Ascent vs outlander: uncovering the true king of 3-row suvs

In the realm of three-row SUVs, the Subaru Ascent and Mitsubishi Outlander stand out as formidable contenders. Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, advanced safety features, and impressive performance capabilities. However, they also have their unique strengths and weaknesses. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of the Subaru Ascent vs. Mitsubishi Outlander to help you make an informed decision about which vehicle best meets your needs.

Interior Space and Comfort

Subaru Ascent: The Ascent boasts a cavernous interior with seating for up to eight passengers. The second and third rows offer ample legroom and headroom, even for taller individuals. The Ascent also features a generous cargo capacity, making it ideal for families and those who frequently transport large items.

Mitsubishi Outlander: The Outlander offers a more compact interior compared to the Ascent. While it seats up to seven passengers, the third row is best suited for children or occasional use. The cargo capacity is also smaller, but still sufficient for most daily needs.

Engine and Performance

Subaru Ascent: The Ascent comes equipped with a powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine that delivers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides impressive acceleration and towing capabilities. The Ascent also features a standard all-wheel drive system for enhanced traction in all conditions.

Mitsubishi Outlander: The Outlander offers two engine options: a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated engine with 168 horsepower and 167 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-liter V6 engine with 224 horsepower and 215 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine provides better power and acceleration, but the naturally aspirated engine is more fuel-efficient. All-wheel drive is available as an option on the Outlander.

Safety Features

Subaru Ascent: The Ascent has earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.

Mitsubishi Outlander: The Outlander has also received high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. It offers a similar range of safety features as the Ascent, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. However, adaptive cruise control is only available as an optional feature.

Technology and Infotainment

Subaru Ascent: The Ascent features a user-friendly infotainment system with a large touchscreen display. It supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. The Ascent also offers a premium Harman Kardon sound system as an upgrade.

Mitsubishi Outlander: The Outlander’s infotainment system is less advanced than the Ascent’s. It features a smaller touchscreen display and does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. However, the Outlander does offer a Rockford Fosgate premium sound system as an option.

Fuel Economy

Subaru Ascent: The Ascent’s fuel economy depends on the configuration and drivetrain. The base model with all-wheel drive has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The Ascent with the Touring trim and all-wheel drive has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

Mitsubishi Outlander: The Outlander’s fuel economy also varies depending on the engine and drivetrain. The base model with the 2.4-liter engine and front-wheel drive has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The Outlander with the 3.0-liter V6 engine and all-wheel drive has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Price and Value

Subaru Ascent: The Ascent has a starting price of $33,895 for the base model. The top-of-the-line Touring trim starts at $47,995. The Ascent offers a good value for the price, with a spacious interior, powerful engine, and comprehensive safety features.

Mitsubishi Outlander: The Outlander has a starting price of $25,795 for the base model. The top-of-the-line SEL trim starts at $34,995. The Outlander is a more affordable option than the Ascent, but it also offers less interior space, performance, and safety features.

Verdict: The Best Choice for You

The Subaru Ascent and Mitsubishi Outlander are both excellent three-row SUVs with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Ascent offers a more spacious interior, more powerful engine, and more comprehensive safety features. However, it is also more expensive than the Outlander. The Outlander is a more affordable option with a smaller interior and less powerful engine, but it still offers a comfortable and safe ride.

Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and budget. If you prioritize space, performance, and safety, the Subaru Ascent is the better option. If you are looking for a more affordable SUV with a smaller footprint, the Mitsubishi Outlander is a solid choice.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior?
A: The Subaru Ascent has a more spacious interior than the Mitsubishi Outlander.

Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine?
A: The Subaru Ascent has a more powerful engine than the Mitsubishi Outlander.

Q: Which SUV has a better safety rating?
A: The Subaru Ascent and Mitsubishi Outlander have both earned top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

Q: Which SUV has a more advanced infotainment system?
A: The Subaru Ascent has a more advanced infotainment system than the Mitsubishi Outlander.

Q: Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Mitsubishi Outlander is more fuel-efficient than the Subaru Ascent.

Q: Which SUV is more affordable?
A: The Mitsubishi Outlander is more affordable than the Subaru Ascent.