Comparison - Subaru Ascent premium 2018 - vs - Subaru Outback 2017

General

Other Names:

Also called:

Viziv-7

Also called:

--

2019 Subaru Ascent First Drive | Edmunds
2019 Subaru Ascent Review - The Biggest Subaru You Can Buy
2019 Subaru Ascent | CarGurus Test Drive Review
2019 Subaru Ascent First Drive Review
2019 Subaru Ascent - Long-Term Intro
2019 Subaru Ascent - Review & Road Test
2019 Subaru Ascent // Consumer Reports Top Pick
2019 Subaru Ascent – Redline: First Look – 2017
2017 Subaru Outback: Review, test drive, Features
2017 Subaru Outback walkaround review and test drive
2018 Subaru Outback Review: First Impressions, interior and exterior walkaround
2017 Subaru Outback review, Walk-around, Features, interior, exterior
Compared & Drag Raced: Subaru Outback vs VW Alltrack!
Is the ALL NEW 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness
The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness is a Rugged Off-Road Ready Wagon
2017 Subaru Outback review, Walk-around, Features, interior, exterior
Average Price: 
35,655
Updated: 
30 Mar 2018
28,298
Updated: 
01 Dec 2016
Car Type: 
SUV
SUV
Drive Type: 
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Year: 
2019
2017
Total Seating: 
8
5
Transmission: 
Continuously Variable-speed Automatic
Continuously Variable-speed Automatic
Bluetooth: 
yes
yes
Heated seats: 
yes
no
Navigation: 
yes
yes
Doors: 
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity: 
19.30gals
18.50gals
Exterior Colors: 
Color: 
Abyss Blue Pearl
#2E496D
Crystal White Pearl
#F8F9F9
Crystal Black Silica
#0D0D0B
Magnetite Gray Metallic
#5B5E64
Ice Silver Metallic
#DFDFDF
Crimson Red Pearl
#710E18
Cinnamon Brown Pearl
#392922
Tungsten Metallic
#ABA49C
Color: 
Carbide Gray Metallic
#505666
Crystal Black Silica
#000000
Crystal Black Silica
#000000
Crystal White Pearl
#E7E7E7
Crystal White Pearl
#E7E7E7
Ice Silver Metallic
#B7B8C5
Lapis Blue Pearl
#294989
Tungsten Metallic
#BAB690
Twilight Blue Metallic
#566B99
Venetian Red Pearl
#8D1111
Wilderness Green Metallic
#97A497

Expert Reviews

Expert reviews: 

The 2019 Subaru Ascent isn’t another quirky hatchback-wagon-crossover thing—it’s a mainstream hit and Subaru will be better for it.

Pros
Smart, family-ready interior
Standard active safety features
Good value at affordable trim levels
Good infotainment system
Willing powertrain with standard all-wheel drive

Cons
Sometimes nervous throttle
Seats could stand to be a little wider
No hybrid powertrain—yet
Top trims may not justify the price

By: 
thecarconnection.com

The 2019 Subaru Ascent is available in base, Premium, Limited and Touring trim levels. Base models offer good value, especially with driver assistance features, but the Premium adds more of today's desirable features, such as heated seats and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Limited classes things up with leather upholstery, while the Touring maxes out the Ascent's luxury, convenience and safety features

PROS
Seats up to eight passengers
Cargo room and third-row space are near top of the class
Generous set of standard driver safety aids
Can tow up to 5,000 pounds

CONS
Subaru CVT automatic not too impressive in other models
Some more common driver aids are restricted to upper trims

By: 
edmunds.com

Subaru prepares another ascent into the three-row-SUV market.

After axing the seven-passenger Tribeca in 2014, Subaru is preparing to re-enter the three-row, mid-size crossover SUV segment. With the Viziv-7 concept—the name Viziv stands for “Vision for Innovation”—the Japanese automaker provides our best look yet at what’s to come.

Measuring 204.7 inches long and sitting on a 117.7-inch wheelbase, the Viziv-7 is some 15 inches longer than Subaru’s Outback, and its wheelbase is more than nine inches greater. The Viziv-7 also is larger than most mainstream three-row, mid-size crossover SUVs. While the Buick Enclave, the Chevrolet Traverse, the Dodge Durango, and the Ford Flex ride on longer wheelbases, the Subaru’s overall length is greater than all four. Additionally, the Viziv-7’s 79.9-inch width and 72.0-inch height (73.2 inches including the roof rails) are tops among today’s segment offerings. Needless to say, if the Viziv-7’s dimensions carry over to the production vehicle, Subaru’s new SUV promises to dwarf the other models in the lineup as it attempts to move far beyond the cramped Tribeca

We believe the production vehicle will go by the name Ascent, given that Subaru recently registered that moniker with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Spy photographers recently caught Subaru testing its new three-row crossover, and along for comparison was both a Mazda CX-9 and a Ford Explorer; like them, we expect the Ascent to offer a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, although the 3.6-liter six-cylinder boxer engine that’s optional in the Outback is also a possibility. We’ll know more in the coming months, as Subaru says its production three-row crossover will enter our market in early 2018.

