2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2026 Ford Escape
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Subaru Ascent and the 2026 Ford Escape is the $9,645 difference in starting MSRP, with the Escape priced at $30,350 versus the Ascent's $39,995. This price gap reflects substantial mechanical differences; the Ascent delivers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, far exceeding the Escape's 180 hp and 199 lb-ft. Conversely, the Escape leads significantly in efficiency, boasting a combined 30 MPG compared to the Ascent's 22 MPG. In terms of size, the Ascent is substantially longer at 196.8 inches versus 180.1 inches, translating to an advantage in capability, although the smaller Escape offers more standard cargo volume at 37.5 cu ft versus the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft. The drivetrain configuration also diverges, with the Ascent standardizing on AWD while the Escape uses FWD.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Ford Escape
The 2026 Ford Escape is the superior commuter due to its 30 combined MPG, significantly better than the Ascent's 22 MPG.
2025 Subaru Ascent
The 2025 Subaru Ascent provides greater exterior dimensions (196.8 inches long) and standard AWD security preferred by many families.
2025 Subaru Ascent
With 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, the Ascent provides 80 more horsepower for performance-oriented driving than the Escape.
2026 Ford Escape
The 2026 Ford Escape is the winner due to its $9,645 lower MSRP and superior fuel economy of 30 MPG combined.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- You require 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque for towing or demanding acceleration.
- Standard all-wheel drive capability is a non-negotiable requirement for your driving conditions.
- You need the vehicle's overall length of 196.8 inches for maximum cabin volume or presence.
Choose the Ford Escape if...
- Prioritizing fuel economy with a combined rating of 30 MPG is essential.
- The starting MSRP of $30,350 provides significant savings over the Ascent's $39,995 price.
- You need 37.5 cu ft of standard cargo capacity, which is more than double the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Ascent | Ford Escape |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.8" | 180.1" |
| Width | 76.0" | 74.1" |
| Height | 71.6" | 66.0" |
| Wheelbase | 113.8" | 106.7" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm | 180 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 199 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 12 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/26 MPG | 27/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 386.0/501.8 mi. | 399.6/503.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.3 gal. | 14.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Steering Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.6 in | 8.0 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 | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.2 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.2 in. | 42.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.1 in. | 57.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 57.8 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.0 in. | 39.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.6 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 60.3 in. | 56.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.5 in. | 53.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/60R | 225/65R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Ascent and 2026 Ford Escape.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Subaru Ascent compared to the 2026 Ford Escape?
The Subaru Ascent is significantly more powerful, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This represents an 80 hp advantage over the 2026 Ford Escape, which offers 180 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque.
Which crossover is more budget-friendly upfront?
The 2026 Ford Escape is substantially more accessible, starting at an MSRP of $30,350. The 2025 Subaru Ascent carries a higher starting price of $39,995, reflecting a $9,645 difference.
What are the fuel economy implications for daily driving?
The Escape offers an 8 MPG advantage in combined fuel efficiency (30 MPG vs. 22 MPG). For highway driving specifically, the Escape achieves 34 MPG compared to the Ascent's 26 MPG.
Is the standard drivetrain different between these two models?
Yes, the standard drive types differ substantially; the 2025 Subaru Ascent comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). The 2026 Ford Escape is standard with front-wheel drive (FWD).
Which vehicle offers superior cargo space?
Surprisingly, the smaller Ford Escape provides more standard cargo volume at 37.5 cu ft. The larger Subaru Ascent, despite its 196.8-inch length, only lists 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity.
How do their transmissions compare?
The two crossovers utilize different transmission technologies: the Ascent uses a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), whereas the Escape is equipped with a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool