2026 Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot: Which Three-Row SUV Fits Your Family? When it's time to find a three-row SUV for the whole family, the Subaru Ascent and the Honda Pilot are two of the most cross-shopped names in the segment. Both offer seating for up to eight, strong towing capability, and genuinely useful family features. But they take different approaches to all-weather capability, power, and everyday practicality. Here's a full breakdown from the team at John Kennedy Subaru of Plymouth Meeting to help you decide which one truly fits your family. Quick Comparison: 2026 Ascent vs. 2026 Pilot Starting MSRP — Ascent: $40,795 | Pilot: $42,395 Standard Engine — Ascent: 2.4L Turbo Boxer, 260 hp / 277 lb-ft | Pilot: 3.5L V6, 285 hp / 262 lb-ft Drivetrain — Ascent: standard Symmetrical AWD on every single trim | Pilot: front-wheel drive standard, AWD optional on Sport/EX-L, standard only from TrailSport up Max Towing — Ascent: up to 5,000 lbs (every trim) | Pilot: up to 5,000 lbs with AWD, only 3,500 lbs with FWD Ground Clearance — Ascent: 8.7 inches | Pilot: up to 8.3 inches (TrailSport) Seating — Ascent: up to 8 passengers | Pilot: up to 8 passengers Max Cargo (rear seats folded) — Ascent: up to 75.6 cu ft | Pilot: up to 87–112 cu ft Standard Safety Suite — Ascent: EyeSight Driver Assist Technology | Pilot: Honda Sensing All-Wheel Drive: The Ascent's Biggest Advantage This is the single most important difference between these two SUVs. Every 2026 Subaru Ascent comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, no exceptions and no upcharge, across all seven trims. The Honda Pilot, by contrast, starts as a front-wheel-drive SUV on its base Sport and EX-L trims, with AWD offered only as a paid option — and even then, FWD Pilot models are limited to 3,500 lbs of towing versus 5,000 lbs with AWD. For Plymouth Meeting and Montgomery County families who deal with real winter weather, that means every single Ascent on the lot is already built for the conditions, while Pilot shoppers have to make sure they're looking at the right trim and drivetrain combination to get the same capability. The Ascent also holds a ground clearance advantage at 8.7 inches, edging out even the Pilot's off-road-focused TrailSport trim at 8.3 inches. Combined with standard X-MODE and Hill Descent Control, the Ascent is built to handle rougher terrain and worse weather right out of the box, on every trim — not just the priciest one. Power and Towing The Pilot's 3.5L V6 does produce more horsepower on paper (285 hp vs. the Ascent's 260 hp), and its smooth V6 character is a genuine strength. But the Ascent's turbocharged boxer engine actually delivers more torque (277 lb-ft vs. 262 lb-ft), which translates to strong low-end pulling power for merging, passing, and towing. Both SUVs top out at a useful 5,000 lbs of towing capacity — but the Ascent reaches that number as standard equipment on every trim, while the Pilot only hits its full 5,000-lb rating once you've added AWD. Space, Safety, and Family Features Subaru positions the Ascent as offering more overall passenger space than several competitors in this class, and it comes standard with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, along with available features like DriverFocus distraction mitigation and Cabin Connect, which lets the driver talk to third-row passengers without turning around. The Pilot counters with a genuinely spacious cabin of its own, a new-for-2026 12.3-inch touchscreen, and a larger maximum cargo capacity when both rear rows are folded flat — a real advantage for families who occasionally need to haul more gear than passengers. To Be Fair: Where the Pilot Holds Its Own The Pilot isn't without real strengths. Its 285-hp V6 is smooth and refined, its maximum cargo volume beats the Ascent's by a wide margin, and its new 12.3-inch touchscreen is a meaningful upgrade for 2026. The TrailSport trim also offers genuine off-road-oriented hardware and second-row captain's chairs for families who want a slightly different flavor of capability. If maximum cargo space and horsepower on paper matter most to you, the Pilot is a strong, well-rounded choice. The Verdict Both of these three-row SUVs are excellent choices for growing families. But for buyers who want standard all-wheel drive on every trim without paying extra, a higher ground clearance, and full towing capability regardless of which trim you choose, the 2026 Subaru Ascent comes out ahead. The Pilot remains a strong pick for families who prioritize maximum cargo room and V6 smoothness, but if all-weather confidence and standard capability across the entire lineup matter most, the Ascent is the stronger overall package. See the 2026 Subaru Ascent for Yourself Visit John Kennedy Subaru of Plymouth Meeting to test drive the Ascent and see how it compares to the Pilot in person. View Ascent Inventory Schedule a Test Drive