2025 Subaru Ascent Review & Comparison: Best Midsize SUV for Dallas-Fort Worth?

The 2025 Subaru Ascent: A Comprehensive Review and Comparison for Dallas-Fort Worth Families

The 2025 Subaru Ascent is a family-friendly midsize SUV that embodies the brand’s reputation for safety, versatility, and durability. With standard all-wheel drive (AWD), advanced safety systems, and a spacious interior, the Ascent is designed to handle everything from daily commutes to weekend adventures. For buyers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where weather conditions can be unpredictable, the Ascent’s all-weather capabilities and robust features make it a compelling choice. Our team at Huffines Subaru Corinth has compiled this comprehensive guide to help you compare the 2025 Subaru Ascent to its key competitors.

Why Choose the 2025 Subaru Ascent?

The Ascent stands out in the crowded midsize SUV segment due to its unique combination of features, performance, and value. Standard AWD across all trims provides superior traction and control in various weather conditions, a significant advantage for Dallas-Fort Worth drivers. Subaru’s commitment to safety is evident in the inclusion of EyeSight Driver Assist Technology as standard equipment. Furthermore, the Ascent offers a comfortable and spacious interior, making it ideal for families.

Detailed Comparison: 2025 Subaru Ascent vs. Key Competitors

This analysis compares the Ascent with three main competitors: the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Kia Telluride. We’ll focus on key aspects that matter most to SUV buyers: performance, interior space and comfort, safety features, fuel economy, and overall value. We’ll also consider different trim levels where relevant.

2025 Subaru Ascent vs. 2025 Toyota Highlander

• Performance: The Ascent’s 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. While the Highlander offers a V6, the Ascent’s turbo engine provides strong low-end torque, beneficial for city driving and towing.
• Interior Space and Comfort: The Ascent boasts 153.5 cubic feet of passenger volume compared to the Highlander’s 141.3 cubic feet. This is particularly noticeable in the third row, where the Ascent offers 38.6 inches of legroom compared to the Highlander’s 36.1 inches. This makes the Ascent more comfortable for long trips with passengers in all three rows.
• Safety: Both vehicles offer comprehensive safety features, but the Ascent’s standard EyeSight system gives it an edge. This system includes features like Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control. The Ascent also has a higher ground clearance (8.7 inches vs. 8.0 inches), which can improve visibility and safety in certain situations.
• Value: The Ascent’s standard AWD and comparable features give it a value advantage, especially when comparing similar trim levels.
• Trim Levels:
  • Ascent Base vs. Highlander L: Both are well-equipped base models, but the Ascent includes standard AWD, which is optional on the Highlander L. The Ascent Base also has a larger touchscreen (11.6 inches vs. 8 inches in the Highlander L).
  • Ascent Premium vs. Highlander LE/XLE: The Ascent Premium adds features like heated front seats, a power liftgate, and blind-spot monitoring. The Highlander LE/XLE offer similar features, but AWD remains optional.
  • Ascent Limited vs. Highlander XSE: The Ascent Limited adds leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and navigation. The Highlander XSE is sportier but may not offer the same level of practicality as the Ascent Limited.
  • Ascent Touring vs. Highlander Platinum: Both are top-tier trims with luxury features. The Ascent Touring includes Nappa leather, a Harman Kardon sound system, and a surround-view camera system. The Highlander Platinum offers similar features, but the Ascent Touring may offer a better value due to its standard AWD.

2025 Subaru Ascent vs. 2025 Honda Pilot

• Performance: The Honda Pilot’s 3.5L V6 engine produces 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, while the Ascent’s 2.4L turbocharged engine delivers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The Pilot’s V6 offers slightly more horsepower, but the Ascent’s turbo engine provides a more responsive feel in everyday driving due to its greater torque.
• Interior Space and Comfort: Both offer comparable passenger space, with the Ascent having a slight edge in third-row legroom. The Pilot may offer more cargo space behind the third row. Both offer features like tri-zone climate control, heated seats, and available leather upholstery.
• Safety: Both are equipped with advanced safety features. The Ascent comes standard with EyeSight, while the Pilot includes Honda Sensing. Both suites offer features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
• Value: The Ascent’s standard AWD is a key differentiator.
• Trim Levels:
  • Ascent Base vs. Pilot Sport: The Ascent Base offers a strong value proposition with standard AWD and a larger touchscreen. The Pilot Sport is more focused on sporty styling and handling.
  • Ascent Premium vs. Pilot EX-L: The Ascent Premium adds features like heated front seats and a power liftgate. The Pilot EX-L offers similar features, but AWD remains optional.
  • Ascent Limited vs. Pilot Touring: The Ascent Limited adds leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof. The Pilot Touring offers similar features and may have a slight advantage in cargo space.
  • Ascent Touring vs. Pilot Elite: Both are top-tier trims with luxury features. The Ascent Touring may offer a better value due to its standard AWD.

