2025 Cadillac XT4 vs 2026 Subaru Ascent

$40,795 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant quantitative difference lies in fuel economy, where the 2025 Cadillac XT4 achieves a combined 26 MPG compared to the 2026 Subaru Ascent's 22 MPG, translating to potential yearly savings for the Cadillac owner. However, the Ascent counters with a substantial power advantage, delivering 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque against the XT4's 235 hp and 258 lb-ft. Pricing is identical at an MSRP of $40,795. The Ascent offers greater utility with a longer body at 196.8 inches and superior height at 71.6 inches, despite having less cargo space (17.8 cu ft vs. 22.5 cu ft for the XT4). Furthermore, the Ascent uses regular unleaded fuel, contrasting with the XT4's premium recommendation, which affects long-term operating costs.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Cadillac XT4

The Cadillac XT4 is the superior commuter vehicle due to its 4 MPG combined fuel economy advantage and front-wheel-drive layout.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent wins for families due to its significantly larger exterior dimensions (196.8 inches long) and standard All-Wheel Drive.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Subaru Ascent

The 2026 Ascent appeals more to driving enthusiasts with 25 more horsepower (260 hp) and 19 lb-ft more torque than the XT4.

💰 Best Value

2025 Cadillac XT4

The XT4 provides better immediate operating value by achieving 26 MPG combined while matching the Ascent's $40,795 MSRP and using a less expensive fuel type.

Choose the Cadillac XT4 if...

Your priority is maximizing fuel efficiency, as indicated by its 26 MPG combined rating.
You prefer the smaller exterior footprint for easier urban navigation (180.1 inches in length).
You prioritize maximum cargo space, offering 22.5 cubic feet versus the Ascent's 17.8 cubic feet.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You require the standard security of All-Wheel Drive and a higher ride height (71.6 inches).
You value higher peak performance numbers, boasting 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
You wish to avoid the premium fuel requirement, as the Ascent runs on regular unleaded.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Cadillac XT4	Subaru Ascent
Length	180.1"	196.8"
Width	76.7"	76.0"
Height	64.1"	71.6"
Wheelbase	109.0"	113.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Cadillac	Subaru
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
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
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated 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	2	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Cadillac	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	235 hp @ 5000 rpm	260 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1500 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	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Cadillac	Subaru
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Cadillac	Subaru
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/29 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	381.6/461.1 mi.	386.0/501.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	19.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Cadillac	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	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	—
Side View Camera	✓	—
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Cadillac	Subaru
Infotainment Display	33.0 in	11.6 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	7	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Cadillac	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Cadillac	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.4 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	44.1 in.	42.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.0 in.	61.1 in.
Front Hip Room	54.5 in.	57.8 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	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	6-way	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Cadillac	Subaru
Rear Head Room	38.3 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.5 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.1 in.	60.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	49.8 in.	57.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Cadillac	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P235/60R18	245/60R
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Cadillac	Subaru
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Cadillac	Subaru
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Cadillac XT4 and 2026 Subaru Ascent.

What is the primary powertrain difference between the 2025 XT4 and the 2026 Ascent?

The 2026 Ascent is significantly more powerful, producing 260 hp compared to the XT4's 235 hp. Furthermore, the Ascent utilizes a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) while the XT4 uses a 9-speed automatic.

How does the fuel cost compare given the MPG difference?

The Cadillac XT4 achieves 26 MPG combined, which is 4 MPG better than the Ascent's 22 MPG combined. The XT4 also requires premium fuel, which can further increase operating expenses despite its better efficiency rating.

Is the Subaru Ascent physically larger than the Cadillac XT4?

Yes, the Ascent is noticeably larger, measuring 196.8 inches in length compared to the XT4's 180.1 inches. The Ascent is also significantly taller at 71.6 inches versus the XT4's 64.1 inches.

Do both vehicles have the same starting price?

Yes, based on the provided specifications, both the 2025 Cadillac XT4 and the 2026 Subaru Ascent share an identical MSRP of $40,795.

Which vehicle offers better standard traction capabilities?

The 2026 Subaru Ascent comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, whereas the 2025 Cadillac XT4 lists Front-Wheel Drive as its standard configuration.

Despite its smaller exterior, does the XT4 have more usable cargo space?

Yes, the Cadillac XT4 offers 22.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, substantially more than the 17.8 cubic feet available in the longer 2026 Subaru Ascent.