2025 Honda Ridgeline vs 2026 Subaru Ascent

$40,150 · Crossover

$40,795 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Honda Ridgeline (car1) and the 2026 Subaru Ascent (car2) is in cargo volume, where the Ascent offers 17.8 cu ft compared to the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft. Performance metrics show the Ridgeline leads in peak output with 280 hp against the Ascent’s 260 hp, though the Ascent generates more torque at 277 lb-ft versus the Ridgeline's 262 lb-ft. Fuel economy favors the Ascent slightly, achieving a 22 MPG combined rating compared to the Ridgeline's 21 MPG combined. The Ridgeline has a higher starting MSRP at $40,150, narrowly beating the Ascent's $40,795, despite the Ridgeline having 20.2 inches more length (210.2 inches vs. 196.8 inches). Both utilize AWD, but the Ridgeline employs a 9-speed automatic transmission while the Ascent uses a CVT.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Ascent

The 2026 Subaru Ascent is superior for commuting due to its better combined fuel economy rating of 22 MPG and slightly smaller footprint for urban maneuverability.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Ascent

The Ascent is the practical choice for families, offering substantially more utility with 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Honda Ridgeline

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline appeals more to enthusiasts with a higher horsepower rating of 280 hp and a conventional 9-speed automatic transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Honda Ridgeline

The Ridgeline offers a superior 280 hp output for a lower entry MSRP of $40,150 compared to the Ascent's $40,795.

Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...

Maximum straight-line engine power is a priority, as the Ridgeline produces 280 hp.
The driver prefers the feel and responsiveness of a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
A longer overall vehicle length of 210.2 inches is desired for potential hauling or presence.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

Maximum accessible storage volume is needed, as the Ascent provides 17.8 cu ft of cargo space.
Slightly better efficiency is required, evidenced by the Ascent's 22 MPG combined rating.
The driver prioritizes peak torque, as the Ascent outputs 277 lb-ft versus the Ridgeline's 262 lb-ft.

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
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
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 2026 Subaru Ascent.

Which vehicle has better fuel economy for regular driving?

The 2026 Subaru Ascent provides a slight edge in efficiency, rated at 22 MPG combined (20 city/26 highway). The 2025 Honda Ridgeline is rated lower at 21 MPG combined (18 city/24 highway).

How do the transmissions and drive types compare?

Both vehicles feature All-Wheel Drive, but the Ridgeline uses a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the Ascent employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).

Which crossover offers more usable space for cargo?

The 2026 Subaru Ascent is significantly more practical for hauling, offering 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity. The 2025 Honda Ridgeline provides only 7.3 cu ft of cargo space.

Is the 2025 Honda Ridgeline significantly larger than the 2026 Subaru Ascent?

Yes, the Ridgeline is longer by 3.4 inches overall, measuring 210.2 inches compared to the Ascent's 196.8 inches. However, the Ascent is slightly taller at 71.6 inches versus the Ridgeline’s 70.8 inches.

Which vehicle delivers higher maximum horsepower and torque?

The Ridgeline holds the horsepower advantage with 280 hp versus the Ascent's 260 hp. Conversely, the Ascent produces more torque at 277 lb-ft compared to the Ridgeline's 262 lb-ft.

Comparing the base prices, which vehicle is cheaper to purchase?

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline has a marginally lower starting MSRP at $40,150. The 2026 Subaru Ascent begins at $40,795, making the Ridgeline $645 less expensive at the entry point.