There's a lot more to buying a new SUV than just walking into a dealership and pointing at the one you want. To do it right and make sure you're signing your name to the vehicle that checks all your boxes takes time and research. How much are you willing to spend? How much space do you need? Which features are most important to you? There are so many different SUVs on the road today, it can be difficult to narrow it down to one and even if you decide Subaru is the brand that best suits your needs, there are still a handful of impressive SUVs that could be just what you're looking for. To help make your decision easier and quicker, Byers Airport Subaru has put together this handy comparison page, pitting the 2023 Subaru Ascent against its smaller, crossover sibling, the 2023 Subaru Forester. We'll dive deep into the specs and features of both, putting the performance, technology, safety, and so much more on full display for you to see, enabling you to make the right decision for your family. Of course the best way to finalize your choice is to contact us and schedule a test drive for one or both so you can feel the Subaru difference.
Subaru is synonymous with rugged and durable vehicles that are the perfect vehicle for weekend adventures and exciting off-roading excursions and the 2023 Ascent and 2023 Forester are no different. You may think because the Ascent is a three-row, family-oriented vehicle that it can't handle the roads untraveled but with a standard 8.7-inch ground clearance, this large, nimble SUV will surprise you. The Forester also sports a standard ground clearance of 8.7 inches but if you're looking for something more, the Forester Wilderness model boasts a 9.2-inch ground clearance. 17-inch steel wheels are standard fare on the Forester and higher trim levels offer 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, which you'll find standard on the Ascent. LED steering responsive headlights are standard on both SUVs as well as the available LED fog lights. You'll find roof rails as standard fare on the Ascent and optional on the base Forester, while the Forester Wilderness offers standard roof rails that offer up to 800 pounds of static capacity.
You'll find almost 40% more passenger volume inside the three-row 2023 Ascent compared to the 2023 Forester: 153.2 cubic feet versus 111.6 cubic feet. Second row captain's chairs are optional to change the 8-seat configuration into a 7-seater and allow easier access to the third row. Heated front and rear outboard seats are available on both SUVs while ventilated front seats are only available on the Ascent. StarTex® water-repellent upholstery is available on higher trim levels of the Ascent but only standard on the Forester Wilderness model.
Staying connected with the outside world is easy thanks to the standard STARLINK® multimedia plus system inside both vehicles. The Forester offers a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen display with the option to upgrade to an 8-inch display with navigation while the Ascent boasts an 11.6-inch touchscreen with navigation available on higher trim levels. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are standard on both SUVs as well as Bluetooth® for hands-free phone connectivity. Hands-free text messaging is only available on the Ascent.
The 2023 Ascent has a 2.4L turbocharged BOXER® engine under the hood that generates a hefty 260 horsepower and 277 lb/ft of torque while the 2023 Forester offers a 2.5L BOXER® and produces a respectable 182 horsepower and 176 lb/ft of torque. Both SUVs are mated to a standard Lineartronic® CVT automatic but the Foresters offers available CVT with either a 7- or 8-speed manual mode on higher trim levels. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard on both but you'll only find X-MODE® and Hill Descent Control as standard fare on the Ascent. The Forester boasts an impressive 33 MPG on the highway while the Ascent offers 26 highway MPG.
You can always trust Subaru with the safety of you and your family and they have the accolades to prove it. The NHTSA awarded both the 2023 Ascent and the 2023 Forester a perfect 5-star safety rating while the IIHS named the Forester a Top Safety Pick, saving its highest honor for the Ascent, which was named a Top Safety Pick+. This is thanks in part to the standard EyeSight® suite of driver assist technology found in both the Ascent and the Forester. Both include Adaptive Advanced Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Departure Warning, and Sway Warning. Only on the Ascent will you find standard Lane Keep Assist and Automatic Emergency Steering.
With a starting MSRP of only $33,895, the 2023 Subaru Ascent offers amazing value along with prime performance and stellar safety features, as well as extra room for passengers and cargo. The 2023 Subaru Forester comes in at a starting MSRP of just $26,395 and delivers quality standard and available features, including a higher ground clearance, as well as solid safety and the latest in technology. To see everything both of these exciting SUVs have to offer, we encourage you to stop by Byers Airport Subaru today!
| 2023 Subaru Ascent |
|
2023 Subaru Forester |
| $33,895 | Starting MSRP* | $26,395 |
| 260 | Horsepower | 182 |
| 260 HP / 277 lb/ft | Performance Output (Horsepower / Torque) | 182 HP / 176 lb/ft |
| 5,000 lbs. | Max Towing Capacity (With Proper Equipment) | 3,000 lbs. |
| 26 Highway - 20 City | Standard Fuel Economy | 33 Highway - 26 City |
| 153.2 Cubic Feet (Seats Up To 8) | Passenger Volume | 111.6 Cubic Feet (Seats Up To 5) |
| 75.6 Cubic Feet | Max Cargo Space | 74.2 Cubic Feet |
| Standard | LED Steering-Responsive Headlights | Standard |
| 18" Alloy | Standard Wheels | 17" Steel |
| Standard | Raised Roof Rails | Available |
*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. Excludes options; taxes; title; registration; delivery, processing and handling fee; dealer charges. Dealer sets actual selling price.
