2025 INFINITI QX50 vs 2025 Subaru Ascent

$43,000 · Crossover

$39,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant quantifiable divergence between the 2025 INFINITI QX50 and the 2025 Subaru Ascent is the initial pricing structure, with the QX50 commanding an MSRP of $43,000 compared to the Ascent’s $39,995, a $3,005 premium. In terms of performance, the QX50 edges out the Ascent by delivering 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, against the Ascent's 260 hp and 277 lb-ft, though both utilize CVT transmissions and standard All-Wheel Drive. Fuel economy shows a marked advantage for the luxury crossover, achieving 25 MPG combined (22/28 City/Highway) versus the Ascent’s 22 MPG combined (20/26 City/Highway), utilizing premium unleaded while the Ascent accepts regular. Dimensionally, the Ascent is substantially larger, measuring 196.8 inches long compared to the QX50’s 184.7 inches, which translates to significant interior volume differences, notably in cargo space where the Ascent offers only 17.8 cu ft while the QX50 provides 31.4 cu ft behind the first row. This comparison pits efficiency and near-luxury execution against pure utility and lower operating fuel costs.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 INFINITI QX50

The QX50 is the better choice for daily commuting due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 25 MPG versus the Ascent's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent is superior for families based on its significantly larger overall physical footprint and superior height (71.6 inches versus 66.0 inches).

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 INFINITI QX50

The INFINITI QX50 offers marginally higher output with 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque compared to the Ascent's 260 hp and 277 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent delivers comparable AWD performance at a $3,005 lower starting MSRP and uses less expensive regular unleaded fuel.

Choose the INFINITI QX50 if...

You prioritize maximizing cargo capacity, as the QX50 offers 31.4 cu ft versus the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft.
You prefer the incremental power boost of 268 horsepower over the Ascent's 260 horsepower.
Fuel efficiency is a key metric, given the QX50’s 3 MPG advantage in combined mileage (25 MPG vs 22 MPG).

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

Keeping the initial purchase price under $40,000 is mandatory, as the Ascent starts at $39,995.
You require a physically larger vehicle, exemplified by the Ascent's 196.8-inch length and 71.6-inch height.
You want to avoid the cost associated with premium fuel, as the Ascent runs on regular unleaded.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	INFINITI QX50	Subaru Ascent
Length	184.7"	196.8"
Width	74.9"	76.0"
Height	66.0"	71.6"
Wheelbase	110.2"	113.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	INFINITI	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	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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 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	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	INFINITI	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	268 hp @ 5600 rpm	260 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 4800 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	INFINITI	Subaru
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	INFINITI	Subaru
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/28 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	352.0/448.0 mi.	386.0/501.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.0 gal.	19.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	INFINITI	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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

Feature	INFINITI	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	2	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	INFINITI	Subaru
Front Head Room	41.0 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	39.6 in.	42.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.9 in.	61.1 in.
Front Hip Room	55.6 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	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	INFINITI	Subaru
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.7 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	60.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.8 in.	57.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	INFINITI	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Size	235/55R19	245/60R
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	INFINITI	Subaru
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ unlimited mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 INFINITI QX50 and 2025 Subaru Ascent.

Which vehicle offers better fuel cost savings based on the specifications?

The Subaru Ascent offers savings both upfront with a $3,005 lower MSRP and ongoing, as it runs on regular unleaded fuel compared to the QX50’s requirement for premium unleaded. However, the QX50 consumes less fuel overall, achieving 25 MPG versus 22 MPG combined.

How significant is the difference in physical size between the QX50 and Ascent?

The difference is substantial; the Ascent is over 12 inches longer (196.8 inches vs. 184.7 inches) and considerably taller at 71.6 inches compared to the QX50's 66.0 inches. This greater exterior dimension likely contributes to the superior overall utility of the Ascent.

Do both SUVs utilize the same type of automatic transmission?

Yes, both the 2025 INFINITI QX50 and the 2025 Subaru Ascent are equipped with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission. This indicates a similar operational feel for power delivery in both vehicles.

What dictates the QX50's higher price point over the Ascent?

The QX50's $43,000 MSRP reflects its positioning as a near-luxury offering, commanding a $3,005 premium over the Ascent. This likely accounts for superior standard feature content or interior material quality not detailed here, despite having comparable base horsepower figures (268 hp vs. 260 hp).

Is cargo capacity vastly different despite both being crossovers?

Yes, there is a substantial difference in stated cargo volume. The QX50 provides 31.4 cubic feet, which significantly exceeds the Ascent’s 17.8 cubic feet, suggesting the Ascent dedicates more of its larger body structure to passenger space or third-row accommodation.

Are the performance metrics essentially identical?

While both are close, the QX50 has a slight technical edge with 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, besting the Ascent’s 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both utilize AWD and CVTs, suggesting performance parity in real-world driving, though the QX50 holds the measurable advantage.