When shopping for a midsize three-row SUV, a model comparison between the Subaru Ascent, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander helps drivers clearly see which vehicle delivers the best combination of capability, safety, and long-term value. The Subaru Ascent stands out with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, advanced EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, and exceptional traction for St. Louis-area weather, making it an ideal choice for families who prioritize confidence and control. While the Honda Pilot offers strong interior space and the Toyota Highlander provides impressive fuel efficiency, the Ascent delivers a compelling balance of turbocharged performance, standard safety features, family-friendly technology, and lower overall ownership value. For shoppers comparing the Subaru Ascent vs Honda Pilot vs Toyota Highlander, the Ascent consistently proves to be a smart option for those who want versatility, reliability, and peace of mind in a three-row SUV.

2026 Subaru Ascent vs. 2026 Honda Pilot vs. 2026 Toyota Highlander

An In-Depth Comparison for Families and Adventurers in Sunset Hills and Beyond

Choosing the right three-row midsize SUV can be a challenge, especially for families and active lifestyles in the greater St. Louis area—from the suburban comforts of Ladue and Crestwood to the outdoor escapes near Fenton and Valley Park. The 2026 Subaru Ascent, available at Sunset Hills Subaru on 10100 Watson Rd, Sunset Hills, MO 63127, stands out as a compelling choice with its balance of practicality, safety, and standard all-wheel drive. We’ll compare it head-to-head with the 2026 Honda Pilot and the 2026 Toyota Highlander, focusing on what matters most in everyday driving, family comfort, technology, and long-term value. For questions or to book a test drive, call us at (314) 476-9638 or explore our New Subaru Inventory today.

Table of Contents

• Comprehensive Overview & Family-Friendly Fit
• Vehicle Profiles and Market Positioning
• Performance & Handling on Missouri Roads
• Exterior Design & Practical Styling
• Interior Comfort & Space for Every Trip
• Technology & Connectivity to Keep You Connected
• Safety Systems: Peace of Mind from St. Charles to Sappington
• Fuel Efficiency and Driving Range
• Everyday Practicality & Cargo Flexibility
• Value Proposition & Ownership Cost Insights
• Final Recommendation & Why the Subaru Ascent Leads the Pack

Comprehensive Overview & Family-Friendly Fit

When it comes to family vehicles that blend rugged capability with everyday comfort and reliability in areas like Webster Groves, Creve Coeur, and Chesterfield, the 2026 Subaru Ascent is purpose-built to meet diverse needs. Its standard symmetrical all-wheel drive and robust 260-horsepower turbocharged engine offer a versatile driving experience, whether you’re managing the busy morning school run or heading toward weekend trails near Twin Oaks or Valley Park.

The Honda Pilot, powered by a strong 3.5-liter V6 with 285 horsepower, offers a traditional drivetrain with optional AWD, while the Toyota Highlander increasingly emphasizes hybrid efficiency, anticipating a fully hybrid lineup in the 2026 model year. Despite these strengths, the Ascent distinguishes itself with uniquely balanced performance, a spacious family-friendly cabin, and advanced safety systems that come standard rather than as upgrades.

The Ascent delivers a stronger value proposition for families focused on everyday versatility, standard AWD, and ease of ownership, making it an excellent choice for a range of Missouri’s suburban and lightly adventurous lifestyles.

Vehicle Profiles and Market Positioning

2026 Subaru Ascent

As Subaru’s largest crossover, the Ascent offers seating for up to eight passengers. Its robust turbocharged flat-four engine and CVT work in harmony with Subaru’s signature symmetrical all-wheel drive system, providing a balanced ride encouraging confident handling on Missouri roads. The thoughtfully designed interior with premium materials in upper trims, such as Touring’s Nappa leather with woodgrain accents, aligns well with families who value comfort alongside practicality. Subaru’s EyeSight® driver assist technology is standard, reinforcing its reputation for safety and driver confidence.

2026 Honda Pilot

Honda’s longstanding mid-size SUV staple, the Pilot, continues with a potent 3.5-liter V6 and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Buyers can choose between front-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations depending on needs. The Pilot aims to cater to buyers seeking traditional V6 power and a refined ride, although its AWD system is optional rather than standard. Inside, the Pilot leans on practical layouts with some luxury touch points at higher trims but lacks the standard AWD reliability important to Missouri drivers tackling seasonal weather challenges.

2026 Toyota Highlander

Toyota is moving toward a primarily hybrid-powered Highlander lineup, reflecting a focus on environmental responsibility and fuel efficiency. The current 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four serves as the gasoline alternative, with a sophisticated AWD system and multiple drive modes supporting a variety of road conditions. The Highlander boasts a quiet, upscale cabin with technology and safety features that compete well in the mid-size SUV segment, though it tends to come with a higher price point and less cargo space flexibility compared to the Ascent.

