Subaru Ascent vs. Outback

2026 Subaru Ascent Available Trims

2026 Subaru Outback Available Trims

Safety is an area where the Ascent and Outback are very similar. Both are engineered to protect the people you love using trusted Subaru safety features like the Subaru Global Platform. The Ascent and Outback are both built on this protective architecture, which uses high-strength steel to provide durable crash protection and rigidity. They are also both equipped with industry-leading active safety systems like standard EyeSight^® Driver Assist Technology. EyeSight features driver assistance technologies like Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, which can take some of the stress out of driving by helping with steering, braking, and throttle control – both in daily traffic and on long road trips. The Subaru DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System is also available on select trims for both vehicles and acts as an attentive co-pilot along for the ride, ready to give a helpful alert if you become distracted or drowsy.

The Ascent and Outback both feature standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive across every trim for outstanding capability. The balanced design of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive creates uniform stability and delivers an optimal distribution of power for maximum traction in virtually any weather or road condition. It delivers better handling, improved efficiency, and a quicker response to road conditions than competitors’ optional systems. 

X-MODE^®, also standard on both vehicles, works in conjunction with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive to optimize your traction on slippery surfaces and includes Hill Descent Control, which helps you navigate difficult grades. Select Ascent and Outback trims offer a dual-function X-MODE that lets you choose settings for specific conditions like deep snow, dirt, and mud.

The Ascent and Outback both use the Subaru Lineartronic^® CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). The CVT system features two pulleys that can vary in width connected by a steel chain. By changing this width, the CVT can create an infinite “gearing” across its range, which lets it continuously and smoothly adapt to performance demand by keeping the engine in its most efficient operating range. Both vehicles also offer available manual modes, which allow you to move through these “gears” using paddle shifters and give you more precise engine control.

Like every new Subaru, the Ascent and Outback feature two standard warranties. The Subaru Limited Factory Warranty provides limited bumper-to-bumper coverage for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first, and the Powertrain Warranty covers the engine, transmission, and all-wheel drive and lasts for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. 

You can also purchase extended coverage for both vehicles through the Subaru Added Security^® Program. The Gold Plus Plan is our most comprehensive mechanical coverage, providing comprehensive protection of everything except a short list of maintenance items and body parts. The Gold Plus plan covers all major systems, including wear-and-tear, plus Subaru's advanced technology, such as EyeSight^®, and DriverFocus^®.

Since the Ascent is a full-size SUV compared to the midsize Outback, fuel economy differs between the two vehicles. Although they both use fuel-efficient SUBARU BOXER engines for competitive mileage in their respective classes, the larger size and heavier weight of the Ascent gives it 26/19 MPG** highway/city compared to the Outback Premium, Limited, and Touring trims at 31/25MPG** highway/city. The Outback Wilderness trim, designed for rugged off-road adventure, has a lower fuel economy than the other Outback trims at 27/21 MPG** highway/city.