Finding the perfect SUV can be overwhelming, especially with so many incredible options to choose from. At Shingle Springs Subaru in Shingle Springs, CA, we're here to simplify your search and guide you to the right choice. Whether the spacious 2025 Subaru Ascent draws you in with its generous passenger capacity and advanced safety features, or the adventurous 2025 Subaru Forester captures your imagination with its off-road capability and fuel efficiency, we've done the hard work to make your decision easier. This detailed comparison page highlights the strengths of both models, covering everything from towing capacity and cargo space to comfort and technology. Once you've explored the details, our team invites you to contact us and schedule a test drive-or two! Our knowledgeable and friendly staff are here to answer your questions and help you confidently choose the Subaru SUV that matches your lifestyle. Let Shingle Springs Subaru help you embark on your next adventure in a vehicle you'll love.
2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2025 Subaru Forester: Design & Exterior Features
The 2025 Ascent comes equipped with standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, with the option to upgrade to stylish 20-inch wheels. The 2025 Forester starts with standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, with available upgrades to 18- or 19-inch wheels depending on the trim level. Both SUVs include standard all-season tires for year-round performance. LED steering-responsive headlights are also standard on both models, enhancing visibility around curves, while available LED fog lights improve clarity in low-light conditions. The Ascent features a standard windshield wiper de-icer, a convenient feature that's available on higher trims of the Forester, along with heated side mirrors to help you tackle frosty mornings more efficiently. Both SUVs offer an available panoramic glass moonroof to bring more light into your journeys and come standard with raised roof rails, providing additional cargo-carrying versatility for your adventures.
2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2025 Subaru Forester: Comfort & Technology
The 2025 Ascent is a versatile three-row SUV with seating for up to eight passengers, offering an impressive 153.2 cubic feet of passenger space and 75.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the second and third rows folded flat. Opt for the available second-row captain's chairs to create a seven-passenger configuration for added comfort. In contrast, the 2025 Forester seats five, providing 110.8 cubic feet of passenger space and a maximum cargo volume of 74.4 cubic feet. Heated front seats come standard in the Ascent and are available on higher trims of the Forester. Both SUVs offer available heated rear outboard seats and a heated steering wheel, but only the Ascent includes available ventilated front seats and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Technology features include dual 7-inch touchscreens as standard in the Forester, with an optional upgrade to an 11.6-inch display. The Ascent, however, comes equipped with a standard 11.6-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration for seamless connectivity.
2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2025 Subaru Forester: Performance
The 2025 Ascent delivers impressive performance with its 2.4-liter BOXER® engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Forester, equipped with a 2.5-liter BOXER® engine, offers a solid 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Both SUVs feature the Lineartronic® CVT, though the Forester also offers a low shift mode and an optional 8-speed manual mode for enhanced control. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Active Torque Vectoring come standard on both models, while the Ascent includes X-MODE® for better off-road capabilities, with availability on higher trims of the Forester. The Ascent boasts an impressive 5,000-pound towing capacity and up to 26 MPG on the highway, while the Forester can tow up to 1,500 pounds and achieves an excellent 32 MPG on the highway. Additionally, the Forester stands out with its standard SI-DRIVE®, a comprehensive engine management system that allows you to customize your Subaru's performance for various driving conditions.
2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2025 Subaru Forester: Safety
Although the IIHS has not yet released safety ratings for 2025, both the 2024 Ascent and 2024 Forester received the prestigious Top Safety Pick+ award, the highest recognition from the IIHS. The 2025 Ascent has earned a perfect 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA, and while the latest Forester model has not yet been rated, we expect it to receive the same distinction soon, given both SUVs come standard with the acclaimed EyeSight® suite of driver safety technology. This includes features like Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and more, providing peace of mind on city streets and busy highways alike.
2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2025 Subaru Forester: Overall Value
At Shingle Springs Subaru, we make it easy to compare the 2025 Ascent and 2025 Forester to help you find the perfect SUV for your needs. The Ascent offers a spacious three-row configuration with seating for up to eight passengers, ideal for larger families or those needing extra cargo space. In contrast, the Forester is a compact and versatile crossover, offering exceptional fuel efficiency and off-road capability, making it perfect for adventurous drivers. Both SUVs come with Subaru's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and EyeSight® driver-assist technology, ensuring safety and stability. While the Ascent provides more towing capacity and room for passengers, the Forester excels with its fuel economy and agility. Whether you need more space or a more compact, efficient ride, both vehicles offer the reliability and performance Subaru is known for. Visit Shingle Springs Subaru today to explore both models and find your ideal match!
 | 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 |
