2025 Subaru Ascent vs. Outback Comparison | McLaughlin Subaru

The 2025 Subaru Ascent and 2025 Subaru Outback are both comfortably spacious SUVs built for the long haul. The biggest difference between these two mid-size Subaru SUVs is seating capacity: up to eight in the Ascent and five in the Outback. For more details, continue reading this 2025 Subaru Ascent vs. Outback comparison crafted by the team at McLaughlin Subaru in Moline, IL.

If you’re looking to add either of these SUVs to your life, be sure to check out our new inventory and use our online form to schedule a test drive. Consider either our Ascent offer or Outback offer if you’re interested in saving. Before setting out to visit us, check our directions — we’re located near Bettendorf and Davenport, IA. If you have any questions for our experts, give us a call at (309) 797-5654 or contact us online. 

New Subaru Ascent Key Features

The new Subaru Ascent offers generous space, clever tech, and impressive towing capabilities. The Ascent can be configured to seat seven or eight passengers, or you can lower both rows to haul gear behind the front seats. If you’re looking to tow, it can handle light trailers and offers trailering feature for a seamless experience. To find out more, head over to our review. If you’re ready to see this SUV in person, check out our Ascent inventory. 

New Subaru Outback Key Features

Opt for the new Subaru Outback if you’re looking for a two-row SUV with a large cabin and optimized creature comforts. Plus, the Subaru Outback Wilderness trim is great for off-roading and has a 9.5-inch ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a front skid plate, among other features. To explore the Subaru Outback further, browse our review and find our current stock in our Outback inventory.

Interior & Cargo Space Differences

The 2025 Subaru Ascent and 2025 Subaru Outback elevate your driving experience in unique ways. The Ascent offers three rows of seating, with the second row available as either bench seating or captain’s chairs. Meanwhile, the Outback is a two-row SUV. Behind the second-row of seats in the Ascent, find up to 43.5 cubic feet of cargo space; the Outback offers 32.6 cubic feet behind the second row. Or, fully lower the rear rows to take advantage of up to 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space in either SUV. 

To keep passengers' beverages within reach, the Ascent offers 19 cupholders, while the Outback has eight cup and bottle holders. Front-seat passengers will appreciate the eight-way power-adjustable seat available in the Outback or the four-way power-adjustable seat available in the Ascent. 

Interior features available on both SUVs include: 

• Heated front seats and rear outboard seats
• Ventilated front seats
• Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
• 12-way power adjustable driver's seat with four-way power adjustable lumbar support
• Power tilt/sliding glass moonroof
• Retractable cargo cover

Engine Options Offered

Whether you choose the 2025 Subaru Outback or 2025 Subaru Ascent, you’ll find engine options fit to take on life on the go. Both offer a 2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® four-cylinder engine, though the Outback also has a fuel-efficient 2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine. Also, both SUVs come standard with a Lineartronic® continuously variable transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters and an eight-speed manual mode. For off-road adventures, you'll appreciate the available dual-function X-MODE® on either SUV, which comes with snow/dirt and deep snow/mud modes. 

Engine specs for both SUVs are shown in the accompanying table. 

New Technology & Safety Features Available

Make your road trips fun and arrive at your destination on time thanks to the connectivity and navigation features offered with the 2025 Subaru Ascent and 2025 Subaru Outback. While both come standard with a SUBARU STARLINK® infotainment system, the Outback is standard with a 7-inch Multimedia system, while the Ascent is standard with an 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system. The Outback adds an 11.6-inch display on higher-level trims. Connect your smartphone to your infotainment system using Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, which is wireless on the Ascent and wired or wireless on the Outback, depending on your trim.

Technology features available on both SUVs include:

• 11.6-in. Multimedia Plus or Navigation
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio capability
• SiriusXM Travel Link®
• HD Radio™
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Harman Kardon® premium audio system
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi® capability

While the 2025 Subaru Ascent and 2025 Subaru Outback share several driver assistance features, there are some key differences as well. To keep an eye on your surroundings, the Ascent has an available surround view monitor, while the Outback opts for an available 180-degree front view monitor. The Ascent also comes exclusively with trailer stability assist to improve your towing experience. While features like reverse automatic braking and blind-spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on the Ascent, you have to choose a higher-level Outback trim to access those same features. 

