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Comparing the Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot: Which Midsize SUV Is the Better Choice for St. Louis Area Drivers?

Jul 14, 2025

Comparing the Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot: Which Midsize SUV Is the Better Choice for St. Louis Area Drivers?

Choosing the right midsize SUV is a significant decision for families and adventure enthusiasts in the St. Louis metropolitan area, including communities like Chesterfield, Webster Groves, and Ladue. Among the popular contenders, the Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot stand out for their family-friendly designs, performance capabilities, and safety features. This article dives deeply into comparing these two SUVs across key criteria, highlighting why the Subaru Ascent often emerges as the superior option for many drivers in Sunset Hills and surrounding neighborhoods. Additionally, we’ll explore the reliability of the Subaru Ascent, a critical factor for long-term ownership satisfaction.

If you want to explore these SUVs in person or need expert advice, visit us at 10100 Watson Rd, Sunset Hills, MO 63127 or call us at (314) 476-9638.

Table of Contents

Performance and Capability: Power vs. Practicality

When comparing the Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot, understanding their powertrains and how they perform in real-world conditions across Missouri is essential. The Honda Pilot offers a robust V6 engine delivering around 280 horsepower, which generally provides quicker acceleration and a higher towing capacity—up to approximately 5,000 pounds. This makes the Pilot a compelling choice for those prioritizing speed and hauling capability, such as families in Maryland Heights who tow boats or trailers frequently.

In contrast, the Subaru Ascent comes equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine producing about 260 horsepower. While slightly less powerful, the Ascent compensates with superior fuel economy, especially in city driving conditions typical of areas like Crestwood and Glendale. The EPA estimates for the Ascent hover around 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, which is more economical compared to the Pilot’s averages. For daily commuters in Sappington and Valley Park, this translates to meaningful savings over time.

One critical difference affecting capability is Subaru’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, standard on every Ascent. This system enhances stability and traction across various terrains, from the urban streets of St. Louis to rougher, less maintained roads near Fenton and Twin Oaks. The Honda Pilot offers all-wheel drive as an option but does not make it standard, which can be a deciding factor for drivers who face inclement weather or off-pavement conditions.

Key Takeaways for Performance:

  • Honda Pilot’s V6 engine delivers more horsepower and towing capacity.
  • Subaru Ascent excels in fuel efficiency and comes standard with advanced AWD.
  • The Ascent’s AWD system provides better off-road and all-weather capability, ideal for Missouri’s diverse driving environments.

For drivers prioritizing a balance of power and everyday practicality, the Ascent’s engine and drivetrain setup offer impressive versatility, particularly for those near Webster Groves or Chesterfield who value both efficiency and capability.

Interior Comfort and Technology: Family-Friendly Features

Both the Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot cater to families needing spacious, comfortable interiors with advanced tech, but subtle differences make the Ascent a standout choice for those in Maplewood, Richmond Heights, and Concord.

Starting with seating, the Ascent comfortably accommodates up to eight passengers with three rows, similar to the Pilot. However, the Ascent’s interior configuration offers more flexible cargo space, with up to 86.5 cubic feet when rear seats are folded, providing ample room for sports gear, groceries, or camping equipment frequently transported by families living near Ladue or Oakland. The Pilot offers slightly less maximum cargo volume, which might impact users who need to haul large loads regularly.

Technology-wise, the Ascent features Subaru’s STARLINK Multimedia system, which integrates seamlessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring passengers stay connected and entertained during long drives across St. Charles or Fenton. Safety remains paramount, especially for families. The Ascent includes Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology as standard, offering pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance, which can reduce accident risks in busy traffic areas like Richmond Heights. While the Pilot has comparable safety features, many come only on higher trims.

Additional comforts such as tri-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable seats, and available panoramic sunroofs are well-integrated in the Ascent’s cabin, creating a pleasant environment whether driving through the historic districts of Glendale or navigating the suburban streets of Valley Park.

Interior and Tech Highlights:

  • Spacious seating for up to eight with flexible cargo configurations.
  • STARLINK infotainment with smartphone integration standard.
  • Comprehensive EyeSight safety technology included across trims.
  • Comfort features suited to long family trips and daily errands.

For families in and around Sunset Hills, the Ascent offers a compelling mix of comfort, technology, and safety, making it an excellent everyday vehicle.

Subaru Ascent Reliability: Durability and Longevity Insights

A critical question for many shoppers from Lakeshire to Creve Coeur is whether the Subaru Ascent is a reliable vehicle capable of standing the test of time. Current data and industry insights indicate that the Ascent has an expected lifespan ranging between 200,000 to 250,000 miles, which translates to approximately 13 to 17 years of dependable service given average annual mileage of 15,000 miles.

Several engineering features contribute to this longevity. The Ascent’s turbocharged 2.4-liter BOXER engine is designed for balanced power delivery and efficiency, reducing strain on components. Additionally, the vehicle benefits from Subaru’s renowned symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, which distributes power evenly and improves drivetrain durability even in challenging driving conditions common near neighborhoods like Sappington and Twin Oaks.

