Family hauling face-off: subaru ascent vs chevy traverse – which offers more space and comfort?

When it comes to family-friendly SUVs, the Subaru Ascent and the Chevy Traverse stand out as two top contenders. Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, advanced safety features, and impressive performance capabilities. But how do they compare head-to-head? In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the details of the Subaru Ascent vs Chevy Traverse, examining their key features, strengths, and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.

Performance and Efficiency

Under the hood, the Subaru Ascent boasts a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine that delivers 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. The Chevy Traverse, on the other hand, offers three engine options: a 3.6-liter V6 with 310 horsepower, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 252 horsepower, and a 3.6-liter V6 with 295 horsepower.

In terms of fuel economy, the Subaru Ascent gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The Chevy Traverse with the 3.6-liter V6 gets 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged four-cylinder engine gets 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

Interior and Cargo Space

The Subaru Ascent and Chevy Traverse both offer spacious and well-equipped interiors. The Ascent has seating for up to eight passengers, while the Traverse can accommodate up to seven. Both vehicles feature comfortable seats, ample legroom and headroom, and a variety of storage compartments.

When it comes to cargo space, the Subaru Ascent has a slight edge over the Chevy Traverse. With the third row of seats folded down, the Ascent offers 47.6 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Traverse offers 46.6 cubic feet. With both rows of seats folded down, the Ascent provides 86.5 cubic feet of cargo space, compared to 88.3 cubic feet in the Traverse.

Safety Features

Both the Subaru Ascent and Chevy Traverse have earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features on both vehicles include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

The Ascent comes with a few additional safety features that are not available on the Traverse, such as a driver monitoring system and a rear cross-traffic alert system. The Traverse, however, offers a few unique safety features, including a rear seat reminder and a Teen Driver system that helps parents monitor their teen drivers.

Technology and Features

The Subaru Ascent and Chevy Traverse both offer a wide range of technology and convenience features. Both vehicles come standard with a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The Ascent features a larger touchscreen (8.0 inches vs. 7.0 inches in the Traverse) and a more user-friendly interface. The Traverse, on the other hand, offers a few unique features, such as a built-in navigation system and a Bose premium audio system.

Price and Value

The Subaru Ascent has a starting price of $33,895, while the Chevy Traverse has a starting price of $33,700. Both vehicles offer a variety of trim levels and options, so the final price will vary depending on the specific configuration you choose.

In terms of value, the Subaru Ascent offers a slightly better overall package for the money. It has a more powerful engine, more cargo space, and more standard safety features than the Chevy Traverse. However, the Traverse does offer a few unique features that may be appealing to some buyers.

Which SUV is Right for You?

Ultimately, the best way to decide which SUV is right for you is to test drive both the Subaru Ascent and the Chevy Traverse. Consider your specific needs and preferences, such as the number of passengers you need to accommodate, the amount of cargo space you require, and the safety features that are most important to you.

If you’re looking for a spacious, powerful, and well-equipped SUV with a strong focus on safety, the Subaru Ascent is an excellent choice. If you’re looking for a more affordable SUV with a few unique features, the Chevy Traverse is worth considering.

Final Note: The Battle of the Family SUVs

The Subaru Ascent and Chevy Traverse are both excellent choices for families looking for a spacious, comfortable, and safe SUV. The Ascent offers a more powerful engine, more cargo space, and more standard safety features than the Traverse. However, the Traverse is slightly more affordable and offers a few unique features that may be appealing to some buyers. Ultimately, the best way to decide which SUV is right for you is to test drive both vehicles and see which one meets your specific needs and preferences.

Questions You May Have

Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine?
A: The Subaru Ascent has a more powerful engine than the Chevy Traverse. The Ascent’s 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine delivers 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, while the Traverse’s 3.6-liter V6 engine delivers 310 horsepower.

Q: Which SUV has more cargo space?
A: The Subaru Ascent has slightly more cargo space than the Chevy Traverse. With the third row of seats folded down, the Ascent offers 47.6 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Traverse offers 46.6 cubic feet. With both rows of seats folded down, the Ascent provides 86.5 cubic feet of cargo space, compared to 88.3 cubic feet in the Traverse.

Q: Which SUV has more safety features?
A: The Subaru Ascent has more standard safety features than the Chevy Traverse. Both vehicles come standard with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Ascent comes with a few additional safety features that are not available on the Traverse, such as a driver monitoring system and a rear cross-traffic alert system.