Proudly Serving Plymouth Meeting and the Surrounding Communities John Kennedy Subaru of Plymouth Meeting is a convenient stop for Ascent shoppers throughout Montgomery County and the greater Philadelphia area. We're proud to serve drivers from: Plymouth Meeting, PA Norristown, PA East Norriton, PA West Norriton, PA Conshohocken, PA King of Prussia, PA Valley Forge, PA Blue Bell, PA Whitemarsh, PA Ardmore, PA Philadelphia, PA No matter which of these communities you call home, our Plymouth Meeting showroom is just a short drive away. Browse our full new Subaru inventory or visit our homepage to learn more about financing, trade-ins, and current offers. Pricing, specifications, and third-party data referenced above are current as of publication and sourced from Subaru.com, Honda.com, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, TrueCar, and Autoblog. Specs and pricing are subject to change by each manufacturer and may not include destination fees, taxes, title, or dealer charges. See John Kennedy Subaru of Plymouth Meeting for current pricing, incentives, and availability.

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness raises the toughness factor to levels not seen in previous models. It surpasses typical compact crossovers with its elevated clearance, tenacious tires, and trail-ready features that actually work when you hit the rough terrain around Pennsylvania. Our team at John Kennedy Subaru in Plymouth Meeting has compiled this guide to detail why the new 2026 model is an excellent choice for local drivers. more New Forester Wilderness What Makes the 2026 Forester Wilderness Different The 2026 model isn't your regular Subaru Forester. It sits 9.3 inches off the ground, which is 0.6 inches taller than standard models and higher than last year's version. Its stretched springs and shocks don't just add height; they make rocky trails feel like smooth sailing. The chunky Yokohama Geolandars wrapped around 17-inch matte black wheels grab mud, snow, and loose rock when normal crossovers would spin and whine. Off-road angles have received major upgrades. The approach angle increases from 19 degrees to 23.5 degrees, the breakover angle rises from 19.5 degrees to 21 degrees, and the departure angle climbs from 24.6 degrees to 25.5 degrees, all of which means no more scraping your bumpers on steep driveways or getting stuck on trail bumps. Copper accents make it stand out visually, while the water-resistant StarTex upholstery can easily cope with muddy jeans and wet dogs; just wipe the seats down after your trip. Subaru hit the jackpot with these trail-ready vehicles, which account for 15%-20% of sales across its lineup. Drivers love driving them, with almost half (46%) of owners taking them off-road. Dog owners love them too; 58% of buyers have at least one furry friend at home, so it's no surprise that Subaru puts so much thought into easy-clean fabrics and smart storage. 2026 Forester Wilderness Pricing and Trim Options The Subaru Forester Wilderness price starts at an MSRP of $38,385, undercutting Ford's Bronco Sport Badlands, which starts at $40,115. Adding the Sasquatch package for serious trails costs an additional $2,990. If you select the Subaru, you can save enough cash for roof racks, bike carriers, and weekend fuel. You'll also achieve better towing capacity and that famous Subaru all-wheel grip. Off-Road Capabilities and Ground Clearance The Forester Wilderness's off-road capabilities and ground clearance of 9.3 inches matter when you're crawling over rocks or pushing through deep snow. The longer springs don't just make it taller; they give the wheels more travel to absorb bumps when you're bouncing down Pennsylvania's rutted forest roads. The X-MODE traction control system has been upgraded so you can select between Snow/Dirt or Deep Snow/Mud settings based on the conditions you're facing. Subaru has shortened the final drive ratio for better control when creeping over obstacles. X-MODE activates hill control and automatically activates the front camera to detect trail hazards. All this works together, allowing you to tackle rough terrain on weekends while still driving on regular highways during the week. Engine Specs and Performance The 2026 Subaru Forest Wilderness engine is a trusty 2.5-liter flat-four model that produces 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, with peak torque now delivered at 3,700 rpm rather than its previous 4,400 rpm. This makes a real difference in daily driving, providing a more responsive acceleration when merging onto I-476 or moving away from traffic lights in Plymouth Meeting. Accelerating from 0 to 60 mph takes around 8.4 seconds, depending on conditions. Towing capacity has improved, thanks to better cooling; at 3,500 pounds, that's a 500-pound increase over the previous figure and beats the Bronco Sport by 1,300 pounds. With this towing power, you'll be able to haul your