Driver assistance features available on both SUVs include: 

• Hill descent control
• Traction control system
• High beam assist
• Rear-vision camera 
• DriverFocus® distraction mitigation system
• EyeSight® driver assist technology
• Advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering
• Pre-collision braking
• Lane departure and sway warning
• Lane-keep assist
• Automatic emergency steering

2024 Subaru Ascent vs. Subaru Outback | Features & Specs Compared in Moline, IL

Generous cargo space and premium amenities are what set the 2024 Subaru Ascent and 2024 Subaru Outback apart from the rest of the Subaru lineup. But what sets them apart from each other? A couple of key differences — the Outback offers two engine options and two rows of seating, while the Ascent has three rows of seating and one powerful engine. To learn more about specifications and features, read through this 2024 Subaru Ascent vs. Subaru Outback comparison crafted by the McLaughlin Subaru team.

Intrigued? Head over to our new Subaru Ascent inventory or new Subaru Outback inventory and pick out your ideal model. Next, use our online form to schedule a test drive at our dealership in Moline, IL. How do you get to our dealership? Check our hours and directions page. If you have any questions, you can give us a call at (309) 726-4684 or message us online. Our Quad Cities dealership is proud to serve residents of Bettendorf and Davenport, IA.

New Subaru Outback Key Features

Advanced driver assistance and safety features set the 2024 Subaru Outback apart, as do the interior comfort features. You’ll specifically appreciate the bright LED daytime running lights, available 180-degree front-view monitor, and optional eight-way power front passenger’s seat. 

Intrigued? Head over to our Outback review to learn more, or head over to our Outback inventory to find your favorite model.

New Subaru Ascent Key Features

The 2024 Subaru Ascent is easily the largest Subaru SUV in the lineup with seating for up to eight passengers. This Subaru SUV is perfect for families looking for a cozy interior, clever technology, and an excellent towing capacity. 

For more information about the Subaru Ascent, check out our Ascent review, then pick out your ideal model from our Ascent inventory. 

Interior Features Compared

Relax in your chosen cabin when you select either a 2024 Subaru Ascent or 2024 Subaru Outback. Both offer a 12-way power driver’s seat with four-way lumbar support and two-position memory settings on select higher-level trims. You’ll also find glorious views of the sky through the power tilt/sliding glass moonroof available on both. Take advantage of the auto-dimming rearview compass mirror with HomeLink® on both SUVs, which comes with smart auto-dim on top Ascent and Outback trims. 

What are some differences between the Subaru Ascent and Outback interiors, besides seating capacity? The Ascent offers a four-way power adjustable front passenger’s seat, while the Outback has an available eight-way front passenger’s seat. Passengers can readily stay hydrated with help from the 19 cup holders on the Ascent or eight cup and bottle holders on the Outback. Keep everyone comfortable with tri-zone climate control and second-row climate controls on the Ascent or dual-zone climate control on the Outback.

Interior features available on both SUVs include: 

• Reclining second-row seats
• Heated front and rear outboard seats
• Ventilated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter handle
• Auto-dimming rearview compass mirror with HomeLink
• Power tilt/sliding glass moonroof
• 12-way power adjustable driver's seat with four-way power adjustable lumbar support and two-position memory settings

Cargo Space & Dimensions Available

Find room for every person and every item you need in the 2024 Subaru Ascent and 2024 Subaru Outback. While the Ascent offers more seating capability with its third row of seating, both the Ascent and Outback have identical cargo capacities behind the front row when the rear seats are lowered. Both have a standard second-row 60/40-split flat-folding bench seat so you can configure seating and cargo space as needed. This second-row bench seat is the seating available on eight-passenger Ascent models, while the seven-passenger models have second-row captain’s chairs to give your passengers extra elbow room. Both Ascent model configurations also have a 60/40-split flat-folding third row for added versatility. Access the cargo hold with the power rear gate on the Ascent or hands-free power rear gate on the Outback. 

