Subaru Forester vs. Subaru Ascent
When we compare the Subaru Forester to the Subaru Ascent, the Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency. The Subaru Ascent has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Subaru Forester versus the Subaru Ascent, the Subaru Forester is a better car than the Subaru Ascent.
Subaru Forester versus Subaru Ascent Pricing
A one- to five-year-old used Subaru Forester ranges from $23,362 to $34,063 while a used Subaru Ascent from the same model year range is priced between $26,744 to $38,997. For a new model, the Subaru Forester's price is between $29,698 and $38,813, with the Subaru Ascent priced between $38,345 and $49,420.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the Subaru Forester’s base engine makes 182 horsepower, and the Subaru Ascent base engine makes 260 horsepower. The Forester is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 548 miles. The Ascent is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 502 miles. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison
The Subaru Ascent, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room and rear shoulder room. The Subaru Forester, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front leg room, rear leg room and trunk space. The Subaru Forester and Subaru Ascent are comparable in regards to front head room.
Hauling, Towing, and Off-Road Capabilities Comparison
The Subaru Ascent has the advantage of offering higher payload capacity than the Subaru Forester.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Subaru Forester and the Subaru Ascent have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, both the Subaru Forester and the Subaru Ascent have the same Top Safety Pick+ award.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$29,698 - $38,813
Used Asking Price:
$23,362 - $34,063
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
38.4%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$38,345 - $49,420
Used Asking Price:
$26,744 - $38,997
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
40.5%
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 61Ranking
4 out of / 61Ranking
4 out of / 28Ranking
4 out of / 24Ranking
4 out of / 24Ranking
4 out of / 14Ranking
8 out of / 24Ranking
11 out of / 61Ranking
16 out of / 61iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
8 out of / 25Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
13 out of / 25Ranking
16 out of / 61Ranking
16 out of / 31Ranking
49 out of / 61Summary Review
The Subaru Forester is a five-seat, compact SUV that foregoes the station wagon styling of other Subaru models for a more utilitarian, square-bodied design. The Forester has earned a reputation as a reliable and capable all-weather SUV with a spacious cabin and versatile cargo space. New models of the Forester cost an average of $32,632 and 3-year-old models average $23,752.
Summary Review
The Subaru Ascent joined the crossover SUV lineup at Subaru in 2018. It quickly earned the praise of reviewers.
Pros and Cons
- All-wheel drive is standard
- Better-than-average ground clearance and off-road capability
- Large cargo area
- Engine power could be stronger
- Low tow rating may not match many buyers’ lifestyles
- Continuously variable transmission (CVT) not to everyone’s liking
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)
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Trim Levels
Base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, Touring
Trim Levels
Base, Premium 8-Passenger, Premium 7-Passenger, Onyx Edition, Onyx Edition Limited, Limited 8-Passenger, Limited 7-Passenger, Touring
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:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
176 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.053 hp per pound
Towing Capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
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
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 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):
26 / 33 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
432 / 548 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
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
Range (city/hwy):
386 / 502 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.2 inches
Cargo Space:
28.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
74.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
140.5 cubic feet
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:
171.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3454 lbs
Width:
80.9 inches
Height:
67.5 inches
Length:
182.7 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4421 lbs
Width:
85.7 inches
Height:
71.6 inches
Length:
196.8 inches
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
225/60R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/60R18
