When adventure calls, Subaru always answers with vehicles designed to handle whatever life throws your way. If you're exploring rugged trails, packing up the family for a weekend trip, or simply tackling your daily commute, the Subaru lineup offers something for everyone. Two standout models in 2025 - the Subaru Ascent and the Subaru Outback Wilderness - bring different strengths to the table but share the brand's core values of reliability, safety, and go-anywhere spirit. Choosing between them comes down to your specific needs, whether that's carrying a full crew or embracing the unbeaten path. The 2025 Subaru Ascent is the brand's largest SUV, ideal for growing families and those who crave space without sacrificing all-wheel-drive confidence. Meanwhile, the 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness is purpose-built for adventure enthusiasts, blending practical SUV comfort with true off-road capability. Both models deliver outstanding technology, thoughtful design, and impressive performance, but they excel in different areas. This comparison will help you break down where each vehicle shines - from design and technology to safety and overall value - so you can decide which Subaru fits your lifestyle best. Read on to find out which 2025 Subaru could be your perfect match, and why Shingle Springs Subaru is the place to find it.
2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness: Design & Exterior Features
Both the 2025 Ascent and 2025 Outback Wilderness embrace rugged Subaru DNA, but they approach it from different angles. The Ascent stands tall as a three-row SUV with a commanding road presence, standard 18-inch wheels, and available 20-inch options for a bolder look. Its clean lines and bold grille add a touch of refinement, making it equally at home downtown or in the mountains. On the flip side, the Outback Wilderness prioritizes a rugged, adventure-ready aesthetic with unique trim-exclusive badging, matte black cladding, reinforced roof rails, and 17-inch all-terrain tires. Its increased ground clearance of 9.5 inches (compared to the Ascent's 8.7 inches) means the Outback Wilderness is ready to tackle rough trails without hesitation.
2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness: Comfort & Technology
Inside, both models deliver signature Subaru comfort and clever technology, but with slightly different focuses. The Ascent's spacious cabin seats up to eight passengers with plenty of legroom and up to 153.2 cubic feet of passenger space. Families will appreciate standard features like the large 11.6-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and available amenities like second-row captain's chairs. The Outback Wilderness, while offering seating for five, impresses with its thoughtful layout and generous cargo space. It features a dual-screen setup standard, or an upgraded 11.6-inch Starlink® Multimedia Plus system, plus durable StarTex® water-repellent upholstery that's ideal for outdoor lovers. Whether you prioritize people or gear, both SUVs deliver comfort for the journey ahead.
2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness: Performance
Under the hood, both the Ascent and Outback Wilderness share Subaru's robust 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER® engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. However, their performance personalities differ. The Ascent focuses on family hauling and towing, offering a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds - perfect for trailers or small boats. It handles well for its size, thanks to standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-MODE® for enhanced traction. The Outback Wilderness leans into rugged exploration, adding off-road-tuned suspension, skid plates, and an improved approach angle. While it tows less at 3,500 pounds, it thrives where paved roads end, delivering adventurous capabilities few other SUVs in its class can match.
2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness: Safety
Subaru's reputation for safety shines brightly in both the 2025 Ascent and the 2025 Outback Wilderness. The Ascent has earned a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), thanks to its robust crash protection and standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. Features like Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control come standard. Similarly, the Outback Wilderness benefits from the same suite of EyeSight® technologies, ensuring peace of mind whether you're in city traffic or tackling remote trails. Historically, the Outback family has scored top marks with the IIHS as well, emphasizing Subaru's across-the-board commitment to protecting drivers and passengers alike.
2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness: Overall Value
Choosing between the 2025 Subaru Ascent and the 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness ultimately comes down to what you value most in your next SUV. The Ascent shines with its spacious three-row seating, impressive towing capacity, and family-friendly features, making it an excellent choice for those who need flexibility for passengers and gear. Meanwhile, the Outback Wilderness is designed for adventure-seekers who crave rugged capabilities, elevated ground clearance, and enhanced off-road durability without sacrificing everyday comfort. Both models offer Subaru's legendary all-wheel drive, advanced safety technology, and long-term reliability. Whether you're planning cross-country road trips or weekend getaways into the wild, either SUV delivers exceptional value for a wide range of lifestyles. Explore both options today at Shingle Springs Subaru and discover which Subaru adventure is right for you.
 | 2025 Subaru Ascent | 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 2.4L Turbocharged BOXER® | 2.4L Turbocharged BOXER® |
| Standard Horsepower | 260 | 260 |
| Standard Torque | 277 | 277 |
| Standard Ground Clearance | 8.7 Inches | 9.5 Inches |
| Standard Fuel Economy | 20 City/26 Highway | 21 City/26 Highway |
| Standard Tires | All-Season | All-Terrain |
| Max Cargo Volume (Cubic Feet) | 75.6 | 75.6 |
| Standard Climate Control | Tri-Zone | Dual-Zone |
| Standard Roof Rail Capacity | 150 lbs. | 700 lbs. |
| Standard Multimedia Touchscreen Size | 11.6-inch | 11.6-inch |
