru. Since not many cars in the US have the right hand rear fuel filler door, and with busy gas stations, I find that I don't have to wait in line as much to get gas due to shorter gas hoses that cannot get around the car to the left opposite side. Because my 2018 Subaru Outback is right handed. Looking at your video of the interior the Subaru Accent shares a lot of the interior hardware with my Outback. This saves on the cost of manufacturing, thus can pass the lower cost savings on to the customer end user. This would account for the lower price of the Accent.

[@eamonob84]

I love that about my Impreza-much faster to get in and out of gas stations.

[@tjsullivan4793]

The Pilot should receive a significant refresh this coming fall as a 2019 since this will be its third year since last redesign. Hopefully they will replace the infotainment to the one in Accord and Odyssey.There is a good chance the 2019 Pilot will also get the 10 speed auto that is used in the Accord and Odyssey which is much better than the 9 speed currently in use.I also read the 2019 Pilot could have a hybrid option. One photo I saw it seems the refreshed Pilot is less "bulbous" looking in the front and better looking in my opinion.

[@TJC450]

Fun fact the Ascent has 19 cup holders.

[@billschoe43]

19! If it could hold 19 people, it's a clown car then.

[@clintmacas]

billschoe43 one baby wants juice. then 2 mins later wants her milk. the other wanted chocolate milk. got bored with it it wants apple juice. thats 4 bottles for just two kids in ave. in my experience. we have a 2 yr old, a 3 yr old and one on the way. so make that six. plus 2 adults lets say one water bottle each and a soft drink bottle so thats ten. even though thats not 19 bottle holders but its good thats its placed all around the vehicle so wherever the occupant may be there's plenty nearby. our Honda oddysey minivan have this problem. my kids are trained to always put them at the bottle holders. once its all occupied they throw it on the floor and now theres milk spots all over the place. but hell why should anyone base water bottle as a buying point lol. in the end buy wat u want lol.

[@cjrouse9508]

And like 22 usb ports

[@goergeibrahim6417]

To carry drugs

[@jsprite123]

@@billschoe43 Only 19, not at least 20?! It's a No buy then. (Kidding...)

[@yeethao1165]

what about life span timing belt comparison Which one is less maintenance

[@ozzy5368]

You seriously gave the pilot a point for 4 miles more range? What are the octane requirements? This goes into the same financial math as mpg.

[@Mjfsocial]

Kindly do the same comparison with the 2019 version for the pilot

[@ronaldsteiger7562]

You do a nice job on all your auto reviews... thank you On a few spots you have Hylander specs rather than Piliot

[@CarConfections]

Thank you!

[@xDRAN0x]

The Pilot's new model is coming late 2018.

[@SPiTFiRe_MV]

Very nice comparison video. My only complaint is the cars switching sides a few times in split screen.

[@B-rad1]

I'm imagining a situation where a family of 8 goes on a vacation towing their 5000lb camping trailer with the Ascent, and ends up in a situation where there's a CVT lugging 5 tons up a mountain pass in rural Colorado. Yikes...

[@kyleguo2363]

The ascent does not need a second remote for remote start.... you just need to press the lock button 3 times and hold it down on the 3rd time

[@tritchie6272]

Seems to me that the Subaru has alot to offer and in my opinion better looking.However their are 2 things that have me concerned.I've never heard anything good about a CVT from any automotive type who wants to enjoy driving.I also have severe reservations about the button shifter.It seems weird,looks awkward to me,and could be trouble for people that have limited range of motion.It's kind of a shame cause in my opinion the Subaru is a much better looking car.Also something that I wish folks would check is distance between floor and roof.When I do manage to get the wife something she her electric wheelchair can fit into I would like more options than a van.Although I wouldn't be to opposed to a AWD van I guess.I'm hoping we can manage to have some fun off the the beaten path before we get to old to actually enjoy it.

[@AmirPomen]

We asians literally droolling on this.. and yet subaru didnt bother making rhd version of this ascent for us... Im pretty sure this will be a big hit in uk,oz and malaysia/singapore

[@silentrefusal9911]

Is it just me or someone else noticed, for the 1st time ever, a Subaru front dash with infotainment system actually looks better that of Honda's??