camper to the Poconos without any difficulty. Fuel Economy and Efficiency Going off-road-ready doesn't mean spending a fortune on gas. EPA ratings are 24 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg combined. While that's not as fuel-efficient as other Forester trims due to those larger tires and shorter gears, many drivers think it's worth it for the off-roading capability. In recent live tests, highway cruising at 75 mph achieved 27 mpg, which allows for approximately 440 miles per tank; Subaru claims it can achieve up to 460 miles in ideal conditions. If you're mixing work drives with weekend trips to the mountains, that means fewer stops and more cash kept in your adventure fund. Interior Design and Cargo Space In the Forester Wilderness interior, the StarTex seats stand out as a key feature: tough and completely waterproof, they're ideal for active types. Unlike regular materials that stain or crack, StarTex cleans up with soap after muddy hikes or spilled drinks and endures through countless cleanings. Distinctive copper-colored stitching features throughout the dark cabin. The 2026 Forester Wilderness offers generous second-row legroom of 39.4 inches, which is ample for adults on trips to Ricketts Glen. It provides 27.5 cubic feet of storage space behind the seats, but folding the second row seats down increases the total space to 69.1 cubic feet. The wide tailgate makes loading bulky equipment easy, and the LED light helps when you're packing up after dark. Technology and Infotainment An 11.6-inch touch screen is standard on all but the base trims, plus wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a charging pad for your phone. For the first time in the Forester model, Subaru also provides the option for a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with Wilderness graphics, providing an excellent way to track your off-road performance statistics. Safety features are enhanced with the EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technologies on every model, incorporating adaptive cruise control, lane departure assistance, and emergency braking. It also includes automatic emergency steering and crash-prevention features that work on highways and narrow back roads where visibility is limited. Ready for Your Next Adventure? From its ground clearance to mud-ready tires and wipe-clean seats, every aspect of the 2026 Forester Wilderness serves a purpose for active Pennsylvania families. Its competitive pricing and legendary Subaru toughness make this a smart choice for drivers who mix daily drives with weekend escapes. If you want a comfortable ride that handles trails no matter the weather and carries your equipment without drama, the 2026 Forester Wilderness is the vehicle for you. Contact our team at John Kennedy Subaru to arrange a test drive. We can also assist with financing and help you find the right version to suit your needs.

Finding the perfect vehicle for Pennsylvania roads often means choosing between Jeep's rugged appeal and Subaru's legendary reliability. The 2026 Subaru Outback vs Jeep Cherokee comparison is tougher than ever now that the Cherokee has returned to the market. We want to help you cut through the noise to find the SUV that actually fits your life here in Plymouth. more New Outback Inventory Pricing and Trim Level Value Breakdown Value is usually the first thing on your mind when shopping for a new family vehicle. The 2026 Subaru Outback continues its tradition of offering great value right from the start, with an entry price of $34,995 ($36,445 with destination) for the Premium trim. Standard symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) is included on every trim level at no extra cost. That's huge for our winters. While the 2026 Jeep Cherokee has finally made AWD standard, eliminating the extra cost for traction found in previous years, it still comes in at a higher price point. The new Cherokee starts at $36,995 (including destination), meaning you pay a premium right out of the gate. Subaru bundles premium features like LED steering-responsive headlights into the starting price, ensuring your dollar simply stretches further here. Use a car comparison tool like Edmunds or Kelley Blue Book (KBB) to check which features are included, as competitors often hide costs in pricey packages. Engine Performance and Powertrain Options Subaru remains committed to its proven Boxer engine design, offering a standard 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower or a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with 260 horsepower. This horizontally opposed design sits lower in the chassis to provide a center of gravity that feels stable on winding roads like Germantown Pike. You will feel the difference immediately when taking a tight on-ramp onto I-476. The 2026 Outback offers smooth, predictable, linear acceleration. In contrast, the 2026 Jeep Cherokee is expected to debut with a 1.6-liter turbo hybrid system producing around 210 combined horsepower. Innovative, first-year powertrains can sometimes be a gamble regarding long-term reliability. So, we prefer the proven engineering that has kept Subarus on the road for decades. Interior Space, Cargo Capacity, and Practicality Practicality is where the Outback's wagon-inspired design truly shines compared to traditional SUVs. You have a long, flat cargo floor now offering approximately 34.