Thinking about a new family car? Two big SUVs often come to mind. The Chevrolet Traverse and the Subaru Ascent are popular choices. Both offer lots of room. They also pack in many safety features. Each vehicle has its own special vibe, honestly. We’re going to really dig into what makes them tick. What helps one stand out more for families? Let’s find out together.
Family Life: Space and Comfort
Picking a family car means space is a big deal. Comfort matters a lot too. The Chevrolet Traverse really shines here. It can seat eight people. That’s one more than the Subaru Ascent. The Ascent holds up to seven passengers. So, the Traverse wins for bigger families. Imagine carpooling for the soccer team. That extra seat can make all the difference. It’s a real game-changer.
Cargo space is another huge factor. Imagine fitting all your gear for a long trip. The Traverse offers a whopping 157.3 cubic feet of space. You get that when the back seats are folded. The Ascent has 86.5 cubic feet. That’s still good, of course. But the Traverse offers so much more. Think about strollers, sports gear, or all that road trip luggage. More room makes life simpler, right? Families often praise its cavernous capacity. One busy parent I know packs three car seats and still has room. It’s quite impressive.
Inside, the Traverse feels very airy. Front legroom hits 41 inches. Second-row legroom is 38.4 inches. Taller folks will appreciate this space. The Ascent is roomy too, but a bit less generous. It gives 42.2 inches up front. The second row gets 36.5 inches. Long drives are much better when everyone can stretch out. That’s just a fact of family travel. Especially with active kids.
A user-friendly infotainment system is also key. The Traverse has a 7-inch touchscreen. You can get an 8-inch screen too. It supports [Apple CarPlay] (https://www.apple.com/ios/carplay/) and [Android Auto] (https://www.android.com/auto/). Connecting devices becomes a breeze. The Ascent has a similar setup. Some users, though, find the Ascent’s interface a bit less intuitive. It’s a small detail, but it can make a difference. Especially when you’re driving with little ones.
Safety First: The Traverse’s Edge
Safety is always a top concern. Both the Traverse and Ascent come packed with tech. They both work hard to keep your family safe. But the Traverse holds a few special cards. It offers the [Chevrolet Safety Assist] (https://www.chevrolet.com/safety-and-security/safety-features/safety-assist) package. This includes forward collision warning. Automatic emergency braking is part of it. Lane keep assist also helps. There’s even a following distance indicator. This tells you if you’re too close. Frankly, these features are essential for modern driving.
The [National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)] (https://www.nhtsa.gov/) is important. They gave the Traverse a five-star overall safety rating. This shows its strong safety setup. The Subaru Ascent also rates very high. It also earned a five-star NHTSA rating. It features [Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology] (https://www.subaru.com/eyesight.html). This includes adaptive cruise control. Pre-collision braking is also there. Both companies clearly prioritize your well-being.
So, where does the Traverse gain an edge? Honestly, its available tech can sometimes be more advanced. Take the rear camera mirror, for example. It gives a super wide view. This is way better than a standard rearview mirror. It’s a lifesaver when you have kids or lots of gear in the back. Parents often find this feature incredibly reassuring. It’s a small touch, but it’s a smart one. I believe this feature alone could swing a decision for many.
Think about a busy parking lot. Or trying to back out of a driveway. That wider view just makes everything easier. It helps you see things you might miss. It’s comforting to know that extra layer of sight is there. A real-world example might involve a parent navigating a tight school drop-off line. That mirror helps them spot small children easily. It truly minimizes blind spots.
A Look Back: SUV Evolution
It helps to know how family SUVs came to be. This explains why these models are built this way. The Chevrolet Traverse first showed up in 2009. People wanted more family-friendly vehicles then. The demand was truly growing. Since then, it’s changed a lot. It grew in space. It gained better technology. Its fuel efficiency also got better. Early SUVs were often truck-based. The Traverse helped usher in the era of comfortable, car-like family haulers. Its evolution reflects shifting consumer tastes.
The Subaru Ascent arrived much later, in 2018. It was Subaru’s answer to popular three-row SUVs. It was designed from scratch for families. Safety and versatility were its core ideas. The Ascent’s [all-wheel-drive system] (https://www.subaru.com/all-wheel-drive.html) is noteworthy. It’s great for bad weather. This makes it a solid choice for families who love outdoor adventures. Snow, mud, you name it. Subaru has a long history of making reliable, rugged vehicles. The Ascent brought that trusted capability to a larger family platform. Its late arrival meant it could learn from others’ successes.
Performance and Fuel Economy
Let’s talk about driving these big vehicles. Both the Traverse and Ascent perform well. The Traverse has a powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine. It makes 310 horsepower. It also offers 266 lb-ft of torque. That’s plenty of power for highways. It handles towing easily too. The ride feels smooth. Its handling is responsive. It’s a good drive for busy families. Highway passing feels confident.
The Ascent uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It produces 260 horsepower. It also offers 277 lb-ft of torque. It might not feel as powerful as the Traverse. But the Ascent saves you money on gas. It gets 21 mpg in the city. On the highway, it reaches 27 mpg. The Traverse gets 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. So the Ascent is better in city driving. This difference can add up. Especially if you have a lot of stop-and-go commutes.
