2025 Acura ADX vs 2026 Subaru Ascent
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Acura ADX bursts onto the scene promising spirited efficiency, starting at an attractive $35,000 MSRP. This FWD machine delivers a respectable 28 MPG combined, perfect for stretching every drop of its recommended premium unleaded fuel. Conversely, the 2026 Subaru Ascent arrives as the powerhouse, boasting a commanding 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, substantially outgunning the ADX's 190 hp, though its AWD platform sips fuel at a lower 22 MPG combined rate. The price gulf is significant, with the Ascent commanding $5,795 more, while the ADX offers slightly more overall length at 185.8 inches compared to the Ascent’s bulkier 196.8 inches. For those prioritizing fuel savings, the ADX offers a clear 6 MPG advantage; for outright grip and muscle, the Ascent is the undeniable choice.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Acura ADX
Its superior 28 MPG combined fuel economy and lower $35,000 entry price make the ADX a gentler companion for daily treks.
2026 Subaru Ascent
Its larger overall footprint (196.8 inches long and 76.0 inches wide) suggests greater capacity for passengers and gear, despite having less stated cargo volume (17.8 cu ft).
2026 Subaru Ascent
A 70 hp advantage, translating to 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, paired with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, promises a far more engaging drive.
2025 Acura ADX
Offering compelling driving metrics for only $35,000, the ADX undercuts the Ascent by $5,795 while providing better fuel efficiency.
Choose the Acura ADX if...
- Your budget is firmly set near the $35,000 mark.
- Maximizing fuel efficiency, hitting 31 MPG highway, is a top priority.
- You prefer the lighter, potentially more nimble handling of a front-wheel-drive platform.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- Access to 260 horsepower is non-negotiable for your driving needs.
- Standard All-Wheel Drive capability in varied conditions is required.
- You can absorb the extra $5,795 in cost for significantly more power and bulk.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Acura ADX | Subaru Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8" | 196.8" |
| Width | 72.5" | 76.0" |
| Height | 63.8" | 71.6" |
| Wheelbase | 104.5" | 113.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Acura | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Acura | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 190 hp @ 6000 rpm | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Acura | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Acura | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/31 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 364.0/434.0 mi. | 386.0/501.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.0 gal. | 19.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Acura | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Acura | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.0 in | 11.6 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Acura | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Acura | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.4 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.9 in. | 42.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.6 in. | 61.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.0 in. | 57.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Acura | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.7 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 60.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 47.4 in. | 57.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Acura | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/55R H | 245/60R |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Acura | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Acura | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura ADX and 2026 Subaru Ascent.
How much more power does the Subaru Ascent have compared to the Acura ADX?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent packs a significant punch with 260 horsepower, which is exactly 70 hp more than the 2025 Acura ADX's 190 hp output.
Is the Acura ADX's fuel economy worth accepting lower power?
Yes, the ADX achieves a 28 MPG combined rating, significantly beating the Ascent's 22 MPG combined, translating to considerable savings over time for frequent drivers.
What is the exact MSRP difference between these two crossovers?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent starts at $40,795, making it $5,795 more expensive than the base price of the 2025 Acura ADX at $35,000.
Does the extra size of the Ascent translate to better utility than the ADX?
The Ascent is both longer (196.8 inches vs. 185.8 inches) and wider, suggesting a larger passenger cabin, although the ADX lists slightly better cargo capacity at 24.4 cu ft versus the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft.
Which vehicle requires premium fuel?
Buyers looking at the 2025 Acura ADX will find it recommends premium unleaded fuel, while the 2026 Subaru Ascent operates efficiently on regular unleaded.
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