Choosing a mid-size SUV feels like a huge decision, doesn’t it? So many people worry about fuel use. We also think about our planet. The Subaru Ascent and the Honda Pilot are popular choices. People really love them. But how do they stack up on gas mileage? What about their environmental footprint? Honestly, these questions are super important. Let’s really dig into the facts. We can check their fuel numbers. We can also look at emissions. Then we can figure out what these details mean for you. This really matters for everyday life.
Fuel Use: A Direct Look
Let’s start by comparing fuel efficiency. The EPA gives us these numbers. The 2023 Subaru Ascent gets 21 miles per gallon in the city. It hits 27 on the highway. That makes a combined rating of 24 miles per gallon. The 2023 Honda Pilot is quite similar. It gets 20 mpg in the city. It also achieves 27 mpg on the highway. Its combined efficiency is 23 mpg.
This difference might seem pretty small. But it truly adds up over time. Imagine driving 15,000 miles each year. The Subaru Ascent might save you about 50 gallons of fuel. That’s compared to the Honda Pilot. At roughly $3 a gallon, that means $150 saved. The Honda Pilot does pretty well. Yet, the Subaru Ascent just barely wins. That’s a nice little edge.
But here’s the thing. Fuel efficiency can change a lot. Your driving style matters immensely. How much weight you carry also plays a part. Real-world numbers often differ from EPA estimates. This is where personal stories come in. I remember a friend. They owned a Honda Pilot. They often said their gas mileage dropped. This happened when they packed the car full. Honestly, it’s a common complaint for many SUVs. Think about road trips. A fully loaded car drinks more gas. What if you live in a hilly area? That impacts fuel use too. It’s not just flat highways.
Historically, SUVs were gas guzzlers. Remember those huge, thirsty machines? Back in the 1990s, fuel economy often took a backseat. Automakers focused more on power and size. Things really changed over time. New rules and technology pushed for better efficiency. Engine design improved. Lighter materials made a big difference. It’s encouraging to see progress. We’ve come a long way.
Powering the Drive
Let’s talk about what makes these cars go. The Subaru Ascent has a 2.4-liter engine. It has four cylinders. And it includes a turbocharger. This engine puts out 260 horsepower. It also delivers 277 pound-feet of torque. It finds a good balance. This is important for a family SUV. The Honda Pilot uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine. This engine creates 280 horsepower. It has 262 pound-feet of torque. So, the Pilot has a bit more raw power.
The Pilot has a bit more power. But the Ascent’s turbo engine helps. It uses less fuel at lower speeds. That makes it good for city driving. From my perspective, engine choice really impacts fuel use. A turbocharged engine gives you better pull. This happens at lower engine speeds. It makes driving easier. It also saves gas. It’s like getting power when you need it. Not bad at all.
The Ascent comes standard with all-wheel drive. The Pilot offers AWD as an extra. All-wheel-drive systems generally use more fuel. This is something to consider. Every bit of design can influence gas use. Think about the added components. These systems are heavier. They also create more friction. It’s a trade-off for better grip. You get more traction. But you use a bit more fuel. Is it worth it? Many drivers feel safer with AWD. Especially in bad weather. That’s a strong counterargument for the fuel penalty. Sometimes, safety outweighs slight efficiency loss.
Emissions and Our Planet
Now, let’s look at what comes out of the tailpipe. The Subaru Ascent puts out about 5.6 tons of CO2 yearly. That’s according to the EPA. The Honda Pilot has slightly lower emissions. It’s around 5.5 tons each year. Both cars meet strict emissions rules. But these numbers still matter for our Earth. It makes you wonder, doesn’t it?
Many buyers care about their car’s environmental impact. It’s no secret that more CO2 adds to climate change. When you really think about it, each ton of CO2 causes problems. Multiply these numbers by all cars sold. The total impact is truly huge. For example, if Subaru sells 100,000 Ascents. That adds 560,000 tons of CO2 annually. That is a truly big environmental footprint. Imagine the collective impact. It’s quite the sight.
Subaru also works hard on car recyclability. This helps the environment too. Subaru has a strong commitment. They aim to reduce waste. They also recycle many materials. They want 99% of their cars to be recyclable. This is their goal by 2030. It’s a great effort. Many buyers who care about the planet value this. Honda also has its own sustainability goals. They focus on manufacturing processes. They try to reduce factory waste. These efforts often go unnoticed. But they are very important. Companies stepping up is good.
Real-Life Stories: What Owners Say
We really need to hear from actual car owners. Their experiences tell a true story. A survey by CarComplaints.com shared some facts. About 78% of Subaru Ascent owners were happy. They liked their fuel economy. They noted good performance for commutes. Road trips felt efficient too. Owners often praise the smooth ride. They also like handling different roads. They don’t feel like they lose gas mileage. One owner mentioned their Ascent felt “surprisingly efficient.” That’s a good sign.
Honda Pilot owners have mixed feelings. Many like the space. They enjoy its overall performance. But some are disappointed with gas use. This happens when the car is full. City driving can also be heavy on fuel. One family used their Pilot for camping often. They drove in hilly areas. Their fuel economy dropped to 16 mpg. That’s much lower than EPA estimates. This can be frustrating. Another owner said their Pilot was “a bit thirstier than expected” in urban traffic. It happens.