[@rallysauruswrex]

Great comparison video! Did you try to press the lock button 3 times and hold it on the third time to remote start it? (I'm not sure if it's a standard feature but oh well)

[@CarConfections]

Thanks! Remote start is considered an accessory, so it is optional for $411 on every grade of the Ascent. Alternatively, you can subscribe to the app also but at had neither option

[@adamwright9741]

Oh and by the way I wish the Subaru had a bit more swooping styling of the Honda because this generation of Hondas seem to have some very good timeless styling, and I will also bet the next generation Pilot and Ridgeline and other Hondas will take the show for years, even more than this extremely good generation... But haha it is still Subie for me because of the other capabilities!

[@eianwahgener7623]

I'll take more torque over more hp in an SUV, so that point shouldn't have gone to the pilot..

[@app1mxh]

Good video. But you should have added the Volkswagen for a three-way comparison

[@caidenn_mb]

NGL, Love the Ascent. No hate on any 3 row except the Highlander because it’s just kinda small for a 3-row. But I still feel like the Telluride beats every 3-row on the market. But this is just my opinion.

[@curteye22]

Need a driving comparison section.... One handles like a large SUV (Honda) the Ascent handles more like a regular car

[@stephenpowstinger733]

Starting off, the automatic door unlock on Honda is erratic. I have one and half the time when I touch it it just locks the car again. I have to keep touching it until it unlocks!

[@ozargafarov4448]

Great work! Driving dynamics comparison would be much appreciated.

[@benjaminmoskowitz422]

Another great one. Keep it up. Have a great Memorial Day

[@CarConfections]

Thanks, you too!

[@MrStradia]

I don't get all the plastic intake bolted to the underside of the hood on the Ascent. Seems they could have did that differently.

[@chewsir]

Honda has a way of designing cars that look tired unless you spend the extra coin to go up several trim levels.

[@CarlosParraDBA]

Just traded in my highway only driving of the Subaru Ascent. New transmission at 40K. Bad CVT!! They did not get it right!!! I can't afford to replace my transmission every 40k. :( Got a Lexus instead.

[@CarlosParraDBA]

I eyesight and the AWD is better in the Subaru but I need reliable. The transmission needs to last. I know Toyota owns 25% of Subaru. So why would they not give Subaru their CVT transmissions...Cmon!!! Sorry Lexus but the eyesight is better with Subaru... I loved my Subaru. I just wish they would have put a better transmission and better tires. Seriously!!!!

[@lucyfoster4082]

Is there something about the way Subaru does AWD that necessitates their using the CVT? Sorry if this is a super dumb question. Also, if Subaru’s type of awd is the best, why don’t other companies emulate it more?

[@tonychau1983]

Lucy Foster they use cvt cause its cheaper to produce and subie uses it meet mpg standards

[@0h1uvs93]

When you said that the transmission for the Ascent is ugly I got so sad because my step mom owns one

[@felsenrogers4083]

any off road tests in mud for the subaru ascent?

[@amirthehammer240]

That was a fairly good comparison. I'm leaning towards a Subaru myself. Japanese!

[@wade3312]

Are you guys going to do a Ridgeline? I might buy one soon.

[@CarConfections]

Our dealer just sold the one they had but we'll be looking to review it once we get another one! Shouldn't be too long

[@wade3312]

Looking forward to it!

[@Grapes938]

Good review keep it up

[@CarConfections]

Thank you!

[@collinmarrs6773]

It's worth noting that the keyless start (auto start) on the pilot or any current Honda, only works from about 10 feet away... The Subaru, with purchase of the app, which is super inexpensive considering what it does, will work from anywhere as long as you have some sort of internet connection. (Just bought a 2019 forester sport, and love the Subaru app). (Believe we paid 70$ for 3 years of the app). We have a 2017 Honda CR-V and the keyless start is terrible. We had to get a third party auto start. So that was $600.

[@chrisroberts7318]

Just not true, my 2018 Pilot consistantly remote starts from 75 yards in my work parking lot.

[@abba3629]

Highlander has the Most Aerodynamic and Streamlined Shape and Flow..., Combined with smooth ride and Powerful reliable Engine.

