2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2026 Buick Enclave

$39,995 · Crossover

$46,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Subaru Ascent bursts onto the scene emphasizing rugged, go-anywhere capability with its standard All-Wheel Drive and 260 hp boxer engine, offering a reliable tool for adventure starting at an attractive $39,995. Conversely, the sleek 2026 Buick Enclave captivates with sheer presence and potent performance, boasting a robust 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, creating a much more spirited drive, though its starting MSRP sits $6,205 higher at $46,200. While the Ascent provides a respectable 22 MPG combined, the larger Enclave edges it out slightly with 23 MPG combined, despite producing 68 more horsepower. The Ascent prioritizes utility with its symmetrical AWD foundation, whereas the significantly longer Enclave (207.6 inches vs. 196.8 inches) dedicates more space to cargo, offering 22.9 cu ft versus the Subaru's 17.8 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent is the pragmatic choice for daily commuting due to its lower initial MSRP of $39,995 and standard symmetrical AWD capability.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Buick Enclave

The significantly larger 2026 Buick Enclave offers superior space with 22.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Buick Enclave

Enthusiasts will favor the Buick Enclave for its substantial power advantage, delivering 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent wins on initial investment, saving buyers $6,205 compared to the Buick Enclave's starting price.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You require standard all-wheel drive for diverse weather conditions without paying extra.
Budget consciousness is paramount, as the Ascent starts $6,205 cheaper than the Enclave.
You prefer a vehicle with a slightly more manageable footprint, measuring 196.8 inches in length.

Choose the Buick Enclave if...

You prioritize outright acceleration, benefiting from 328 hp versus the Ascent's 260 hp.
Maximum hauling capacity is essential, as the Enclave provides 22.9 cu ft of cargo space.
You desire a more modern powertrain, utilizing an 8-speed automatic transmission instead of a CVT.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Ascent	Buick Enclave
Length	196.8"	207.6"
Width	76.0"	79.6"
Height	71.6"	71.0"
Wheelbase	113.8"	120.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Subaru	Buick
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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Self-Leveling 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	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Rear Folding Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	Buick
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	260 hp @ 5600 rpm	328 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	326 lb-ft @ 3500 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	Subaru	Buick
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Subaru	Buick
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	20/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	386.0/501.8 mi.	388.0/523.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.3 gal.	19.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Subaru	Buick
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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Buick
Infotainment Display	11.6 in	30.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	12
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	4 months	—
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Bose
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Subaru	Buick
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Buick
Front Head Room	41.2 in.	42.6 in.
Front Leg Room	42.2 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.1 in.	62.2 in.
Front Hip Room	57.8 in.	58.7 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	2-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Subaru	Buick
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.6 in.	41.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.3 in.	62.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.5 in.	58.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Subaru	Buick
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R	P255/55R20
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	20 in.

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Subaru	Buick
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	6 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Ascent and 2026 Buick Enclave.

How does the standard drivetrain on these crossovers affect performance?

The 2025 Subaru Ascent comes standard with symmetrical all-wheel drive, enhancing traction in slippery conditions. The 2026 Buick Enclave, however, is front-wheel drive standard, which may be less confidence-inspiring in severe snow but contributes to its slight MPG edge.

Is the Buick Enclave significantly faster than the Subaru Ascent?

Yes, the 2026 Enclave has a clear performance edge, delivering 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, which is 68 horsepower more than the Ascent's 260 hp output.

Which vehicle offers a better long-term cost of ownership based on fuel?

Both use regular unleaded fuel, but the Buick Enclave achieves a slightly better combined 23 MPG versus the Ascent's 22 MPG, though the Ascent is significantly cheaper to purchase initially.

Which crossover provides more room for gear and luggage?

The 2026 Buick Enclave is substantially better for cargo, boasting 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row, significantly outpacing the 2025 Subaru Ascent's 17.8 cubic feet.

What is the key difference in transmission technology between the two?

The Ascent utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT) known for efficiency but sometimes criticized for drone. In contrast, the Enclave employs a more traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, aligning with enthusiast preferences.