These real-world examples show a lot. Driving conditions change gas use. Your personal habits also matter. They affect how happy you are with fuel savings. An aggressive driver will always use more fuel. Someone who drives gently will save gas. It’s simple, really.
What Experts Think
It’s always helpful to hear from car experts. They often say to look past the numbers. Jason Siu is a famous car journalist. He once said, “Fuel efficiency is important. But buyers must also think about comfort. Safety and driving feel matter too.” This idea makes sense for families. They need a car that fits their life. It’s not just about mpg. It’s about value.
I am excited to see experts focusing on sustainability now. They often point out a bigger picture. Both the Ascent and Pilot use fuel well. But a company’s commitment matters. Lowering emissions is a big deal. This should definitely play a role in your choice. Environmental goals are becoming more important. Experts like to highlight things. They sometimes compare manufacturers’ broader impact. Some might say Subaru’s overall commitment to reducing waste is a stronger factor. Others might argue that the slight edge in Pilot’s lower tailpipe CO2 is more direct. It’s a complex discussion.
What’s Next for Cars
The car world is changing fast. We are moving toward hybrid cars. Electric cars are also on the rise. Imagine a world where all SUVs are hybrid. Both the Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot could be hybrid models. Subaru already plans electric options. This will greatly improve fuel use. It will also reduce emissions. That’s a huge leap forward.
Honda is also putting money into hybrid tech. They want more hybrid models by 2030. This shift is essential now. People are more aware. They understand their car’s environmental effects. To be honest, I believe a big change is coming. SUVs will be very different soon. Battery tech keeps getting better. Electric and hybrid cars could become normal. They might not be the exception anymore. This will truly change fuel use. It will reshape our environmental impact. It’s an exciting time for car lovers. We need to take action by supporting these changes. This will help our future.
Questions and Answers About SUVs
When we talk about fuel use, there are many myths. Let’s clear some things up. Here are some common questions.
Q: Do all-wheel-drive cars always use much more fuel?
A: Not necessarily. They might use a bit more gas. But technology has gotten better. The gap is much smaller now.
Q: Is paying extra for a hybrid worth it?
A: Often, yes it is. Hybrids usually save you money on gas later. But their first price can be higher. Think about your own driving habits.
Q: Do my driving habits really change fuel use?
A: Absolutely. Driving too fast hurts gas mileage. Letting your car idle too long does too. Carrying heavy things also uses more fuel.
Q: Are bigger SUVs always less fuel efficient?
A: Not always. Newer, bigger SUVs use smart designs. They have lighter materials. Their engines are more efficient.
Q: Does premium fuel make my car more efficient?
A: Only if your car needs it. Most cars don’t benefit from premium gas. Check your car’s manual first. Don’t waste your money.
Q: How accurate are EPA fuel estimates?
A: They are a good guide. But they are tested in a lab. Your real-world driving will always be different.
Q: Can tires affect fuel efficiency?
A: Yes, they can. Under-inflated tires use more fuel. The type of tire also matters. Keep them properly inflated.
Q: What about engine break-in? Does that matter for fuel?
A: New engines need a break-in period. Following those rules helps. It can help maintain good fuel use.
Q: Are older SUVs much worse for the environment?
A: Generally, yes. Older cars have older tech. Their engines are less clean. They also often lack modern emissions systems.
Q: Should I worry about my car’s carbon footprint?
A: Many people do. Your car’s emissions add up. Choosing a more efficient car helps the planet. It is a good choice to make.
Q: Is vehicle maintenance important for fuel use?
A: Very important. Regular tune-ups help your engine run well. This means better gas mileage. Don’t skip your oil changes.
Q: Does warmer weather affect fuel efficiency?
A: Yes, it can. Engines run better in warmer temps. Cold weather can reduce gas mileage.
Q: Does using air conditioning impact fuel economy significantly?
A: Yes, it does. Running AC puts extra load on the engine. This can lower your gas mileage. Try using fresh air when possible.
Q: What’s the deal with lighter car materials?
A: Lighter materials reduce overall vehicle weight. Less weight means less energy needed to move the car. This directly saves fuel. It’s a big win for efficiency.
Q: Are engine auto start-stop systems helpful for gas savings?
A: They really are. These systems shut off the engine. This happens when the car stops briefly. It saves gas, especially in city traffic. It reduces idle time.
Making Your Choice
So, the choice between Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot is not simple. The Subaru Ascent has a slight lead in gas mileage. But both SUVs offer a great mix of things. They give you performance, comfort, and space. The Ascent’s environmental footprint is also notable. This is especially true with Subaru’s focus on sustainability.
I am happy to see that consumers are learning more. They are making smarter vehicle choices. As the car market changes, I’m excited about new ideas. Future cars will be better at saving fuel. They will also be kinder to our planet. Ultimately, your best choice will depend on you. Think about what you need. Consider your driving habits. Think about what you value most. Whether you pick the Subaru Ascent or the Honda Pilot, research is key. Understanding your choice is truly invaluable. We need to work together. Let’s make informed choices.