By: 
caranddriver.com

There are vehicles roughly in the same ballpark as the 2017 Subaru Outback, but nothing plays the same position. The Outback is a midsize wagon with standard all-wheel drive and about the same ground clearance as a Jeep Grand Cherokee. It's definitely an alternative choice but also checks so many practical boxes that it's a must-drive for anyone looking for a reasonably priced crossover SUV.

The Outback has the interior space of midsize models such as the Ford Edge and Kia Sorento, but its lower roof makes it easier to load gear, and its higher ground clearance gets it over rocks and through deep snow without a snag. The Outback holds similar advantages over smaller SUVs including the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Subaru's own Forester, with the further benefit of greater comfort and refinement. And with fuel economy rated at 28 mpg combined (with the four-cylinder) and 22 mpg combined (six-cylinder), the Outback offers good efficiency for its size and purpose. If you like wagons, the 2017 Outback offers a just-right mix of attributes that could make your vehicle search a one-stop affair.

For 2017, the Subaru Outback gets a new, snazzier Touring model that trades some utility for added style. The Outback's excellent safety credentials are further burnished with the addition of reverse automatic braking and automatic high beams to the well-regarded Eyesight suite of accident avoidance tech.

Pros
More spacious and comfortable cabin than many of its competitors
Roof and cargo loading heights are lower than those of most SUVs
Excellent visibility in all directions
Off-road ability is above average

Cons
Acceleration is lackluster, especially with four-cylinder engine
Gas and brake pedal feel make it hard to drive four-cylinder smoothly

By: 
edmunds.com

The 2017 Subaru Outback two-row midsize crossover features exclusive all-wheel drive, two engine options, and six trim levels.

The 2017 Subaru Outback features a new, top-of-the-line trim Touring Trim model, adding exterior and interior enhancements, as well as an updated EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite.

The Subaru Outback crossover adds a new range-topping model to the lineup, featuring a dark gray grille, 18-inch alloy wheels with a machined finish with dark gray accents, along with silver-finish roof rails, lower body side cladding, and Outback badges in a chrome finish. Subaru has also adds Brilliant Brown to its list of exterior color options.

Inside, the new Touring model adds a new Java Brown perforated leather trim with contrasting ivory stitching on the seats, door panels, and armrests. It also features a unique woodgrain trim with piano-black panel accents. Standard features on the newest edition to the Outback lineup include a heated steering wheel and the automaker’s StarLink infotainment system on a 7.0-inch touchscreen with navigation.

Power for all 2017 Subaru Outback models comes from a 175-hp 2.5-liter flat-four that delivers 174 lb-ft of torque, or a 3.6-liter six-cylinder that pumps out 256 hp and 247 lb-ft. Both engines are paired with a CVT with a manual mode and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Pros
New Touring trim level
Comfortable, high-quality interior
Good fuel economy

Cons
Engine computer takes time to shift from using paddle shifters to Drive
Navigation screen subject to glare
2.5 models could be quicker

By: 
motortrend.com

Subaru enjoys a reputation for off road-capable cars, but I still managed to get the 2017 Outback stuck in the snow. Although its crossover SUVs still come standard with all-wheel-drive, Subaru made some changes to its drivetrains over the past couple of years, such as replacing gearboxes with continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) and adding what it calls X-Mode, a traction control and throttle program designed for slippery surfaces.

Amongst five-passenger crossover SUVs, the 2017 Subaru Outback stands out for its standard all-wheel drive and unique culture around the brand. Advanced safety is on par with competitors, but dashboard electronics lag the market a little. The new Touring trim gives the Outback premium style.

The Outback vies with the Forester for the top sales spot in Subaru's line-up, achieving success with its crossover functionality, giving it a high riding position, seating for five and useful cargo space. Subaru reliability and standard all-wheel drive are points in its favor. This practical car serves well as a family vehicle.

