Compare The Subaru Ascent Near Portsmouth, NH
2025 Subaru Ascent vs the Competition: Toyota Highlander, Chevy Traverse & 2025 Honda Pilot
When shopping for a three-row SUV in New Hampshire or southern Maine, it's easy to get overwhelmed with the number of choices on the market. But for drivers near Newington, Dover, or York who want safety, all-weather confidence, and value built into every mile, the 2025 Subaru Ascent stands out against its key rivals - the Toyota Highlander, Chevrolet Traverse, and 2025 Honda Pilot.
Here's how the Ascent compares in all the ways that matter most to local families.
Standard All-Wheel Drive and Capability
The biggest differentiator? Every 2025 Subaru Ascent comes standard with Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive - a rarity in this class. Whether you're commuting through snowy Portsmouth streets, exploring dirt roads near Rochester, or heading north for ski weekends, the Ascent provides confidence in any conditions. Compare that to the Highlander and 2025 Honda Pilot, which offer all-wheel drive as an option (and a pricey one at that), or the Traverse, which only equips its off-road-oriented Z71 trim with AWD by default.
The Ascent also delivers a strong 5,000-pound towing capacity across all trims, enough to haul a small boat or camper for weekend getaways to the Lakes Region or coast. The Toyota Highlander matches this capacity only on certain trims, while the 2025 Honda Pilot and Chevy Traverse require upgrades and added costs to reach similar capability.
Family-Friendly Features and Comfort
With seating for up to eight and generous third-row legroom, the 2025 Ascent is designed for growing families in places like Exeter and Somersworth. Unlike the Toyota Highlander, which has a notoriously cramped third row, the Ascent's interior is thoughtfully laid out with comfort and visibility in mind - and without compromising cargo space.
Interior materials in the Ascent are premium across the lineup, even in lower trims. The Limited and Touring trims, in particular, feature leather upholstery, a Harman Kardon premium sound system, and second-row sunshades - perfect for keeping young passengers comfortable on longer drives.
If you're looking for something unique, the new Bronze Edition trim adds stylish bronze-finished wheels and accents, while the Onyx Edition Touring blends upscale luxury with bold design. The 2025 Honda Pilot offers similar trims, like the TrailSport and Black Edition, but lacks the same value-oriented features Subaru includes as standard.
Tech and Infotainment
Inside, the 2025 Ascent is equipped with Subaru's latest tech suite. All models now include an 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto - a larger, more user-friendly display than what's standard in the 2025 Honda Pilot (which starts with a seven-inch screen). Toyota only includes a larger touchscreen on its higher Highlander trims, and the Traverse, while modern, relies heavily on GM's interface that some drivers find less intuitive.
Subaru also includes features like a rear seat reminder, Cabin Connect (intercom system), and multiple USB ports throughout all three rows. These thoughtful additions make life easier on the go, especially for busy families in towns like Dover or nearby York, ME.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Safety remains a Subaru hallmark, and the 2025 Ascent doesn't disappoint. Standard across the board is Subaru's EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, which includes forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive headlights and evasive steering assist also come standard - not the case with all competitors.
While the Highlander, Traverse, and 2025 Honda Pilot all include their own versions of safety suites, the Ascent's system feels more refined in daily driving. Add in Subaru's reputation for top safety ratings, and it's easy to see why so many drivers around Newington choose the Ascent for peace of mind.
Final Thoughts: Why Choose the 2025 Subaru Ascent?
In a segment crowded with strong contenders, the 2025 Subaru Ascent rises above with its standard all-wheel drive, superior safety tech, family-first features, and honest value. It delivers rugged capability without sacrificing daily comfort - ideal for drivers throughout New Hampshire and into coastal Maine.
At McGovern Subaru in Newington, we're proud to help shoppers from Somersworth to Portsmouth discover everything the Ascent has to offer. Whether you're looking to trade in your old SUV or test drive the latest Onyx Edition Touring, we're here to help you find the right fit.
If you're considering a Toyota Highlander, 2025 Honda Pilot, or Chevrolet Traverse, be sure to experience the Ascent first - it just might surprise you.
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McGovern Subaru
85 Gosling Rd
Newington, NH 03801
- Sales: 603-758-7600
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