What To Know
- If you need a vehicle with ample seating and cargo space for a large family or frequent road trips, the Ascent is the superior choice.
- If you need a spacious and capable SUV for a large family or frequent adventures, the Ascent is the clear choice.
- The Outback features a more modern and intuitive infotainment system with a larger touchscreen and more advanced features.
When it comes to versatile and capable SUVs, Subaru stands out as a top choice. Two of their most popular models, the Ascent and the Outback, offer a compelling blend of practicality, adventure-readiness, and everyday comfort. This comprehensive guide delves into the key differences between the Subaru Ascent and Subaru Outback, helping you make an informed decision about which one is right for your needs.
Size and Seating
The Ascent and Outback differ significantly in size. The Ascent is a three-row SUV with seating for up to eight passengers, while the Outback is a five-passenger crossover. If you need a vehicle with ample seating and cargo space for a large family or frequent road trips, the Ascent is the superior choice. However, if you prioritize maneuverability and fuel efficiency, the Outback’s more compact dimensions may be more suitable.
Engine and Performance
Both the Ascent and Outback offer a range of engine options. The Ascent is powered by a standard 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The Outback, on the other hand, offers a choice between a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. In terms of performance, the Ascent’s more powerful engine gives it an edge in acceleration and towing capacity.
Off-Road Capabilities
While both the Ascent and Outback feature Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, they differ in their off-road abilities. The Ascent is equipped with a higher ground clearance and X-Mode, a driver-selectable system that optimizes the vehicle’s settings for various off-road conditions. The Outback, while still capable of handling light off-roading, is more suited for paved roads and occasional dirt roads.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Both the Ascent and Outback offer spacious and well-equipped interiors. The Ascent’s larger size provides more legroom and headroom, particularly in the third row. The Outback, however, features a more modern and refined interior with premium materials and advanced technology features. Both vehicles offer intuitive infotainment systems, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility, as well as a suite of driver-assistance technologies.
Safety Features
Subaru is known for its commitment to safety, and both the Ascent and Outback come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features. These include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Ascent additionally offers an optional EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite, which includes features such as reverse automatic braking and pedestrian detection.
Fuel Economy and Pricing
Fuel economy is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a vehicle. The Ascent’s larger size and more powerful engine result in lower fuel economy than the Outback. The Ascent gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, while the Outback with the 2.5-liter engine gets 26 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. The Outback with the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine gets 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. Pricing varies depending on trim level and options, but the Ascent generally costs more than the Outback.
Which One to Choose?
Ultimately, the best choice between the Subaru Ascent and Subaru Outback depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you need a spacious and capable SUV for a large family or frequent adventures, the Ascent is the clear choice. If you prioritize fuel efficiency, maneuverability, and a more modern interior, the Outback is a better fit.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Which has a higher towing capacity, the Ascent or Outback?
A: The Ascent has a higher towing capacity of 5,000 lbs, while the Outback has a towing capacity of 2,700 lbs.
Q: Which has a more comfortable third row?
A: The Ascent’s third row offers more legroom and headroom than the Outback’s third row.
Q: Which is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Outback with the 2.5-liter engine is more fuel-efficient than the Ascent, getting an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city and 35 mpg highway.
Q: Which has a more advanced infotainment system?
A: The Outback features a more modern and intuitive infotainment system with a larger touchscreen and more advanced features.
Q: Which is more off-road capable?
A: The Ascent has higher ground clearance and X-Mode, making it more capable of handling off-road conditions than the Outback.