2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2025 Subaru Ascent
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse bursts onto the scene with a muscular new turbocharged 328 hp engine, immediately signaling a focus on robust acceleration compared to the steady, reliable 260 hp output of the 2025 Subaru Ascent. While the Traverse boasts superior raw power, the Ascent counters with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a slightly taller stance at 71.6 inches, promising better light-duty foul-weather confidence straight off the lot at its $39,995 base MSRP. The Traverse, starting at $40,700, wins the muscle contest, offering 326 lb-ft of torque against the Ascent's 277 lb-ft. Conversely, the Ascent is nearly 8 inches shorter in length (196.8 inches vs. 204.5 inches), potentially aiding city maneuverability. Both offer comparable fuel economy around 23 MPG combined, but the Traverse’s larger size yields a substantial 22.9 cu ft of cargo space over the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Chevrolet Traverse
The Traverse's superior 23 MPG combined efficiency and 328 hp output offer a more engaging and slightly more economical daily drive than the Ascent.
2025 Chevrolet Traverse
The 2025 Traverse provides significantly more room with 22.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft, which is crucial for hauling family gear.
2025 Chevrolet Traverse
Enthusiasts will prefer the Traverse's potent 328 hp engine and 326 lb-ft of torque over the Ascent's 260 hp rating.
2025 Subaru Ascent
The Ascent wins on immediate value by including standard All-Wheel Drive for $705 less than the FWD Traverse, despite having less horsepower.
Choose the Chevrolet Traverse if...
- You demand the segment's strongest performance, evidenced by its 328 horsepower rating.
- Maximum cargo hauling is essential, as the Traverse offers 22.9 cu ft behind the third row.
- You prefer traditional gearing, utilizing an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission rather than a CVT.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- Your budget is tighter, as the Ascent starts $705 cheaper at $39,995 MSRP.
- Driving in inclement weather is common, due to the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
- You prefer a slightly more compact footprint, with the Ascent being 196.8 inches long compared to the Traverse's 204.5 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Traverse | Subaru Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204.5" | 196.8" |
| Width | 79.6" | 76.0" |
| Height | 69.6" | 71.6" |
| Wheelbase | 121.0" | 113.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row 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 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 328 hp @ 5500 rpm | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft @ 3500 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 | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-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 | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/27 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 388.0/523.8 mi. | 386.0/501.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.4 gal. | 19.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 17.7 in | 11.6 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 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 | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 42.6 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 42.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 62.3 in. | 61.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.7 in. | 57.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.0 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 62.2 in. | 60.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 58.6 in. | 57.5 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/65R18 | 245/60R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse and 2025 Subaru Ascent.
Which crossover has better standard traction capabilities for snow and bad roads?
The 2025 Subaru Ascent is the clear winner here, as it comes standard with Subaru's renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse is specified with Front Wheel Drive as standard equipment.
How significant is the difference in power between the two engines?
The difference is substantial: the 2025 Traverse delivers 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the 2025 Ascent provides 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, meaning the Traverse has 68 more horsepower for quicker acceleration.
Is the higher power of the Traverse worth the extra cost?
If performance is the priority, yes; the Traverse demands a $705 premium over the Ascent's starting MSRP. However, buyers gain significant power and a much larger 22.9 cu ft cargo area versus the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft.
How do their transmission types affect the driving experience?
The Traverse uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic, providing distinct gear changes. The Ascent utilizes a Continuously Variable-Speed Automatic (CVT), which offers smooth, seamless acceleration without fixed shift points.
Which vehicle is physically larger for easier parking maneuvers?
The Subaru Ascent is the more manageable vehicle in tight spaces, measuring 196.8 inches long and 76.0 inches wide. The Chevrolet Traverse is significantly longer at 204.5 inches and wider at 79.6 inches.
Do the MPG ratings reflect the power difference?
Barely; both vehicles hover very close to 22-23 MPG combined efficiency. The Traverse achieves 23 MPG combined, slightly edging out the Ascent's 22 MPG combined despite having a much more powerful engine.
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