Pros
Standard all-wheel drive and good ground clearance make the 2017 Subaru Outback more capable than the typical crossover SUV, and its EyeSight system adds collision prevention. The new Touring trim brings premium cabin appointments.

Cons
Buyers will have to wait another model year or two for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The adaptive cruise control feature, enabled by the EyeSight system, brakes a little too abruptly when approaching stopped traffic.

By: 
cnet.com

The 2017 Subaru Outback ranking is based on its score within the Wagons category. Currently the Subaru Outback has a score of 8.4 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 33 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.

The 2017 Subaru Outback has class-leading cargo capacity, excellent passenger space, and a well-built, durable cabin that makes it a good fit for families on the go

The Outback’s intuitive standard features, like an easy-to-use infotainment system and a rearview camera, make it an attractive choice. You can also opt for all the latest advanced safety technologies so you can feel confident and protected every time you go for a drive.

The Subaru Outback combines the comfortable cabin and composed handling of a car with the country-road readiness of an SUV. It will be a great wagon to take you to your next camp site, thanks to its standard all-wheel drive and generous cargo room. Still, if you spend most of your time around town, you might be better off with the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen. The Honda CR-V is another option worth a look since it has more features and an even larger cargo area than the Outback

Pros
Roomy interior and back seat
Best-in-class cargo capacity
Good capability on slippery roads

Cons
Underpowered base engine

By: 
cars.usnews.com

Fuel

Fuel Type: 
Premium Unleaded
Regular Unleaded
Fuel Economy City USA: 
21.00mpg
25.00mpg
Fuel Economy HWY: 
27.00mpg
32.00mpg
Engine type: 
Petrol/Gas
Petrol/Gas

Engine and Performance

Valves: 
16
16
Cylinders: 
4
Inline
4
Flat
Engine Size/Displacement: 
2.40L
2.50L
Torque: 
277ft-lbs
at 2 000rpm
174ft-lbs
at 4 000rpm
Horsepower: 
260hp
at 5 600rpm
175hp
at 5 800rpm
Cam Type: 
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Turning Circle: 
38.00Feet
36.10Feet

Convenience

Cruise Control: 
yes
yes
Door Pockets: 
yes
yes
Cupholders: 
yes
yes
Overhead console: 
yes
yes
Seatback Storage: 
yes
yes
Power Steering: 
yes
yes
Parking sensors: 
yes
yes
Steering Wheel Tilt: 
yes
yes
Telescopic steering wheel: 
yes
yes
Rear View Camera: 
yes
yes
Front view Camera: 
no
no
Side view Camera: 
no
no
On steering wheel: 
Transmission, Cruise And Audio Controls On Steering Wheel
Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel
More in Convenience: 
Leather And Simulated Alloy Steering Wheel
Front Seatback Storage
Keyless Ignition
Electric Power Steering
Universal Remote Transmitter (For Garage Door, Security System, Etc.)
Electric power steering

Exterior Dimensions

Length: 
196.80in
189.60in
Width: 
76.00in
72.40in
Height: 
71.60in
66.50in
Ground Clearance: 
8.70in
8.70in
Front Track: 
64.40in
Rear Track: 
64.20in
Wheel Base: 
113.80in
108.10in

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room: 
41.30
40.80
Rear Head Room: 
40.00
38.90
Front Leg Room: 
42.20in
42.90in
Rear leg room: 
38.60in
38.10in
Front Hip Room: 
57.70in
55.50in
Front Shoulder Room: 
61.10in
58.10in
Rear Hip Room: 
57.50in
55.00in
Rear Shoulder room: 
60.30in
57.30in

Weights and capacites

Cargo Capacity: 
86.50cu.ft
73.30cu.ft
Maximum Towing Capacity un-break: 
5000lbs
2700lbs
Cargo Capacity with Seats in Place: 
17.80cu.ft
35.50cu.ft
Angle of Approach: 
17.60degrees
Angle of Departure: 
21.80degrees
Curb Weight: 
4477.00lbs

Instruments

External Temperature Display: 
yes
yes
Clock: 
yes
yes
Trip computer: 
yes
yes
Techometer: 
yes
yes
Compass: 
no
no

Power Features

Power windows: 
yes
yes
Remote Keyless doors: 
yes
yes
More Power Features: 
Heated Mirrors
2 One-Touch Power Windows
Heated mirrors

