The Subaru Ascent returns in 2026 looking very familiar with a few changes, including interior touches and a new color. Keeping the same personality, the all-wheel-drive (AWD) Accent is confident, well-equipped, and carries its classic body.
The 2026 Honda Pilot gets a mid-cycle refresh. The Pilot lands this year with more standard features and a larger upper and lower grille, giving it a more muscular and truck-like appearance.
Let’s take a closer look at which 3-row SUV suits you best.
2026 Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent came to the scene later than most of its rivals. But it was worth the wait for owners because it was Subaru’s answer to buyers who wanted something larger and spacious enough to fit a family of seven or eight, depending on the configuration. Changes for 2026 include StarTex water-resistant upholstery and black exterior styling in the base trim. The upscale Touring trim now has matte-finish woodgrain interior accents. The Cosmic Blue Pearl paint option is discontinued and replaced by rich Sapphire Blue Pearl.
Highlights
Available Harman Kardon audio: Ascent models in the Limited trim and higher feature a Harman Kardon premium audio system with a 792-watt-equivalent amplifier and 14 speakers.
All-Weather Package: Subaru’s bundle of features helps keep Ascent drivers prepared for cold weather. Heated front seats, heated outboard mirrors, and even heating elements on the base of the windshield to help prevent wiper blades from getting frozen to the glass in so they won’t get stuck from ice buildup. It’s standard across the trim levels.
EyeSight Driver Assist Tech: Subaru gives every buyer an extensive suite of driver-assist and safety tech. It features automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind spot monitor.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Ascent models near you.
2026 Honda Pilot
Honda refreshed the Pilot for 2026, adding larger infotainment screens and more standard features. Some tech previously found only in higher trims is now available at lower trims, so you don’t have to climb the price ladder. The cabin gets quieter, too, thanks to added insulation to block out road noise, and a bolder grille gives the front end more presence. The AWD Pilot keeps the same V6 and 10-speed automatic transmission.
Highlights
Multiview Camera System: Honda makes sure you have peace of mind that everyone’s safe with its surround-view camera system, which uses cameras on the front, rear, and side mirrors to give you a complete view around the vehicle. The system serves as an additional set of eyes while parking or navigating other tight spots. It comes standard, except for the Sport and EX-L trims.
One-Touch Second-Row Seats: In addition to the standard power liftgate, hurried families carrying lots of bags will appreciate easy access to the third row. A single button tilts and slides the seats in the second row forward, so the kids or your friends can easily climb in.
Wireless Device Charging: A wireless charging pad is available on all trims except the Sport base model.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Pilot models near you.
Similarities
Both the 2026 Subaru Ascent and 2026 Honda Pilot are three-row, family-focused SUVs with 7- or 8-passenger seating and plenty of flexibility for cargo or road trips. The SUVs can be equipped for light towing. They also lean heavily on built-in safety tech—Subaru EyeSight on the Ascent and Honda Sensing suite driver assists on the Pilot.
New 2026 Subaru Ascent Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$42,245 |
$39,700 |
|||
$49,335 |
$47,100 |
|||
$50,445 |
$47,800 |
|||
$52,615 |
$49,200 |
|||
$53,445 |
$50,100 |
New 2026 Honda Pilot Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
TBD |
TBD |
|||
$43,690 |
$42,900 |
|||
$45,990 |
$45,200 |
|||
$51,890 |
$51,000 |
|||
$52,590 |
$51,700 |
|||
$54,990 |
$54,000 |
|||
$56,490 |
$55,500 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2026 Subaru Ascent vehicles and New 2026 Honda Pilot vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
| 2026 Subaru Ascent | 2026 Honda Pilot | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.4-liter turbo 4-cylinder | 3.5-liter 6-cylinder |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 pounds | 5,000 pounds |
| Horsepower | 260 hp @ 5,600 rpm | 285 hp @ 6,100 rpm |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm | 262 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm |
| Transmission | automatic, cvt w/lineartronic, high torque & 8-speed manual mode | automatic, 10-speed |
| Fuel Economy | N/A | N/A |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | Not rated | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 8 | 8 |
| Wheelbase | 113.8 inches | 113.8 inches |
| Overall Length | 196.8 inches | 199.9 inches |
| Width | 85.9 inches | 78.5 inches |
| Height | 71.6 inches | 71.0 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.0 feet | 37.8 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 41.2 inches | 39.1 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 40.0 inches | 39.2 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 36.2 inches | 39.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.2 inches | 41.0 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 38.6 inches | 40.8 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 31.7 inches | 32.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 61.1 inches | 61.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 60.3 inches | 61.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 57.2 inches | 59.5 inches |
| Cargo Behind Last Seat | 17.8 feet | 22.4 feet |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | 43.5 feet | 60.1 feet |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 75.6 feet | 112.4 feet |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
If you’re interested in an SUV that keeps you confident in less-than-perfect conditions, the Ascent fits that role well. With standard AWD and EyeSight working in the background, it’s an excellent choice for daily driving and in unpredictable weather. Busy families will likely appreciate the easy access to the Pilot’s third row, flexible space, and its quiet cabin. Visit a dealer for a test drive to help decide which will best fit your needs.
