The Subaru Ascent and Outback models may be from the same brand, but they are in different categories which may make your decision easier.
Even so, it’s sometimes good to take a look at what a pair of models from a brand hasto offer to possibly give you the driving experience you want to enjoy. Both bring you similar powertrains, features, roominess, and standard AWD. Let’s see which one could be right for your drive.
Room in the Cabin
Subaru Ascent
The space you find in the cabin of the SUV you drive is one of the most important factors in your purchase decision. You’re going to spend all of your time inside this area of your vehicle. The Ascent has three rows of seats to give you room for more passengers than the Outback. You’ll find an area that makes it easy for you to take everyone out for a drive.
Subaru Outback
With only two rows of seats in the cabin, the Subaru Outback has more legroom than the Ascent in both rows of seats. This could be a benefit for you, but once you have more than five people that want to ride inside your SUV, you can’t make use of the Outback at all. This factor alone could determine which of these two SUVs you choose to drive.
Check Out the Tech and Features
Subaru Ascent
The base version of the Subaru Ascent has cloth seatsthat are powered and heated when you step upward to the Premium trim. The Limited and Touring models offer heated leather seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated second-row seats. You can have captain’s chairs in the second row once you reach the Premium trim of the Ascent. The seating is where you see many of the differences between these two SUVs.
Subaru Outback
The technology offered for the Outback is similar to the Ascent with a pair of seven-inch touchscreens and the Starlink multimedia system. The Premium trim gives you an 11.6-ich touchscreen and a navigation system. This model also adds two more speakers to take you from four to six. The Limited and Touring trims have a Harman/Kardon 12-speaker audio system for your musical pleasure during your drive.
Is There a Difference in the Powertrains?
Subaru Ascent
The three-row crossover from Subaru is only offered with one engine. This is a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder model that gives you 260 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft. of torque. This power plant is mated to a Lineartronic eight-speed CVT that feels more like an automatic transmission. You do have the benefits of the Subaru Symmetrical AWD system to give you the control you desire on the road.
Subaru Outback
There are two engines offered for the Outback to give you a pair of power options for your drive. The powertrain from the Ascent is present as the upgrade option for the Outback. The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine that brings you 182 horsepower and 176 lb.-ft. of torque for the drive. This means you’ll have more options if you select the Outback as your Subaru SUV.
Plenty of Safety for Your Drive
Subaru Ascent
The Ascent bringsyou standard active safety features to keep you confident on the road. You’ll have high beam assist, vehicle dynamics control, brake assist with override, a tire pressure monitoring system, daytime running lights, and a rearview camera. The optional items include blind-spot detection, lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic braking, and a 180-degree front-view monitor. The EyeSight Driver Assist Package is also part of the mix to give you the alerts you need.
Subaru Outback
The standard package of safety for the Subaru Outback isbasically the same as the Ascent. The Outback does have traction control and offers the option of the driver focus distraction mitigation system. The EyeSight system is part of the mix for the Outback, giving you advanced adaptive cruise control, lane centering, pre-collision braking, lane departure and sway warning, and lane-keep assist.
Which Subaru SUV is Right for You?
The first question to ask when considering the Subaru Ascent and Outback models is how many seats you need? Once you answer this question, you’ll be able to figure out which SUV you should choose. The Outback offers you more features and powertrain options while the Ascent has more room and seating for your family. If you still don’t know which one to drive, head over to your local Subaru dealer and let them give you a hand.
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