Subaru Forester vs Subaru Ascent
Overview | |
MSRP$29,695 | MSRP$34,395 |
Average price$20,510 | Average price$31,495 |
Listings9393 | Listings8941 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews6.8 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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Reviews SummaryThe Forester is one of Subaru's top sellers and one of the more popular compact crossovers in its segment as well, so it's hard to blame the automaker for not wanting to mess with a working formula. They seem to have focused more on refining than redoing it. In fact, the most obvious updates are to the vehicle's looks, which many would argue are inconsequential-but that's not a criticism. Verdict: The 2025 Subaru Forester improves on the outgoing version with a better-equipped base model, more advanced tech and safety offerings, and a blessedly quieter cabin. If it's not the most beautiful crossover we've ever seen, well, at least that's authentic to the Forester brand. | |
Reviews SummaryThe Subaru faithful wanted a replacement for the discontinued three-row Tribeca midsize SUV, and the Ascent answered the call when it went on sale in 2019. In 2023, for its fifth model year, the Ascent got a light refresh with revised styling, updated technology, and a new trim level with plenty of equipment and a trendy blacked-out look. Now, the 2024 Subaru Ascent continues with almost no changes, while several competitors in the segment receive significant updates. Verdict: Can the 2024 Subaru Ascent fend off refreshed rivals in the midsize three-row SUV segment? The Ascent has plenty going for it, from standard all-wheel drive and substantial ground clearance to affordable prices and impressive safety ratings. But it comes across as a little quirky among mainstream choices, which could work in or against its favor. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine | Engine2.4L 260 hp H4 |
Drive Train | Drive TrainAWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity8 |
Horsepower | Horsepower260 hp @ 5600 rpm |
MPG City | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway | MPG Highway26 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.5L 180 hp H4 | Engine Name2.4L 260 hp H4 |
Torque | Torque277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
Horsepower | Horsepower260 hp @ 5600 rpm |
DrivetrainAWD | DrivetrainAWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway | MPG Highway26 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity8 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space29.6 cu ft | Cargo Space17.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight3510 lbs | Curb Weight4421 lbs |
Height68.1 in | Height71.6 in |
Length183.3 in | Length196.8 in |
Width81.2 in | Width85.7 in |
Wheelbase105.1 in | Wheelbase113.8 in |
Maximum Payload | Maximum Payload1579 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity3000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity5000 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $29,695 | $34,395 |
Average price | $20,510 | $31,495 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.4 | 4.8 |
Expert reviews | 7.8 out of 10Read full review | 6.8 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | The Forester is one of Subaru's top sellers and one of the more popular compact crossovers in its segment as well, so it's hard to blame the automaker for not wanting to mess with a working formula. They seem to have focused more on refining than redoing it. In fact, the most obvious updates are to the vehicle's looks, which many would argue are inconsequential-but that's not a criticism. Verdict: The 2025 Subaru Forester improves on the outgoing version with a better-equipped base model, more advanced tech and safety offerings, and a blessedly quieter cabin. If it's not the most beautiful crossover we've ever seen, well, at least that's authentic to the Forester brand. | The Subaru faithful wanted a replacement for the discontinued three-row Tribeca midsize SUV, and the Ascent answered the call when it went on sale in 2019. In 2023, for its fifth model year, the Ascent got a light refresh with revised styling, updated technology, and a new trim level with plenty of equipment and a trendy blacked-out look. Now, the 2024 Subaru Ascent continues with almost no changes, while several competitors in the segment receive significant updates. Verdict: Can the 2024 Subaru Ascent fend off refreshed rivals in the midsize three-row SUV segment? The Ascent has plenty going for it, from standard all-wheel drive and substantial ground clearance to affordable prices and impressive safety ratings. But it comes across as a little quirky among mainstream choices, which could work in or against its favor. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.4L 260 hp H4 | |
Drive Train | AWD | |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 8 |
Horsepower | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm | |
MPG City | 20 | |
MPG Highway | 26 | |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.5L 180 hp H4 | 2.4L 260 hp H4 |
Torque | 277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | |
Horsepower | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm | |
Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 20 | |
MPG Highway | 26 | |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 8 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 29.6 cu ft | 17.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3510 lbs | 4421 lbs |
Height | 68.1 in | 71.6 in |
Length | 183.3 in | 196.8 in |
Width | 81.2 in | 85.7 in |
Wheelbase | 105.1 in | 113.8 in |
Maximum Payload | 1579 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 3000 lbs | 5000 lbs |
By: CarGurus + AI
This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.