2025 Subaru Forester vs. 2025 Subaru Ascent

When searching for a reliable, capable, and well-equipped SUV, Subaru is always at the top of the list. For 2025, Subaru continues to refine and enhance two of its most popular SUVs: the Subaru Forester and the Subaru Ascent. While both vehicles embody Subaru's signature reliability, safety, and all-weather performance, they cater to different needs.

At Granite Subaru in Hudson, NH, we know that choosing between the Forester and Ascent might prove difficult. Ultimately, the choice will come down to your own preferences, your lifestyle, space requirements, and driving habits. Our friendly and knowledgeable associates will help you explore what each of these exceptional SUVs has to offer to help you make the right choice.

Interior Space and Comfort

While both SUVs are stylish and comfortable, different buyers may find their needs lead them to one over the other. The 2025 Subaru Forester offers ample room for up to five passengers and still leaves plenty of space for cargo. There's 110.8 cubic feet of space for passengers and 29.6 cubic feet of space for cargo behind the second row. Lay the seats flat and you'll expand that capacity to 74.4 cubic feet.

Its interior is designed with high-quality materials and offers a practical, comfortable ride. Meanwhile, there is a power-adjustable driver's seat, a panoramic moonroof, and available heated front and rear seats.

The 2025 Subaru Ascent is built for families and larger groups. The Ascent is a three-row SUV, offering seven- or eight-passenger seating configurations. It provides significantly more room for families who need extra space, including 153.2 cubic feet of passenger space and 17.8 cubic feet for cargo behind the third row. That expands to 75.6 cubic feet with seats folded.

The interior includes available heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain's chairs, and a panoramic moonroof.

Performance and Powertrain

Both the Forester and the Ascent feature Subaru's BOXER engine, but one offers more power for those who need it.

The 2025 Subaru Forester is powered by a 2.5-liter BOXER engine that puts out 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission and Subaru's standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, making it ideal for both daily commutes and weekend adventures. It also has a ground clearance of 8.7 inches for better off-road capability, and the X-MODE drive mode makes it easier to navigate rugged terrain, including with Hill Descent Control. Fuel economy is estimated at 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

You'll also be able to haul what you need with the Forester. It has a towing capacity of up to 1,500 pounds with the available towing package.

The 2025 Subaru Ascent is the larger, more powerful sibling of the Forester, featuring a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine that generates 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. It also comes with a CVT transmission and standard AWD. It has the same ground clearance and X-MODE feature for off-road navigation. With the more powerful engine, the fuel economy is slightly lower: 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. However, the more powerful engine also comes with more strength. The Ascent has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, which can carry boats and campers.

Technology and Convenience Features

Both the 2025 Forester and 2025 Ascent are loaded with modern technology to keep drivers and passengers connected.

The 2025 Subaru Forester comes with an infotainment system displayed on a standard 11.6-inch touchscreen. It's loaded with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as the Subaru STARLINK multimedia system with navigation. A premium Harman Kardon audio system is available on higher trim levels. There are USB-C charging ports for both the front and rear passengers.

You'll find the same features on the 2025 Subaru Ascent plus a couple of extras. It also has a built-in wi-fi hotspot for multiple devices, as well as a rear-seat entertainment system for family road trips. If you need more advanced audio and entertainment options for kids, the Ascent may be the better choice.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Subaru is known for its industry-leading safety features, and both the Forester and Ascent come equipped with the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite, which includes:

• Adaptive cruise control with lane centering
• Pre-collision braking
• Lane departure and sway warning
• Rear automatic braking

Additional safety features on the Forester include an available DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. Additional features on the Ascent include standard blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert.

Both SUVs offer top-rated safety features, making them great choices for families and daily driving. But if you frequently drive with kids or need extra visibility features, the Ascent has the edge.

Trim Levels

Both the 2025 Subaru Forester and 2025 Subaru Ascent come in six different levels, giving you plenty of options for finding the features that you want. The trim levels on the 2025 Subaru Forester are:

• Base
• Premium
• Sport
• Wilderness
• Limited
• Touring

The trim levels for the 2025 Subaru Ascent are:

• Premium
• Onyx Edition
• Limited
• Limited Bronze Edition
• Touring
• Onyx Edition Touring

The Ascent trim levels also vary by passenger configuration - with some coming in 7 or 8 seats (or both) - and they have special editions.

Which Subaru SUV is Right for You?

Ultimately, which Subuar is right for you depends on your personal preferences and needs. However, as a general rule of thumb, you would be better choosing the 2025 Subaru Forester if you:

• Want better fuel efficiency
• Prefer a smaller, easy-to-maneuver SUV
• Need plenty of cargo space without requiring a third row
• Want a more budget-friendly option

Alternately, you would be better choosing the 2025 Subaru Ascent if you:

• Need seating for more passengers
• Want stronger towing capabilities
• Prefer luxury features like heated second-row seats and premium audio

Test Drive the 2025 Subaru Forester and Ascent at Granite Subaru in Hudson, NH

Still not sure which Subaru SUV is right for you? Come visit us at Granite Subaru in Hudson, NH to test drive both the 2025 Subaru Forester and the 2025 Subaru Ascent. Our expert team will help you explore financing options, trade-in values, and available inventory. Visit us today to take your test drive or browse our latest Subaru models. Experience the adventure, reliability, and safety of Subaru firsthand!