Davis Bellew As SUVs continue to gain in popularity, Subaru has made a name for itself with two of its most popular models, the Forester and the Ascent. Both vehicles offer impressive features, capabilities, and add-ons that cater to different needs and preferences. However, as Subaru fans continue to weigh their options, one of the most frequently asked questions is, “How much bigger is the Subaru Ascent than the Forester?”
In this article, we’ll explore the key differences in size between these two popular Subaru SUVs, and help you understand which one is the best fit for your needs.
Key Takeaways
- The Subaru Ascent has a longer wheelbase and a larger overall size than the Forester.
- The Ascent has a larger passenger capacity with up to eight seats, while the Forester has a standard five-person seating capacity.
- The Ascent has more cargo space than the Forester, especially with the third row of seats folded down.
- The Forester has a more affordable starting price than the Ascent, making it a great option for budget-minded buyers.
Exterior Dimensions
As SUVs go, the Subaru Ascent and Forester are both on the compact to midsize end of the spectrum. However, there are some key differences in size that set them apart.
Subaru Ascent
- Length: 196.8 inches
- Width: 76 inches
- Height: 71.6 inches
- Wheelbase: 113.8 inches
- Ground Clearance: 8.7 inches
Subaru Forester
- Length: 182.1 inches
- Width: 71 inches
- Height: 67.5 inches
- Wheelbase: 105.1 inches
- Ground Clearance: 8.7 inches
🔎 Fun Fact: The Ascent is the biggest Subaru ever built!
As you can see from the specs, the Ascent is quite a bit larger than the Forester, with a length that is over a foot longer, a width that is over four inches wider, and a height that is over four inches taller. However, both vehicles have the same ground clearance, which is important for off-road capabilities.
Interior Dimensions
Although exterior dimensions are important, they don’t tell the whole story. Interior dimensions play a critical role in determining how comfortable and spacious the vehicle is for passengers and cargo. Here are the interior dimensions for each vehicle.
Subaru Ascent
- Passenger Volume: 153.5 cubic feet
- Cargo Volume (behind third row): 17.8 cubic feet
- Cargo Volume (behind second row): 47.5 cubic feet
- Cargo Volume (behind first row): 86.5 cubic feet
- Seating Capacity: 7 or 8
Subaru Forester
- Passenger Volume: 111.9 cubic feet
- Cargo Volume (behind second row): 31.1 cubic feet
- Cargo Volume (behind first row): 76.1 cubic feet
- Seating Capacity: 5
🔎 Fun Fact: The Ascent offers a panoramic moonroof that spans all three rows, allowing for plenty of natural light and fresh air.
As you can see, the Ascent offers significantly more passenger volume and cargo space than the Forester. With the third row folded down, the Ascent offers 47.5 cubic feet of storage, compared to just 31.1 cubic feet in the Forester. When both rear rows are folded down, the Ascent offers a massive 86.5 cubic feet of storage, which is more than enough to haul all your gear for a camping trip or a move to a new apartment.
Passenger Capacity
Another important consideration for SUV buyers is passenger capacity. Whether you have a large family or a group of friends you like to travel with, having enough seats is critical. Here are the passenger capacity specs for each vehicle.
Subaru Ascent
- Seating Capacity: 7 or 8
Subaru Forester
- Seating Capacity: 5
🔎 Fun Fact: The Ascent offers captain’s chairs in the second row, which provides more comfort and space for passengers.
As you can see, the Ascent offers more seating options than the Forester. While the Forester has a standard five-person capacity, the Ascent can seat up to eight people, making it a great option for larger families or those who like to travel with friends.
Pricing
One of the most significant differences between the Ascent and the Forester is their price. While both vehicles offer a lot of value for their price, the Forester is more affordable for budget-minded buyers.
Subaru Ascent
- Starting MSRP: $33,345
Subaru Forester
- Starting MSRP: $24,795
🔎 Fun Fact: Both the Ascent and the Forester come with standard all-wheel drive, which makes them perfect for adventurous drivers who want to take their vehicle off-road.
While the Ascent is more expensive than the Forester, it offers a lot of additional features and capabilities that justify the higher price tag.
Conclusion
So, how much bigger is the Subaru Ascent than the Forester? As we’ve explored in this article, the Ascent is quite a bit larger than the Forester, with more passenger capacity, cargo space, and higher price point. However, the Forester offers a more affordable starting price, making it a great option for budget-minded buyers.
Ultimately, the decision between the Ascent and the Forester comes down to your specific needs, preferences, and budget. No matter which model you choose, you can rest assured that you’re getting a reliable, capable, and feature-packed SUV that will provide you with years of enjoyment and adventure on the road.
