Compare 2026 Subaru Ascent vs. 2026 Honda Pilot in Normal, IL
Finding Your Ideal SUV for Bloomington-Normal Driving
Whether you are packing up for weekend road trips along I-55, handling busy school drop-off lines across McLean County, or navigating unpredictable Central Illinois winter roads, a reliable three-row family SUV is essential. We put the 2026 Subaru Ascent side-by-side with the 2026 Honda Pilot to see how these top family haulers perform where it matters most to local drivers.
While the Honda Pilot is a well-known three-row option, the 2026 Subaru Ascent delivers a distinctly superior package with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, impressive ground clearance, versatile cargo setups, and award-winning safety features. Powered by a punchy 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER® engine paired with standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology and X-MODE®, the Ascent combines rugged capability with everyday family comfort. At Subaru of Bloomington Normal in Normal, IL, we are excited to show you why the Ascent is the ultimate choice for your household.
Side-By-Side Comparison
How The Comparison Points Matter
Specifications on paper mean the most when experienced behind the wheel. Here is how key differences affect your daily family drives through Bloomington-Normal, highway road trips along I-74 and I-55, and seasonal weather changes.
Standard Drivetrain & Capability
Standard AWD gives you continuous traction and control without paying extra for optional mechanical packages.
- 2026 Subaru Ascent: Comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive across every trim, offering balanced power distribution for snow, rain, and gravel.
- 2026 Honda Pilot: Comes standard in front-wheel drive, requiring you to pay thousands more to add All-Wheel Drive capability.
Engine Power & Torque Response
Low-end turbocharged torque provides effortless acceleration when pulling a trailer or carrying a full load of passengers.
- 2026 Subaru Ascent: Generates 277 lb-ft of low-end torque starting at 2,000 RPM, giving you instant pulling power and quick highway merging response.
- 2026 Honda Pilot: Uses a naturally aspirated V6 with 262 lb-ft of torque that peaks much higher in the RPM range, making the engine work harder when fully loaded.
Ground Clearance & Winter Readiness
Higher ground clearance keeps your SUV's underbody safe from unplowed slush, snowdrifts, and rough terrain.
- 2026 Subaru Ascent: Features an impressive 8.7 inches of ground clearance standard, making snowed-in driveways and country roads worry-free.
- 2026 Honda Pilot: Offers only 7.3 inches of standard ground clearance, making it more prone to scraping over deep Midwest snowdrifts.
Maximum Cargo & Utility Capacity
Smart interior space paired with overhead roof rails makes hauling camping gear, strollers, and luggage effortless.
- 2026 Subaru Ascent: Delivers up to 75.6 cu. ft. of versatile cargo room, plus standard raised roof rails to easily mount bikes, kayaks, or cargo carriers.
- 2026 Honda Pilot: Offers up to 87.0 cu. ft. max storage space, but lacks standard roof rails on base trims, limiting overhead cargo utility.
Standard Driver Assistance
Comprehensive active safety systems act as a second pair of eyes during chaotic family commutes and highway travel.
- 2026 Subaru Ascent: Equips standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology with Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, and Lane Keep Assist.
- 2026 Honda Pilot: Includes standard Honda Sensing®, providing lane departure warnings and adaptive cruise control across its trim lineup.
Family Convenience & Amenities
Thoughtful interior touches like extra cupholders and large touchscreens keep everyone comfortable and entertained.
- 2026 Subaru Ascent: Packed with up to 19 standard cupholders and an available 11.6-inch STARLINK® touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™.
- 2026 Honda Pilot: Features 14 cupholders and comes standard with a smaller 7-inch display, requiring higher trim upgrades for larger screen sizes.
Why Choose Subaru of Bloomington Normal for Your Next SUV?
At Subaru of Bloomington Normal, we take pride in serving drivers throughout Normal, Bloomington, Clinton, Fairbury, and El Paso with open communication, competitive pricing, and attentive customer care. Located conveniently in Normal, our dealership is dedicated to providing an enjoyable, transparent shopping experience.
Our sales experts take the time to understand your family's needs and match you with the 2026 Subaru Ascent trim that fits your lifestyle and budget. From custom finance and lease solutions to certified Subaru service and maintenance, Subaru of Bloomington Normal is here to support you through every mile of ownership.
Tips for your visit
- Compare the 2026 Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot side-by-side on our lot.
- Feel the smooth power and low-end torque of the 2.4L Turbocharged BOXER® engine on a test drive.
- Test the spacious third-row seating, try the 19 cupholders, and explore the 11.6-inch STARLINK® screen.
