2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2026 Subaru Ascent

$40,700 · Crossover

$40,795 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the revamped 2025 Chevrolet Traverse and the steadfast 2026 Subaru Ascent often boils down to power versus standard capability. Buyers wrestling with needing more pep for highway merging versus desiring standard traction will find this comparison tight. The Traverse leads significantly in raw output, boasting 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque compared to the Ascent's 260 hp and 277 lb-ft. This difference is noticeable, especially considering the Traverse is $95 cheaper at an MSRP of $40,700. However, the Ascent provides standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), a crucial factor for many. The Traverse is considerably larger at 204.5 inches long versus the Ascent's 196.8 inches, which translates into better utility; the Traverse offers 22.9 cu ft of cargo space behind the third row, while the Ascent provides 17.8 cu ft. Both achieve similar efficiency, with the Traverse hitting 23 MPG combined versus the Ascent's 22 MPG combined.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The Traverse offers slightly better fuel economy at 23 MPG combined and its stronger 328 hp engine will make daily stop-and-go traffic less tedious.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2025 Traverse wins for families due to its superior size, offering 22.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Chevrolet Traverse

With 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, the Traverse offers 68 more horsepower than the Ascent for a more engaging drive.

💰 Best Value

2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The Traverse is the better value proposition, offering significantly more power and more cargo space for $95 less than the Ascent's starting MSRP.

Choose the Chevrolet Traverse if...

You prioritize on-road performance, given the Traverse’s advantage of 328 hp.
You frequently haul bulky items, as the Traverse provides 22.9 cu ft of cargo space.
You want the longest vehicle available, with the Traverse stretching 204.5 inches.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

All-Wheel Drive capability is a non-negotiable requirement for your climate or driving style.
You prefer a slightly more maneuverable vehicle that is nearly 8 inches shorter in length (196.8 inches).
You prefer the driving feel of a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) over an 8-speed automatic.

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: Leatherette	—	✓

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 2026 Subaru Ascent.

Is the 2025 Traverse actually more fuel-efficient than the 2026 Ascent?

Yes, slightly. The Traverse achieves a combined 23 MPG, edging out the Ascent's 22 MPG combined rating, though their city/highway splits are nearly identical.

How much larger is the Traverse’s standard cargo area?

The Traverse offers significantly more utility right out of the box, providing 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Ascent’s 17.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

Do I need premium fuel for either of these crossovers?

No, both vehicles are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, which helps keep ownership costs down.

What is the main mechanical difference besides horsepower?

The Traverse comes standard with Front Wheel Drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the Ascent includes standard All-Wheel Drive and uses a Continuously Variable-Speed Automatic transmission.

If I need the smallest vehicle for tight parking, which one should I pick?

The Subaru Ascent is the physically smaller option, measuring 196.8 inches long versus the Traverse's 204.5 inches, making it easier to navigate tighter spots.