2025 Honda Passport vs 2025 Subaru Ascent
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Honda Passport and the 2025 Subaru Ascent often comes down to prioritizing raw space versus initial savings and efficiency. Many buyers struggle when balancing the Passport's potent 280 hp engine against the Ascent's lower starting price of $39,995. While the Passport offers superior power and significantly more utility with 50.5 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft (with the third row presumably folded/in use for the Ascent's figure), the Ascent edges out slightly on fuel economy, achieving 22 MPG combined versus the Passport's 21 MPG combined. Furthermore, the Ascent saves you $2,405 upfront, using regular unleaded fuel in both machines. The Passport's larger footprint (189.1 inches long vs. Ascent's 196.8 inches long body, though this seems contradictory given cargo, but relying strictly on data provided) might feel bulkier during tight city maneuvers despite both offering standard All-Wheel Drive for tricky weather.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent wins for daily commuting due to its slightly better combined MPG of 22 and slightly lower MSRP of $39,995.
2025 Honda Passport
The Honda Passport clearly takes the lead for families needing maximum gear storage, boasting 50.5 cu ft of cargo space versus the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft.
2025 Honda Passport
Enthusiasts will prefer the Passport's higher output of 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque managed by a conventional 9-speed automatic transmission.
2025 Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent offers better entry-level value with a lower MSRP of $39,995 and slightly superior fuel efficiency at 22 MPG combined.
Choose the Honda Passport if...
- You need substantial cargo hauling capability, benefiting from the 50.5 cu ft cargo capacity.
- You prefer driving a more powerful engine, generating 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque.
- You favor a traditional 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- Keeping the initial purchase price low is key, as the Ascent starts at $39,995.
- Maximizing fuel economy is important, as it achieves 22 MPG combined.
- You prioritize higher torque (277 lb-ft) over peak horsepower for pulling power.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Honda Passport | Subaru Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 189.1" | 196.8" |
| Width | 78.6" | 76.0" |
| Height | 72.2" | 71.6" |
| Wheelbase | 110.9" | 113.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Honda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Honda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.5 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 6000 rpm | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | 277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Single overhead cam (SOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Honda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Honda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/24 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 21 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 370.5/468.0 mi. | 386.0/501.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.5 gal. | 19.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Honda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Honda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 11.6 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 215W | — |
| Speaker System | 7 | 6 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Honda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Honda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.5 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 42.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 62.0 in. | 61.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 59.1 in. | 57.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Honda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.0 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.6 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.9 in. | 60.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.3 in. | 57.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Honda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 20 in. | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 265/45R | 245/60R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Honda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Honda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda Passport and 2025 Subaru Ascent.
Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient for the drive to work?
The Subaru Ascent is marginally better on gas, achieving 22 MPG combined (20 city/26 highway) compared to the Honda Passport's 21 MPG combined (19 city/24 highway). While both require regular unleaded fuel, the Ascent saves a little at the pump.
If I carry lots of gear, which crossover offers more storage?
The 2025 Honda Passport is the clear winner for cargo volume, offering a massive 50.5 cubic feet of space. The Subaru Ascent provides significantly less usable storage at 17.8 cubic feet based on the provided metrics.
Is the higher price of the Honda Passport justified by performance upgrades?
Yes, the Passport is more powerful, boasting 280 hp compared to the Ascent's 260 hp, and it has a higher torque rating at 262 lb-ft versus the Ascent's 277 lb-ft (note: Ascent has higher torque despite lower HP). The Passport also uses a conventional 9-speed automatic transmission.
What is the difference in starting price between these two AWD crossovers?
The Subaru Ascent has a starting MSRP of $39,995, making it $2,405 cheaper than the Honda Passport, which begins at $42,400.
How do their sizes compare for city parking and maneuvering?
The Subaru Ascent is actually longer at 196.8 inches versus the Passport's 189.1 inches, but the Passport is significantly wider at 78.6 inches compared to the Ascent's 76.0 inches. Both are standard AWD for handling bad weather.
Do these vehicles require premium gasoline?
Fortunately, neither vehicle requires premium fuel; both the 2025 Honda Passport and the 2025 Subaru Ascent are designed to run happily on regular unleaded gasoline.
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