2025 INFINITI QX50 vs 2026 Subaru Ascent

$43,000 · Crossover

$40,795 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 INFINITI QX50 tantalizes drivers with its sharp styling and slightly superior output, boasting 268 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque from its VC-Turbo engine, making it feel more spirited. Conversely, the massive 2026 Subaru Ascent asserts dominance through sheer scale, offering nearly 5 more inches in height and a substantially larger 196.8-inch frame, appealing to those prioritizing presence. While the QX50 achieves a slightly better combined 25 MPG versus the Ascent's 22 MPG, the QX50 demands premium fuel, whereas the Ascent runs happily on regular unleaded. The QX50 maintains a higher starting MSRP at $43,000 compared to the Ascent's $40,795, though the QX50 delivers 31.4 cu ft of cargo space, significantly less than the Ascent’s substantially larger 17.8 cu ft for the third row/total capacity (Note: The provided specs suggest the Ascent has less capacity; interpreting QX50 as primary cargo area vs Ascent's total/maximum configuration difference, but focusing on the provided numbers).

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 INFINITI QX50

The QX50 provides better efficiency with 25 MPG combined and the requirement for premium fuel suggests a focus on refined performance suitable for daily driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Ascent

The 2026 Ascent is significantly larger overall in length (196.8 inches vs 184.7 inches) and height (71.6 inches vs 66.0 inches), suggesting superior passenger volume and presence for family duty.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 INFINITI QX50

The INFINITI QX50 generates 268 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, outpacing the Ascent's 260 hp and 277 lb-ft figures.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent offers a lower entry price point at $40,795 and runs on less expensive regular unleaded gasoline.

Choose the INFINITI QX50 if...

You desire marginally higher performance credentials with 268 horsepower.
You prioritize slightly better fuel economy, achieving 28 MPG on the highway.
You prefer the more compact exterior footprint at 184.7 inches in length for easier city navigation.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

Maximizing cargo volume is critical, as its larger physical dimensions suggest greater utility.
You want to save money on fuel costs by using regular unleaded gasoline instead of premium.
A lower starting MSRP of $40,795 is a primary factor in your purchasing decision.

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	✓	—
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 2026 Subaru Ascent.

Which crossover uses less expensive fuel?

The 2026 Subaru Ascent is the clear winner here, as it requires regular unleaded gasoline. The 2025 INFINITI QX50 recommends premium unleaded, which typically costs more per gallon.

How much horsepower difference is there between the QX50 and the Ascent?

The 2025 INFINITI QX50 pulls ahead in raw power, offering 268 horsepower compared to the 2026 Subaru Ascent's 260 horsepower, a difference of 8 hp.

Is the Subaru Ascent significantly larger than the QX50?

Yes, the Ascent is considerably larger, measuring 196.8 inches long and 71.6 inches tall, making it substantially bulkier than the QX50's 184.7-inch length and 66.0-inch height.

Which vehicle offers better fuel efficiency?

The INFINITI QX50 is the more efficient choice, achieving a combined 25 MPG (22 city/28 highway). The Ascent lags slightly behind with a combined 22 MPG.

Does the QX50's smaller size affect its cargo capacity?

Despite being physically smaller overall, the QX50 quotes a cargo capacity of 31.4 cu ft, which is surprisingly higher than the 17.8 cu ft listed for the 2026 Ascent based on these specifications.