What To Know
- Mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Ascent offers a balanced blend of power and fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
- While the V6 provides ample power, the hybrid system sacrifices some horsepower for improved fuel economy, delivering an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
- The Subaru Ascent has a more fuel-efficient engine than the Chrysler Pacifica, with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway compared to the Pacifica’s 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
In the realm of family-friendly vehicles, the Subaru Ascent and Chrysler Pacifica stand out as two formidable contenders. Both offer spacious interiors, advanced safety features, and impressive performance capabilities. However, discerning buyers may wonder which of these automotive titans reigns supreme. To shed light on this question, we delve into a comprehensive comparison of the Subaru Ascent vs Pacifica, exploring their key attributes and determining which vehicle emerges as the ultimate family hauler.
Performance: Power and Efficiency
Under the hood, the Subaru Ascent boasts a robust 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer-4 engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Ascent offers a balanced blend of power and fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
In contrast, the Chrysler Pacifica offers two engine options: a 3.6-liter V6 with 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 hybrid with 260 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. While the V6 provides ample power, the hybrid system sacrifices some horsepower for improved fuel economy, delivering an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Interior: Space and Comfort
The Subaru Ascent offers a cavernous interior with three rows of seating, accommodating up to eight passengers. The second-row seats are spacious and provide ample legroom, while the third row is surprisingly comfortable, even for adults. The ascent’s cargo capacity is equally impressive, with 17.6 cubic feet of space behind the third row and 86.5 cubic feet with all seats folded down.
The Chrysler Pacifica also provides a roomy interior with seating for up to eight. However, the second and third rows are slightly less spacious than those in the Ascent. The Pacifica’s cargo capacity is comparable to the Ascent, offering 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row and 78.7 cubic feet with all seats folded down.
Safety: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
Both the Subaru Ascent and Chrysler Pacifica come equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, the Ascent goes a step further with its EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes features such as lane centering, reverse automatic braking, and a driver monitoring system.
Technology: Infotainment and Connectivity
The Subaru Ascent features a user-friendly 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The system is responsive and easy to navigate, and it offers a variety of features, including satellite radio, navigation, and Bluetooth connectivity.
The Chrysler Pacifica also offers an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. However, the system can be somewhat laggy and difficult to use at times.
Reliability and Maintenance
The Subaru Ascent has a solid reputation for reliability, with few reported issues. However, the Chrysler Pacifica has had some reported problems, including transmission issues and electrical problems.
Price and Value
The Subaru Ascent has a starting price of $33,470, while the Chrysler Pacifica has a starting price of $35,995. However, the Ascent offers more standard features and a higher level of safety technology, making it a better value overall.
Final Thoughts: The Winner is…
After carefully considering all the factors, we conclude that the Subaru Ascent is the superior choice over the Chrysler Pacifica. The Ascent offers a more spacious and comfortable interior, superior safety features, and a more reliable track record. While the Pacifica offers a slightly more powerful engine and a hybrid option, these advantages are outweighed by the Ascent’s overall superiority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which vehicle has a more fuel-efficient engine?
A: The Subaru Ascent has a more fuel-efficient engine than the Chrysler Pacifica, with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway compared to the Pacifica’s 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which vehicle has a larger cargo capacity?
A: The Subaru Ascent and Chrysler Pacifica have comparable cargo capacities, with 17.6 cubic feet behind the third row and 86.5 cubic feet with all seats folded down in the Ascent, and 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row and 78.7 cubic feet with all seats folded down in the Pacifica.
Q: Which vehicle has a better safety rating?
A: The Subaru Ascent has a better safety rating than the Chrysler Pacifica, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) compared to the Pacifica’s Top Safety Pick rating.