Wondering about the differences between the Subaru Ascent and Subaru Forester? These popular SUVs both offer go-anywhere capability, protection for every passenger, and quality Subaru engineering. They also share many of the same traits, like the all-weather traction of standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, at least 8.7 inches of standard ground clearance, standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, available Harman Kardon® premium audio, and the convenience of adaptive cruise control. But once you start comparing, you can tell they are very different vehicles, each with their own role to fill. Let's compare the Ascent and the Forester so you can find the Subaru SUV that's right for you.
Which is bigger: Ascent or Forester?
Size is the most significant difference between the Ascent and Forester. The Ascent, our only 3-row SUV and largest Subaru available, is designed for maximum passenger-carrying capability with a 196.8-inch length, 76-inch width, and 71.6-inch height (with roof rails). As a compact SUV, the Forester naturally has a smaller size at 182.7 inches of length, 71.5 inches of width, and 68.1 inches of height (with roof rails). The Forester Wilderness is slightly larger with a width of 72.2 inches and a height of 68.9 inches.
When comparing the two SUVs, shoppers need to think about their priorities: Do they plan on bringing along more than five passengers? Then the Ascent, with three rows of seating for up to eight, is the right choice for those who need space for all their passengers and gear. If the shopper places a premium on a right-sized compact shape that can easily slip into a parking spot on a busy city street or small garage, then the Forester checks all the boxes.
Length:
196.8 inches
Width:
76.0 inches
Height:
71.6 inches*
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Base Curb Weight:
4,421 - 4,590 pounds
*With roof rails (standard on all trims)
Length:
182.7 inches
Width:
Up to 72.2 inches
Height:
Up to 68.9 inches
Wheelbase:
Up to 105.1 inches
Base Curb Weight:
3,454 - 3,620 pounds
Which has a more powerful engine and greater towing capacity: Ascent or Forester?
The Forester and Ascent are both equipped with the time- and trail-tested SUBARU BOXER® engine to power their standard all-wheel drive systems. Every SUBARU BOXER engine is built with a unique horizontal layout, giving both vehicles a lower center of gravity and a finely tuned balance between power and fuel efficiency.
The larger Ascent features a 2.4-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine that delivers 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. That’s 78 more horsepower than the Forester 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine, which can reach up to 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The increased power of the Ascent means the maximum available towing capacity is also higher: up to 5,000 pounds for every trim except the Base at 2,000 pounds. The Forester towing capacity is 1,500 pounds for every trim except the Forester Wilderness at 3,000 pounds. This should put the Ascent and Forester Wilderness at the top of your list if you’re looking to haul large trailers of equipment or cargo.
Engine:
2.4-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine
Horsepower:
260 hp at 5,600 rpm
Towing Capacity
5,000 pounds
2,000 pounds (Base trim)
Engine:
2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine
Horsepower:
182 hp at 5,800 rpm
Towing Capacity
1,500 pounds
3,000 pounds (Wilderness)
Which has more ground clearance: Ascent or Forester?
When it comes to ground clearance, Ascent and Forester are evenly matched — for the most part. Every Ascent and almost every Forester trim feature 8.7 inches of ground clearance for increased capability on rough terrain and in snowy conditions. But if you're looking for maximum ground clearance, then the Forester Wilderness wins out with 9.2 inches of ground clearance, which lets you take on truly rugged trails.
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Wilderness Ground Clearance:
9.2 inches
Which has more passenger and cargo space: Ascent or Forester?
Interior passenger and cargo volume is another major differentiator between the Ascent and Forester. The 3-row Ascent is the clear winner on passenger seating — up to eight versus five — as well as space, with up to 153.2 cubic feet of passenger room (on trims without moonroof). Of course, the Ascent also wins on cargo volume, since it’s easy to use its second- and third-row standard 60/40-split flat-folding rear seatbacks to reach up to 75.6 cubic feet of space (on trims without moonroof). But for a compact SUV, the Forester offers a surprising amount of space inside, with up to 111.6 cubic feet of passenger room and up to 74.2 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume.
Passengers:
Seating for up to 8 (second-row bench seat)
Seating for up to 7 (second-row captain's chairs)
Maximum Cargo Space:
Up to 75.6 cubic feet
Interior Passenger Room:
150.2 cubic feet (Onyx Edition 7-Passenger, Onyx Edition Limited 7-Passenger, Touring 7-Passenger, Limited 7-Passenger, and Limited 8-Passenger trims with moonroof)
153.2 cubic feet (Base 8-Passenger, Premium 8-Passenger, Premium 7-Passenger, Limited 7-Passenger, and Limited 8-Passenger trims without moonroof)
Passenger Legroom:
42.2 inches (front)
38.6 inches (middle)
31.7 inches (rear)
Passenger Headroom:
Up to 41.2 inches (front)
Up to 40.0 inches (middle)
36.2 inches (rear)
Passengers:
Seating for up to 5
Maximum Cargo Space:
Up to 74.2 cubic feet
Interior Passenger Room:
107.6 cubic feet (Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trims with moonroof)
111.6 cubic feet (Base trim without moonroof)
Passenger Legroom:
43.3 inches (front)
39.4 inches (rear)
Passenger Headroom:
Up to 41.2 inches (front)
Up to 39.6 inches (rear)
Build and Price
Now you’ve explored some of the major differences in specs and features between the Subaru Ascent and Forester, but online research can only take you so far. Each vehicle has its own unique personality, driving feel, and customization options. You can start by building your own Ascent and Forester with our online tools and try them out in a test drive at your local retailer to find the Subaru SUV that’s perfect for you.
