Finding the perfect SUV for your family can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options to consider. Do you need a spacious vehicle to accommodate a large family or plenty of cargo for road trips, sports gear, or errands? The 2025 Subaru Ascent, a three-row SUV, is designed with big families and extensive storage needs in mind. With seating for up to eight, generous cargo space, and Subaru’s advanced safety features, the Ascent is ready to tackle every adventure with comfort and confidence. If your family is smaller or you prefer a more compact option, the 2025 Subaru Forester might be the better fit. This versatile crossover SUV combines impressive fuel efficiency, ample space for passengers and cargo, and Subaru’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, making it perfect for day-to-day errands or weekend getaways. At Byers Airport Subaru in Columbus, OH, we understand how important it is to find an SUV that meets your family’s unique needs. That’s why we’ve created a detailed comparison page highlighting the key differences between the Ascent and the Forester, helping you decide which model aligns with your lifestyle. Once you’ve narrowed it down, visit us for a test drive to experience these exceptional vehicles firsthand. Let us help make your SUV search simple and stress-free!
The 2025 Ascent starts off with standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 20-inch wheels available on higher trim levels. The 2025 Forester offers standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and the option to upgrade to either 18- or 19-inch wheels. Both SUVs offer standard all-season tires, LED steering responsive headlights, available LED fog lights, and a windshield wiper de-icer. Only the Forester offers a standard roof spoiler and heated side mirrors. Both the higher trim levels of the Ascent and the Forester come with a panoramic moonroof, with only the Ascent offering it in glass. For extra storage space, both SUVs come standard with raised roof rails.
The 2025 Ascent boasts 153.2 cubic feet of passenger space, perfect for seating 8 comfortably. You can also choose to delete the second row bench and go with captain's chairs, changing the seating configuration to 7. The 2025 Forester seats 5 in 110.8 cubic feet of passenger volume. Heated seats are standard on the Ascent and available on higher trim levels of the Forester. Heated rear outboard seats and a heated steering wheel are available on both SUVs for the epitome of luxury. StarTex® water-repellent upholstery is available on select trim levels of both models as well as available Napa-trimmed upholstery. A tri-zone climate control is standard fare on the Ascent while the Forester offers dual-zone. Staying connected is easy no matter which Subaru SUV you choose. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility is standard in both but only the Ascent offers wireless connectivity.
As a three-row SUV, you can count on incredible performance from the 2025 Ascent, packing a potent 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER® under the hood. Generating 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, the Ascent offers a Lineartronic® CVT and can tow up to 5,000 lbs. The smaller 2025 Forester comes standard with a 2.5-liter BOXER that produces a solid 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque and tows up to 1,500 lbs. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard on both models while X-MODE®, standard on the Ascent, is only available on the higher trim levels of the Forester. When it comes to fuel economy, both SUVs offer incredible mileage: 26 highway MPG from the Ascent and up to 33 MPG on the highway in the Forester.
While the 2025 Forester has yet to be rated, the 2025 Ascent was awarded a perfect 5-star overall safety rating by the NHTSA. Both SUVs come standard with the lauded EyeSight® suite of driver assist technology, including Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Pre-collision Braking, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, and Automatic Emergency Steering. Both the Ascent and the Forester offer the available DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System, an innovative feature that helps by alerting the driver if the system detects they are driving while drowsy or distracted. Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Reverse Automatic Braking are standard fare on the Ascent and available on higher trim levels of the Forester.
When choosing between the 2025 Subaru Ascent and the 2025 Subaru Forester, Byers Airport Subaru in Columbus, OH, makes the decision easier with a detailed comparison of these two exceptional SUVs. The Subaru Ascent is ideal for large families or those needing extra cargo space, offering three rows of seating for up to eight passengers and advanced safety features for peace of mind on every drive. On the other hand, the Forester is a versatile crossover SUV that’s perfect for smaller families or those who value compact efficiency. It delivers excellent fuel economy, ample cargo capacity, and Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, making it perfect for both daily commutes and outdoor adventures. Both models showcase Subaru’s commitment to quality, safety, and reliability, so you can’t go wrong. Visit Byers Airport Subaru to explore these SUVs in person and find the perfect fit for your family’s needs.
|
2025 Subaru Ascent | 2025 Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 2.4-Liter Turbocharged BOXER® | 2.5-Liter BOXER® |
| Standard Horsepower | 260 | 180 |
| Standard Torque (lb-ft) | 277 | 178 |
| All-Wheel Drive | Standard | Standard |
| Standard Fuel Economy (MPG) | 20 City/26 Highway | 26 City/33 Highway |
| Passenger Volume (Cubic Feet) | 153.2 | 110.8 |
| Max Cargo Volume (Cubic Feet) | 75.6 | 74.4 |
| Standard Seating Capacity | 8 | 5 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard | Standard |
| Standard Multimedia Touchscreen Size | 11.6 Inches | Dual 7.0 Inches |
*MSRP does not include destination and delivery charges, tax, title, and registration fees. Destination and delivery includes handling and inland freight fees and may vary in some states. Prices, specifications, options, features, and models subject to change without notice. Select colors may be subject to an additional charge. See your retailer for more information.