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a massive 80.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. That's perfect for sliding in lumber from the hardware store or loading up camping gear for a weekend in the Poconos. The Outback's lift-over height is lower than most competitors. This makes it easier for your dog to jump in the back without needing a ramp. Boxier SUVs like the Cherokee often have taller loading lips, which can be a pain during grocery runs. Passenger comfort is another area where the Outback excels significantly. Your rear-seat passengers get ample legroom of 39.5 inches, allowing adults to stretch out comfortably during long drives to Philadelphia. The cabin feels airy and open thanks to excellent visibility in all directions. The 2026 Cherokee provides roughly 38.5 inches of rear legroom and 68.3 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. That might mean a tighter squeeze for taller folks and less room for your gear. Real-world usability matters more than dimensions on a spec sheet. Fuel Economy and Ownership Costs Pennsylvania gas prices can fluctuate wildly throughout the year. The Outback is engineered to sip fuel conservatively, even with its standard AWD system. The 2026 non-turbo models achieve an estimated 25 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, while turbo models see 21/29 mpg, and the Wilderness edition offers 21/27 mpg. Its aerodynamic profile helps it cut through the air more efficiently than the brick-shaped Jeeps. You'll appreciate fewer stops at the pump during your daily commute along Ridge Pike. While the Cherokee's hybrid claims of 37 mpg combined sound impressive, hybrid systems often come with higher upfront purchase prices and expensive battery maintenance down the road. Subaru ownership costs remain among the lowest in the industry. That keeps more money in your pocket over the life of the vehicle. Towing Capacity and Hauling Capability Most drivers in Plymouth Meeting don't need to tow a massive boat. You likely need enough muscle to pull a small utility trailer or perhaps a couple of jet skis. The Outback provides plenty of towing power, with the standard engine rated for 2,700 pounds and the XT turbo models pulling up to 3,500 pounds. It balances capability with ride comfort perfectly. The Cherokee might match that 3,500-pound maximum tow rating on paper. However, that stiffer suspension often results in a harsher ride when you are not towing anything. You want a car that handles potholes on the Blue Route with grace. Technology, Infotainment, and Connectivity Modern technology should make your life easier, not cause frustration. The large 12.1-inch touchscreen in the 2026 Outback is user-friendly and smartphone-like, now complemented by a clear 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Icons are large and easy to tap without taking your eyes off the road for too long. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integrate seamlessly to keep your maps and music ready. Jeep uses a 12.3-inch infotainment screen paired with a 10.25-inch digital cluster. While the screens are large, the Uconnect system can sometimes feel cluttered, with too many menus buried deep in the software. Safety Ratings and Crash Test Results Every Outback comes standard with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology and consistently earns high safety marks, including the IIHS Top Safety Pick rating. This system acts like an extra pair of eyes watching the traffic ahead of you. It can automatically apply the brakes if traffic on the Schuylkill Expressway comes to a sudden halt. Jeep often locks its most advanced safety features behind expensive upper trim levels. We believe safety should not be a luxury option. Subaru consistently earns top safety accolades because our innovative ring-shaped reinforcement frame protects your family. Which SUV Should You Choose? The choice becomes clear when you look at the total package. The 2026 Jeep Cherokee is a fresh face attempting to recapture its former glory. Some shoppers might even be cross-shopping the Grand Cherokee vs Outback, but the value proposition still leans heavily toward Subaru. The Outback delivers proven performance and unmatched safety for our local roads. It's the vehicle you can trust to get you home during a snowstorm in Valley Forge. Stop by John Kennedy Subaru Plymouth today to test drive your next adventure vehicle.