2025 GMC Acadia vs 2025 Subaru Ascent

$42,900 · Crossover

$39,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant quantifiable divergence between the 2025 GMC Acadia and the 2025 Subaru Ascent lies in power output, where the Acadia delivers 328 hp compared to the Ascent's 260 hp, a surplus of 68 horsepower. This power translates to higher torque (326 lb-ft vs. 277 lb-ft) for the larger Acadia (204.0 inches long vs. 196.8 inches). Economically, the Acadia carries a higher MSRP of $42,900 versus the Ascent's $39,995. Fuel economy is closely matched, with both achieving a combined 23 MPG (Acadia) and 22 MPG (Ascent) on regular unleaded fuel. Furthermore, the Acadia offers substantially more usable space, boasting 23 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third row compared to the Ascent's 17.8 cubic feet, an important metric for family utility.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent wins for commuters due to its standard All-Wheel Drive and lower initial MSRP of $39,995.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 GMC Acadia

The Acadia provides superior utility with 23 cubic feet of cargo space, exceeding the Ascent's 17.8 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 GMC Acadia

The 2025 GMC Acadia is the clear choice for enthusiasts, generating 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque versus the Ascent's 260 hp and 277 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent secures the value win by offering a lower starting MSRP ($39,995) despite having less horsepower.

Choose the GMC Acadia if...

You prioritize maximum engine output, benefiting from 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque.
You require the larger physical footprint, evidenced by its 204.0-inch length.
Superior storage capacity is necessary, as shown by its 23 cubic feet of cargo volume.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

Budget is a primary concern, starting at $39,995 versus the Acadia's $42,900.
Standard traction is preferred, given the Ascent's obligatory All-Wheel Drive system.
You prefer the maneuverability associated with a smaller vehicle, measuring 76.0 inches wide.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	GMC Acadia	Subaru Ascent
Length	204.0"	196.8"
Width	79.6"	76.0"
Height	70.1"	71.6"
Wheelbase	120.9"	113.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	GMC	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	✓	✓
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 Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	GMC	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	GMC	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	GMC	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)	0/0 mi.	386.0/501.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	—	19.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	GMC	Subaru
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic 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	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	GMC	Subaru
Infotainment Display	15.0 in	11.6 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Bose	—
Speaker System	12	6
Subwoofer Count	1	—
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	GMC	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	GMC	Subaru
Front Head Room	42.6 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	42.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.0 in.	61.1 in.
Front Hip Room	59.2 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 Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	6-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	GMC	Subaru
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.5 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	62.0 in.	60.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.4 in.	57.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	GMC	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 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

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	GMC	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 GMC Acadia and 2025 Subaru Ascent.

How does the fuel economy compare between the 2025 Acadia and Ascent?

The fuel economy figures are very close; the 2025 Acadia achieves a combined 23 MPG (20 city/27 highway), whereas the 2025 Ascent yields a combined 22 MPG (20 city/26 highway).

Which crossover offers better towing capability?

Towing figures were not provided for either vehicle; however, the Acadia's higher torque rating of 326 lb-ft suggests potential for greater capability, pending official specification releases.

What is the main powertrain difference between these two models?

The Acadia uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission paired with its 328 hp engine, while the Ascent utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) with its 260 hp setup.

Is the Acadia significantly larger than the Ascent?

Yes, the Acadia is notably larger in length, measuring 204.0 inches compared to the Ascent's 196.8 inches, and it is wider at 79.6 inches versus 76.0 inches.