[@tiennghe7143]

Thanks ,very helpful

[@tonychau1983]

what's the point of a cheap cvt when it gets the same mpg ?

[@awnyca4077]

I prefer the Honda Pilot exterior and interior look, that why I got the pilot

[@FullsendOffroad]

The Pilot has a good engine. a 4 cylinder is nonsense for this segment

[@madchiller1985]

When you compared infotainment, that wasn't an Ascent, that was the old Outback infotainment, what happened?

[@CarConfections]

They are the same

[@boostedp1iscoolkid]

14:29 HIGHLANDER? you mean ascent.......

[@CarConfections]

Haha oops

[@abba3629]

Compare Toyota Highlander XLE with Honda Pilot Touring.

[@CarConfections]

We already have a comparison between them and we are planning a new one when the new Highlander comes out!

[@rosyball3598]

Love my Honda Pilot touring has free hand tailgate access. Third row has bigger room. Subaru has affordable price but Honda is reliable and better engine.

[@TJC450]

I would've done a comparison it against the new Atlas since it too is all new.

[@jakes5530]

TJC450 the atlas is a decent amount larger than the ascent, the closest competition to the atlas is the traverse. Both of which have nearly 100 cubic ft of space with seats down, 15 more than the ascent and pilot. Ive also sat in the rear of both pilot and atlas and the atlas feels like a limo theres so much room. So the pilot/highlander are the closest competition to the ascent.

[@lucyfoster4082]

How is the AWD on the Pilot? That is the only reason I am considering an Ascent.

[@adrianalvarado1206]

Lucy Foster is a joke !!

[@boostedmaniac]

There are some videos showing it on a cross hill. It’s no where as good as Subaru.

[@Y10Q]

probably the same. I am concerned about the Pilot's 3.5l engine. Lots of failures when used in Vans, SUVs and Ridgeline. My wife went with Highlander.

[@boostedmaniac]

YES10 I’ve never heard about a 3.5L V6 failure. I have experience with one with almost 200k and no problems. The one thing with Hondas is you have to adjust the valves after maybe 110k miles or if they start to get a little noisy.

[@Y10Q]

it is not a complete failure, but it starts as a misfire. Repair is about 3000. You need new heads when it happens most often. Sometimes a valve job. South Main Auto has videos on couple of different cars. One could have been a head gasket if I remember correctly. Search it. I have a coworker with a Pilot that just had a head gasket failure, with a major oil leak. I didn't believe it either. But yeah, I think when used in heavier applications, these engines meet their match. I have never seen issues when used in Accord, transmission or otherwise.

[@haydenhartley2823]

You said highlander for towing....

[@CarConfections]

Oops haha

[@mattmata5656]

Do u have highlander compared to ascent

[@CarConfections]

No, we haven't made that comparison yet

[@noaharmstrong752]

no du the pilot has the old infotanment it is the 3rd gen from 2016 -2018

[@peterscanlon9727]

Add .77 points to the Subaru for the $775 dollars you rounded down. Excellent review.

[@CarConfections]

Thanks!

[@gulielmi2002]

Horse power is meaningless; torque is the important number. So that 1 point give to the pilot needs to be removed an awarded to the ascent

[@josephkraft5640]

Finally! Been waiting for this one. I am still sold on the Subie but yeah love the pilot and Highlander. If Subaru wasn’t bringing out the Ascent I most likely would have ended up with the Pilot but Wishing I would have done Highlander because of the questionable transmission in Pilot. I get to test drive the Ascent this Friday! I’m pumped and ready to see if that 4 banger with that CVT is going to be satisfying enough to get one I’m sold on everything else about it. Thanks for the great reviews!

[@jakes5530]

Joseph Kraft how was it?

