2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2026 GMC Acadia

$39,995 · Crossover

$43,700 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Subaru Ascent bursts forth with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, promising unshakeable grip even with its 260 hp engine, offering robust utility for $39,995. Contrast this with the aggressively redesigned 2026 GMC Acadia, which throws down a muscular gauntlet with a potent 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, though it starts at a higher $43,700 MSRP. While the Ascent is marginally more compact at 196.8 inches long, the Acadia dominates utility, boasting a massive 23 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft. Fuel efficiency is nearly identical, with the Acadia achieving a slight edge at 23 combined MPG versus the Subaru’s 22 combined MPG. The driving dynamics diverge sharply: the Ascent offers reliable AWD confidence, while the Acadia provides nearly 68 more horsepower for the driver seeking outright thrust.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Subaru Ascent

The 2025 Subaru Ascent is slightly more economical to run and provides standard AWD security for varied daily conditions.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 GMC Acadia

The 2026 GMC Acadia offers significantly more passenger and cargo volume, essential for growing families, boasting 23 cu ft of space.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 GMC Acadia

The Acadia clearly wins on power, delivering 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque versus the Ascent's 260 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent undercuts the Acadia's MSRP by $3,705 while including All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You require the assured traction of standard All-Wheel Drive for navigating tough weather reliably.
Sticking closely to a budget is crucial, as the Ascent's $39,995 MSRP saves $3,705 over the Acadia.
You prefer the predictable handling offered by a vehicle with 277 lb-ft of torque and a slightly smaller footprint.

Choose the GMC Acadia if...

Maximizing passenger and storage space is paramount, thanks to its superior 23 cu ft cargo capacity.
You prioritize superior acceleration and power, evidenced by its 328 hp output.
You desire a modern 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission paired with higher torque figures.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Ascent	GMC Acadia
Length	196.8"	204.0"
Width	76.0"	79.6"
Height	71.6"	71.0"
Wheelbase	113.8"	120.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Subaru	GMC
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	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	GMC
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	GMC
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	GMC
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.	0/0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.3 gal.	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Subaru	GMC
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	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓
Digital Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	GMC
Infotainment Display	11.6 in	15.0 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	GMC
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	GMC
Front Head Room	41.2 in.	42.6 in.
Front Leg Room	42.2 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.1 in.	62.0 in.
Front Hip Room	57.8 in.	59.2 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
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Subaru	GMC
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.6 in.	41.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.3 in.	62.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.5 in.	58.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Subaru	GMC
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	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

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Subaru	GMC
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 GMC Acadia.

How significant is the performance gap between the 2025 Ascent and the 2026 Acadia?

The performance difference is substantial; the Acadia boasts 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, eclipsing the Ascent's 260 hp and 277 lb-ft. This nearly 68 hp advantage means the Acadia will feel noticeably quicker off the line and during highway passing maneuvers.

Does the Acadia’s FWD setup hurt it compared to the Subaru’s standard AWD?

Yes, for inclement weather driving, the standard All-Wheel Drive in the Ascent is a major advantage over the Acadia's standard Front Wheel Drive configuration. If you frequently encounter snow or slippery roads, the Ascent provides inherent traction benefits.

Which vehicle offers better utility for hauling gear?

The 2026 GMC Acadia is the clear winner in capacity, providing 23 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. The 2025 Subaru Ascent trails this figure significantly, offering only 17.8 cubic feet in the same configuration.

What is the trade-off when saving money on the Subaru Ascent?

The main trade-off for the $3,705 lower MSRP on the Ascent is the horsepower deficit and the exclusion of standard AWD on the base Acadia trim. You gain standard AWD but sacrifice 68 horsepower compared to the GMC.

Are there major differences in size between these two crossovers?

The 2026 Acadia is physically larger, measuring 204.0 inches long and 79.6 inches wide, making it noticeably bigger than the Ascent, which is 196.8 inches long and 76.0 inches wide.

How similar is the fuel economy for daily driving?

Fuel economy is nearly a wash; the Acadia nudges ahead slightly with 23 combined MPG (20 city/27 highway), while the Ascent achieves 22 combined MPG (20 city/26 highway), both utilizing regular unleaded fuel.