Fuel economy giants: subaru ascent vs chevrolet traverse – which sips less?

When it comes to choosing a family-friendly SUV, the Subaru Ascent and Chevrolet Traverse are two highly regarded options. Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, advanced safety features, and powerful engines. However, there are key differences between these two SUVs that can help you make an informed decision. In this blog post, we will compare the Subaru Ascent and Chevrolet Traverse in various aspects to determine which one is the better choice for you.

Performance and Engine

The Subaru Ascent comes standard with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The Chevrolet Traverse, on the other hand, offers a choice between two engines: a 3.6-liter V6 that generates 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.

In terms of performance, the Chevrolet Traverse has a slight edge over the Subaru Ascent. The V6 engine provides more power and torque, resulting in better acceleration and towing capacity. However, the Subaru Ascent’s turbocharged engine offers improved fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, compared to the Traverse’s 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway with the V6 engine.

Interior and Space

Both the Subaru Ascent and Chevrolet Traverse offer spacious and comfortable interiors. The Ascent has a seating capacity of up to eight passengers, while the Traverse can accommodate up to nine. Both vehicles have ample legroom and headroom in all three rows of seats.

However, the Subaru Ascent offers a more versatile interior with its available second-row captain’s chairs. This configuration provides more individual space and comfort for second-row passengers. The Traverse, on the other hand, has a more traditional bench seat in the second row.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for both Subaru and Chevrolet. The Ascent and Traverse come standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.

The Ascent has earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), while the Traverse has received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Technology and Infotainment

The Subaru Ascent and Chevrolet Traverse both offer advanced infotainment systems. The Ascent comes standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while the Traverse has a larger 8-inch touchscreen. Both systems support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

The Ascent’s infotainment system is user-friendly and intuitive, with clear menus and responsive touch controls. The Traverse’s system, while larger, can be more complex to navigate and use.

Price and Value

The Subaru Ascent has a starting price of $33,970, while the Chevrolet Traverse starts at $34,695. However, the Traverse offers more standard features than the Ascent, including a larger touchscreen, rear-seat entertainment system, and heated front seats.

When comparing similarly equipped models, the Traverse is typically more expensive than the Ascent. However, the Ascent offers a higher resale value, which can offset some of the initial price difference.

Reliability and Ownership Costs

Subaru has a reputation for reliability, and the Ascent is no exception. The vehicle has received above-average reliability ratings from J.D. Power and Associates. The Chevrolet Traverse, on the other hand, has had some reliability issues in recent years, particularly with its transmission.

In terms of ownership costs, the Subaru Ascent is slightly more expensive to maintain than the Chevrolet Traverse. The Ascent requires more frequent oil changes and has higher insurance premiums. However, the Ascent’s higher resale value can help offset these additional costs over time.

The Verdict: Which SUV is Right for You?

The Subaru Ascent and Chevrolet Traverse are both excellent choices for families looking for a spacious and safe SUV. The Ascent offers a more versatile interior, better fuel efficiency, and a higher resale value. The Traverse, on the other hand, has a more powerful engine, more standard features, and a lower starting price.

Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize fuel efficiency, versatility, and reliability, the Subaru Ascent is the better choice. If you prefer more power, standard features, and a lower starting price, the Chevrolet Traverse is a solid option.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

1. Which SUV has a higher towing capacity?
The Chevrolet Traverse has a higher towing capacity than the Subaru Ascent. The Traverse can tow up to 5,000 pounds, while the Ascent has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

2. Which SUV has a better warranty?
The Subaru Ascent and Chevrolet Traverse both come with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, the Ascent has a longer 5-year/100,000-mile roadside assistance warranty, compared to the Traverse’s 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance warranty.

3. Which SUV has more interior space?
The Chevrolet Traverse has slightly more interior space than the Subaru Ascent. The Traverse has 157.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, compared to the Ascent’s 153.5 cubic feet. However, the Ascent offers more cargo space behind the third row of seats, with 17.8 cubic feet compared to the Traverse’s 15.3 cubic feet.