Ascent vs Pilot: 2024 Ultimate Guide and EXCLUSIVE Gas Expense Audit!

[@casey896]

As an owner of a 2023 ascent here are my pros and cons + Safety. The thing is built like a tank, and is highly rated for crash tests. There’s even some pegs in the all the doors that prevent passengers from being ejected in a serious accident. + Quiet. Minimal road noise and a comfortable car to drive for long distances. + Living in snow country the car holds its own. The Subaru AWD is unmatched in this category especially enabling X-Mode and hill descent. It’s nice to not ever worry about being forced to use snow chains because you can’t. Manufacturer prohibits it. + Ample leg room and storage space. - Abysmal fuel economy. The ascent is a pig, enough said. Especially for mountain roads. - CVT transmission does not make for a fun driving experience and leaves much to be desired. - while not underpowered the engine is very modest and could use a bit more boost. It’s a very heavy car and could benefit from a stronger power plant. - Too many bells and whistles. Lane departure warnings, driver assist, over complicated infotainment system. Overall it’s a great car and I don’t regret buying it. Living in snow country it fulfills its purpose and is a versatile car. Just be prepared to have a 700-1000$/ month car payment it’s not cheap.

[@mr9c1driver59]

Came down to these two models late last year. Ended up with a 24 Onyx Edition Ascent and love it. The purchase price was a big factor.

[@DanielAcostaAZ]

We chose the Ascent, no regrets.

[@pauldellie9068]

How about trying them out in heavy Canadian snow. The ascent has it in that case.

[@ychongy]

That means you have to move to Canada

[@coevers1962]

In a rollover you would be VERY happy for those sturdy columns.

[@CRVgarage]

Excellent review. I don't understand why Ascent's cargo volume behind front row has been reduced this year. If you look at pervious years its on par with the Pilot.

[@JCFan0000]

I have a 2021 Ascent and it's great. I'm very interested to see how Subaru improves the Ascent in it's 2nd generation which should be coming in a year or two I'd imagine.

[@ashleydevero8964]

Both very close until the AWD is needed, then the Ascent with Subaru AWD wins. Ground clearance has been understated. Both great vehicles, both should run a long time if maintained. I like keeping the $9k in my pocket. Ascent for me

[@colemanvollrath7180]

Awesome video, thanks!

[@passionnotparked9099]

Drove both multiple times before puchasing. Pilot advantages...room, ummm what else let me think, looks maybe. Lets move on to Ascent advatages...price, feel, layout, powertrain response, AWD, and ride. 2024 Onyx 38k.

[@ForevertheYoungs]

I have the 2024 ascent and it has more pickup than my former V6 ford explorer and more leg room up front. However, the driver seat is so uncomfortable to me. I’ve driven 15k miles in the ascent in 6 months with multiple 11+ hour drives and I am not happy with the comfort level in the front seat. Which is why I’m checking out the Pilot…

[@chrisdan8064]

I wonder why, because my touring '23 makes me so comfortable to drive in.

[@ForevertheYoungs]

@@chrisdan8064 no idea but my husband said the same thing about the seat being uncomfortable. It’s hard. Made my butt hurt after a few hours. I traded it in.

[@maggie0417]

⁠@@ForevertheYoungsoh no! May I ask which model you bought? I’m looking into them

[@ForevertheYoungs]

@@maggie0417 I had the 2024 Subaru ascent touring

[@Tom-ej8bb]

Love my Alabama workers!! Keep up the Great work. Sweat is good for ya!!

[@gmra98]

excellent video Price and final $$$$ are always into the decision. Cars are mainly an expend, so the cheap option with less sacrifice of over all quality lead. Thanks for the video.

[@bjg6695]

We have a 2019 with 130,000 miles ascent. Its been marvelous.

[@con_ed7960]

Did you purchase the Ascent?

[@bjg6695]

@con_ed7960 yes in 2019

[@trumpius_maximus47]

The Canadian models have square wheels?

[@movieclipscobrakia9971]

Subaruuu❤❤❤❤

[@dkmillerii]

You didn’t discuss the difference of CVT vs. automatic transmission and “off-road” capability. I was really looking for those details.

[@mbenkis]

Driving Sports TV channel does offroad tests with all the vehicles. Subaru always performs well in his offroad tests. Honda and Toyota have had issues with their AWD systems overheating and disengaging during some of his testing.

[@bmccook14]

@@mbenkis I've also seen videos where the Subaru just stops mid hill because the CVT can't get up the incline.

[@Red_Rollie]

So i am adding a 3rd baby seat to our family in a few months, but i am torn between the two vehicles. I wNt something comfortable for long trips and some light off roading. Anyone got any recommendations?😢

[@roberta949]

We thought the Accent was better based primarily on $10K less, lots of stock and buy at invoice with better factory interest rates. We would not own either of these much past the bumper to bumper warranty. Honda never should have abandoned the tried and proven SOHC V6 VTEC engine with a 6 speed transmission but could not make EPA regs. Subaru should never have put a 4 cylinder engine in a 5000lb 3 row SUV or embraced the CVT transmission for anything larger than an Impreza but could not meet EPA. The EPA is forcing them to downsize engines, use unreliable, expensive, complex 9/10 speed transmissions and the CVT's are expensive, not serviceable and sealed for replacement only. It's like $10K or more for replacement installed.

[@RizHail]

Ascent vs Honda CRV which has more cargo space with 2nd row seats down? Yes, I said CRV not Pilot.

[@laborspy]

Owned both … enjoy the Pilot better

[@tuan056585]

The Ascent touring. I like the traditional layout interior of Subaru. I don't like the dashboard layout of Pilot, especially the push button gear shifter. My 2007 Honda Odyssey touring look better than this new Pilot.

[@bmccook14]

Honda. My mechanic says CVTs are not good for towing.

[@Joeybz1]

My Ascent just fits in my garage. The Pilot would not work.

[@joncorra7811]

I wish that Ascent had a better engine.

[@roberta949]

They don't get much better than the Subaru Boxer engine. Maybe some larger engines with worst gas mileage. Boxer has been successful both in passenger vehicles and racing for longer than any other engine in current production or like 45 years. If you notice the Toyota Highlander also went to a turbo 4cyl engine abandoning its straight 6cy. What I am not a fan of is the CVT transmissions. They are fine if you plan to own for 5 or 6 years then change but 100K miles plus not so reliable.

[@K03sport]

are you sure it's the engine and not the transmission? there is a a good bit of aftermarket for the 2.4FA.DIT. Mazda's 3.3T I-6 is nice as well. W/the Subaru, stay on top of oil/fluid changes and you'll be fine. don't stretch OCI because the oil bottle says "15k mi/18k km") intervals... just don't do it.

[@Joeybz1]

I really enjoy driving the Ascent. With the turbo you get up to speed very quick. It feels more like driving a car. The response is great.

[@Tom-ej8bb]

big vehicle cvt? Farewell and adu to my fair lady lol

[@PLZU81Truth]

Would take the Pilot. Honda's legendary reliability is king. Resale value always will go to Toyota and Honda.

[@albertatundra]

Chose the pilot because it is better in every way.

[@Fyahking619]

Nope, it’s slower, so not better in every way. Lol

[@Tom-ej8bb]

Spanish lady ha