2025 Subaru Ascent vs. 2025 Kia Telluride

• Performance: Both offer similar performance, with the Telluride’s 3.8L V6 producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, while the Ascent’s turbocharged 2.4L delivers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The Telluride has a slightly higher towing capacity (5,500 lbs vs. 5,000 lbs for the Ascent).
• Interior Space and Comfort: Both offer spacious and well-appointed interiors. The Telluride may have a slight advantage in cargo space, while the Ascent offers more passenger volume overall. Both offer features like heated and ventilated seats, leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof.
• Safety: Both have excellent safety ratings and offer a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Ascent comes standard with EyeSight, while the Telluride includes Kia Drive Wise. Both include features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
• Value: The Ascent’s standard AWD is a key factor to consider. The Telluride may offer a slightly lower starting price, but adding AWD can make it more expensive than a comparable Ascent.
• Trim Levels:
  • Ascent Base vs. Telluride LX: The Ascent Base offers standard AWD and a larger touchscreen, while the Telluride LX has a more powerful engine.
  • Ascent Premium vs. Telluride S/EX: The Ascent Premium adds features like heated front seats and a power liftgate. The Telluride S/EX offers similar features, but AWD remains optional.
  • Ascent Limited vs. Telluride SX: The Ascent Limited adds leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof. The Telluride SX offers similar features and may have a slight advantage in cargo space.
  • Ascent Touring vs. Telluride SX-Prestige: Both are top-tier trims with luxury features. The Ascent Touring may offer a better value due to its standard AWD.

Innovations and Standout Features of the Subaru Ascent

• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive: Provides exceptional traction and stability in all conditions.
• EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: Includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, and more.
• DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System: Helps to prevent driver distraction.
• X-MODE with Hill Descent Control: Optimizes the vehicle’s systems for off-road driving.
• Spacious Interior: Offers ample passenger and cargo space, with flexible seating configurations.
• Ground Clearance: 8.7 inches of ground clearance for enhanced off-road capability.
• STARLINK Infotainment System: The Ascent’s STARLINK infotainment system features an 11.6-inch touchscreen display, standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and available navigation. The system is generally user-friendly and responsive, though some users may find the menu structure slightly complex. Compared to the Highlander’s and Pilot’s systems, STARLINK offers a larger standard touchscreen. The Telluride’s system is comparable in terms of features and usability.

Driving Impressions:

The Ascent offers a comfortable and composed ride, even on rough roads. Its steering is precise, and the turbocharged engine provides ample power for merging and passing. While not a sports car, the Ascent handles confidently in corners. The CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) can be a bit noisy under hard acceleration, but it generally operates smoothly. Compared to the Highlander, the Ascent feels more responsive, while the Pilot offers a more traditional V6 driving experience. The Telluride’s driving dynamics are similar to the Ascent’s, with a focus on comfort and smoothness.

Long-Term Ownership Costs:

Subaru vehicles are known for their reliability and durability. The Ascent is expected to have average or above-average reliability, with relatively low maintenance costs. Fuel costs will depend on driving habits and gas prices. Insurance costs will vary based on factors like driving history and location, but the Ascent’s safety features may help lower premiums. Subaru vehicles typically hold their value well, so you can expect strong resale value when it comes time to sell or trade-in your Ascent.

Warranty Information:

The 2025 Subaru Ascent comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. It also includes a 5-year/unlimited-mileage rust perforation warranty and 3 years/36,000 miles of roadside assistance. In comparison, the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot offer similar warranty coverage, while the Kia Telluride boasts a longer 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Trim Level Breakdown:

• Base: The Ascent Base includes standard AWD, EyeSight safety features, an 11.6-inch touchscreen, and cloth upholstery. With its standard AWD and larger touchscreen, it offers a strong value proposition compared to competitors’ base models.
• Premium: The Ascent Premium adds features like heated front seats, a power liftgate, blind-spot monitoring, and an all-weather package. It’s competitive with similarly equipped versions of the Highlander, Pilot, and Telluride.
• Limited: The Ascent Limited adds leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, navigation, and a 10-way power driver’s seat. Compared to competitors’ mid-level trims, it offers a good balance of luxury and value.
• Touring: The Ascent Touring adds Nappa leather, a Harman Kardon sound system, ventilated front seats, and a surround-view camera system. It’s a strong contender in the top-tier trim segment, offering a competitive price and a comprehensive set of features.

Pros and Cons of the 2025 Subaru Ascent:

Pros:

• Standard AWD
• Comprehensive safety features
• Spacious and comfortable interior
• Strong resale value
• Good ground clearance
• User-friendly infotainment system

Cons:

• Fuel economy may be lower than some competitors
• CVT can be noisy under hard acceleration

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Right SUV for Your Needs

Consider your priorities: safety, space, fuel efficiency, budget, etc. The Ascent excels in safety and space, making it ideal for families. If fuel economy is a top priority, compare it closely to the Highlander Hybrid or Pilot. If you need maximum cargo space, the Telluride might be a better fit.

Availability and Ordering:

The 2025 Ascent is linked here. Contact Huffines Subaru Corinth for the latest inventory information and to discuss ordering options.

Schedule Your Test-Drive at Huffines Subaru Corinth Today!

Experience the 2025 Subaru Ascent for yourself. Contact us at Huffines Subaru Corinth today to schedule a test drive and explore our inventory. Our knowledgeable team is ready to answer your questions and help you find the perfect Ascent for your family.