2023 Subaru Ascent vs 2023 Subaru Forester

Subaru has an extensive lineup of SUVs, and two of the best are the Ascent and the Forester. But while both the 2023 Subaru Ascent and the 2023 Subaru Forester are great vehicles, they serve different demographics.

So while one will be a better choice for you, it won't be a better choice for everyone. So if you're trying to figure out which one is better for you, you really need to learn about what each one offers! That's why we came up with this guide that breaks down everything you need to know about both vehicles.

2023 Subaru Ascent

As a three-row SUV with enough seats for eight people, the Subaru Ascent is the largest SUV in Subaru's lineup. It's the largest SUV Subaru offers, but that's not the only notable thing about the 2023 Ascent. We've highlighted some other notable features about the 2023 Ascent for you here.

Engine Options & Performance Specs

If you're looking at a 2023 Subaru Ascent, there's only one engine option for you to pick from, but it's a great choice. Its 2.4L four-cylinder engine pushes an impressive 260 horsepower, which is enough to take the 2023 Ascent from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 6.7 seconds.

Every Ascent can tow at least 2,000 pounds, but if you opt for the optional towing package, that number goes up to an even more impressive 5,000 pounds, giving the Ascent enough torque to pull small trailers to your next sporting event or camping trip!

Cargo Space & Ground Clearance

The Subaru Ascent is the largest SUV Subaru has to offer, and nothing highlights that quite like the available cargo space. If you get an Ascent without a moonroof, it has 17.8 cubic feet of storage space behind the third-row seats and a total of 75.6 cubic feet of storage space if you fold down the second and third rows.

However, if you get a model with a moonroof, you get slightly less storage space, with 17.6 cubic feet of storage space behind the third-row seats and 72.8 cubic feet of storage space once you fold down the second and third-row seats.

Finally, while the Ascent is the largest Subaru SUV, it has the same ride height as other Subaru SUVs, sitting 8.7 inches off the ground regardless of the trim level you go with.

Standard Features

The Subaru Ascent is full of great standard features, including tons of standard safety features. Those standard safety features include a forward collision warning system with automated emergency braking, a lane departure warning system with active lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control.

On the technological side of things, there are front USB charging ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and even an 11.6" touchscreen that makes it easy to change tunes, control the air conditioning, and even view the backup camera! And, of course, every Subaru Ascent comes standard with all-wheel drive.

In short, there's no shortage of great features with the Subaru Ascent, regardless of the trim level you go with!

2023 Subaru Forester

The Forester might not have the third row that the Ascent comes with, but overall it's not much smaller. It's a compact crossover SUV with five seats, but that's just part of what makes up the Forester. There's a ton to love, and we've highlighted some of the key features of the 2023 Forester for you here.

Engine Options & Performance Specs

Just like the 2023 Ascent only comes with one engine option under the hood, the same thing is true for the 2023 Forester. Each Forester comes equipped with a 2.5L Subaru Boxer engine that pushes 182 horsepower and has 176 lb-ft of torque.

It'll take you from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a respectable 8 seconds, and each Forester can tow at least 1,500 pounds. However, there are some Foresters with an upgraded towing capacity that allows the Forester to pull up to 3,000 pounds.

Cargo Space & Ground Clearance

Outside of the Wilderness trim level, every Subaru Forester sits 8.7 inches off the ground, which is the exact same ride height as the Subaru Ascent. However, if you do go with a Forester at the Wilderness trim level, it sits a full half inch higher off the ground, with a ground clearance of 9.2".

Meanwhile, no Forester will have the same amount of cargo space as an Ascent, but as a two-row SUV, it has a surprising amount of cargo space. The base trim level actually has the most cargo space, with 28.9 cubic feet of storage behind the second-row seats and 74.2 cubic feet of storage, including the second-row area.

All other Forester trim levels come with 26.9 cubic feet of storage behind the second row and 69.1 cubic feet of storage after you fold down the second-row seats.

Standard Features

Whether you go with the Base trim level or the Touring, there's a ton to love with the Forester. Every Forester comes standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a front USB input port, auto on-off headlights, automated emergency braking, a lane departure warning system with active lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control.

All-wheel drive also comes standard, and you get a rearview camera you can view on a 6.5" touchscreen. With the Forester, you're getting a great vehicle at a great price, and that's just what you've come to expect from a Subaru.

Final Thoughts

Do you have questions about either the 2023 Ascent or the 2023 Forester? Are you still unsure about which one is right for you? The team at Granite Subaru would love to help you out. Whether it's answering questions about either vehicle, getting you behind the wheel for a test drive, or setting you up with financing options, Granite Subaru can do it all!

Granite Subaru wants to get you behind the wheel of the vehicle that's best for you, and they do that by prioritizing the customer experience over everything else. So, if you're ready to experience the Granite Subaru difference, reach out today!