The 2022 Honda Pilot vs 2022 Subaru Ascent is a tough decision. Both SUVs are spacious three-row SUVs that are designed for both families as well as adventure. So how can you decide between the Honda Pilot and the Subaru Ascent? Well, if you hate a noisy engine, the answer is actually pretty simple: the 2022 Subaru Ascent‘s noisy engine is one of current owners’ least favorite things about this otherwise fantastic SUV.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent has a noisy engine

J.D. Power interviews people who have owned their SUVs for at least 90 days to learn what they like and don’t like about their new cars. While there is a whole lot to love about the 2022 Subaru Ascent, one thing in particular stands out as a negative aspect of owning this popular SUV: its noisy engine. The “Sound of your vehicle’s engine/motor” is one of the three main things owners dislike about their new SUVs.

It’s not the only thing that people don’t like about the 2022 Subaru Ascent though. The other two major things that owners dislike include the “Overall fuel economy and driving range of your vehicle/driving range and speed of charging your vehicle” as well as using the Subaru Ascent’s navigation system.

The Honda Pilot has a pleasant-sounding engine

On the other hand, the 2022 Honda Pilot‘s engine noise is one of the things that people like the most about it. The “Sound of your vehicle’s engine/motor” is the first thing listed under the things that owners like about their new SUVs.

The Honda Pilot’s versatility is another huge plus for this three-row SUV. People like the “Vehicle’s ability to hold personal items exactly where you want them.” They also like how easy it is to get in and out of.

The 2022 Honda Pilot vs the 2022 Subaru Ascent: which is better?

Okay, so the 2022 Subaru Ascent has a noisy engine and the 2022 Honda Pilot does not. Does that make the Honda Pilot a better SUV? No, according to J.D. Power. The Subaru Ascent and Honda Pilot are both ranked #3 out of the Best Midsize SUVs of 2022. They each receive an overall score of 82.

Other positive attributes of the Subaru Ascent include how safe people feel in their SUVs, how well it handles in slippery conditions, and how easy it is to get in and out of. Things that people don’t like about the Honda Pilot include using the in-car phone system, the driver assistance systems, and the fuel economy.

It is worth noting that a quick glance at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s crash test ratings reveals a higher safety score for the 2022 Subaru Ascent. In fact, it’s a Top Safety Pick+ winner while the 2022 Honda Pilot doesn’t receive any safety awards.

If you’re torn between the 2022 Honda Pilot vs the 2022 Subaru Ascent, it’s probably a good idea to test drive both SUVs. If the engine noise of the Subaru Ascent really bothers you, perhaps you’d be happier in the Honda Pilot. Yet if a noisy engine falls after things like safety and comfort on your list of priorities, the Subaru Ascent may be worth choosing anyway.