2025 GMC Acadia vs 2026 Subaru Ascent

$42,900 · Crossover

$40,795 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical difference between the 2025 GMC Acadia and the 2026 Subaru Ascent lies in performance, where the Acadia boasts 328 hp against the Ascent's 260 hp, a substantial 68 hp advantage. The Acadia also offers superior torque at 326 lb-ft versus 277 lb-ft. However, the Ascent counters with a lower starting MSRP of $40,795 compared to the Acadia’s $42,900. In efficiency, the Acadia leads slightly with a Combined MPG of 23, though the Ascent's 22 MPG is nearly identical. Size comparisons show the Acadia is significantly longer at 204.0 inches, providing more internal volume, evidenced by its 23.0 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft. The transmission philosophies differ, with the Acadia using an 8-speed automatic and the Ascent employing a CVT.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Ascent

The Ascent wins for commuters due to its standard All-Wheel Drive configuration offering better traction stability compared to the FWD standard setup of the Acadia.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 GMC Acadia

The 2025 GMC Acadia is superior for families by offering substantially more cargo volume at 23.0 cu ft versus the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 GMC Acadia

Enthusiasts will favor the Acadia because it delivers 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, significantly outperforming the Ascent's 260 hp and 277 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Ascent

The 2026 Subaru Ascent provides better transactional value with a lower base MSRP of $40,795 compared to the Acadia's $42,900.

Choose the GMC Acadia if...

You prioritize high performance, as the Acadia offers 328 horsepower.
You require maximum storage space, benefiting from the 23.0 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You prefer the control and feel of a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

Budget is primary, given the Ascent's lower starting price of $40,795.
Year-round traction is necessary, as the Ascent includes All-Wheel Drive standard.
You prefer a marginally narrower vehicle (76.0 inches) for tighter urban parking situations.

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
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 2026 Subaru Ascent.

How does the fuel economy compare between the 2025 Acadia and 2026 Ascent?

The fuel economy is closely matched, with the Acadia achieving 23 MPG combined (20 city/27 highway) on regular unleaded fuel. The Ascent trails slightly at 22 MPG combined (20 city/26 highway), also using regular unleaded.

Which crossover offers superior capability for towing or acceleration?

The 2025 GMC Acadia is superior for acceleration due to its 68 hp advantage (328 hp vs. 260 hp) and higher torque (326 lb-ft vs. 277 lb-ft).

What is the primary mechanical difference in drivetrains?

The Acadia ships standard with Front Wheel Drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission, whereas the Ascent comes standard with All-Wheel Drive paired with a Continuously Variable-Speed Automatic (CVT).

Is the larger size of the Acadia reflected in usable interior space?

Yes, the Acadia's longer exterior dimension (204.0 inches) translates to greater utility, offering 23.0 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft.

What is the price difference between the base models?

The 2026 Subaru Ascent has a starting MSRP of $40,795, making it $2,105 less expensive than the 2025 GMC Acadia, which begins at $42,900.

How do the vehicle heights compare?

Interestingly, the slightly shorter Acadia (70.1 inches in height) sits lower than the Ascent (71.6 inches in height), despite the Ascent being physically shorter in overall length.