Subaru Ascent vs. Tesla Model Y
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Subaru Ascent and Tesla Model Y contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Subaru Ascent and the Tesla Model Y.
When we compare the Subaru Ascent's and the Tesla Model Y's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Ascent has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and resale value. The Tesla Model Y has the advantage in the area of base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Subaru Ascent's and the Tesla Model Y's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Ascent is a better car than the Tesla Model Y.
Pricing: A used 2025 Subaru Ascent ranges from $36,466 to $51,991 while a used 2026 Tesla Model Y is priced between $42,990 to $57,950.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Subaru Ascent loses 49.7 percent of its value and the Tesla Model Y loses 60.8 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Ascent retains 11.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Tesla Model Y.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Subaru Ascent’s base engine makes 260 horsepower, and the Tesla Model Y base engine makes 295 horsepower.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Subaru Ascent and the Tesla Model Y have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
40483 - 54484
Starting MSRP:
39995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
38382
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
31990 - 43000
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
44990
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
54633
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
44990 - 64380
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
43948
Price Range:
36466 - 51991
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
45804
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
36966 - 59949
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
49191
Price Range:
42990 - 57950
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
49191
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
49191 - 49191
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
20087
Depreciation %:
0.50224136
Resale Value $:
19908
Residual Value %:
0.49775864000000003
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.48432299
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.30530799 - 0.56163117
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
27705
Depreciation %:
0.6158051
Resale Value $:
17285
Residual Value %:
0.3841949
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
0.61589711
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
0.6158051 - 0.69977334
Subaru Ascent Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Tesla Model Y Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Ascent
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.7 - 16.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Tesla Model Y
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.783858968567717
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.5 - 39.2
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Subaru Ascent Rankings
Ranking
10 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 33Ranking
11 out of / 29Ranking
12 out of / 31Ranking
12 out of / 31Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
14 out of / 26Ranking
15 out of / 33Ranking
16 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 31Ranking
17 out of / 66Ranking
17 out of / 33Ranking
18 out of / 33Ranking
19 out of / 66Ranking
19 out of / 66Ranking
19 out of / 33Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
20 out of / 33Ranking
20 out of / 31Ranking
20 out of / 31Ranking
20 out of / 31Ranking
24 out of / 66Ranking
26 out of / 33Ranking
28 out of / 33Ranking
28 out of / 33Ranking
29 out of / 31Ranking
30 out of / 66Ranking
31 out of / 33Ranking
35 out of / 66Ranking
44 out of / 54Ranking
47 out of / 66Ranking
51 out of / 66Tesla Model Y Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 52Ranking
2 out of / 40Ranking
3 out of / 82Ranking
5 out of / 52Ranking
6 out of / 82Ranking
6 out of / 52Ranking
6 out of / 52Ranking
8 out of / 82Ranking
8 out of / 52Ranking
11 out of / 82Ranking
11 out of / 82Ranking
12 out of / 52Ranking
13 out of / 52Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 82Ranking
18 out of / 82Ranking
22 out of / 52Ranking
23 out of / 52Ranking
26 out of / 82Ranking
29 out of / 82Summary Review
The Subaru Ascent joined the crossover SUV lineup at Subaru in 2018. It quickly earned the praise of reviewers.
Summary Review
The Tesla Model Y is a two-row, five-passenger crossover. An optional third row with two jump seats is also available in some trims. Like every Tesla, it offers great performance bang for the buck, with acceleration that surpasses most gas-powered crossovers in its price range.
Pros and Cons
- Excellent on-road and off-road capability
- Seven or eight-seat configurations available
- Class-leading diver-assist technology
- Below-average reliability scores (unusual for a Subaru)
Pros and Cons
- Roomier than its sibling the Model 3
- Optional third row
- Segment-leading range
- No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
- No spare tire on any trim
- Few luxury features
- Some early reliability issues
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Subaru Ascent Trim Levels
Limited 7-Passenger, Limited 8-Passenger, Limited Bronze Edition, Onyx Edition, Onyx Edition Touring, Premium 7-Passenger, Premium 8-Passenger, Touring
Tesla Model Y Trim Levels
Launch Series, Long Range, Performance
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
8 years / 120000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
260 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
277 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.059 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
295 hp
Torque:
309 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.071 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 26 / 22
MPGe:
Not applicable
Range (city/hwy):
386 / 502 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Battery Size/Capacity :
Not applicable
Maximum Charging Rate:
Not applicable
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
Not Applicable
Engine Configuration:
Not Applicable
Number of Cylinders:
Not Applicable
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not applicable
MPGe:
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
357 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Battery Size/Capacity:
81 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
12 hours (240V)
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
40 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
60.3 inches
Cargo Space:
17.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
75.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
171 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.4 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.2 inches
Cargo Space:
33.1 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
75.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4433 lbs
Width:
85.9 inches
Height:
71.6 inches
Length:
196.8 inches
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4184 lbs
Width:
83.8 inches
Height:
63.9 inches
Length:
188.6 inches
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.4 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 9.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/45R19
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Cosmic Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Green
Autumn Green Metallic
Red
Crimson Red Pearl
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Diamond Black
Blue
Deep Blue Metallic
Gray
Stealth Gray
Green
Not available
Red
Ultra Red
Silver
Quicksilver
White
Pearl White Multi-Coat
Interior Colors
Beige
Warm Ivory
Black
Slate Black
White
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Black
White
Black and White