View interior dimensions for both SUVs in the accompanying table.

Engine Options & Specs Compared

Ample power awaits you under the hood of either the 2024 Subaru Ascent or 2024 Subaru Outback. Both offer a 2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® four-cylinder engine, which is standard on the Ascent and available on the Outback. The Ascent offers the best towing capacity of the two models — 5,000 pounds. If you’re looking for the most impressive fuel economy ratings, turn to the Outback, which has an EPA-estimated 32 highway MPG when paired with the standard 2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine. Both Subaru models come with Lineartronic® CVT (continuously variable transmission) with adaptive control and an eight-speed manual mode. 

View engine specs for both SUVs in the accompanying table. 

Technology Features Compared

Enhance your driving experience with the technology features available on the 2024 Subaru Outback or 2024 Subaru Ascent. The Ascent has a standard 11.6-inch display preloaded with SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia Plus, while this same display size and infotainment system are available on higher Outback trim levels. The standard Outback center console instead plays host to dual 7-inch displays which have SUBARU STARLINK Multimedia loaded onto them. While both Subaru SUVs offer wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, this feature is standard on the Ascent and available on the Outback. 

You’ll also find an available Harman Kardon® premium audio system offered on both Subaru SUVs, which comes with 12 speakers on the Outback and 14 speakers on the Ascent. On the Ascent, the Harman Kardon premium audio system is accompanied by Cabin Connect and third-row speakers, which allows you to make yourself heard by third-row passengers when you’re in the front row. 

Some other technology features unique to the Outback include a CD player and a standard four-speaker sound system. 

Technology features available on both SUVs include: 

• SiriusXM® Satellite Radio
• SiriusXM Traffic® and Travel Link®
• AM/FM stereo
• HD Radio™ 
• Bluetooth®
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi® capability
• Six-speaker sound system
• Harman Kardon premium audio system
• SUBARU STARLINK Multimedia Plus or Navigation

Available Driver Assistance Safety Features

The 2024 Subaru Ascent and Outback are designed to protect your loved ones and are equipped with a host of similar driver assistance features, including matching EyeSight® driver assist technology suites. What are some differences between the driver assist features offered on the Ascent and Outback? The Ascent comes with halogen daytime running lights, a rear vision camera with a washer, and an available surround view monitor. The Outback, meanwhile, offers LED daytime running lights, a 180-degree front-view monitor, and a rear vision camera sans washer. 

Driver assist features available on both SUVs include: 

• High beam assist
• DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System
• Blind-spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert
• Reverse automatic braking
• Rear vision camera
• EyeSight driver assist technology
• Advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering
• Pre-collision braking
• Lane departure and sway warning
• Lane-keep assist
• Automatic emergency steering

2023 Subaru Ascent vs. 2023 Subaru Outback | Features & Specs

Are you looking for ample interior space in your next vehicle that's flexible enough for your growing passenger and/or cargo needs? The three-row 2023 Subaru Ascent SUV and two-row 2023 Subaru Outback wagon each have something to offer. Beyond their rugged good looks and practicality, learn how these two Subaru models compare in key areas such as interior comfort, performance, and safety in this comparison review compiled by the McLaughlin Subaru team in Moline, IL.

Want more model-specific information? Visit our Ascent review and Outback review pages or go straight to our Ascent inventory or Outback inventory and schedule a test drive with a trim that interests you. You can also contact us at (309) 726-4684 or start a live chat.

Check out our current lease or finance offers for an attractive opportunity from McLaughlin Subaru. 

2023 Subaru Ascent vs. Outback Interior Features

A versatile interior is a key design feature on both the 2023 Subaru Ascent and 2023 Subaru Outback. Both models sit high off the ground ― with an 8.7 inch ground clearance ― and both offer a convenient rear liftgate with slide-in rear cargo area for easy loading and unloading. 

