Chevrolet
Traverse
Subaru
Ascent
Chevrolet Traverse vs Subaru Ascent: 2024 Comparison
The short answer
The Chevrolet Traverse offers power, while the Subaru Ascent excels at fuel economy instead. Choose the Chevrolet Traverse if you prioritize power in daily driving, or the Subaru Ascent if fuel economy matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Traverse
Overall
Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on model year and generation. For the 2018-2023 generation, owner feedback is mixed, with many reporting trouble-free, spacious, and practical family vehicles, while others report significant and recurring mechanical and electrical failures. The 3.6L V6 engine is frequently praised for its smoothness and power, but the associated transmission is a major source of criticism, with reports of failures, leaks, and shifting issues.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" trim or package. Feedback is focused on generations and powertrains.
Known issues
- ⚠Transmission failures and problems: includes complete failure, fluid leaks, rough shifting, stalling, and speed sensor issues. Affects multiple generations. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Electrical and infotainment system failures: encompasses "Service Driver Assist System" errors disabling all ADAS features, complete failure of the myChevrolet app and connected services (remote start, lock/unlock), screen freezes, and Blu…
- ⚠Engine timing chain issues: a known concern for the 3.6L V6 engine in older models (2009-2012 mentioned), requiring costly repair. Frequency: recurrent.
Ascent
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. The vehicle is widely praised for its safety, all-weather capability with standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, spacious and usable third row, strong towing capacity for the class, and car-like handling. The turbocharged 2.4L FA24 engine is frequently noted for being robust and providing good power.
Best version to buy
Model year 2021 or newer. Specific feedback on trims is limited, but the Limited trim is mentioned positively for its feature set.
Known issues
- ⚠CVT transmission reliability: failures, recalls, whining noise, inability to handle heavy load or towing, concerns about long-term durability. Primarily affects 2019-2020 models. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Disappointing fuel economy: real-world combined mileage reported around 22 MPG, which is considered poor for the class. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Interior build quality and materials: interior rattles, use of hard plastics, compromises to meet price point. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Subaru Ascent is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Chevrolet Traverse, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Chevrolet Traverse is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Not sure which one fits you?
Answer a few questions and get a personalized recommendation.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Chevrolet Traverse or the Subaru Ascent?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Chevrolet Traverse and the Subaru Ascent. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Chevrolet Traverse or the Subaru Ascent?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Chevrolet Traverse or the Subaru Ascent?
The Subaru Ascent is more fuel-efficient on paper: 10.7-11.2 L/100km combined versus 11.2 L/100km for the Chevrolet Traverse, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Chevrolet Traverse or the Subaru Ascent?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Chevrolet Traverse than the Subaru Ascent. See the known issues comparison above.