While Subaru doesn't manufacture a wide range of vehicles, the ones they do make have a reputation for being safe, reliable, and practical. If you're looking for a new SUV with all-wheel drive, you might want to check out the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek and 2021 Subaru Ascent. These two Subaru models perform very well in many regards, and they have several features that you will surely appreciate. While the Crosstrek and Ascent share some similarities, there are important differences between the two.
Size and Capacity
The main way in which the 2021 Subaru Ascent sets itself apart from the Crosstrek is that it's larger. The Ascent can seat eight passengers, while the Crosstrek can seat only five. The legroom in each of the two cars is comparable, but the Ascent has an additional row. In the Crosstrek, there are 43.1 inches front legroom and 36.5 inches back legroom. Legroom in the Ascent's first, second, and third rows are 42.2 inches, 38.6 inches, and 31.7 inches, respectively.
When it comes to cargo space, the Subaru Crosstrek has 20.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats and 55.3 cubic feet with those seats folded. On the other hand, the maximum cargo volume of the Ascent is 86.5 cubic feet when you lower both back rows. Behind the second row, there are 47.5 cubic feet of storage room, and there are about 20 cubic feet of cargo space behind the vehicle's third row of seating.
Performance
Both the Subaru Ascent and Crosstrek are capable SUVs, so drivers who value performance will be pleased with either one. However, the Ascent is more powerful of the two. It comes with 277 pound-feet of torque and 260 horsepower, thanks to its 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and 8-speed continuously variable transmission.
On the other hand, the Subaru Crosstrek has a 2.5-liter engine. While it's a bit bigger compared to the Ascent's engine, it doesn't come with a turbocharger. It can generate 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. While these statistics don't reach the 200 mark, they're still impressive numbers, and they'll be enough for the majority of drivers in most situations.
Fuel Efficiency
When comparing the fuel economy of the two Subaru models, it becomes clear that the 2021 Subaru Ascent has compromised some efficiency for its more robust engine. On the Subaru Ascent, fuel efficiency is either 20/26 or 21/27 (city/highway) mpg, depending on whether you get the higher two trims or the lower two trims. The Crosstrek, on the other hand, earns an estimated 27/34 mpg, so this is definitely notable if you are concerned about gas consumption.
Infotainment System
The infotainment systems are almost identical on the Crosstrek and Ascent. They start out with 6.5-inch touchscreens that feature STARLINK interface, Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. Subaru has also included a CD player, HD Radio, and SiriusXM Radio on all trims of the Crosstrek and Ascent.
At the Premium level of the Ascent and the Sports level of the Crosstrek, the system is upgraded with an 8-inch touchscreen. It comes with cloud-based apps to give you more access to a variety of information. Integrated navigation is standard on the Ascent's Touring trim and is available on the Crosstrek Limited. With navigation, you can receive turn-by-turn directions that take the current traffic situations into account.
The Ascent comes with six speakers on its first three trims, with the Touring trim featuring a Harman Kardon sound system that has a 792-watt amplifier and 14 speakers. On the Crosstrek, the base trim has only four speakers, while the higher trims have six speakers. On the two models, 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability is only available at the Premium level and higher.
Safety
As expected, Subaru has focused a lot of its efforts on manufacturing safe vehicles. The company has integrated several active and passive features into the Crosstrek and Ascent. Both vehicles have air bags in the side curtains, in the front, and mounted in the seats. Also, the LATCH system makes it easy to secure your child's seats, and all rear doors come with child-safety locks.
Helping you see what's around you is a key way to prevent collisions or accidents. The standard rear-vision camera on the Crosstrek and Ascent helps you tremendously in this regard while you are in reverse, and the Ascent has a 180-degree front-view monitor to provide you with even more video information.
All trims of the Crosstrek and Ascent come with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes sway and lane departure warning with lane keep assist and an adaptive cruise control program that allows you to maintain proper distancing with other vehicles. It also includes pre-collision braking technology that can automatically apply pressure on the brakes if it detects that you are approaching other cars too quickly.
Other impressive safety features available on both the Crosstrek and Ascent are the automatic high beams and reverse automatic braking. The automatic high beams feature provides you with better visibility by switching from high beams to low beams automatically when traffic is approaching or when you catch up to another car on the road ahead.
The reverse automatic braking, on the other hand, reduces the likelihood of hitting obstacles behind your vehicle. It monitors the area behind your vehicle while it's in reverse, and it automatically puts pressure on the brakes if it detects that the vehicle is about to back into something.
If you're looking for a Subaru dealership in Corinth, Texas, look no further than Huffines Subaru Corinth. We can help you find the Subaru model that best fits your personality and lifestyle. We also have an impressive selection of quality used vehicles. Reach out to us by phone at 940-497-3700 to schedule a time to come in, or you can visit our website and browse our new and used inventory. We look forward to providing you with exceptional customer service and a stress-free shopping experience.
Image via Subaru.com
