Researching the right SUV for your family can take a lot of time; especially when you’re comparing features like interior space, safety technology, capability, and overall versatility. With so many great options available, narrowing down the best fit for your lifestyle isn’t always easy. That’s why we at Byers Airport Subaru in Columbus, Ohio have done the hard work for you, by comparing two impressive Subaru SUVs: the 2026 Subaru Ascent and the 2026 Subaru Forester. The Ascent stands out for families who want extra room, thanks to its spacious three-row seating, generous cargo capacity. The Ascent also delivers strong all-weather confidence with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Meanwhile, the Forester shines with its comfortable cabin, excellent visibility, and flexible interior that makes daily driving feel simple and stress-free. Both SUVs also come equipped with advanced safety technology, and the dependable performance Subaru drivers know and love. Whether you’re driving around Lancaster, commuting through Pickerington, or planning family adventures near New Albany, both the Ascent and Forester are designed to keep up with busy lifestyles. Choosing between them often comes down to whether you need the added passenger space of the Ascent or the compact versatility of the Forester. Below, you’ll take a closer look at the specs and features of both models so you can see why the Ascent and Forester are both ideal rides for your family. Contact Byers Airport Subaru today to schedule a test drive.
The 2026 Ascent comes equipped with 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels right from the start, with the option to upgrade to larger 20-inch wheels for an even more commanding look and feel. In comparison, the 2026 Forester begins with 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and offers available upgrades to 18-inch wheels as you move up the trim lineup. Both SUVs include standard LED steering responsive headlights for improved visibility, but the Ascent adds standard LED fog lights as well, giving it an extra edge in low-visibility conditions. Cold-weather convenience is also greater with the Ascent, with a windshield wiper de-icer included as standard equipment. The Forester offers it on higher trims, along with available heated side mirrors. Roof rails come standard on both models, making it easy to bring along extra gear, while a panoramic moonroof is available on higher trim levels of each SUV for those who want a more open, airy cabin experience.
You'll find a standard 8-way driver's seat in the 2026 Ascent while the 2026 Forester comes standard with a 6-way adjustable driver's seat. Heated front seats are standard fare on the Ascent, while they're only available on higher trim levels of the Forester. Heated rear outboard seats, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel are all available features found on higher trim levels of both SUVs. The Forester provides seating for up to five passengers, whereas the Ascent offers greater flexibility with a standard second-row bench that seats eight or available second-row captain's chairs for a seven-passenger layout. StarTex® water-repellent upholstery is standard fare in the Ascent and available on higher trim levels of the Forester, including the rugged Wilderness trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ is standard connectivity in the Ascent, and is available on higher trim levels of the Forester.
The 2026 Ascent is powered by a 2.4-liter BOXER® engine that delivers a strong 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, giving it plenty of confidence for family hauling and highway passing power. The 2026 Forester uses a 2.5-liter BOXER® engine producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, offering a more efficiency-focused setup for everyday driving. Both models are paired with Subaru’s Lineartronic® CVT, and come standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for dependable traction in a variety of road conditions. When it comes to capability, the Ascent stands out with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs and up to 26 MPG on the highway. Meanwhile, the Forester offers up to 3,500 lbs of towing capacity and achieves up to 33 MPG on the highway, making it the more efficiency-oriented option.
Both the 2026 Ascent and 2026 Forester were awarded a perfect 5-star overall safety rating by the NHTSA and were named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, thanks mainly to their standard EyeSight® suite of driver assist technology. This features amenities such as Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, Lane Keep Assist, and Automatic Emergency Steering. The Ascent also comes standard with Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert; features which are found on higher trim levels of the Forester.
When it comes to value in the Subaru lineup, both the 2026 Subaru Ascent and the 2026 Subaru Forester bring a lot to the table; but they shine in slightly different ways, depending on your needs. The Ascent is the clear pick if you’re looking for extra space, offering three rows of seating and a more family-focused layout that’s great for growing households or carpool duty. The Forester, on the other hand, keeps things a bit more compact while still delivering excellent practicality, strong visibility, and everyday versatility that makes it easy to live with. Both SUVs come with Subaru’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a reputation for safety and reliability, making them solid long-term investments. Whether you’re driving through Gahanna, commuting in Westerville, or running errands around Reynoldsburg, either model fits right into your daily routine. If you have any questions about the 2026 Subaru Ascent or Forester, contact Byers Airport Subaru in Columbus, OH.
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2026 Subaru Ascent | 2026 Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 2.4-liter Turbocharged BOXER® | 2.5-liter BOXER |
| Standard Horsepower | 260 | 180 |
| Standard Torque (lb-ft) | 277 | 178 |
| Standard Drivetrain | Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive | Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive |
| Standard Transmission | Lineartronic® CVT | Lineartronic® CVT |
| Roof Rails | Standard | Standard |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay® | Standard | Available |
| Heated Front Seats | Standard | Available |
| Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard | Standard |
| Standard Fuel Economy (MPG) | 19 City / 26 Highway | 26 City / 33 Highway |