[@josephkraft5640]

Jake Stoler After 4 months of shopping all of the desirable 3 row Crossovers out there I went with the Toyota Highlander. Here’s why, the Subaru had 3 things that scared me 1) CVT 2)Direct injection only 3) Brand new turbo 4 cylinder motor. On top of that it’s a first year model and first of its kind as the Tribeca was much smaller. Now what sold me on the Highlander is the smooth 8 speed transmission and the naturally aspirating 6 Cylinder motor with both “Port” and “Direct” injection. Comfortable, practical, reliable, durable, and all that proven with top consumer rated brand. Also was able to get a great deal at the dealership. I know it don’t have as much cargo capacity and bells and whistles but it was all good enough for me to be content with spending 45K. I have a feeling I’m going to keep this vehicle for a very long time. It’s fantastic and I’m confident I made the right choice.

[@TheReTurnersFlips]

Joseph Kraft I feel like there are going to be a lot of CVT converts with the Ascent. Subaru struggled for a while, but I think they have worked out a lot of the kinks. I dont mind the direct injection, but I am with you on being a bit iffy on a brand new motor in a first of its kind car. I have an Outback now and had a WRX about 10 years ago, I love me some Subarus, but they don't have the best track record when it comes to brand new engine componenets, much less a whole new engine. Takes them a year or two to work out the bugs and then it is bullet proof.

[@josephkraft5640]

A Boy and His Subaru yes I’m not saying it’s a bad vehicle at all. I loved it and it was my first choice. It drove the best and was perfect as far as cargo space and design. Beautiful vehicle. But I needed to feel good about my purchase. I used logic rather than emotion PLUS tags would have been 100.00 more for the Subaru and an additional 10 bucks a month on my insurance over the brand new highlander so that also made Highlander a better value for me. Subaru is fantastic and does have a top 6 place in reliability over all. Everyone who owns a Subaru loves it. If I were to take that risk it would be with a Subaru and no doubt I would buy a Toyota with a CVT in fact my wife drives a Corolla with it and it’s fine. I guess there was just too much newness there for me but maybe after a few years of this being out and getting positive reviews I may again consider it.

[@misterscruffle]

@@josephkraft5640 toyotas last forever, I still have a 4runner from 2003 that works great. But that said I heard they will be changing the Highlander model either next year or 2020 as it's nearing the end of its design cycle. So I would have waited.

[@peterhadi1824]

Great review! but man the Subaru cars and trucks are very very Fugly. Their vehicle design is still stuck in the eighties. Inside and out.

[@silentrefusal9911]

Wait what? Why didn't I get notification for this video?? Despite being subscribed

[@CarConfections]

Notification squad 👍

[@misterscruffle]

typo at 14:29 when it says highlander instead of ascent

[@kyleguo2363]

Subaru’s in California have free oil changes for the first 2 years

[@heidigibbons1207]

What about abilities to tow a small camper?

[@heidigibbons1207]

Oops, didn’t listen long enough

[@fntony4967]

AWD Pilot with 6speed if you want to keep it longer than the warranty. Also Give the Honda 5pts for Resale Value over the Subie.

[@brianhoefer6119]

I would never ever buy any vehicle with a CVT transmission.

[@corygalvan5660]

Boxer motors are garbage. CVT is garbage. Scooby doos are just a trend like tight pants

[@jia8189]

The Subaru is already having issues with the transmission. Dealers are replacing them and it’s know issue.

[@thedarkknight4243]

great comparison

[@CarConfections]

Thanks!

[@tomryan9718]

Ugh! Why do they put cup holders in car?

[@1188clean]

to put cups in them.

[@dwaynewoodard5651]

At 6:31 in the video when yo look the side of the Subaru it has the same wheels as the rouge and almost the same body style as the rougeand when you just look at the whole entire image you can see that it looks like the rogue even the headlamps on the side please compare it and you will see what I mean

[@goergeibrahim6417]

The acsent is way better

[@billschoe43]

For Ground Clearance and Headroom, you have the Toyota Highlander put it's place for the other vehicle. I didn't Toyota was in this comparison.

[@klncow]

The Subaru looks like something ford would produce.

[@lucyfoster4082]

Why would it be pointless to discuss space in the third row??

[@CarConfections]

I did discuss space just not the official measurements since both are tight in practice

[@lucyfoster4082]

Car Confections I really need to know which is tighter in practice.

[@CarConfections]

Lucy Foster I'd say the pilot is the tighter of the two

[@lucyfoster4082]

thanks