2024 Subaru Ascent vs. 2024 Subaru Forester
The Subaru Ascent vs Subaru Forester has long been a battle of the SUVs. Whether you prefer something a bit bulkier and adventurous or like one model's price point better than the other, both of these vehicles are at the top of driver's lists for endless reasons. On top of amazing fuel economy, thoughtful interior and exterior styling, safety specs galore, and reliability, the 2024 Ascent and Forester are SUV models to consider.
This article will compare the two cars, covering categories like engine and performance, interior comfort features, technology, fuel efficiency, and more. Stay tuned!
2024 Subaru Ascent
The 2024 Subaru Ascent is a 260-horsepower SUV boasting seating for 8, unmatched safety, and 75.6 cubic feet of cargo room for drivers and passengers. This model follows a more boxy design and is a true SUV from Subaru for this year. You have a standard 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine inside the 2024 Ascent and a towing capacity of 2,000 to 5,000 pounds. It's practical and economical: Ascent is a great family vehicle.
2024 Subaru Forester
The 2024 Subaru Forester follows a compact SUV styling and has seating for up to five people, up to 74.2 cubic feet of cargo space, and plenty of technology and safety for the entire group to enjoy. This model is one of Subaru's most popular, boasting a 2.5-liter flat-four-cylinder engine that makes 182 horsepower and can tow 1500-3,000 pounds. It's a great model for beginner and veteran drivers, as well as families.
Engine and Performance
The engine and overall performance are pretty different when comparing the 2024 Subaru Ascent and Subaru Forester SUVs. For the Ascent, you see a base 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine (260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque), while the Forester offers a standard 2.5-liter flat-four-cylinder engine that makes 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. You have better engine performance in the Ascent SUV and perkier response and handling.
To summarize, the 2024 Ascent offers 78 more horsepower than the Forester, making it the faster, higher-performance choice for drivers.
- 2024 Subaru Ascent engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER
- 2024 Subaru Forester engine: 2.5-liter flat-four-cylinder
Interior Comfort and Cargo
Regarding the interior comfort and cargo differences between the 2024 Subaru Ascent and the 2024 Subaru Forester, you see greater space inside the Ascent. Both models also have decent comfort features, like the Ascent's 11.6-inch touchscreen, third-row seating, panoramic moonroof, premium seating, and available captain chairs.
The 2024 Forester offers a base touchscreen measuring 6.5 inches, two-row seating for five, impressive cargo space for its class, and comfortable cloth or available leather-trimmed seating. Again, you are spending less to get into a Forester and opting for a smaller, more compact vehicle, so the Ascent is known to beat out its competition due to its boxier configuration.
Both vehicles feature heated front seats across trim levels above the base model, with some models also offering heated rear outboard seats and a heated steering wheel. Ventilated front seats and second-row climate control are exclusive to the Ascent.
- 2024 Ascent cargo space: Up to 75.6 cubic feet
- 2024 Forester cargo space: Up to 74.2 cubic feet
Here are the passenger dimensions for each SUV as well.
2024 Subaru Ascent
Passenger Legroom:
- 42.2 inches (front)
- 38.6 inches (middle)
- 31.7 inches (rear)
Passenger Headroom:
- Up to 41.2 inches (front)
- Up to 40.0 inches (middle)
- 36.2 inches (rear)
2024 Subaru Forester
Passenger Legroom:
- 43.3 inches (front)
- 39.4 inches (rear)
Passenger Headroom:
- Up to 41.2 inches (front)
- Up to 39.6 inches (rear)
Infotainment and Technology
Moving into the technology and infotainment specs for both the 2024 Subaru Ascent and 2024 Subaru Forester, drivers, and passengers see standard touchscreen displays in both vehicles. For the Ascent, you have a standard 11.6-inch touchscreen featuring SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia Plus, while the Forester offers a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen with SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia.
You can also expect wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in both SUVs and USB charging throughout the front and back seating. The 2024 Ascent and Forester are tech-friendly, and the standard Subaru STARLINK® multimedia system gives you more flexibility in navigation, music, and in-car entertainment/connectivity.
In higher trims of the 2024 Forester and Ascent, you can upgrade to the Harman Kardon® Premium Audio System, which is perfect for music lovers.
Safety Features
One of the standout categories for the 2024 Subaru Ascent and Forester is the overall safety between the models. For this year, drivers see both the Ascent and Forester SUVs built on the Subaru Global Platform, incorporating high-strength steel for crash protection and rigidity.
In addition to a strong build, both models are equipped with standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, offering safety features like:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control
- Pre-Collision Throttle Assist
- Lane-Keeping Assist
- Automatic Emergency Steering
- Pre-Collision Braking
Note: Exclusive to the Ascent are Lane Keep Assist and Automatic Emergency Steering, while the Forester offers Pre-Collision Throttle Management.
Subaru EyeSight Makes A DifferenceOne reason many drivers love Subaru EyeSight is how adaptive the system is. It works through a system of sensors and cameras with this information straight from Subaru: a set of two advanced cameras flanking your rearview mirror.
Although the IIHS has not released official ratings for these SUVs, the 2024 Forester was named a Top Safety Pick, while the 2024 Ascent earned the coveted Top Safety Pick+ from the NHTSA.
Fuel Economy
Moving onto the fuel efficiency of the 2024 Ascent and Forester SUVs, you see the Forester achieve better overall MPGs in the city and on highways because of its smaller compact size. Specifically, here are your fuel economy figures for each model in 2024:
Subaru Ascent
- 2024 Subaru Ascent: 20 city, 26 highway, 22 combined MPG
- 2024 Subaru Ascent Limited/Touring/Onyx AWD: 19 city, 25 highway, 21 combined MPG
Subaru Forester
- 2024 Subaru Forester AWD: 26 city, 33 highway, 29 combined MPG
- 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness AWD: 25 city, 28 highway, 26 combined MPG
Therefore, you can see the smaller Forester SUV beats the Ascent in fuel ratings per the EPA for 2024. Of course, either vehicle still offers impressive gas mileage for short or long-distance travel, so you can't go wrong with a Subaru!
Get Your Next Ascent Or Forester At Granite Subaru Today
Considering these specs and comparisons, there is no better time to swing by your neighborhood dealer, Granite Subaru, to check out the 2024 Ascent and 2024 Forester SUVs. With the Ascent, you have a bigger, slightly fancier SUV option, while the Forester offers class-leading fuel economy and a fun, compact design. See you soon!
