2026 Honda Ridgeline vs 2026 Subaru Ascent

$40,595 · Crossover

$40,795 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline ignites the crossover segment with a punchy 280 hp, offering surprising grunt paired with a nimble all-wheel-drive chassis based on a truck unibody. In contrast, the 2026 Subaru Ascent appeals to the pragmatic adventurer, boasting superior utility with a cavernous 17.8 cu ft of cargo space, significantly more than the Ridgeline's tight 7.3 cu ft. While the Ridgeline claims 21 MPG combined from its 262 lb-ft of torque, the Ascent edges it out slightly in efficiency, hitting 22 MPG combined thanks to its 277 lb-ft engine feeding a CVT. The Ridgeline is the longer machine at 210.2 inches, suggesting a different driving footprint than the shorter, taller Ascent at 71.6 inches in height. Ultimately, the Ridgeline favors spirited responsiveness, while the Ascent champions usable space within a family-friendly crossover shell.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy of 22 MPG combined compared to the Ridgeline's 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Ascent

The Ascent is the definitive choice for families, offering nearly double the storage capacity at 17.8 cu ft versus the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Honda Ridgeline

The Ridgeline takes the enthusiast crown by delivering 280 horsepower and a responsive 9-speed automatic transmission.

💰 Best Value

2026 Honda Ridgeline

The Honda Ridgeline offers slightly better power (280 hp vs 260 hp) for $200 less, providing better immediate performance value.

Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...

You prioritize raw engine output, as the Ridgeline offers 280 hp versus the Ascent's 260 hp.
You prefer the assured shifts of a traditional 9-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.
You prefer a longer vehicle footprint (210.2 inches) for highway stability.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

Maximum cargo hauling is essential, as the Ascent provides 17.8 cu ft compared to the Ridgeline’s 7.3 cu ft.
You seek slightly better fuel efficiency, netting 22 MPG combined instead of 21 MPG.
You prefer a marginally higher driving position, given the Ascent's 71.6-inch height.

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 2026 Honda Ridgeline and 2026 Subaru Ascent.

Which crossover handles highway power better between the two?

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline feels more engaging for highway driving enthusiasts due to its higher output of 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Its 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission also generally provides more definitive gear changes than the Ascent's CVT.

How significant is the cargo capacity difference for family hauling?

The difference is substantial: the 2026 Subaru Ascent provides a massive 17.8 cu ft of cargo space. The 2026 Honda Ridgeline only manages 7.3 cu ft, meaning the Ascent is significantly better equipped for serious family gear or larger grocery runs.

Is the price difference between these two models meaningful?

The base MSRP difference is negligible, with the Ridgeline starting at $40,595 and the Ascent at $40,795. For just $200 less, the Ridgeline supplies 20 more horsepower.

Do these crossovers use different types of all-wheel drive systems?

Both vehicles utilize all-wheel drive, but they employ different transmission technologies; the Ridgeline uses a 9-speed automatic while the Ascent utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).

Which vehicle is easier on fuel for the daily commute?

The 2026 Subaru Ascent is marginally more efficient, achieving 22 MPG combined (20 city/26 highway). The Ridgeline trails slightly at 21 MPG combined (18 city/24 highway).

Which vehicle has a more commanding presence based on size?

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline is physically longer at 210.2 inches and wider at 78.6 inches than the Ascent, giving it a slightly broader footprint on the road, despite the Ascent being taller.