Performance & Handling on Missouri Roads

Engine & Powertrain

The Subaru Ascent’s 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four delivers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, offering smooth accelerations suitable for highway merging or suburban errands. Its CVT paired with Subaru's symmetrical AWD provides seamless traction and confidence on wet, snowy, or uneven surfaces common in Crestwood and Glendale. While the Honda Pilot boasts slightly more horsepower at 285 hp with a V6 engine and a quicker-shifting 10-speed automatic, its drivetrain options are less flexible, as AWD is optional. The Toyota Highlander balances power and efficiency with 265 hp, but its 8-speed automatic transmission cannot match the Ascent’s subtle AWD performance and driving confidence.

Driving Impressions and Handling

The Ascent offers a balance of firm yet controlled ride quality. It absorbs bumps with grace while maintaining low body roll through corners, a benefit for daily drives stretching from Richmond Heights to Oakville. The Honda Pilot is praised for its smooth and quiet ride enhanced by sound insulation but lacks the AWD standardization that Missouri drivers value. Meanwhile, the Highlander focuses more on fuel-efficient driving with a softer ride, but its slightly slower acceleration and less dynamic handling place it behind the Ascent for those who desire versatility and confidence in varied conditions.

Exterior Design & Practical Styling

The 2026 Subaru Ascent carries a rugged and purposeful appearance, with five distinct trims adding to overall versatility. New for 2026 is the Sapphire Blue Pearl exterior option giving it a refreshing yet practical look for family outings through Maplewood or weekend adventures near Fenton. The black accents of the Premium trim and the matte-finish woodgrain of the Touring trim add layers of refinement, maintaining a family-friendly but durable aesthetic that fits well in Missouri’s suburban landscapes.

The Honda Pilot’s refreshed front fascia and larger grille convey a bolder look that suits families seeking a visually assertive SUV in the Richmond Heights or Ladue neighborhoods. The TrailSport trim enhances off-road appeal with rugged touches like underbody skid plates and unique light blue paint, but its styling does not extend across all trims.

Toyota Highlander’s design leans toward a sleeker and slightly upscale profile, especially in trims like XSE and Platinum, featuring sport-tuned suspensions and 20-inch alloy wheels. While this appeals to buyers favoring modern styling, it can feel less robust than the Ascent’s outdoor-ready posture and functional design elements such as roof rails and ample ground clearance.

Interior Comfort & Space for Every Trip

Passenger Comfort & Roominess

For families in communities like Twin Oaks, Valley Park, and Creve Coeur, interior space and comfort are paramount. Subaru’s Ascent provides generous legroom—42.2 inches in the front row, 38.6 in the middle, and 31.7 in the third row—ensuring all passengers, including growing kids or visiting friends, enjoy a comfortable ride. Cargo volume is competitive with 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 75.6 cubic feet when fully folded, offering flexible storage for everything from sports gear to groceries.

The Honda Pilot offers a comparable third-row legroom at 32.5 inches and slightly more cargo volume behind the first row at 87.0 cubic feet, but its second-row legroom and overall passenger volume are slightly less generous than the Ascent’s family-oriented layout. The Toyota Highlander’s third-row is similarly best suited for children, but its cargo volume maxes out at 84 cubic feet, with less space behind the third row than the Ascent.

Materials & Comfort Features

From Lakeshire to Glendale, families appreciate the Ascent’s durable yet upscale cabin. Touring trims upgrade to Nappa leather with subtle woodgrain trim, while the Onyx Edition Touring combines rugged aesthetics with premium touches. Heated front seats, available ventilated seating, and multi-zone climate control keep everyone comfortable during Missouri’s seasonal changes.

The Pilot shines with its spacious captain’s chairs option and available heated and ventilated front and rear seats but lacks the same level of standard ruggedness and versatility. Toyota’s Highlander interior impresses with soft materials and upscale technology, yet some reviews highlight its third-row comfort as more limited.

Technology & Connectivity to Keep You Connected

The 2026 Subaru Ascent features a user-centric 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility standard, supporting seamless device integration for families managing busy daily routines. Offering up to six USB ports among all three rows means each passenger can stay charged — perfect for long drives from St. Louis to Fenton. The premium 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system elevates in-cabin entertainment on higher trims, complemented by thoughtful features like power outlets and Wi-Fi hotspot availability.

