2025 Subaru Ascent vs. 2025 Subaru Outback Review

Picture of the 2025 Subaru Ascent

2025 Subaru
Ascent

MSRP*: $39,995 to $52,050
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Picture of the 2025 Subaru Outback

2025 Subaru
Outback

MSRP*: $29,995 to $44,730
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MPG - City 19 - 20 MPG 21 - 26 MPG
MPG - Hwy 25 - 26 MPG 26 - 32 MPG
Seating Capacity 7 - 8 seats 5 seats
Cargo Space 72.8 - 75.6 ft3 75.6 ft3
Engine
  • 260-hp, 2.4-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 182-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 260-hp, 2.4-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Continuously Variable Continuously Variable
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive
Horsepower 260 hp 182 - 260 hp
Towing Capacity 5,000 lbs 2,700 - 3,500 lbs
Exterior Length 196.8 in 191.3 - 191.9 in
Exterior Width 76.0 in 74.2 - 74.6 in
Leg Room Front 42.2 in
Rear 38.6 in
Front 42.8 in
Rear 39.5 in
Head Room Front 40.4 - 41.2 in
Rear 38.7 - 40.0 in
Front 39.1 - 40.1 in
Rear 39.1 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
Passengers in the back seat may find themselves a little more cramped in the Subaru Ascent than the Subaru Outback. As far as headroom and legroom go, there's not much difference between front seat comfort in the Subaru Ascent and the Subaru Outback.

Convenience
The Subaru Outback requires fewer stops at the gas station than the Subaru Ascent, making it more convenient to drive.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The Subaru Ascent is somewhat more expensive than the Subaru Outback.

Dimensions
Since the Subaru Ascent is much wider than the Subaru Outback, finding a wide enough spot in a parking lot may be a bit more challenging. For some people, bigger is better. If that's the case for you, then you'll be happier with the Subaru Ascent, which is slightly longer than the Subaru Outback.

Handling
The Subaru Ascent has a larger turning radius than the Subaru Outback, making it slightly more difficult to maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Performance
When considering towing capacity, the Subaru Ascent is clearly the choice over the Subaru Outback for pulling heavy loads. In terms of horsepower, it's a virtual tie between the Subaru Ascent and the Subaru Outback.

Powertrain
With similar torque, the Subaru Ascent and the Subaru Outback are about even in transmitting their respective horsepower to the wheels.

Utility
The Subaru Ascent offers greater seating capacity than the Subaru Outback, making it a better choice for those who find themselves chauffeuring others around. You'll be able to fit about the same amount of groceries in the Subaru Ascent as you will in the Subaru Outback.