Owners who adhere to recommended maintenance schedules, including regular oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections, can expect to maximize the vehicle’s lifespan. For those in the St. Louis area, utilizing trusted local service centers such as ours at Sunset Hills Subaru ensures expert care using genuine parts. You can easily Schedule Service and Diagnostics with our experienced technicians to keep your Ascent running smoothly.

Moreover, Subaru’s build quality includes high-strength materials and advanced safety structures, enhancing the vehicle’s resilience and protecting occupants over time. Real-world owners in areas like Webster Groves report consistent reliability even after years of mixed city and off-road driving.

Reliability Factors to Consider:

  • Lifespan of 200,000 to 250,000 miles with proper care.
  • Durable BOXER engine and symmetrical AWD for longevity.
  • Lower maintenance costs compared to many midsize SUVs.
  • Importance of genuine Subaru parts for replacement to maintain performance (Find Subaru Parts).

If you own an Ascent and want to know your vehicle’s current value, you can Get your value trade through our easy-to-use online tool to explore upgrade options.

Real-World Applications: Which SUV Fits Different Lifestyles?

Residents in communities like Richmond Heights, Valley Park, and St. Charles have diverse needs from their SUVs, whether for daily commuting, family outings, or outdoor adventures. The Subaru Ascent’s standard all-wheel drive and durable construction make it particularly suited for those who encounter varied weather conditions and unpaved roads, common in Missouri’s suburban and rural areas.

For example, families living near Fenton who enjoy weekend trips to state parks or hiking trails benefit from the Ascent’s off-road capability and cargo space for gear. Its fuel-efficient engine also makes it economical for daily city driving in places like Glendale or Webster Groves. Meanwhile, the Honda Pilot’s higher towing capacity is advantageous for those who regularly haul heavy trailers or boats, such as residents of Maryland Heights near the Missouri River.

In urban settings like Ladue, the Ascent’s safety suite and comfortable cabin enhance daily school runs and errands. The Pilot, while powerful, may not offer the same level of standard AWD security or fuel economy, which can be a deciding factor in more variable weather.

Lifestyle Considerations:

  • Subaru Ascent excels in mixed-use scenarios combining city, highway, and light off-road driving.
  • Honda Pilot suits drivers needing maximum towing and higher horsepower.
  • Families in Sunset Hills benefit from Ascent’s balance of comfort, safety, and versatility.

Browse our New Subaru Ascent Inventory or explore Used Vehicle Inventory to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.

Maintenance, Service, and Parts Support in the St. Louis Region

Owning a Subaru Ascent in the St. Louis metro area, including neighborhoods like Crestwood, St. Charles, and Twin Oaks, means having access to reliable maintenance resources tailored for your vehicle. At Sunset Hills Subaru, we provide expert service that adheres to Subaru’s best practices, ensuring your SUV remains in optimal condition.

Routine maintenance, such as oil changes, brake inspections, and tire rotations, helps extend the life of your vehicle’s components and preserve its resale value. Our Service Department welcomes you to Schedule Service and Diagnostics online for convenient appointment booking, staffed by certified technicians trained specifically on Subaru vehicles.

Should you require replacement parts, our dealership stocks genuine Subaru components, which maintain your Ascent’s integrity and performance. Visit our Find Subaru Parts page to order parts effortlessly and ensure compatibility with your specific model year.

Additionally, Subaru owners benefit from Subaru Roadside Assistance, a manufacturer-backed program delivering expert help in case of emergencies such as flat tires or breakdowns, providing peace of mind when driving through areas like Glenwood or Richmond Heights.

Don’t forget to check our Current Service and Parts Specials for potential savings on maintenance services and parts replacement.

Summary: Why the Subaru Ascent is the Best Choice for Sunset Hills Drivers

After an in-depth comparison of the Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot, it becomes clear that the Ascent offers a well-rounded package that meets the diverse needs of drivers across Sunset Hills, St. Louis, and nearby areas like Ladue and Maplewood. While the Honda Pilot provides more raw horsepower and towing capacity, the Subaru Ascent’s superior fuel efficiency, standard AWD, and advanced safety features make it a more practical and reliable choice for families and adventurers alike.

The Ascent’s proven durability, capable of lasting up to 250,000 miles with proper maintenance, combined with our dealership’s dedicated service and genuine parts support, ensures your investment will stand the test of time. Whether navigating snowy winter roads near Chesterfield or heading out on a summer camping trip from Valley Park, the Subaru Ascent delivers confidence and comfort.

Explore our extensive New Subaru Inventory or find great options in our Used Vehicle Inventory today. Take advantage of our Current New Car Specials to get started on your journey with the Subaru Ascent.

For any questions or to schedule a test drive, visit us at 10100 Watson Rd, Sunset Hills, MO 63127 or call (314) 476-9638. Our team is ready to assist you in finding the perfect SUV tailored to your lifestyle and driving preferences.

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