Head To Head Subaru Forester Vs Ascent, Who Wins The Family Battle?

Which is the best model if you are shopping for a new Subaru SUV? The 2024 Subaru Forester and 2023 Subaru Ascent are good picks, but which is the best? Check the head-to-head family battle before you buy.

The 2024 Subaru Forester compact SUV and the 2024 Subaru Ascent family hauler are good choices for new SUV shoppers, but which is the best? I have broken down the two models so shoppers can see the differences. 

2024 Subaru Ascent vs. the 2024 Subaru Forester. What are the differences?

The Subaru Ascent, a 3-row SUV, is a larger family hauler. It’s best for hauling cargo and kids in the third row. There is seating for seven or eight passengers.

• 71.6 -inches tall and 196.8 inches long
• 260 horsepower turbocharged Boxer engine
• Up to 5,000 lb towing capacity
• Stand all-wheel-drive, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, X-Mode all-terrain capability.
• There is no Ascent Wilderness trim level
• Ascent fuel mileage is 20/26 city/highway mpg
• 17.8 cu ft of cargo space behind the rear seats. 43.5 cu ft with the third row down. 75.6 cu ft of max cargo space. 
• Nappa leather available 
• Front seat ventilation 
• 12-way power driver seat
• Smart rearview mirror
• 11.6-inch touchscreen
• Wireless connectivity
• 14 speaker audio system is available
• Upgraded with third camera EyeSight system

2024 Ascent Pricing 

The 2024 Subaru Ascent comes in six trim levels. The Base trim starts at $35,490, and Premium trims begin at $38,090. The Ascent Onyx Edition starts at $42,890, the upper Limited starts at $43,190, the Ascent Onyx Edition Limited is priced at $47,890, and the top-trim Touring has a starting MSRP of $49,790. Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,295).

Subaru Forester, a 2-Row Compact SUV, is an excellent choice for a small family. The Forester is your best choice if you need to fit into tight parking spots or a small garage. There is seating for five passengers.

• 68.9 inches tall and 182.7 inches long
• 182 horsepower Boxer engine
• Up to 3,000 lb towing capacity
• Stand all-wheel-drive, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, X-Mode all-terrain capability
• Forester Wilderness trim with 9.2 inches of ground cleanse and off-road upgrades for the most active families
• Forester gets 26/33 city/highway mpg
• 28.9 cu ft of cargo space behind the rear seat
• 74.2 cu ft of max cargo space 
• Perforated leather available
• Forester Wilderness- StarTex water-repellant upholstery
• 8-inch touchscreen

2024 Forester Pricing 

The Forester comes in six trim levels: The Base Forester starts at $28,190, Premium ($31,390), Sport ($32,960), Limited ($35,070), Wilderness ($36,015), and Touring ($38,490). Pricing includes destination and dealer fees ($1,295).

My Take

It’s important to note: As I’ve covered in recent reports, the Forester is the most reliable Subaru model with above-average reliability compared to other new cars. The Ascent reliability has improved and is a recommended model by Consumer Reports, with average reliability compared with new vehicles. I also reported that the Forester has the highest resale value of all Subaru models. 

It’s also crucial for shoppers to know that Forester is in high demand and will be in tighter supply. The Ascent is more readily available at Subaru retailers this winter. 

The Forester is the best choice for families unless you need a larger vehicle, extra amenities, and a third row. Customers may want to wait for the remodeled 2025 Subaru Forester that arrives this spring. Check out my reports below for additional information. 

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this head-to-head Subaru Forester vs Subaru Ascent story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

For additional articles related to new Subaru models, here are a few of my top stories you may enjoy. 

My Must-Read Top Picks

• The Remodeled 2025 Subaru Forester - 10 All-New Hidden Interior Upgrades
• An All-New Next-Gen Subaru Forester Hybrid Emerges From The Shadows
• The Best 2025 Subaru Forester Upgrades, You’ll Have To Buy A Top Trim To Get Them

Watch 2025 Subaru Forester World Premiere First Look

I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time - It’s called the “Subaru Report.” Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!

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photo credit: Subaru USA