Yahoo Autos 2019 Subaru Ascent vs. 2019 Subaru Forester: Choosing the Better Boxer SUV
2019 Subaru Ascent Touring
Highs: Three rows of seats, generous cargo space with seats folded, perky acceleration.
Lows: Porky curb weight, not much cargo room behind the third row, disappointing fuel economy.
2019 Subaru Forester Touring
Highs: Compact dimensions, fuel-efficient powertrain, excellent outward visibility.
Lows: Only two rows of seats, smaller cargo bay with seats folded, relaxed acceleration.
Shopping for a conventional SUV in the Subaru showroom these days comes down to two primary choices, the compact 2019 Subaru Forester and the mid-size 2019 Subaru Ascent. Sure, you also could include the brand's Outback station wagon and subcompact Crosstrek hatchback in the mix. But the Forester and Ascent both are capable enough in many ways to be cross-shopped with each other, depending on what exactly you're looking for. While we've grown to appreciate the overall agreeableness and three rows of seats in our long-term Ascent test vehicle, there's a lot to like about the latest Forester as well.
With only two rows of seats versus three in the Ascent, the Forester is 14.7 inches shorter, 4.5 inches narrower, and has 8.7 fewer inches between its axles. Pricing for the Forester starts at $25,270 and can run into the mid-$30,000s, whereas the larger Ascent will set you back at least $32,970 and the top-level Touring model tops $45K. Although the two share a family resemblance, the Ascent's taller beltline and narrower side windows gives it a more traditional SUV-like appearance versus the Forester's tall-station-wagon look. The styling creates two different experiences behind the wheel, with the Forester's expansive windows providing more unobstructed views of the road ahead and to the sides.
On the Road
Both the Ascent and the Forester handle rough stretches of road well, soaking up bumps and smoothing out potholes with little fuss. Neither vehicle exhibits any sporty pretentions, yet they both feel composed and competent on twisty roads, although the Forester's smaller size makes it feel a bit friskier and slightly less top-heavy around corners. Greater distinctions can be found under their hoods. Each Subaru is powered by a flat-four-cylinder engine (also known as a boxer engine due to its horizontally opposed cylinders) paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. The Ascent's powerplant, however, is a turbocharged 2.4-liter unit that develops 260 horsepower while the Forester's is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter good for only 182 ponies.
