Comparing the 2025 Subaru Ascent to Its Competition: Space and Family Versatility
When it comes to choosing a three-row midsize SUV, space and versatility are crucial factors for families who need room for passengers, gear, and everything else life throws at them. The 2025 Subaru Ascent stands out in this highly competitive segment, offering ample space, family-friendly features, and the advanced technology needed to keep everyone comfortable and safe. But how does it stack up against other popular models like the 2025 Honda Pilot, 2025 Kia Telluride, and 2025 Ford Explorer? Let’s dive into how the Ascent’s impressive powertrain, fuel efficiency, interior space, and versatility compare to its competitors.
Impressive Powertrain: Torque and Performance
One of the standout features of the 2025 Subaru Ascent is its turbocharged 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine, which delivers 277 lb-ft of torque at just 2,000 rpm. This torque advantage is significant compared to the V6-powered competitors, making the Ascent a more capable choice when it comes to towing, off-road capability, or simply providing a smoother, more powerful driving experience on steep inclines and hilly terrain.
In comparison, the 2025 Kia Telluride and 2025 Honda Pilot both feature V6 engines. The Telluride’s 3.8L V6 produces 262 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm, while the Pilot’s 3.5L V6 generates 262 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. Although these V6 engines provide decent power, they fall short in the torque department compared to the Ascent’s turbocharged engine. The Ascent’s lower-revving torque also means it can deliver power more efficiently at lower speeds, making it ideal for city driving and situations requiring quick acceleration.
Fuel Efficiency: The Ascent Saves You More at the Pump
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the 2025 Subaru Ascent pulls ahead of the competition, offering superior city and highway fuel consumption figures. The Ascent delivers 12.3 L/100 km in the city, 9.4 L/100 km on the highway, and a combined rating of 11.0 L/100 km, compared to the 2025 Kia Telluride, which averages 13.1 L/100 km in the city and 10.0 L/100 km on the highway for a combined 11.7 L/100 km. The 2025 Honda Pilot fares similarly, with 13.2 L/100 km in the city and 9.3-10.1 L/100 km on the highway, resulting in a combined 11.8 L/100 km.
This means that over a typical year, assuming someone drives about 25,000 km, the Ascent will cost significantly less in fuel. At a fuel price of $1.75 per litre, the Ascent will cost about $5,381 annually to drive 25,000 km, whereas the Telluride would cost $5,731, and the Pilot $5,775. Over four years, the Ascent saves around $1,400 compared to the Telluride and about $1,575 compared to the Pilot, which can add up to substantial savings for families with frequent commutes or road trips.
Interior Space and Family Versatility: Room for Everyone
When it comes to passenger comfort and interior space, the 2025 Subaru Ascent stands out in several important areas. For families, having enough space for both the front, rear, and third-row passengers is key, and the Ascent excels in this category.
- Front Head Room: The 2025 Subaru Ascent offers 1,026-1,049 mm of front headroom, which is the most among the competition, including the Honda Pilot (993-1,029 mm) and the Ford Explorer (988-1,034 mm).
- Front Leg Room: With 1,072 mm of front legroom, the Ascent offers more space than the Honda Pilot (1,041 mm) and the Ford Explorer (1,090-1,092 mm), providing more comfort for taller drivers.
- Rear Head Room: The Ascent provides 983-1,016 mm of rear headroom, slightly more than the Ford Explorer (970-1,029 mm) and competitive with the Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot (986-1,021 mm).
- Rear Leg Room: The Subaru Ascent offers 978 mm of rear legroom, which is more than the Ford Explorer (973-991 mm) and similar to the Honda Pilot (1,036 mm), but slightly more than the Telluride (1,077 mm).
- Third-Row Leg Room: The Ascent offers 805 mm of third-row legroom, which is better than the Kia Telluride (798 mm) and comparable to the Ford Explorer (818 mm).
- Third-Row Shoulder Room: The Ascent leads with 1,448 mm of third-row shoulder room, offering more space than the Kia Telluride (1,405 mm) and the Ford Explorer (1,387 mm), ensuring a more comfortable ride for all passengers.
Here’s a quick comparison of the interior dimensions for each model:
| Interior Dimension | 2025 Subaru Ascent | 2025 Kia Telluride | 2025 Honda Pilot | 2025 Ford Explorer |
| Front Head Room | 1,026 – 1,049 mm | 1,003 mm | 993 – 1,029 mm | 988 – 1,034 mm |
| Front Leg Room | 1,072 mm | 1,120 mm | 1,041 mm | 1,090 – 1,092 mm |
| Rear Head Room | 983 – 1,016 mm | 986 – 1,021 mm | 996 – 1,021 mm | 970 – 1,029 mm |
| Rear Leg Room | 978 mm | 1,077 mm | 1,036 mm | 973 – 991 mm |
| Third Row Leg Room | 805 mm | 798 mm | 826 mm | 818 mm |
| Third Row Shoulder Room | 1,448 mm | 1,405 mm | 1,511 mm | 1,387 mm |
Conclusion: The Subaru Ascent’s Edge in Space and Family Versatility
The 2025 Subaru Ascent shines as a family-friendly three-row midsize SUV, with superior torque and a more efficient powertrain than competitors like the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride. The Ascent’s advanced all-wheel drive system adds to its appeal for those who need dependable traction in various weather conditions, while its impressive interior dimensions and family-focused features make it a comfortable and versatile choice for families. The Ascent’s fuel efficiency also stands out, saving you money at the pump compared to the competition, making it an overall more cost-effective option.
From a space standpoint, the Ascent offers more headroom, legroom, and third-row space than key competitors, ensuring that all passengers enjoy a comfortable ride. If you prioritize comfort, versatility, and efficiency, the 2025 Subaru Ascent is a strong contender in the midsize three-row SUV category.