2025 Cadillac XT6 vs 2025 Subaru Ascent

$49,195 · Crossover

$39,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Cadillac XT6 and the 2025 Subaru Ascent is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Ascent starting at $39,995, which is $9,200 less than the XT6's $49,195 entry point. Despite the price disparity, the Ascent delivers superior raw output, boasting 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque compared to the XT6's 235 hp and 258 lb-ft. Fuel economy shows minimal separation; the XT6 achieves 23 MPG combined on premium fuel, slightly edging out the Ascent's 22 MPG combined, which utilizes regular unleaded. However, practicality favors the Ascent, offering 17.8 cu ft of cargo space versus the XT6's 12.6 cu ft. While the XT6 is longer by 1.7 inches, the Ascent is substantially taller at 71.6 inches, contributing to its greater cargo volume and likely interior room for families.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Cadillac XT6

The Cadillac XT6 offers a marginally better combined fuel economy rating of 23 MPG and requires premium fuel, which some drivers may associate with a smoother drivetrain experience.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent provides significantly more usable space, measured by its 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the XT6's 12.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent generates 25 more horsepower (260 hp) and 19 more lb-ft of torque (277 lb-ft) than the XT6.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent offers superior power and greater cargo volume while having an initial purchase price that is $9,200 lower than the Cadillac XT6.

Choose the Cadillac XT6 if...

You prefer the Cadillac brand's positioning and are willing to pay the $9,200 premium over the Ascent.
You require the slightly better fuel economy rating of 23 MPG combined for your daily commute.
You prioritize the standard Front Wheel Drive configuration paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

Maximum utility is necessary, demonstrated by the 17.8 cu ft cargo capacity, which significantly surpasses the XT6’s 12.6 cu ft.
You require All-Wheel Drive capability as standard equipment for varied driving conditions.
Budget is a primary concern, as the Ascent's $39,995 MSRP saves $9,200 upfront.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Cadillac XT6	Subaru Ascent
Length	198.5"	196.8"
Width	77.3"	76.0"
Height	69.9"	71.6"
Wheelbase	113.0"	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
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	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	2
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

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)	21/27 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	399.0/513.0 mi.	386.0/501.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.0 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	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three 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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Cadillac	Subaru
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	11.6 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Bose	—
Speaker System	8	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Cadillac	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Cadillac	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.8 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.2 in.	42.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.3 in.	61.1 in.
Front Hip Room	50.1 in.	57.8 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	6-way	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Cadillac	Subaru
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.1 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.4 in.	60.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.7 in.	57.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Power Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
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	P235/65R	245/60R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 in

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 XT6 and 2025 Subaru Ascent.

Which crossover has the advantage in powertrain output?

The 2025 Subaru Ascent holds a measurable advantage in performance specifications, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This is superior to the 2025 Cadillac XT6, which is rated at 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

How significant is the difference in base pricing between these two models?

There is a substantial difference in initial cost, with the Cadillac XT6 starting at $49,195 and the Subaru Ascent priced at $39,995. This represents a $9,200 savings by choosing the Ascent.

Does the premium fuel recommendation for the XT6 impact long-term cost versus the Ascent's regular fuel?

While the XT6 is rated slightly better at 23 MPG combined compared to the Ascent's 22 MPG combined, the requirement for premium unleaded gasoline in the XT6 will likely increase the vehicle's operational fuel cost over time, contrasting with the Ascent's use of regular unleaded.

Which vehicle offers better inherent traction and standard drivetrain?

The 2025 Subaru Ascent comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, providing superior grip in adverse conditions. The 2025 Cadillac XT6 is listed with Front Wheel Drive as its base configuration.

How does cargo capacity compare for hauling luggage or gear?

The Ascent is the clear winner for cargo utility, offering 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, significantly outclassing the XT6’s 12.6 cubic feet. This 5.2 cubic feet difference is a major practical differentiator.

What are the physical size differences between the two crossovers?

The XT6 is marginally longer at 198.5 inches versus the Ascent's 196.8 inches, but the Ascent is notably taller at 71.6 inches compared to the XT6's 69.9 inches, suggesting a more upright cabin design.