2025 Audi A4 allroad vs 2025 Subaru Ascent
Comparison Overview
Deciding between refined European capability and broad American utility often boils down to budget versus badge prestige. The 2025 Audi A4 allroad starts at a premium, with an MSRP of $47,600 compared to the Subaru Ascent's $39,995 entry point, creating a significant $7,605 gap. While the Audi packs slightly more horsepower at 261 hp versus the Ascent’s 260 hp, the difference is negligible in real-world driving. Where the Audi pulls ahead substantially is efficiency, achieving a combined 26 MPG versus the Ascent’s 22 MPG, which is a 4 MPG advantage the Audi owner will appreciate over thousands of miles. Furthermore, the Ascent is noticeably larger, standing 71.6 inches tall, while the A4 allroad is more compact at 187.5 inches long, offering a different driving dynamic. These key specifications shape who each vehicle best serves.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi A4 allroad
The Audi A4 allroad wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 26 combined MPG compared to the Ascent's 22 MPG.
2025 Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent is better for families because its greater overall size translates to a more spacious cabin, despite having less dedicated cargo room at 17.8 cu ft.
2025 Audi A4 allroad
Enthusiasts will favor the Audi A4 allroad for its more sophisticated 7-speed automated manual transmission and its higher torque output of 273 lb-ft.
2025 Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent offers superior value with a starting MSRP that is $7,605 less expensive than the Audi, while still providing 260 horsepower.
Choose the Audi A4 allroad if...
- You prioritize efficiency, benefiting from the 26 combined MPG rating.
- You prefer a premium badge and more engaging driving dynamics suggested by the 273 lb-ft of torque.
- You want the compact, easier-to-manage exterior dimensions (187.5 inches long).
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- Saving money upfront is critical, given the $7,605 lower starting MSRP ($39,995).
- You need maximum interior height and road presence (71.6 inches high).
- You prefer to use regular unleaded fuel instead of premium unleaded.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi A4 allroad | Subaru Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.5" | 196.8" |
| Width | 72.7" | 76.0" |
| Height | 58.8" | 71.6" |
| Wheelbase | 110.9" | 113.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| 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 Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 261 hp @ 6300 rpm | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft @ 4200 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 | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/30 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.9/459.0 mi. | 386.0/501.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.3 gal. | 19.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 11.6 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 180W | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.4 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 42.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 61.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Hip Room | — | 57.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.4 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.7 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.5 in. | 60.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 57.5 in. |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/45R H | 245/60R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi A4 allroad and 2025 Subaru Ascent.
How much more fuel efficient is the Audi A4 allroad than the Subaru Ascent?
The 2025 Audi A4 allroad holds a noticeable edge in efficiency, delivering 26 combined MPG. This is a solid 4 MPG improvement over the 2025 Subaru Ascent, which is rated for 22 combined MPG.
Which vehicle offers better hauling capability for gear?
The Audi A4 allroad technically wins on dedicated cargo volume, offering 24.2 cu ft behind the rear seats. However, the Subaru Ascent is generally larger overall and might provide more flexible interior passenger/cargo arrangements.
Is the price difference justified between the two vehicles?
There is a $7,605 price gap between the $47,600 Audi A4 allroad and the $39,995 Subaru Ascent. Whether the Audi's luxury materials and better MPG justify this cost depends entirely on your budget.
Do both models require premium fuel?
No, the Audi A4 allroad specifies that premium unleaded is recommended for its 261 hp engine. In contrast, the Subaru Ascent is designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, saving money at the pump.
Which car is significantly larger externally?
The Subaru Ascent is substantially larger in key dimensions; it is nearly 10 inches longer (196.8 vs 187.5 inches) and over 7 inches taller (71.6 vs 58.8 inches) than the A4 allroad.
How do the driving mechanics compare between the transmissions?
The Audi utilizes a sophisticated 7-speed automated manual transmission, which enthusiasts often prefer for quick, precise shifts. The Subaru employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), which prioritizes smooth, seamless power delivery.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool