2025 Audi A4 allroad vs 2026 Subaru Ascent

$47,600 · Wagon

$40,795 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi A4 allroad leaps forward with sophisticated style and engaging performance, boasting 261 horsepower and a brisk 7-speed automated manual transmission, making its $47,600 price tag feel premium. Conversely, the 2026 Subaru Ascent grabs attention with rugged utility and value, offering 277 lb-ft of torque from its proven powertrain at a lower starting MSRP of $40,795. While the Audi provides superior fuel economy at 26 MPG combined compared to the Ascent's 22 MPG combined, the larger Subaru offers a more imposing stature at 71.6 inches tall versus the Audi's 58.8 inches. The Allroad shines with its dynamic wagon stance, while the Ascent appeals with lower fuel costs due to its requirement for regular unleaded fuel instead of the Audi's premium recommendation.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi A4 allroad

The Audi A4 allroad wins for commuters due to its superior 26 MPG combined fuel economy and more refined automated manual transmission.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Ascent

The 2026 Subaru Ascent is the better family hauler due to its significantly greater height (71.6 inches) and larger overall footprint.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi A4 allroad

Enthusiasts will favor the Audi A4 allroad for its involving 7-speed automated manual transmission and more performance-focused wagon platform.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent delivers better value by starting at a $6,805 lower MSRP while still providing 260 horsepower.

Choose the Audi A4 allroad if...

You prioritize driving engagement, preferring the quick shifts of the 7-speed automated manual.
You want better efficiency, achieving 30 MPG on the highway versus the Ascent's 26 MPG highway.
Your budget supports the $47,600 MSRP for superior premium driving refinement.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You require the lowest possible ownership cost, saving $6,805 upfront and running on regular unleaded fuel.
You need maximum vertical space, utilizing the Ascent's substantial 71.6-inch height.
You prefer maximizing torque advantage, as the Ascent offers 277 lb-ft compared to the Audi's 273 lb-ft.

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: Leatherette	—	✓
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 2026 Subaru Ascent.

How does the performance output truly compare between these two vehicles?

The Audi A4 allroad offers 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, slightly edged out in torque by the Subaru Ascent's 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft. However, the Audi's transmission makes a significant difference in real-world feel.

Is the Audi A4 allroad’s smaller cargo area a major drawback compared to the Ascent?

Yes, the Audi's 24.2 cu ft cargo capacity is significantly less versatile than the larger 17.8 cu ft capacity offered by the Subaru Ascent. Wait, the Subaru is actually smaller in the provided specs at 17.8 cu ft versus the Audi's 24.2 cu ft, making the Audi the winner for sheer hauling volume.

What is the real-world impact of the different fuel requirements?

The 2025 Audi A4 allroad mandates premium unleaded (recommended), adding to its running costs, whereas the 2026 Subaru Ascent uses regular unleaded, which directly contributes to its better overall value proposition.

Which vehicle provides a better city driving experience?

The Audi is likely better for city commuting, achieving 23 MPG city versus the Ascent's 20 MPG city, complementing its slightly smaller 187.5-inch length which aids in maneuvering tight urban spaces.

How much larger is the Subaru Ascent dimensionally?

The Subaru Ascent is substantially larger, measuring 196.8 inches long and 76.0 inches wide, compared to the more compact Audi A4 allroad at 187.5 inches long and 72.7 inches wide.

Does the difference in transmission type affect ownership costs?

The Audi's 7-speed automated manual may require more specialized maintenance than the Subaru's standard continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), which is generally known for simpler long-term service intervals.