2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2026 Honda Ridgeline
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Subaru Ascent grabs attention with its robust 260 hp and higher fuel efficiency, delivering a combined 22 MPG, while the redesigned 2026 Honda Ridgeline boasts slightly more power at 280 hp and a true automatic transmission. Enthusiasts will note the Ridgeline's greater length at 210.2 inches and superior torque delivery from its 9-speed unit, despite its lower 7.3 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the Ascent’s 17.8 cu ft in the rear. The Ascent starts significantly lower at $39,995, giving it an edge in immediate value against the Ridgeline's $40,595 entry price. While both utilize standard AWD, the Ascent feels tailored for mountain-pass utility with its higher stature (71.6 inches), whereas the Ridgeline offers a longer, truck-like stance for its utility endeavors, challenging traditional crossover boundaries.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru Ascent
The 2025 Subaru Ascent offers superior fuel economy, achieving 22 MPG combined compared to the Ridgeline's 21 MPG.
2025 Subaru Ascent
The Ascent provides nearly triple the usable storage with 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft.
2026 Honda Ridgeline
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline delivers more horsepower (280 hp) and features a more engaging 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
2025 Subaru Ascent
The Ascent undercuts the competition with a starting MSRP of $39,995 versus the Ridgeline's $40,595.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- You prioritize maximizing interior cargo space, as the Ascent offers 17.8 cu ft.
- Your driving involves frequent highway stretches, benefiting from the Ascent's 26 MPG highway rating.
- Keeping the initial purchase price low is key, starting at $39,995.
Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...
- You desire slightly higher peak output with 280 horsepower available.
- You prefer the feel and responsiveness of a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
- A longer footprint (210.2 inches) and slightly wider stance (78.6 inches) better suits your parking/garage needs.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Ascent | Honda Ridgeline |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.8" | 210.2" |
| Width | 76.0" | 78.6" |
| Height | 71.6" | 70.8" |
| Wheelbase | 113.8" | 125.2" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 280 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Single overhead cam (SOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 9-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 | 18/24 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 21 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 386.0/501.8 mi. | 351.0/468.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.3 gal. | 19.5 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 | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.6 in | 9.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 7 |
| 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 | — | 215W |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.2 in. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.2 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.1 in. | 62.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 57.8 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 8-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.0 in. | 38.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.6 in. | 36.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 60.3 in. | 61.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.5 in. | 56.6 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 | 245/60R |
| 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 Ridgeline.
How does the transmission difference impact daily driving between these two AWD vehicles?
The 2025 Ascent uses a continuously variable automatic (CVT), which prioritizes smooth, efficient acceleration, whereas the 2026 Ridgeline utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic, which may offer a more traditional, engaging feel during acceleration.
Which vehicle offers better utility for hauling or gear storage?
The 2025 Subaru Ascent clearly leads in enclosed capacity, offering 17.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to the 2026 Ridgeline’s smaller 7.3 cu ft figure.
Is the price difference significant for these two AWD crossovers?
Yes, the Subaru Ascent has a notable $600 cost advantage at its base MSRP of $39,995 compared to the Honda Ridgeline's starting price of $40,595.
Which vehicle has a slight advantage in fuel economy?
The 2025 Subaru Ascent is marginally more efficient across the board, achieving a combined 22 MPG versus the Ridgeline's 21 MPG.
How do the dimensions compare, considering parking in urban areas?
The Ascent is slightly smaller and taller, measuring 196.8 inches long and 71.6 inches high, while the Ridgeline is significantly longer at 210.2 inches, which could affect garage fitting.
Who wins for pure engine output figures?
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, slightly edging out the Ascent's 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.
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