What To Know
- It offers a balanced blend of power and efficiency, achieving up to 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
- It is backed by a comprehensive 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
- It also features a Wi-Fi hotspot and a variety of entertainment options.
The Subaru Ascent is a highly acclaimed family SUV that stands out in a competitive market. To help you make an informed decision, this comprehensive guide compares the Ascent against its key competitors, exploring their strengths, weaknesses, and overall value proposition.
Performance and Handling
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency
The Ascent boasts a robust 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine that delivers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. It offers a balanced blend of power and efficiency, achieving up to 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Competitors
- Kia Telluride: 3.8-liter V6, 291 horsepower, 262 lb-ft torque, 20/26 mpg
- Hyundai Palisade: 3.8-liter V6, 291 horsepower, 262 lb-ft torque, 20/26 mpg
- Toyota Highlander: 3.5-liter V6, 295 horsepower, 263 lb-ft torque, 21/29 mpg
Interior Space and Comfort
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The Ascent’s spacious cabin offers ample room for up to eight passengers. Its generous 19.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row expands to 47.6 cubic feet with the third row folded down.
Competitors
- Kia Telluride: 18.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded down
- Hyundai Palisade: 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded down
- Toyota Highlander: 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded down
Features and Amenities
The Ascent’s interior is well-equipped with standard features such as heated front seats, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a suite of safety technologies. Higher trims offer premium amenities like leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
Competitors
- Kia Telluride: Standard 10.25-inch touchscreen, available heated and ventilated front seats, premium Bose sound system
- Hyundai Palisade: Standard 8-inch touchscreen, available heated and cooled front seats, panoramic sunroof
- Toyota Highlander: Standard 8-inch touchscreen, available heated and ventilated front seats, JBL sound system
Safety and Reliability
Crash Test Ratings and Safety Features
The Ascent has earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Competitors
- Kia Telluride: Top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, similar standard safety features
- Hyundai Palisade: Top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, slightly fewer standard safety features
- Toyota Highlander: Top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, comparable standard safety features
Reliability and Warranty
Subaru is renowned for its reliability, and the Ascent is no exception. It is backed by a comprehensive 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Competitors
- Kia Telluride: 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
- Hyundai Palisade: 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
- Toyota Highlander: 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty
Technology and Convenience
Infotainment System and Connectivity
The Ascent’s infotainment system offers a user-friendly interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. It also features a Wi-Fi hotspot and a variety of entertainment options.
Competitors
- Kia Telluride: Larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, similar connectivity features
- Hyundai Palisade: Slightly smaller 8-inch touchscreen, comparable connectivity features
- Toyota Highlander: 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
Driver Assist Features
The Ascent’s EyeSight driver assist suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and blind spot detection. It also offers a surround-view camera system for enhanced visibility.
Competitors
- Kia Telluride: Similar suite of driver assist features, including lane following assist and highway driving assist
- Hyundai Palisade: Slightly fewer driver assist features, but includes a rear cross-traffic alert
- Toyota Highlander: Comparable driver assist features, including a rear cross-traffic braking system
Off-Road Capabilities
All-Wheel Drive and Ground Clearance
The Ascent’s standard symmetrical all-wheel drive system and 8.7 inches of ground clearance provide it with impressive off-road capabilities. It also features a hill descent control system for added confidence in challenging terrain.
Competitors
- Kia Telluride: All-wheel drive available, 8.0 inches of ground clearance, no hill descent control
- Hyundai Palisade: All-wheel drive available, 7.9 inches of ground clearance, no hill descent control
- Toyota Highlander: All-wheel drive available, 8.0 inches of ground clearance, no hill descent control
Value for Money
Price and Trim Levels
The Ascent’s starting price is slightly lower than its competitors. It offers a range of trim levels, from the base to the top-of-the-line Touring model, providing a wide range of features and options.
Competitors
- Kia Telluride: Starting price slightly higher, similar range of trim levels
- Hyundai Palisade: Starting price comparable, slightly fewer trim levels
- Toyota Highlander: Starting price slightly lower, fewer trim levels
Resale Value and Ownership Costs
Subaru vehicles are known for their strong resale value. The Ascent is expected to retain its value well over time. Ownership costs, including maintenance and insurance, are also competitive.
Competitors
- Kia Telluride: Similar resale value, slightly higher ownership costs
- Hyundai Palisade: Comparable resale value, slightly lower ownership costs
- Toyota Highlander: Excellent resale value, slightly higher ownership costs
Final Verdict
The Subaru Ascent stands out as a compelling choice in the competitive family SUV market. With its well-rounded performance, spacious interior, advanced safety features, and excellent value for money, the Ascent offers a comprehensive package that meets the diverse needs of families. While its competitors offer similar amenities and capabilities, the Ascent’s combination of reliability, off-road prowess, and competitive pricing makes it a top contender.
Information You Need to Know
1. Which competitor offers the most powerful engine?
Answer: The Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade offer the most powerful engines with 291 horsepower.
2. Which competitor has the most cargo space?
Answer: The Toyota Highlander has the most cargo space with 48.4 cubic feet behind the third row folded down.
3. Which competitor has the best warranty?
Answer: The Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade offer the best warranties with 10 years/100,000 miles for the powertrain.