The quick and easy answer is size. The new Subaru Ascent is a midsize, three-row SUV while the new Subaru Forester is a two-row small SUV. Of course, there's a lot more to the story than the size, and that's why we put the specs and features side-by-side in the following comparison. It's just one more way that we make shopping for a new car or SUV even easier at Shingle Springs Subaru. Once you have an idea of which capable, all-wheel drive, and affordable Subaru SUV sounds best, stop by or schedule a test drive to learn more and discover how easy it is to take one home.
Take A Walk Around These Popular Subaru SUVs
While other SUV makers are swinging for the fences to make the biggest visual impression on the road, Subaru has honed in on a sleek and sophisticated appearance that you can be proud to show up to any event in. Just take the new Subaru Forester and Ascent SUVs, for example. The new 2022 Forester enters the market with a refreshed design that includes a redesigned front fascia and grille along with stronger roof rails, and more. The new 2022 Subaru Ascent enters the market with larger, eighteen-inch wheels and standard roof rails, which are an available upgrade at the start of the new Subaru Forester lineup.
Step inside each model to find the well-equipped interior that you expect from a Subaru SUV, but with a few notable distinctions. Naturally, there's that extra, third-row of seats in the back of the new Subaru Ascent, compared to the two rows of seating in the new Forester. That extra room adds up to an impressive 86.5 cubic feet of max cargo space in the back of the Ascent compared to an accommodating 74.2 cubic feet of max cargo space in the Subaru Forester. In each case, that's a lot more than competing models from other brands.
Convenient & Intuitive Technology
If you're not familiar with the latest STARLINK multimedia technology that comes in the latest Subaru SUVs, you're in for a treat no matter which one of these models you're considering. Both models come standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen that can be upgraded to an 8-inch screen with greater capability including integrated navigation. Either way, you'll get quick and reliable connection to your phone through Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™. 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability is also standard on all but the entry-level models, and this is just a preview of the advanced technology that comes in these new Subaru SUVs.
Is There A Difference In Performance?
The short answer is that each of these Subaru SUVs deliver the unmatched level of performance so many have come to expect from the brand. They both come with flat BOXER® engines for outstanding handling even with the standard 8.7-inches of ground clearance. As you might expect, the larger and heavier Subaru Ascent is equipped with a more powerful turbocharged engine pumping out 260 horsepower and 277 lb/ft of torque that's good for towing up to 5,000 pounds on properly-equipped models. The smaller Subaru Forester sports a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter engine making 182 horsepower and 176 lb/ft of torque. Because of the size and weight difference between the two, you likely won't notice much difference between them when you lean into that pedal on the right. Naturally, both models come standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, however only the Forester is newly available with the Wilderness trim providing a host of off-road improvements. Come see us for a test drive to learn more in Shingle Springs, CA.
Subaru SUVs Are Especially Safe
For generations, Subaru has prioritized safety. Did you know that Subaru was one of the first automotive brands to begin crash testing their own cars back in the 1960s? This unparalleled focus on safety prominently displayed in the new Subaru Forester and Ascent models. They've both earned top safety scores and awards from independent industry experts, but that's only where the subject begins. From the standard LED steering-responsive headlights on both to the standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology and even standard high-beam assist, Subaru isn't nickel and diming you on safety features. When you get here for a test drive, ask us about available safety features in both models like Blind-Spot Detection, Reverse Automatic Braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. If you choose the new Subaru Forester, you'll also have the option of adding the advanced DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System.
2022 Subaru Forester vs Ascent: Summary
If you need the extra seating that comes with the new midsize Subaru Ascent, then you'll get a lot for your money from the standard $32,295 MSRP. If two rows of seats and a little less cargo space is all you need, you simply can't go wrong with the new 2022 Subaru Forester at a starting MSRP of just $25,195. We invite you to come discover a better dealership experience and learn more about both models at Shingle Springs Subaru.
 | 2022 Subaru Ascent | 2022 Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP* | $32,295 | $25,195 |
| Horsepower | 260 | 182 |
| Torque | 277 | 176 lb/ft |
| Max Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs. | 3,000 lbs (Wilderness Model) |
| Standard Fuel Economy (MPG) | 27 Highway - 21 City | 33 Highway - 26 City |
| Passenger Volume | 153.5 Cubic Feet (Seats Up To 8) | 111.6 Cubic Feet (Seats Up To 5) |
| Max Cargo Space | 86.5 Cubic Feet | 74.2 Cubic Feet |
| LED Steering-Responsive Headlights | Standard | Standard |
| Standard Wheels | 18" Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Raised Roof Rails | Standard | Available |
