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Subaru Ascent vs. Outback
If you’re looking for a safe, reliable SUV to haul loads of passengers and gear on all kinds of adventures, you’ve probably discovered the Subaru Ascent and Subaru Outback. Two of our largest vehicles, these SUVs are loved by drivers and their families for the all-terrain capability of standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, spacious interior comfort, at least 8.7 inches of standard ground clearance, industry-leading safety systems, and extras like available Harman Kardon® premium audio. But for all the valuable features they share, these two vehicles also have significant differences. We’ll compare all the details of the Ascent and Outback so you can pick the Subaru SUV that matches your lifestyle.
Size is a major differentiator between the Subaru Ascent and Subaru Outback. The Ascent is the biggest Subaru vehicle we’ve ever built — a full-size, 3-row SUV that can seat up to eight passengers. Bigger in every dimension than the Outback, the Ascent is 196.8 inches long, almost 5 inches longer than the Outback, 76 inches wide, and 71.6 inches tall (with roof rails). As a midsize SUV, the Outback is designed to carry up to five passengers and has exterior dimensions that measure up to 191.7 inches in length, 74 inches in width, and up to 68.3 inches in height (with roof rails).
If you need to carry more than five passengers, then the Ascent is an easy choice as it seats up to eight. But if you don't need the extra passenger seats, the Outback, with its lower center of gravity and lighter weight, feels more agile and responsive at highway speeds and is easier to fit into tight parking spaces on city streets.
2026 Onyx Edition Touring 7-Passenger shown
2026 Subaru Ascent Dimensions
Length:
196.8 inches
Width:
76.0 inches
Height:
71.6 inches*
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Base Curb Weight:
4,450 - 4,603 pounds
*With roof rails (standard on all trims)
2026 Touring shown
2026 Subaru Outback Dimensions
Length:
191.7 inches
Width:
74 inches
Height:
67.5 inches
68.3 inches (Wilderness)
Wheelbase:
108.1 inches
Base Curb Weight:
3,741 - 3,982 pounds
The Subaru Ascent and Subaru Outback are both equipped with the time- and trail-tested SUBARU BOXER® engine to power their Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems. Every BOXER engine is built with a unique horizontal layout, giving both vehicles a lower center of gravity and a finely tuned balance between power and fuel efficiency.
The Ascent is equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine capable of 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. The Outback features a standard 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine that delivers 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque and an available 2.4-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine that delivers 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. With the available turbocharged engine, the Outback matches the Ascent's pure power. But when you consider towing, differences emerge: The Outback can tow up to 3,500 pounds
2026 Subaru Ascent
Engine:
2.4-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine
Horsepower:
260 hp at 5,600 rpm
Towing Capacity
5,000 pounds
2026 Subaru Outback
Engine:
2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine
(Available 2.4-liter Turbocharged SUBARU
BOXER engine)
Horsepower:
180 hp at 5,800 rpm (2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine)
260 hp at 5,600 rpm (2.4-liter Turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine)
Towing Capacity
2,700 pounds
3,500 pounds (Wilderness, XT trims)
For standard ground clearance, the Subaru Ascent and Subaru Outback are an even match. Both Ascent and Outback feature 8.7 inches of ground clearance for increased capability on rough terrain and in snowy conditions. Those who want to venture far off-road should consider the Outback Wilderness trim, which offers the most ground clearance of any Subaru vehicle at 9.5 inches and features a standard front skid plate to help protect the vehicle in rugged territory.
2026 Subaru Ascent
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
2026 Subaru Outback
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Wilderness Ground Clearance:
9.5 inches
Interior space is another area where the Subaru Outback and Subaru Ascent diverge, especially when it comes to passenger seating. The 3-row Ascent gives you a choice between fitting seven passengers with second-row captain’s chairs or eight passengers with second-row bench seating, while the Outback seats up to five passengers. Passenger space dimensions in the Subaru Ascent measure to 153.2 cubic feet (on trims without a moonroof). That’s about 41 more cubic feet of space than the Outback at 112.3 cubic feet (on trims without a moonroof). Both SUVs offer ample cargo space and flexibility with their standard 60/40-split flat-folding rear seatbacks that fold down to create an extended cargo area behind the front seats.
2026 Subaru Ascent
Passengers:
Seating for up to 8 (second-row bench seat)
Seating for up to 7 (second-row captain's chairs)
Maximum Cargo Space:
Up to 75.6 cubic feet
Interior Space:
153.2 cubic feet (Premium 8-Passenger and Premium 7-Passenger trims without moonroof)
150.2 cubic feet (Limited 7-Passenger, Limited 8-Passenger, Limited Bronze Edition 7-Passenger, Touring 7-Passenger, Onyx Edition Touring 7-Passenger trims with moonroof)
Passenger Legroom:
42.2 inches (front)
38.6 inches (middle)
31.7 inches (rear)
Passenger Headroom:
Up to 41.2 inches (front)
Up to 40.0 inches (middle)
36.2 inches (rear)
2026 Subaru Outback
Passengers:
Seating for up to 5
Maximum Cargo Space:
80.5 cubic feet
Interior Space:
111.1 cubic feet (Premium, Limited, Touring, Wilderness, Limited XT, and Touring XT trims with moonroof)
112.3 cubic feet (Premium and Wilderness trims without moonroof)
Passenger Legroom:
43 inches (front)
39.5 inches (rear)
Passenger Headroom:
Up to 41 inches (front)
40.5 inches (rear)
Now you’ve explored some of the major differences in specs and features between the Subaru Ascent and Outback, but online research can only take you so far. Each vehicle has its own unique personality, driving feel, and customization options. You can start by building your own Ascent and Outback with our online tools and try them out in a test drive at your local authorized Subaru retailer to find the Subaru SUV that’s perfect for you.
