The Subaru Ascent delivers a capable and efficient performance. It'll keep you in control in any driving conditions with standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The Honda Pilot is also an efficient SUV. However, it's not always as capable. While all-wheel drive is available, front-wheel drive comes standard on most trim levels.

Both SUVs can travel far on road trips with an EPA-estimated 27 MPG highway. The Ascent is slightly more efficient downtown, though, with an EPA-estimated of 26 MPG on the highway and 20 MPG city.* The Pilot forces you to make a pit stop for gas more often on your commute with an EPA-estimated of 18 city/23 highway MPG.

The Ascent can tow up to 5,000 pounds, while the Honda Pilot tow up to 3,500 pounds. In addition to giving you standard all-wheel drive, the Ascent also provides you with extra torque when you need it most. Its 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER® engine gets up to 277 lb-ft of torque.

There are three rows of seats in both the Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot. A second-row bench seat comes standard in both and gives you seating for up to eight people. If you're interested in having a convenient center aisle, you can choose to have a pair of captain's chairs and seating for seven.

The Ascent gives passengers a little more room to relax, though. It features 153.5 cubic feet of passenger space compared to the Honda's 152.9 cubic feet of passenger room. You'll notice a difference when you're behind the wheel. The Subaru's 42.2 inches of legroom gives you more space to stretch out on drives, while the Pilot will feel a little cramped with 40.9 inches of front legroom.

Both SUVs are also designed to carry lots of cargo. The Ascent features 18.6 cubic feet of trunk space, 48.5 cubic feet of cargo room with the back seats folded down, and 87.0 cubic feet of cargo room with both the second and third rows folded.

The Honda Pilot has a slightly smaller trunk with 16.5. While it also has folding seats in the second and third rows, it can't offer as much space.

The Subaru Ascent is focused on making your drive more convenient. Its wide doors give you more space to install a children's car seat or load a pet carrier. Each trim level comes with a set of roof rails, so you can tie things to the roof, too.

Inside, you'll find all sorts of comfortable amenities, including power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats. To help everyone stay refreshed, there are 19 cup and bottle holders throughout the interior.

The Honda Pilot also has power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, plus heated second-row seats. Unfortunately, the doors can't swing open as wide, and roof rails don't come standard until the higher trim levels. It doesn't have nearly as many cup holders, either.

Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ come standard in the Subaru Ascent. They give you the freedom to sync your smartphone to your SUV and access all your favorite apps. You'll also be able to stream your music and make hands-free phone calls using Bluetooth®.

All this smartphone compatibility can be found on a standard touchscreen display. It's also the place to find all your music with features like Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, built-in voice-activated navigation system powered by TomTom®, and in-vehicle Wi-Fi are also available. To give you great sound quality, you can also add a 14-speaker Harman Kardon® QuantumLogic™ surround-sound system.

The Honda Pilot offers a touchscreen, Apple CarPlay®, and Android Auto™. However, the standard system only includes a small touchscreen. While Bluetooth® comes standard, you won't find SiriusXM® Radio or HD Radio™ on the base trim. It can't offer the same sound quality, either, with a 10-speaker sound system.

The Subaru Ascent also gives you peace of mind during your drive. On top of delivering standard all-wheel drive, it protects the interior with seven airbags. The system even includes a driver's knee airbag and side-curtain airbags that cover all three rows of seats.

There's also standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. This system gives you more awareness during your drive and helps prevent accidents with features like:

• Pre-Collision Braking
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane Departure and Sway Warning with Lane Keep Assist
• Pre-Collision Throttle Management

The Honda Pilot also has a set of standard driver-assistance features and offers all-wheel drive. While it also has side-curtain airbags, it leaves some of the interior unprotected with only six airbags.