Seats

Rear Seat Collapsible: 
yes
yes
Front Seats Features: 
Height adjustable driver seat
Multi-Level Heating Driver Seat
4 -Way Manual Passenger Seat Adjustment
Cloth
8 -Way Power Driver Seat
Bucket Front Seats
Multi-Level Heating Passenger Seat
Bucket front seats
Cloth
Height adjustable driver seat
Rear Seats Features: 
Folding center armrest
Rear Ventilation Ducts With Fan Control
Split-Folding Rear Seatback
Manual Folding Split-Bench Third Row Seats
Folding center armrest
Split-folding rear seatback
Reclining rear seats

Suspension

Front Suspension: 
Front stabilizer bar
Front stabilizer bar
Rear Suspension: 
rear stabilizer bar
Rear stabilizer bar
Suspension Info: 
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension
Four-wheel independent suspension

Comfort

Interior air Filtration: 
yes
yes
Climate Control: 
yes
no
More Comfort Features: 
Turn Signal In Mirrors
Electrochromatic Inside Rearview Mirror
Three Zone Climate Control
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
Air conditioning

Entertainment

DVD player: 
no
no
AM/FM Radio: 
yes
yes
Satellite radio: 
yes
yes
Video monitor: 
no
no
More Entertainment: 
USB Connection
Auxiliary Audio Input And USB With External Media Control
6 Total Speakers
12 total speakers
USB connection
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
STARLINK Multimedia
7-inch high-resolution touch screen
576-watt-equivalent amplifier

Exterior Features

Sunroof: 
yes
yes
Rear defogger: 
yes
yes
More in Glass and Roof: 
Intermittent rear wiper
Roof rack
Variable intermittent wipers
Alloy Wheels: 
yes
yes
Wheel size: 
18 X 7.5
17 x 7.0
Wheels more: 
Painted Alloy Wheels
All Season Tires
All season tires
Wheel Dimensions: 
Width: 
245.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
60
Diameter: 
R21
Width: 
225.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
65

Safety Features

ABS: 
yes
yes
Front head airbags: 
yes
yes
Rear head airbags: 
yes
yes
Dual front side-mounted airbags: 
yes
yes
Emergency braking assist: 
yes
yes
Traction control: 
yes
yes
Child seat anchors: 
yes
yes
Front brakes: 
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes
Front ventilated disc brakes
Stability control: 
yes
yes
Rear brakes: 
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes
rear ventilated disc brakes
Rear door child safety locks: 
yes
yes
Daytime running lights: 
yes
yes
Engine immobilizer: 
yes
yes
Front fog lights: 
yes
no
Dusk sensing headlamps: 
yes
yes
Auto delay off headlamps: 
yes
yes
Front headrests: 
yes
yes
Rear headrests: 
yes
yes
Tire pressure monitoring: 
yes
yes
More Safety Features: 
Blind-Spot Detection
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Post-Collision Safety System
Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System
Blind Spot And Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System
Pre-Collision Safety System
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
Rear Center 3-Point Belt
Rear height adjustable headrests
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation

Options

Packages: 
Option Package 12
Popular Package 3
Popular Package 2
Standard Model - 2.5i
Exterior Options: 
Crystal Black Silica Door Edge Guards
Crimson Red Pearl Body Side Molding
Alloy Wheel Locks
Tungsten Metallic Door Edge Guards
Abyss Blue Pearl Body Side Molding
Crystal White Pearl Body Side Molding
Crimson Red Pearl Door Edge Guards
Crystal Black Silica Body Side Molding
Splash Guards
Crystal White Pearl Door Edge Guards
Cinnamon Brown Pearl Body Side Molding
Aero Cross Bars
Ice Silver Metallic Body Side Molding
Rear Bumper Cover
Trailer Hitch
Ice Silver Metallic Door Edge Guards
Tungsten Metallic Body Side Molding
Abyss Blue Pearl Door Edge Guards
Magnetite Gray Metallic Door Edge Guards
Cinnamon Brown Pearl Door Edge Guards
Magnetite Gray Metallic Body Side Molding
Interior Options: 
Rockford Fosgate Audio Upgrade
Cargo Cover
Cargo Net
USB Charging Ports
Rear Seatback Protector
Sunshade
Footwell Illumination Kit
Carpeted Floor Mats
Cargo Tray
Side Sill Plate
Cargo Separator
Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirror W/Approach Light
All-Weather Floor Liners
3rd Row Sunshade

Colors

Interior Colors: 
Color: 
Slate Black Cloth
#424243
Warm Ivory Cloth
#D0BBA6
Slate Black Leather
#2E2E30
Warm Ivory Leather
#7C7165
Java Brown Leather
#433835
Color: 
Slate Black Cloth, cloth
#29292B
Warm Ivory Cloth, cloth
#8C867E