So you’re caught in a dilemma: Honda CR-V or Subaru Ascent? Both of these beasts are leading contenders in the SUV segment, each flaunting unique features that could be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s like choosing between chocolate and vanilla; both are sweet, but each offers a different kind of satisfaction.
Today, let’s dive deep into the nitty-gritty details of these two vehicles, from performance to interior aesthetics, to help you make an informed decision. Are you ready? Let’s roll!
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Honda CR-V | Subaru Ascent |
| Engine | 1.5L turbocharged | 2.4L turbocharged |
| Horsepower | 190 | 260 |
| Fuel Efficiency (city/highway mpg) | 28/34 | 21/27 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | Up to 8 |
| Infotainment | 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen | STARLINK Multimedia system |
| Safety Features | Honda Sensing Suite | EyeSight Driver Assist + AWD |
| Luxury vs Practicality | Practical | More luxurious |
| Price | Lower starting price | Higher starting price |
Performance: The Power Beneath the Hood
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that provides a satisfying blend of fuel efficiency and power. Expect around 190 horsepower, enough to make your daily commute a breeze.
Plus, it’s more fuel-efficient than its competitors, including the Subaru Ascent, with 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.
Subaru Ascent
With the Ascent, you’re looking at a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine that pumps out a healthy 260 horsepower. This SUV isn’t shy when it comes to showing off its muscles, making it a better choice for towing and more aggressive driving.
However, you do sacrifice some fuel efficiency for this power; expect about 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.
Interior and Comfort: Luxury or Utility?
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V brings a sort of minimalist elegance to its interior. The cabin offers an ergonomic design, packed with soft-touch materials and an intuitive layout.
While you won’t feel like you’re sitting in a luxury vehicle, you’ll definitely appreciate the user-friendly infotainment system and spacious cargo area.
Subaru Ascent
Ah, the Ascent! This one comes with a bit more plushness in its interior. You’ll find optional leather seating and optional second-row captain’s chairs, adding that extra flair of luxury.
If you often find yourself carrying more passengers, the Ascent might be your go-to, as it offers up to eight seats compared to the CR-V’s five.
Also Read: Differences Between Ceramic And PhotoSync Tint.
Safety Features: Peace of Mind Included
Honda CR-V
The CR-V comes equipped with Honda Sensing Suite, a bundle of safety features that include collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control. It’s everything you need to feel secure on the road.
Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent is not one to be outdone. It includes the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which also covers adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking. Plus, its standard all-wheel drive gives you an extra layer of security in less-than-ideal road conditions.
Price: What’s the Damage?
Honda CR-V
Typically, the Honda CR-V starts at a more budget-friendly price point, making it accessible for a wider range of buyers. It’s a great package that offers value without skimping on essential features.
Subaru Ascent
Expect to pay a bit more upfront for the Subaru Ascent. However, you’re also getting more seats, more power, and a slightly more luxurious interior, making it a justified expenditure for some.
Key Differences Between Honda CR-V and Subaru Ascent
When it comes to making that final decision between the Honda CR-V and the Subaru Ascent, focusing on their key differences can make your choice clearer.
While they’re both top performers in the SUV category, these two vehicles diverge on several critical elements. Let’s dive into these differences one by one.
Engine Performance and Fuel Efficiency
Honda CR-V
The CR-V sports a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with 190 horsepower, which makes it a convenient option for daily driving and occasional road trips. Its primary advantage lies in its stellar fuel efficiency, with ratings hovering around 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.
Subaru Ascent
Subaru Ascent packs a bigger punch with its 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, pushing out 260 horsepower. While this makes the Ascent more powerful, especially when towing, the downside is its slightly lesser fuel efficiency, coming in at about 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.
Seating and Space
Honda CR-V
The CR-V provides ample room for five passengers, focusing on giving each one a comfortable and spacious experience. However, if you have a larger family or often travel with a group, the seating capacity may not suffice.
Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent trumps the CR-V here by offering seating for up to eight passengers. This makes it a go-to choice for bigger families or those who simply need the extra space for passengers or even pets.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is not a slouch when it comes to its infotainment system. It boasts a user-friendly interface, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility, as well as an available 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen.
Subaru Ascent
Subaru’s STARLINK Multimedia system in the Ascent comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and even a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. If staying connected on the road is high on your list, Subaru might have the edge here.
Safety Features
Honda CR-V
The Honda Sensing Suite, which comes standard in many CR-V models, offers a comprehensive list of safety features. These include adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation, among others.
Subaru Ascent
With Subaru, you get the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology package, which is akin to Honda’s safety package, but with an additional layer of protection through its standard all-wheel drive. This makes it a preferable choice for those driving in inclement weather conditions.
Luxury vs. Practicality
Honda CR-V
Honda leans more towards practicality with a streamlined design, featuring good-quality but not overly luxurious materials. It focuses on being functional, ergonomic, and aesthetically pleasing without going overboard.
Subaru Ascent
The Ascent, on the other hand, leans slightly towards luxury. You can get optional leather seats, and second-row captain’s chairs, which add an extra layer of comfort and sophistication to your driving experience.
Price Point
Honda CR-V
Starting at a more affordable range, Honda CR-V provides a value-packed offering that doesn’t compromise on the essentials. It’s a budget-friendly option without the budget feel.
Subaru Ascent
The Ascent is a bit pricier upfront, but for good reasons. The added seating, superior power, and extra features justify the increased expenditure.
Also Read: Differences Between PhotoSync And Ceramic Tint.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
“Better” is subjective. If you’re looking for more horsepower and seating, then yes, the Ascent wins. However, if you value fuel efficiency and a lower starting price, the CR-V is your bet.
Yes, the Subaru Ascent is bigger, offering up to eight seats compared to the CR-V’s five.
The Subaru Forester could be considered a closer match to the Honda CR-V in terms of size and features.
Subaru does offer a slightly more premium feel, especially in the Ascent, with optional leather seating and more advanced safety features.
Again, “better” is a matter of what you’re looking for. Hondas generally offer better fuel efficiency, while Subarus are known for their robust performance and all-wheel-drive capabilities.
Both brands are recognized for their safety features. While the Honda Sensing Suite and Subaru’s EyeSight offer similar functionalities, Subaru’s standard all-wheel drive provides an added layer of safety.
The Honda CR-V and Subaru Ascent each bring their own unique offerings to the table. Your final choice boils down to what suits your lifestyle and preferences the best.
Conclusion
There you have it—the good, the better, and the best of what each of these vehicles brings to the table. Hopefully, this breakdown gives you a clear picture to help guide your final choice.
Whether you lean towards the Honda CR-V for its fuel efficiency and lower price, or the Subaru Ascent for its additional seating and power, both are strong contenders worthy of your driveway.