Other interior features these two models offer, depending on the trim level:

• Keyless access with push-button start 
• Power tilt/sliding panoramic moonroof
• Power rear gate with automatic close, height memory function, and vehicle lock button (hands-free feature on Outback)
• Illuminated front-row USB-A and USB-C input ports
• Climate control system (dual-zone on Outback, tri-zone on Ascent)
• Heated, leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel with integrated controls and manually adjustable tilt/telescoping steering column
• SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia systems with or without navigation and 7- or 11.6-in. displays
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi® capability
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ 
• SiriusXM® Satellite Radio
• SiriusXM Travel Link®
• HD Radio™ 
• AM/FM stereo
• Bluetooth® hands-free phone, text messaging, and streaming audio
• Cloth, StarTex® water-repellent, leather-trimmed, or Nappa leather-trimmed upholstery (Ascent also features stain-resistant cloth)
• Whiplash-reducing front seats 
• Heated, ventilated front seats and heated outboard second-row seats
• Six-way manually adjustable or power adjustable driver’s seats with power adjustable lumbar support (six- and ten-way on Outback, eight- or twelve-way on Ascent)
• Two-position driver’s seat and power mirror memory
• Power adjustable front passenger’s seat (eight-way on Ascent, four- or eight-way on Outback)
• Reclining 60/40 split flat-folding seatbacks (second and third rows on Ascent)

The 2023 Ascent offers trims with seven- or eight-passenger seating configurations featuring second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. Other unique Ascent interior features include second- and third-row charging ports, simulated leather interior accent trim, a 120V AC power outlet, and 19 cup holders. The 2023 Outback comes with eight cup holders, a CD player, and a removable cargo tray, cargo-area rear seatback release levers, and a rear gate LED light.

Dimensions & Cargo Space

Both the three-row 2023 Subaru Ascent and two-row 2023 Subaru Outback are capable of expanding cargo-carrying ability to 75.6 cubic feet, when seats behind the first row are folded down.

Engine Options & Fuel Economy

All trim options on the 2023 Subaru Ascent come equipped with a powerful turbocharged engine that, like the powertrains offered with the 2023 Outback, join to a Lineartronic® continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) with traction-optimizing X-MODE® technology. 

Reliability & Safety Features

Both the 2023 Ascent and 2023 Outback come equipped with a range of passive and active safety features and advanced driver assist technologies to help protect you and your favorite people as well as support and alert you when you need to take action.

Among the key features is the EyeSight® driver assistance system as well as a DriverFocus®

Distraction Mitigation System that leverages driver recognition technology to monitor your facial features for signs of fatigue or drowsiness. 

Unique on the 2023 Ascent is Cabin Connect, which allows you to check in on and engage with your third-row passengers. 

Other safety features you’ll find on both models include: 

• Comprehensive airbag system
• High beam assist
• Reverse automatic braking
• Brake assist
• Brake override system
• Surround view monitor
• Blind spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert
• Rear vision camera with washer
• LATCH child seat mounting system
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• SUBARU STARLINK Safety and Security in-vehicle services
• Auto-dimming or smart auto-dimming rear view compass mirror with HomeLink®

Exterior Colors Offered

Colors you find in nature can be found in the exterior color palettes of both the 2023 Subaru Ascent and 2023 Subaru Outback.

2023 Subaru Ascent

• Magnetite Gray Metallic
• Ice Silver Metallic
• Autumn Green Metallic
• Crystal Black Silica
• Crimson Red Pearl
• Cosmic Blue Pearl
• Dark Mahogany Pearl
• Crystal White Pearl

2023 Subaru Outback

• Brilliant Bronze Metallic
• Autumn Green Metallic
• Magnetite Gray Metallic
• Ice Silver Metallic
• Crimson Red Pearl
• Crystal White Pearl
• Cosmic Blue Pearl
• Dark Mahogany Pearl
• Geyser Blue
• Crystal Black Silica