Honda equips the Pilot with a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital cluster standard. It brings wireless phone mirroring and 5G Wi-Fi across trims, along with premium Bose audio options. While the tech is competitive, Subaru’s software interface tends to emphasize straightforward usability avoiding unnecessary complexity. Toyota’s Highlander offers 8.0- to 12.3-inch displays with JBL multi-speaker audio at higher trims and wireless phone integration, maintaining competitiveness with thoughtful driver displays and optional heads-up features.

Safety Systems: Peace of Mind from St. Charles to Sappington

Subaru’s commitment to safety is embodied in its EyeSight® driver assist system included as standard on all Ascent trims. It integrates adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and emergency steering intervention to enhance family protection on daily drives or Missouri’s interstate highways. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts complement this advanced safety platform. The Ascent carries top scores including the 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick and a five-star NHTSA overall rating, underlining its role as a safeguard for families across the Sunset Hills area.

Honda’s Pilot offers the Honda Sensing® suite across trims, providing comparable driver assist features with some notable additions such as a new post-collision braking system and 360-degree camera on higher grades. Toyota’s Highlander includes Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+, featuring a comprehensive array of safety technologies. While both rivals deliver strong safety credentials, Subaru uniquely standardizes these systems at all trim levels.

Fuel Efficiency and Driving Range

Families around St. Louis and suburban communities value fuel economy as a key factor. The Subaru Ascent delivers an estimated 19-20 mpg city and 25-26 mpg highway depending on configuration, achieving a driving range between 405 and 425 miles on a full tank. This efficiency is especially notable for a standard AWD midsize SUV.

The Honda Pilot’s fuel economy is similar at 19 mpg city and up to 27 mpg highway in Select trims with FWD, though all-wheel-drive lowers that efficiency slightly. The Toyota Highlander impresses with hybrid variants achieving approximately 35 mpg combined, though buyers should consider that the hybrid trims come at a higher starting price and less payload and towing flexibility.

Everyday Practicality & Cargo Flexibility

On weekends and road trips through Webster Groves or Creve Coeur, having adaptable cargo and passenger space makes all the difference. The Subaru Ascent strikes a strong balance, offering 42.1 to 43.5 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 75.6 cubic feet when all rear seats are folded, ideal for bikes, strollers, or camping gear. Its three-row setup is flexible, with a roomy front and second row and a third row best suited for children or short trips.

The Honda Pilot edges out with slightly larger maximum cargo volume behind the front seats but trades off some passenger comfort for storage. Toyota’s Highlander offers less cargo space behind the third row compared to the Ascent but gains with larger capacity when the third row folds.

Value Proposition & Ownership Cost Insights

At Sunset Hills Subaru, the 2026 Ascent offers an accessible all-wheel-drive SUV with a starting point near $40,795, below comparable trims of the Pilot and Highlander. The Ascent’s strong value is amplified by its comprehensive standard safety tech, practicality, and Subaru’s reputation for long-lasting durability—key for families across Glen Dale and Richmond Heights.

Measures like a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty ensure peace of mind. Although scheduled maintenance is not complimentary, Subaru's accessible service options and genuine parts availability via our Find Subaru Parts mean your Ascent stays reliable over time. When considering total ownership, the Ascent competes well in fuel savings and resale value.

The Pilot and Highlander provide wider powertrain choices but often at premiums that may not reflect all-wheel drive or safety tech comprehensively at base levels. Honda does offer complimentary maintenance for one year, though, potentially appealing for short-term owners. Toyota’s hybrid efficiency can save on fuel but may increase upfront costs and maintenance complexity.

Why the 2026 Subaru Ascent is the Clear Choice at Sunset Hills Subaru

For families and well-informed buyers across the St. Louis metro area—whether commuting through Richmond Heights or venturing outdoors to St. Charles and Fenton—the 2026 Subaru Ascent presents an exceptional balance of safety, all-weather capability, spaciousness, and practical family features. Its standard symmetrical all-wheel drive surpasses optional AWD systems from the competition, assuring confident handling on Missouri’s varied roads throughout the year.

While Honda’s Pilot and Toyota’s Highlander bring strong credentials and specific strengths such as optional powertrains and hybrid efficiency, the Ascent’s comprehensive safety suite, smart technology integration, and adaptable interior space deliver compelling benefits without compromising value.

Visit us at Sunset Hills Subaru, 10100 Watson Rd, Sunset Hills, MO 63127 or call (314) 476-9638 to experience the Ascent firsthand with a no-pressure test drive. Explore our available models through our New Subaru Inventory, or see opportunities on select trade-ins at Get your value trade. When it’s time for upkeep, schedule your appointment conveniently online at Schedule Service and Diagnostics, ensuring your Subaru continues to serve your family safely and reliably for miles to come.

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