2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2026 Honda Passport
Comparison Overview
Deciding between a family hauler that saves you cash upfront or one that packs a bigger punch in space is a common dilemma. The 2025 Subaru Ascent starts strong with a lower MSRP of $39,995, saving you $4,755 compared to the 2026 Honda Passport's $44,750 entry price. While the Passport boasts superior raw power with 285 hp versus the Ascent's 260 hp, the Ascent counters with better overall fuel economy at 22 MPG combined. Space is a major factor: the Ascent offers a tighter package at 196.8 inches long, while the Passport opens up a massive 44 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more than the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft. Both offer standard AWD and use regular unleaded fuel, but for the budget-conscious buyer needing reasonable utility, the Ascent presents a compelling case against the larger, pricier Honda.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru Ascent
The Ascent wins for commuters due to its slightly better combined fuel economy of 22 MPG.
2026 Honda Passport
The Passport offers significantly more room for family gear, boasting 44 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft.
2026 Honda Passport
Enthusiasts will prefer the Passport as it offers more peak power with 285 horsepower compared to the Ascent's 260 hp.
2025 Subaru Ascent
The Ascent is the clear value leader, starting at $39,995, saving buyers $4,755 upfront.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- You prioritize a lower initial purchase price, as the Ascent MSRP is $39,995.
- You want marginally better fuel efficiency, delivering 22 MPG combined versus the Passport's 21 MPG.
- You prefer a slightly smaller footprint, measuring 196.8 inches in length.
Choose the Honda Passport if...
- You absolutely need maximum utility, given the Passport's massive 44 cu ft of cargo space.
- You desire the smoother operation of a 10-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.
- You appreciate the extra pulling power provided by 285 horsepower.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Ascent | Honda Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.8" | 191.5" |
| Width | 76.0" | 79.4" |
| Height | 71.6" | 73.1" |
| Wheelbase | 113.8" | 113.6" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 3.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm | 285 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 262 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/26 MPG | 19/25 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 21 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 386.0/501.8 mi. | 351.5/462.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.3 gal. | 18.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.6 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 9 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | 4 months | — |
| Stereo Power | — | 225W |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.2 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.2 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.1 in. | 61.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 57.8 in. | 58.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leather/Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.0 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.6 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 60.3 in. | 61.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.5 in. | 57.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/60R | 265/60R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Subaru Ascent and 2026 Honda Passport.
How much more cargo space does the Passport actually offer?
The 2026 Honda Passport provides an immense advantage here, offering 44 cu ft of cargo space. This is substantially more than the 2025 Subaru Ascent's 17.8 cu ft, making the Passport far better for hauling large items or luggage.
Is the power difference between the two crossovers noticeable in daily driving?
Yes, the 2026 Passport has 25 more horsepower (285 hp vs. 260 hp) and a more traditional 10-speed automatic transmission. While both use regular unleaded, the Passport will likely feel perkier during passing maneuvers.
Which vehicle saves me more money overall?
The 2025 Subaru Ascent saves you money immediately with an MSRP of $39,995, creating a $4,755 price gap against the Passport. It also nudges ahead slightly in fuel costs with 22 MPG combined.
Do both vehicles come standard with All-Wheel Drive?
Yes, both the 2025 Subaru Ascent and the 2026 Honda Passport come equipped with standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capabilities, which is great for stability in varied weather.
Which one is physically larger, despite the cargo difference?
While the Ascent is slightly longer (196.8 inches), the 2026 Honda Passport is significantly wider at 79.4 inches and taller at 73.1 inches, suggesting a bulkier presence on the road.
What kind of fuel do both crossovers require?
Fortunately, both models are quite agreeable on fuel type; both the Ascent and the Passport are designed to run happily on regular unleaded gasoline.
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