2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2026 Cadillac XT5

$39,995 · Crossover

$44,300 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant quantitative divergence between the 2025 Subaru Ascent and the 2026 Cadillac XT5 is the $4,305 difference in starting MSRP, with the Ascent priced at $39,995 versus the XT5's $44,300. Performance metrics favor the Subaru, as the Ascent outputs 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, exceeding the XT5's 235 hp and 258 lb-ft. Conversely, the XT5 boasts superior fuel economy, achieving 24 combined MPG compared to the Ascent's 22 combined MPG, although it mandates premium unleaded fuel. In terms of utility, the XT5 offers substantially more interior volume with 30 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft. The Ascent's 196.8-inch length also positions it as the physically larger vehicle, despite the XT5's lower 66.1-inch height.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Cadillac XT5

The 2026 Cadillac XT5 wins for commuting due to its superior fuel efficiency, offering 29 highway MPG compared to the Ascent's 26 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Cadillac XT5

The XT5 is the better choice for families, providing nearly double the cargo space at 30 cubic feet versus the Ascent's 17.8 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Ascent

The 2025 Subaru Ascent appeals more to enthusiasts with its higher output of 260 hp and standard symmetrical all-wheel drive.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent delivers better raw power per dollar, costing $4,305 less while offering 25 more horsepower.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

Your budget is strictly under $40,000, as the Ascent starts at $39,995.
You require standard all-wheel drive capability and maximum ground presence (196.8 inches long).
You prefer regular unleaded fuel over the premium recommendation required by the XT5.

Choose the Cadillac XT5 if...

Maximizing cargo volume is critical, given its 30 cu ft capacity versus 17.8 cu ft in the Ascent.
You prioritize maximum fuel efficiency, achieving 29 highway MPG.
A more modern 9-speed automatic transmission and a lower overall height (66.1 inches) are desired.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Ascent	Cadillac XT5
Length	196.8"	189.6"
Width	76.0"	74.9"
Height	71.6"	66.1"
Wheelbase	113.8"	112.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Subaru	Cadillac
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	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	Cadillac
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	260 hp @ 5600 rpm	235 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Subaru	Cadillac
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Subaru	Cadillac
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	22/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	386.0/501.8 mi.	418.0/551.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.3 gal.	19.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Subaru	Cadillac
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 Parking Sensors	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Cadillac
Infotainment Display	11.6 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	8
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
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Cadillac
Front Head Room	41.2 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	42.2 in.	41.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.1 in.	58.3 in.
Front Hip Room	57.8 in.	56.1 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	—	✓
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Subaru	Cadillac
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	38.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.6 in.	39.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.3 in.	56.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.5 in.	54.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Subaru	Cadillac
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R	P235/65R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Subaru	Cadillac
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Ascent and 2026 Cadillac XT5.

How does the required fuel type impact the total cost of ownership between these two crossovers?

The 2025 Subaru Ascent runs on regular unleaded, offering immediate savings at the pump compared to the 2026 Cadillac XT5, which recommends premium fuel. While the XT5 has better MPG (24 combined vs. 22), the lower cost of regular fuel for the Ascent can negate some of the MPG advantage over the long term.

Which vehicle offers better outright power given the torque and horsepower figures?

The 2025 Subaru Ascent is the more powerful option, producing 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. This output surpasses the 2026 Cadillac XT5's 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Is the difference in cargo capacity significant for weekly use?

Yes, the difference is substantial; the 2026 Cadillac XT5 offers 30 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is 12.2 cu ft more than the 17.8 cu ft available in the 2025 Subaru Ascent.

Comparing size, which crossover is physically larger?

The 2025 Subaru Ascent is the physically larger vehicle in overall length and width, measuring 196.8 inches long and 76.0 inches wide. The Cadillac XT5 is shorter at 189.6 inches and narrower at 74.9 inches.

How does the transmission and drivetrain affect daily driving dynamics?

The Ascent utilizes standard All-Wheel Drive paired with a CVT, suitable for consistent traction in varied conditions. The XT5 uses standard Front Wheel Drive with a 9-speed shiftable automatic, prioritizing on-road efficiency.