2026 Subaru Ascent
MSRP:
$40,795 - $51,995*
MPG:
Up to 26/19 MPG highway/city**
Onyx Edition Touring 7-Passenger shown
2026 Subaru Outback
MSRP:
$34,995 - $47,995*
MPG:
Up to 31/25 MPG highway/city**
Touring shown
2026 Subaru Ascent Exterior Color Options
Certain colors are only available on select trims
Autumn Green Metallic
Crimson Red Pearl
Crystal Black Silica
Crystal White Pearl
Dark Mahogany Pearl
Ice Silver Metallic
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Sapphire Blue Pearl
2026 Subaru Outback Exterior Color Options
Certain colors are only available on select trims
Crimson Red Pearl
Crystal Black Silica
Crystal White Pearl
Deep Emerald Green Pearl
Geyser Blue
*Wilderness only
Ice Silver Metallic
Magnetite Gray Metallic
River Rock Pearl
Sapphire Blue Pearl
2026 Subaru Ascent Available Trims
Premium 8‑Passenger
Premium 7‑Passenger
Limited 8‑Passenger
Limited 7‑Passenger
Limited Bronze Edition 7‑Passenger
Touring 7‑Passenger
Onyx Edition Touring 7‑Passenger
2026 Subaru Outback Available Trims
Premium
Limited
Touring
Wilderness
Limited XT
Touring XT
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
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.
2026 Subaru Ascent Transmission
- Lineartronic® CVT with Adaptive Control and 8-speed manual mode (Standard on all trims)
2026 Subaru Outback Transmission
- Lineartronic® CVT with Adaptive Control and 8-speed manual mode with paddle shifters (Standard on all trims)
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, which offers two different plans. The Classic Plan covers major parts, including the engine, all-wheel drive (AWD), and transmission (as well as towing and car rental), while the Gold Plus Plan adds coverage to air conditioning, electrical, steering, front suspension, brakes, and other systems.
2026 Subaru Ascent Multimedia Touchscreens
- MySubaru Connected Services® Multimedia Plus System with 11.6-inch touchscreen (Standard on Premium 8‑Passenger, and Premium 7‑Passenger trims)
- MySubaru Connected Services® Multimedia Navigation System with 11.6-inch touchscreen (Standard on Limited 8‑Passenger, Limited 7‑Passenger, Limited Bronze Edition 7-Passenger, Touring 7-Passenger, and Onyx Edition Touring 7-Passenger trims)
2026 Subaru Outback Multimedia Touchscreens
- MySubaru Connected Services® Multimedia System with 12.1-inch touchscreen (Standard on Premium and Wilderness trims)
- MySubaru Connected Services® Multimedia System with Navigation and 12.1-inch touchscreen (Standard on Limited, Touring, Limited XT, and Touring XT trims, optional on Premium and Wilderness trims)
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.
2026 Subaru Ascent Miles Per Gallon**
- 26/19 MPG highway/city (Premium 8-Passenger and Premium 7-Passenger trims)
- 25/19 MPG highway/city (Limited 8-Passenger, Limited 7-Passenger, Limited Bronze Edition 7-Passenger, Touring 7-Passenger, and Onyx Edition Touring 7-Passenger trims)
2026 Subaru Outback Miles Per Gallon**
- 31/25 MPG highway/city (Premium, Limited, and Touring trims)
- 29/21 MPG highway/city (Limited XT and Touring XT trims)
- 27/21 MPG highway/city (Wilderness)
As the larger of the two vehicles, the Ascent can fit a slightly bigger gas tank for a higher fuel capacity at 19.3 gallons compared to the Outback fuel capacity of 18 gallons. But while the Ascent, with its fuel economy of up to 26 highway and 19 city MPG**, can reach more than 500 miles of highway driving range, the lighter weight of the Outback, with a fuel economy of up to 31 highway and 25 city MPG**, can reach more than 550 miles.
2026 Subaru Ascent
Fuel Capacity:
19.3 gallons
Driving Range:
More than 500 miles
Actual range will vary with driving conditions, weather, and your vehicle’s condition.
2026 Subaru Outback
Fuel Capacity:
18 gallons
Driving Range:
More than 550 miles
Actual range will vary with driving conditions, weather, and your vehicle’s condition.
