2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2026 Jeep Compass

$39,995 · Crossover

$30,595 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Subaru Ascent and the 2026 Jeep Compass is the $9,400 difference in Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Compass starting at $30,595 versus the Ascent's $39,995. This price gap correlates with substantial performance and size variations. The Ascent offers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Compass's 200 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, giving it a 60 hp advantage. Conversely, the smaller Jeep Compass achieves a superior 27 MPG combined rating, bettering the Ascent's 22 MPG combined efficiency. Furthermore, the Ascent's larger exterior dimensions (196.8 inches long vs. 173.4 inches) translate to less primary cargo space (17.8 cu ft vs. 27.2 cu ft). Buyers must weigh the Ascent's robust powertrain against the Compass's superior fuel economy and lower entry cost.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Jeep Compass

The 2026 Jeep Compass wins for commuters due to its superior 27 MPG combined fuel economy compared to the Ascent's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Ascent

The 2025 Subaru Ascent is better suited for families, possessing substantially greater exterior dimensions for potential third-row access and overall cabin volume, despite having slightly less listed cargo volume.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Ascent

The 2025 Subaru Ascent appeals more to performance enthusiasts by delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, considerably more than the Compass's output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Jeep Compass

The 2026 Jeep Compass provides better intrinsic value, starting at a $9,400 lower MSRP while offering better fuel efficiency.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

Maximum engine output is critical, as the Ascent provides 260 horsepower.
Standard All-Wheel Drive capability is preferred over the Compass's 4WD system.
A larger exterior footprint, measuring 196.8 inches in length, is necessary for vehicle presence or hauling needs.

Choose the Jeep Compass if...

Keeping initial costs low is a priority, given the $30,595 starting MSRP.
Fuel efficiency is paramount, reflected in its 32 MPG highway rating versus the Ascent's 26 MPG highway.
Maximum measured cargo utility is required, with the Compass offering 27.2 cu ft versus 17.8 cu ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Ascent	Jeep Compass
Length	196.8"	173.4"
Width	76.0"	73.8"
Height	71.6"	64.8"
Wheelbase	113.8"	103.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Subaru	Jeep
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	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	Jeep
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	200 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	221 lb-ft @ 1750 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	Jeep
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	four wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—
4WD System Type	—	On Demand

Fuel

Feature	Subaru	Jeep
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	24/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	386.0/501.8 mi.	324.0/432.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.3 gal.	13.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Subaru	Jeep
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	—	Leatherette/Simulated Alloy
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Jeep
Infotainment Display	11.6 in	8.4 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	—

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Jeep
Front Head Room	41.2 in.	39.2 in.
Front Leg Room	42.2 in.	41.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.1 in.	56.7 in.
Front Hip Room	57.8 in.	54.1 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Seat Material	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Folding Capability	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Subaru	Jeep
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.6 in.	38.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.3 in.	55.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.5 in.	49.2 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Subaru	Jeep
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R	225/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Subaru	Jeep
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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Ascent and 2026 Jeep Compass.

How does the standard drivetrain differ between the 2025 Ascent and 2026 Compass?

The 2025 Subaru Ascent comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). In contrast, the 2026 Jeep Compass comes standard with four-wheel drive (4WD), which typically implies a more robust system for low-traction situations than standard AWD.

Which vehicle offers better fuel economy for daily driving?

The 2026 Jeep Compass is the clear winner for fuel economy, achieving a combined 27 MPG (24 City/32 Highway). The 2025 Subaru Ascent trails this with a combined 22 MPG (20 City/26 Highway).

What is the power difference in terms of horsepower and torque?

The Ascent is substantially more powerful, boasting 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The Compass is rated lower at 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 60 hp deficit.

Which crossover offers more usable cargo space?

Despite being the physically larger vehicle overall, the 2025 Subaru Ascent lists less cargo capacity at 17.8 cu ft. The 2026 Jeep Compass provides 27.2 cu ft of cargo space, offering 9.4 cu ft more measured storage capacity.

What is the starting price difference between these two models?

There is a substantial $9,400 price differential, as the 2025 Subaru Ascent starts at $39,995, while the 2026 Jeep Compass has a lower starting MSRP of $30,595.

Do both vehicles use the same type of fuel and transmission technology?

Both models utilize regular unleaded fuel. However, the Ascent uses a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), whereas the Compass employs a more traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.