2024 Subaru Ascent vs. Competitors

2024 ascent for sale in RI

Overview

If you’re in the market for a reliable adventure vehicle that’s primed to accommodate the extended family or other sizeable group, you may be considering the 2024 Subaru Ascent. This substantial three-row crossover can hold its own in any driving situation, making it a standout pick for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of its highlights are standard all-wheel drive (AWD), 8.7 inches of ground clearance, a towing capacity up to 5,000 pounds, and a robust roster of amenities.

With all that said, it’s true that the Ascent goes up against some well-outfitted rivals. These include the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Nissan Pathfinder, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Telluride, Ford Explorer, and Mazda CX-90. But when we compared them all, we found that the 2024 Subaru Ascent rises above its competition in a number of considerable ways, which we run through on this page.

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Pricing

Midsized three-row crossovers that can seat up to seven or eight passengers understandably command a fair price. That said, Subaru keeps the Ascent economical without sacrificing anything desirable. With a starting MSRP of just $34,395, it appeals to budget-minded buyers more so than the entry-level versions of the rivals (each one’s base MSRP is shown in parentheses): Honda Pilot ($37,090), Toyota Highlander ($39,270), Nissan Pathfinder ($36,080), Telluride ($36,190), Ford Explorer ($36,860), and Mazda CX-90 ($37,845).

The 2024 Outback also boasts a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds with the Wilderness and XT variants. Meanwhile, the Bronco Sport can only pull up to 2,200 lb., whereas the Outlander, V60 Cross Country, and Compass reach their towing limit at 2,000 lb. Engine output is more substantial with the ’24 Outback as well, as it makes 260 hp and 277 lb.-ft. of torque with the turbocharged 2.4-liter powerplant. That’s more than what you’ll get from the RAV4, Bronco Sport, Outlander, V60 Cross Country, and Compass.

Performance and Off-Road Potential

While the 2024 Ascent may not have the most vigorous engine of the bunch, its 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is still plenty potent, as it puts out 260 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft. of torque. Where the Ascent really stands out, though, is with its standard AWD system. An all-wheel drivetrain is something you’ll need to pay extra for with the Pilot, Highlander, Pathfinder, Santa Fe, Telluride, and Explorer.

If off-roading is one of your preferred pastimes, take note: the ’24 Ascent provides 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which is higher than most of the other models in this comparison (the Explorer Timberline is the exception, as it provides the same 8.7-inch clearance). The Ascent also comes with X-Mode, a special drive setting that improves performance and AWD system engagement to enhance traction on low-grip surfaces. None of the other models in this comparison offers an equivalent powertrain-enhancing system.

Notable Equipment

The latest industry amenities can be found in the smartly equipped ’24 Ascent. For example, in the $36,995 Premium trim you’ll get LED steering-responsive headlights, raised roof rails, a windshield wiper de-icer, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, tri-zone automatic climate control, and an 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring wireless smartphone connect (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto). Enjoying many of these same upscale features will cost extra with the Ascent’s pricier rivals.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Every ’24 Ascent trim comes with the Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology system, which includes adaptive cruise control with lane centering, lane departure and sway warning, lane keep assist, pre-collision braking, and automatic emergency steering. Automatic high beams are standard as well. The eight-passenger Ascent Premium, which is priced at $36,995, adds blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane change assist, while the higher trims gain a surround-view camera and reverse automatic braking. Many of those advanced safety technologies are available with the Ascent’s competitors, but you’ll need to pay more to get them. It’s also worth noting that the ’24 Ascent was designated a Top Safety Pick Plus by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which is their highest distinction. The other models in our comparison that join the Ascent in that top IIHS category are the Pathfinder, Telluride, Explorer, and CX-90.