- Ask our finance team about live Ascent lease promotions and trade-in appraisals.
Securing Your Ideal Three-Row SUV in Normal, IL
When you weigh standard capability, winter confidence, cabin conveniences, and award-winning safety features, the 2026 Subaru Ascent stands out as the clear winner over the Honda Pilot. While the Pilot offers a basic family setup, the Ascent delivers standard Symmetrical AWD, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, standard roof rails, up to 19 cupholders, and standard EyeSight® safety tech built for Midwest weather. Visit Subaru of Bloomington Normal today to take the 2026 Ascent for a test drive!
2026 Subaru Ascent
A capable, family-focused 3-row SUV offering standard Symmetrical AWD, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, standard EyeSight® safety, and up to 19 cupholders.
View Ascent Inventory2026 Honda Pilot
A three-row crossover featuring a 3.5L V6 engine, standard Honda Sensing® safety, and available i-VTM4® All-Wheel Drive.
Inquire about the PilotStyle and Capability
Step inside these spacious SUVs and experience thoughtful interiors engineered for busy families and long road trips. Durable cabin materials, acoustic windshield glass, and intuitable touchscreen controls create a serene atmosphere, while versatile seating configurations and easy third-row access make daily carpooling around Normal completely effortless.
Take a Further Look at These Three-Row SUVs
Ready to discover why so many Central Illinois families are choosing the Subaru Ascent? Visit Subaru of Bloomington Normal today. Our team is ready to show off key features, compare trim options, and get you behind the wheel for a test drive.
View Ascent Inventory
Browse our up-to-date selection of Subaru Ascent models, color choices, trim levels, and photo galleries online.
Finance Resources
Explore flexible financing options, competitive APR rates, current lease promotions, and quick online pre-approval tools.
Trade-In Tools
Get a fast, fair market appraisal for your current trade-in vehicle toward your new Subaru Ascent.
Contact Subaru of Bloomington Normal
Reach out to our sales staff to check live inventory status or schedule your personal test drive appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which SUV offers more total cargo space and third-row room: the Subaru Ascent or Honda Pilot?
The Honda Pilot provides up to 87.0 cu. ft. of maximum cargo space with all rear seats folded compared to 75.6 cu. ft. in the Subaru Ascent. However, the Ascent maximizes usable day-to-day interior utility with standard raised roof rails, standard 19 cupholders, and a low cargo load floor designed for easy packing.
Is All-Wheel Drive standard on both the Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot?
No. The 2026 Subaru Ascent comes standard with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-MODE® across every single trim level. The Honda Pilot comes standard in Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), requiring an extra cost upgrade to add its i-VTM4® All-Wheel Drive system.
How do towing capacities compare between the Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot?
Both three-row SUVs offer a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. On the Subaru Ascent, this 5,000-lb towing capacity comes standard on almost all trims (Premium and above). Front-wheel-drive Honda Pilot models are capped at 3,500 lbs of towing, requiring an AWD model upgrade to reach the 5,000-lb rating.
Which SUV offers better standard active safety features for family driving?
Both models earn high safety ratings, but the Subaru Ascent includes EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology with Automatic Emergency Steering and Pre-Collision Braking across all trim levels. While Honda Sensing® is standard on the Pilot, the Ascent offers enhanced peripheral monitoring with wide-angle mono cameras to detect pedestrians and bicyclists faster at intersections.
How do engine power and transmission responsiveness compare for daily driving?
The Subaru Ascent uses a 2.4L Turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® engine making 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of low-RPM torque for quick off-the-line response and effortless highway merging. The Honda Pilot relies on a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 (285 hp / 262 lb-ft torque) paired with a 10-speed automatic, which requires higher RPMs to generate peak torque when hauling passengers or cargo.
Which SUV provides better standard infotainment display technology?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent comes equipped with an available high-resolution 11.6-inch vertical SUBARU STARLINK® touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. The Honda Pilot comes standard with a smaller 7-inch display, requiring a jump to higher trim levels to access its 9-inch screen option.
How do starting prices and overall value compare between the Ascent and Pilot?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent typically offers a lower starting MSRP than the Honda Pilot while delivering standard All-Wheel Drive, roof rails, and an 11.6-inch touchscreen. Adding All-Wheel Drive and comparable technology features to the Honda Pilot requires moving up trim tiers, making the Ascent a more value-packed option for budget-conscious family buyers.
Where is Subaru of Bloomington Normal located?
Subaru of Bloomington Normal is conveniently located in Normal, IL, proudly serving drivers and families from Bloomington, Clinton, Fairbury, Minonk, El Paso, and throughout Central Illinois.