Compare 2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2025 Chevy Traverse

Starting Price and Overall Cost

On the surface, it might seem like these midsize three-row SUVs are in the same general price range. However, the 2025 Subaru Ascent does start at a lower price point than the 2025 Chevy Traverse. For the base models, the Traverse costs over $1,600 more than the Ascent, and that's before you consider that the Ascent comes with standard all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is a $2,000 option on the Traverse. This means choosing the Subaru Ascent can save you more than $3,600 right out of the gate. Higher trim levels that offer more standard features also come at a premium on the Chevy Traverse. The starting price for the top trim level of the Subaru Ascent is $49,995. Meanwhile, the starting price for the second-highest trim level of the Traverse when configured with all-wheel drive costs $7,000 more at $56,995.

Performance

Each of the Ascent's six trim levels comes with a turbocharged 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine. This engine generates 260 horsepower. Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive is standard. Every 2025 Ascent model is capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds. The Ascent is capable of achieving up to 20 miles per gallon in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

The 2025 Chevy Traverse is available with one engine for its four trim levels. This is a 2.5-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Front-wheel drive is standard on most trims with all-wheel drive available as an option. On the Z71 trim, the Traverse has standard all-wheel drive. The Traverse can also tow up to 5,000 pounds. However, when equipped with all-wheel drive, the Traverse achieves slightly worse fuel economy than the Ascent. It can only get up to 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. While the difference may seem small, fuel savings or losses can add up to a significant amount of money over time.

Additionally, while the Traverse is available with all-wheel drive, the Ascent comes standard with symmetrical all-wheel drive. Symmetrical all-wheel drive distributes power evenly to all four wheels. This allows this system to provide better traction, stability, and handling compared to regular all-wheel drive.

Appearance

The 2025 Subaru Ascent has individualized styling that garners attention on the road. It boasts grand dimensions with subtle, linear accents across the hood and sides. Dark molding runs from bumper to bumper. The grille covers most of the height on the front end and is styled with horizontal bars. The headlights look captivating, with an LED bulb wrapped on three sides by an LED ribbon. Conversely, the Traverse has a truck-like front-end design with a wide grille and a flat hood. The slender LED headlights taper to a point. They are placed over molded air inlets. On the sides, a light ribbon of dark molding combines with deep, crisply accented contours. The Traverse also features a floating roof design, which involves blacking out the top portion of the C-pillar to hide it. This look is often polarizing, and many automotive pundits believe this design will not age well.

Features

The Subaru Ascent is well-appointed across its trim levels, and some of these features are a 180-degree front parking camera, a high-voltage power outlet, auto wipers, an auto-dimming rear mirror, a 360-degree surround-view camera, an intercom system, a Harman Kardon sound system with 14 speakers, leather upholstery, a driver attention monitor, heated seats in the first two rows, a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, a rear center console and several additional features. The Traverse is offered with features like heated front seats, a six-speaker sound system, a navigation system, a heated steering wheel, a charging pad, and a few others as base-level equipment. The Traverse makes customers pay a much higher price for some of the most desirable features such as leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats.

Learn More at Subaru Evergreen Park

The best way to continue learning about the 2025 Ascent is with a test drive. Visit Subaru Evergreen Park today to explore the current inventory of Ascent SUVs with assistance from our friendly sales team.