DARE TO COMPARE
Subaru Ascent vs. Subaru Forester
At a Glance: Ascent vs. Forester
At Bill Rapp Subaru, we know that having a reliable SUV is important to our drivers. That’s why we’ve made this thorough comparison between the Subaru Ascent vs. Subaru Forester, keeping in mind our friends and neighbors around Syracuse, Oneida, and Liverpool, NY.
Read on to learn more about each model and find out which one is better for your drives.
HORSEPOWER
260 HP | 182 HP
Ascent vs. Forester
FRONT LEGROOM
42.2 in. | 43.3 in.
Ascent vs. Forester
EPA-EST MPG
20 city /26 hwy* | 26 city /33 hwy*
Ascent vs. Forester
See the Difference for Yourself
Select a category below to learn more about how the Subaru Ascent compares to the Subaru Forester.
PERFORMANCE
Reliability depends on a number of factors. From the safety systems to the engine, many features make up your chosen vehicle. When it comes to these Subaru models, you can expect tons of power under the hood and top-notch capability features.
Subaru Power
The Ascent comes equipped with a 2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® 4-cylinder engine, while the Forester comes with a 2.5L SUBARU BOXER® 4-cylinder engine. As you can see on the mechanical level, these two vehicles are very similar. In terms of transmissions, both the Ascent and the Forester are paired with a Lineartonic® CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).
The real difference shows in their respective power outputs. While the Forester has the bigger engine, it performs with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the Ascent achieves power outputs of 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
Perfect Efficiency
While the Ascent certainly gives you a boost, the Forester shines when it comes to efficiency. Both models have impressive fuel ratings, but the EPA-estimated 26 city/33 highway MPG of the Subaru Forester will help you cut down on fuel stops.*
In comparison, the Ascent offers an EPA-estimated 20 city/26 highway MPG rating.*
INTERIOR
When you look at the Subaru Ascent and the Forester side by side, you’ll notice a clear difference in size. After all, the Ascent has room for eight passengers, while the Forester is a 2-row SUV with five seats. However, both models have spectacular amenities.
Interior Impressions
Making sure you and your passengers are comfortable in the cabin is of high importance for any vehicle. With the tri-zone automatic climate control in the Ascent and the dual-zone climate control available in the Forester, you can count on your chosen Subaru to help keep everyone at their preferred temperature.
Plus, both models can be equipped with heated and ventilated front seats as well as heated rear outboard seats.
Measurements
Being able to stretch your legs or having free access to the cabin interior lets you and your passengers remain at ease. When looking at the hard measurements for these two vehicles, it becomes clear almost instantly that the Ascent is going to be in the lead, by virtue of having three rows compared to the Forester model’s two.
However, the Forester still offers quite a bit of room. In fact, first- and second-row passengers have more legroom in the Forester:
- Subaru Forester Legroom (first/second row): 43.3 / 39.4 inches
- Subaru Ascent Legroom (first/second row): 42.2 / 38.6 inches
Both models offer more than 74 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the first row.
TECHNOLOGY
Last but certainly not least, let’s take a look at the technology you’ll find in the Subaru Forester and the Ascent. From their interior touchscreens to their advanced safety systems, both models are decked out with impressive features to use.
Multimedia Systems
The general setup of the infotainment systems are very similar between the two SUVs. For instance, both the Ascent and the Forester come with a SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia system. While the touchscreen sizes are different, either model comes with:
- Apple CarPlay®
- Android Autoâ„¢
- Bluetooth® audio streaming
EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology
Of course, you’ll also find EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology with both models. That means the following features come standard on the Ascent and the Forester:
- Pre-Collision Braking System
- Lane Departure and Sway Warning
- Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering
Plus, you can upgrade either model to add the DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System, which will monitor your driving and warn you if it notices you may be getting tired or distracted.
The Verdict
Now that our friends and neighbors around Syracuse, Oneida, and Liverpool, NY have read our Subaru Ascent vs. Subaru Forester comparison, we think the best way to decide is based on the number of passengers and cargo you’re planning on, as both models are excellent options.
Today is a good day to schedule a test drive of your own with the team at Bill Rapp Subaru.
All of the tools you need to move forward with experiencing a new Ascent or Forester for yourself are conveniently available right here online.
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