2025 Honda Ridgeline vs 2025 Subaru Ascent

$40,150 · Crossover

$39,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Honda Ridgeline and the 2025 Subaru Ascent often boils down to prioritizing raw utility versus maximum passenger and cargo space. If you need to occasionally haul messy items or prefer a truck-like setup, the Ridgeline’s unique configuration demands attention, even though it starts slightly higher at $40,150 compared to the Ascent's $39,995. Power figures show the Ridgeline leaning toward acceleration with 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, while the Ascent offers better efficiency with a combined 22 MPG versus the Ridgeline's 21 MPG. However, the difference in practicality is stark: the Ascent offers a massive 17.8 cu ft of cargo space, more than double the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft. Both utilize standard AWD, but the Ridgeline is notably longer at 210.2 inches, which impacts tight parking scenarios.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent wins for commuters due to its slightly better fuel economy, achieving 22 MPG combined versus the Ridgeline's 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Ascent is the clear choice for families, offering nearly 10 cubic feet more cargo capacity at 17.8 cu ft compared to the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Honda Ridgeline

Enthusiasts will prefer the Ridgeline's conventional 9-speed automatic transmission and higher peak horsepower of 280 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent is a better value proposition, costing $155 less while offering significantly more usable cargo volume.

Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...

You desire the responsiveness of a traditional 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
You need the extra length provided by the Ridgeline's 210.2-inch body for specific hauling needs.
You prefer the slightly higher output of 280 horsepower for brisk acceleration.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

Your primary concern is maximizing interior/cargo space, benefiting from the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft capacity.
You want the marginally better efficiency, yielding 20/26 MPG city/highway.
You prefer a slightly smaller footprint, as the Ascent is nearly 3.4 inches shorter in length than the Ridgeline.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda Ridgeline	Subaru Ascent
Length	210.2"	196.8"
Width	78.6"	76.0"
Height	70.8"	71.6"
Wheelbase	125.2"	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	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
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	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

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)	18/24 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/468.0 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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front 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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Infotainment Display	9.0 in	11.6 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	215W	—
Speaker System	7	6
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Honda	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	2	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Front Head Room	40.1 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: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Rear Head Room	38.8 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.7 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.5 in.	60.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.6 in.	57.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R	245/60R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
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 Ridgeline and 2025 Subaru Ascent.

Which vehicle is better for city driving and parking maneuvers?

The Subaru Ascent is generally easier in tighter situations because it is shorter by 3.4 inches (196.8 inches vs. 210.2 inches for the Ridgeline). While both are AWD, the Ascent's slightly smaller dimensions help navigating crowded urban streets.

How significant is the difference in fuel economy between these two crossovers?

The difference is minor but consistent: the Ascent achieves a combined 22 MPG (20 city/26 highway), slightly outpacing the Ridgeline’s combined 21 MPG (18 city/24 highway). Both use regular unleaded fuel.

If I need to tow or haul often, does the truck configuration of the Ridgeline matter?

Yes, the Ridgeline’s truck body style, despite having only 7.3 cu ft of 'cargo capacity' listed here, offers different utility for items that might not fit inside a traditional crossover cargo bay. The Ascent's 17.8 cu ft of enclosed storage is far superior for sealed luggage.

How do the horsepower and torque figures compare for driving feel?

The 2025 Ridgeline has more horsepower at 280 hp, but the 2025 Ascent counters with more torque at 277 lb-ft. The Ascent’s greater torque might feel more immediate at lower speeds, while the Ridgeline’s higher HP gives it an edge at higher speeds.

Is there a significant price difference to start with?

No, the pricing is very close, with the Subaru Ascent having a slight edge starting at $39,995 compared to the Honda Ridgeline’s MSRP of $40,150. This small $155 difference doesn't sway the decision much on its own.

What is the key mechanical difference between the two automatic transmissions?

The Ridgeline employs a traditional 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, which some drivers prefer for its distinct gear shifts. Conversely, the Ascent uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), known for optimizing efficiency but sometimes lacking distinct shift points.