Compare the 2025 Subaru Ascent to the 2025 Subaru Forester in Salem, OR
Finding your ideal SUV can feel like a daunting task, especially with so many outstanding options on the market. If you're searching for a versatile, family-friendly three-row SUV or a rugged, adventure-ready crossover, Capitol Subaru in Salem, OR, is here to make your decision easier. Whether the spacious 2025 Subaru Ascent catches your eye with its impressive passenger capacity and advanced safety features, or the capable 2025 Subaru Forester appeals to your adventurous spirit with its off-road capability and fuel efficiency, we’ve done the research so you don’t have to. Our dedicated team has crafted this comprehensive comparison page to help you decide which Subaru best fits your lifestyle and priorities. From towing capacity and cargo space to comfort features and technology, we’ve broken it all down to save you time. Once you’ve explored the details, we invite you to contact Capitol Subaru to schedule a test drive—or two! Our friendly experts are here to answer your questions, so you can confidently choose the SUV that checks every box on your list. Let Capitol Subaru simplify your search and help you find the perfect Subaru for your journey ahead.
2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2025 Subaru Forester: Design & Exterior Features
The 2025 Ascent starts with standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with the option to upgrade to 20-inch wheels, The 2025 Forester comes standard with 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels or you can jump trim levels for 18- or 19-inch wheels. Both SUVs offer standard all-season tires. LED steering responsive headlights are standard on both models and there are available LED fog lights for better visibility during low-light situations. The Ascent offers the standard windshield wiper de-icer while this feature is available on higher trim levels of the Forester, along with heated outside mirrors, letting you get a quicker start on frosty winter mornings. The panoramic glass moonroof is available on both models while raised roof rails are standard fare on both SUVs for extra cargo room.
2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2025 Subaru Forester: Comfort & Technology
The 2025 Ascent is a versatile 3-row SUV with seating for 8, 153.2 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the first two rows laid flat. If you choose the optional second-row captain's chairs, you can change the seating configuration to 7. The 2025 Forester seats 5 with 110.8 cubic feet of passenger space and a max cargo volume of 74.4 cubic feet. Heated front seats are standard fare in the Ascent and available on higher trim levels of the Forester. Both SUVs offer available heated rear outboard seats and a heated steering wheel while only the Ascent has available ventilated front seats and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Dual 7-inch touchscreens are standard in the Forester with the option to upgrade to an 11.6-inch display, which is standard on the Ascent along with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™.
2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2025 Subaru Forester: Performance
The 2025 Ascent packs a punch with the 2.4-liter BOXER® under the hood, generating a potent 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Forester comes with a powerful 2.5-liter BOXER that makes a solid 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Both SUVs come paired to the Lineartronic® CVT but only the Forester adds low shift mode or the optional 8-speed manual mode. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard fare on both models as well as Active Torque Vectoring. X-MODE® is standard on the Ascent and available on higher trim levels of the Forester. You'll get up to 5,000 lbs of towing capacity and 26 MPG on the highway with the Ascent while the Forester tows up to 1,500 lbs and gets an impressive 32 highway MPG. Only the Forester boasts standard SI-DRIVE®, a comprehensive engine management system that lets you control how your Subaru performs.
2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2025 Subaru Forester: Safety
While the IIHS has not yet released safety ratings for 2025, both the 2024 Ascent and 2024 Forester earned the prestigious Top Safety Pick+ designation—the highest recognition awarded by the IIHS. The NHTSA awarded the 2025 Ascent a perfect 5-star safety rating while they have not yet rated the newest Forester model year but as both SUVs come standard with the highly-lauded EyeSight® suite of driver safety technology, we're sure the Forester will soon be receiving the same honor. Features like Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-collision Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and much more are standard on both models to keep you safe no matter if you're cruising city streets or busy highways.
2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2025 Subaru Forester: Overall Value
At Capitol Subaru in Salem, OR, we understand that choosing the right SUV is a big decision, which is why we’ve compared the 2025 Subaru Ascent and the 2025 Subaru Forester to highlight their unique strengths. The Ascent shines as a versatile three-row SUV, offering ample space for families, advanced safety features, and powerful performance for towing and long road trips. Meanwhile, the Forester stands out as a rugged crossover, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts with its off-road capability, exceptional fuel efficiency, and compact yet spacious design. Both models embody Subaru’s commitment to reliability, safety, and innovation, ensuring great value for your investment. No matter your lifestyle, you’ll find an SUV that fits your needs. Explore both vehicles at Capitol Subaru, and let us help you decide which one is right for you. Schedule your test drive today and experience the Subaru difference firsthand!
 | 2025 Subaru Ascent | 2025 Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 2.4L Turbocharged BOXER® | 2.5L BOXER® |
| Standard Horsepower | 260 | 180 |
| Standard Torque | 277 | 178 |
| Standard Transmission | Lineartronic® CVT | Lineartronic® CVT |
| Standard Fuel Economy | 20 City/26 Highway | 26 City/33 Highway |
| Passenger Volume (Cubic Feet) | 153.2 | 110.8 |
| Max Cargo Volume (Cubic Feet) | 75.6 | 74.4 |
| Standard Climate Control | Tri-Zone | Dual-Zone Automatic |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard | Standard |
| Standard Multimedia Touchscreen Size | 11.6-inch | Dual 7.0-inch |
*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. Excludes options; taxes; title; registration; delivery, processing and handling fee; dealer charges. Dealer sets actual selling price.