MSRP:
$34,395 - $48,695*
MPG:
Up to 26/20 MPG highway/city**
MSRP:
$27,095 - $37,395*
MPG:
Up to 33/26 MPG highway/city**
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Autumn Green Metallic
Cosmic Blue Pearl
Crimson Red Pearl
Crystal Black Silica
Crystal White Pearl
Dark Mahogany Pearl
Ice Silver Metallic
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Autumn Green Metallic
Brilliant Bronze Metallic
Cascade Green Silica
Crimson Red Pearl
Crystal Black Silica
Crystal White Pearl
Geyser Blue
Horizon Blue Pearl
Ice Silver Metallic
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Sapphire Blue Pearl
Base 8-Passenger
Premium 8‑Passenger
Premium 7‑Passenger
Onyx Edition 7‑Passenger
Limited 8‑Passenger
Limited 7‑Passenger
Onyx Edition Limited 7‑Passenger
Touring 7‑Passenger
Base
Premium
Sport
Wilderness
Limited
Touring
Both the Ascent and Forester make safety a priority. They both feature state-of-the-art safety features and driver assistance technologies and are recognized by safety experts. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has named the Ascent an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ for three years running (2021-2023) and the Forester has received the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK 17 times (2007-2023). That’s something no other small SUV can say.
This recognition is based on trusted Subaru safety engineering like the Subaru Global Platform. Both the Ascent and Forester are built on this protective architecture, which uses high-strength steel to provide durable crash protection and rigidity. They are also both equipped with industry-leading active safety systems like standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which gives you an extra set of eyes on the road and, if need be, an extra foot on the brake when you drive
The Ascent and Forester both feature standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive across every trim for outstanding capability. The balanced design of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive creates uniform stability and delivers an optimal distribution of power for maximum traction in virtually any weather or road condition. It delivers better handling, improved efficiency, and a quicker response to road conditions than competitors’ optional systems.
X-MODE®, also standard on both vehicles, works in conjunction with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive to optimize your traction on slippery surfaces and includes Hill Descent Control, which helps you descend difficult grades. Select Ascent and Forester trims offer an enhanced dual-function X-MODE that lets you choose settings for specific conditions like deep snow, dirt, and mud.
The Ascent and Forester both use the Subaru Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The CVT system features two pulleys that can vary in width connected by a steel chain. By changing this width, the CVT can create an infinite “gearing” across its range, which lets it continuously and smoothly adapt to performance demand by keeping the engine in its most efficient operating range. Both vehicles also offer available manual modes, which allow you to move through these “gears” using paddle shifters and give you more precise engine control.
2024 Subaru Ascent Transmission
2024 Subaru Forester Available Transmissions
Like every new Subaru, the Ascent and Forester feature two standard warranties. The Subaru Limited Factory Warranty provides limited bumper-to-bumper coverage for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first, and the Powertrain Warranty covers the engine, transmission, and all-wheel drive and lasts for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.
You can also purchase extended coverage for both vehicles through the Subaru Added Security Program, which offers two different plans. The Classic Plan covers major parts, including the engine, all-wheel drive (AWD), and transmission (as well as towing and car rental), while the Gold Plus Plan adds coverage to air conditioning, electrical, steering, front suspension, brakes, and other systems.
2024 Subaru Ascent Multimedia Touchscreens
2024 Subaru Forester Multimedia Touchscreens
Because the Forester is a compact SUV and the Ascent is a full-size, 3-row SUV, there is a significant difference in the fuel efficiency between the two vehicles. Since they are both powered by the Subaru BOXER engine, which is designed to maximize efficiency, they are very competitive in their respective classes. However, due largely to the differences in weight and power, the lighter Forester boasts up to 33/26 MPG highway/city, while the Ascent comes in at up to 26/20 MPG highway/city.
2024 Subaru Ascent Miles Per Gallon**
2024 Subaru Forester Miles Per Gallon**
As the larger of the two vehicles, it’s not surprising that the Subaru Ascent has a higher fuel capacity at 19.3 gallons compared to the Forester fuel capacity of 16.6 gallons. But when you compare the two SUVs on driving range, it’s a different story. The Ascent can reach more than 500 miles of highway driving range, while the lighter weight of the Forester means it can reach more than 540 miles.
2024 Subaru Ascent
Fuel Capacity:
19.3 gallons
Driving Range:
Over 500 miles
2024 Subaru Forester
Fuel Capacity:
16.6 gallons
Driving Range:
Over 540 miles