2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2026 Chevrolet Traverse

$39,995 · Crossover

$40,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Subaru Ascent bursts onto the scene with its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and 260 hp, promising confident handling in any weather, even if its 22 combined MPG is slightly less efficient. Contrarily, the redesigned 2026 Chevrolet Traverse immediately grabs attention with a potent 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, significantly outmuscling the Ascent’s output. While the Traverse offers superior utility with 22.9 cu ft of cargo space versus the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft, and slightly better fuel economy at 23 combined MPG, the Ascent undercuts it slightly on entry price at $39,995 compared to the Traverse's $40,800. The Traverse’s larger dimensions (204.5 inches long) suggest more cabin room, but the Ascent maintains a more rugged, sure-footed character thanks to its standard AWD system.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Subaru Ascent

The 2025 Subaru Ascent offers standard All-Wheel Drive, which provides greater security and stability for daily commuting regardless of road conditions.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse wins for families due to its substantially larger 22.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse delivers a far more engaging drive, boasting 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, a massive advantage over the Ascent's 260 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Ascent

The 2025 Subaru Ascent offers better entry value at $39,995, costing $805 less than the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You require guaranteed traction everywhere, as the Ascent comes standard with All-Wheel Drive.
You are looking to save approximately $805 on the initial purchase price.
You prefer a slightly taller stance with a height of 71.6 inches for maximizing road visibility.

Choose the Chevrolet Traverse if...

You prioritize straight-line acceleration and robust passing power from the 328 hp engine.
Maximum hauling and passenger gear capacity is essential, given the best-in-class 22.9 cu ft of cargo volume.
You desire the updated technology and driving refinement provided by the 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Ascent	Chevrolet Traverse
Length	196.8"	204.5"
Width	76.0"	79.6"
Height	71.6"	69.6"
Wheelbase	113.8"	121.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Subaru	Chevrolet
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	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	Chevrolet
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	Chevrolet
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	Chevrolet
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	Chevrolet
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	✓	✓
Tilt Steering Wheel	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Chevrolet
Infotainment Display	11.6 in	17.7 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
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	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Chevrolet
Front Head Room	41.2 in.	42.6 in.
Front Leg Room	42.2 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.1 in.	62.3 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	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Subaru	Chevrolet
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.6 in.	41.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.3 in.	62.2 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.5 in.	58.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Subaru	Chevrolet
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R	255/65R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Subaru	Chevrolet
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 Chevrolet Traverse.

How much more powerful is the 2026 Traverse compared to the 2025 Ascent?

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is significantly more powerful, generating 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque. This provides a substantial advantage of 68 more horsepower than the 2025 Subaru Ascent’s 260 hp rating.

Which crossover offers better capacity for hauling cargo?

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is the clear winner for hauling, providing 22.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third row. The 2025 Subaru Ascent trails significantly in this metric, offering only 17.8 cubic feet.

Is the standard drivetrain a deciding factor between these two models?

Yes, the drivetrain philosophy is a major differentiator; the 2025 Subaru Ascent includes standard All-Wheel Drive, while the base 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is equipped with Front Wheel Drive.

What are the differences in fuel efficiency for daily driving?

The models are closely matched, but the 2026 Traverse edges out the Ascent with 23 combined MPG compared to the Ascent's 22 combined MPG, though both achieve 20 MPG in city driving.

How does the transmission differ between the 2025 Ascent and 2026 Traverse?

The Ascent utilizes a Continuously Variable-Speed Automatic Transmission (CVT), whereas the higher-powered Traverse employs a more conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Are these vehicles similar in overall size?

No, the 2026 Traverse is noticeably larger, measuring 204.5 inches in length compared to the Ascent's 196.8 inches. Additionally, the Traverse is wider at 79.6 inches versus the Ascent's 76.0 inches.