Towing is another consideration. Both can tow up to 5,000 pounds. That’s a good amount for many families. But some people feel the Traverse is stronger for towing. It feels more robust. This power difference can matter. It depends on what you plan to pull. A boat? A camper? Think about your family’s hobbies. An expert quote might suggest: “For frequent heavy towing, the Traverse’s V6 often provides a more relaxed experience.” That makes sense.
The Road Ahead: Future SUV Trends
What’s next for family SUVs? The market is always changing. Many car makers are looking at electric power. Sustainability is a big focus. Chevrolet has plans for electric versions of popular models. We expect the Traverse to go electric. This could happen in the next few years. It would make it even more appealing. Environmentally aware families might love it. It’s a shift many of us are eager to see.
Subaru also cares about sustainability. They plan to electrify their lineup. The Ascent will likely see electric options. These will probably boost its all-wheel-drive even more. Subaru wants to keep its safety reputation strong. It’s fascinating to see how these vehicles will adapt. The future is looking greener, that’s for sure. It’s truly an exciting time for car buyers.
I am excited to see how car companies embrace these changes. It will mean more choices for families. Smarter, cleaner cars are coming. It’s a good thing. We need to support these greener initiatives. It shapes a better future.
FAQs and Myth Busting: Your Family SUV Questions Answered
When looking for a family SUV, some common ideas pop up. Let’s clear some things up.
Q1: Are bigger SUVs always safer than smaller ones?
A: Not always. Size does help, yes. But a vehicle’s safety technology is also important. The Traverse has great advanced features. It helps keep your family safe. Modern cars have smart crash structures.
Q2: Does a higher price tag mean better safety?
A: Not necessarily. Expensive cars often have more tech. But options like the Traverse offer top safety ratings. You get excellent technology without spending a fortune. Value matters.
Q3: Is all-wheel drive essential for every family?
A: No, not always. It’s great for bad weather or rough roads. Many families do fine with front-wheel drive. Think about your local climate and driving needs. It truly depends on your lifestyle.
Q4: Do SUVs have poor fuel economy compared to sedans?
A: Generally, yes. SUVs are heavier. But fuel economy has improved a lot. Some SUVs like the Ascent are quite efficient. Electric options will change this even more. Things are changing rapidly.
Q5: Are third-row seats always comfortable for adults?
A: Often, no. Third rows are often best for kids. Or for adults on short trips. Always test them out before you buy. See if your family fits comfortably. It’s smart to check seating space carefully.
Q6: Do SUVs handle like trucks?
A: Modern SUVs drive more like cars. They offer a smoother ride. They have better handling than older SUVs. This makes them easier to drive daily. You might be surprised by the driving experience.
Q7: Is more horsepower always better for a family SUV?
A: Not necessarily. Enough power for merging and towing is key. Too much can mean lower fuel economy. It also can increase the purchase price. Balance is often best.
Q8: Are infotainment systems complicated to use in new cars?
A: They can be. But many are designed to be user-friendly. Like the Traverse’s system. It connects easily to your phone. It keeps things simple for families. Manufacturers focus on intuitive design now.
Q9: Will my SUV be too big for city parking?
A: Some SUVs are large, true. Parking can be tight. But features like the Traverse’s rear camera mirror help a lot. Parking sensors also make it easier. Practice certainly helps.
Q10: Are family SUVs expensive to maintain?
A: Maintenance costs vary. They depend on the model and brand. Regular service keeps costs down. It’s always smart to check reliability ratings. Research is your friend here.
Q11: Should I prioritize cargo space or passenger comfort?
A: This depends on your family. Do you carry more people or more stuff? Some SUVs like the Traverse offer both. It’s about finding the right balance for you. Every family is unique.
Q12: Are hybrid or electric SUVs worth the extra cost now?
A: It depends on your driving. If you drive a lot, fuel savings can add up. They also reduce your carbon footprint. Prices are coming down for these models too. Think long-term savings.
Q13: Do all family SUVs have similar ground clearance?
A: Not at all. Some SUVs offer more clearance. This helps for off-road adventures. Others are lower for easier entry. Consider your typical driving environment.
Q14: How important is towing capacity for most families?
A: It’s important only if you plan to tow. Many families never tow anything heavy. Don’t overpay for capacity you won’t use. Be realistic about your needs.
Q15: Can I really trust the mileage estimates?
A: EPA estimates are a guide. Your actual mileage varies. Driving habits, terrain, and cargo affect it. Think of them as a good starting point.
The Right Choice for Your Family
Choosing between the Chevrolet Traverse and Subaru Ascent is personal. It truly depends on what your family needs most. If lots of space matters to you, the Traverse is a strong contender. Its comfort features are a big plus. And it has those advanced safety technologies.
But here’s the thing. If saving on gas is a huge deal, the Ascent might win. Its all-wheel-drive system is also fantastic. Especially if you live somewhere with tough weather. Both are really great vehicles, to be honest. I am happy to see such strong options for families.
As families change, so do their cars. The Traverse and Ascent are both excellent. However, I believe families prioritizing safety and spaciousness will lean towards the Traverse. It truly offers a bit more. It feels like a genuine family hub.
In the end, whether for road trips or daily commutes, imagine what it would be like to have a vehicle that fits your family’s lifestyle perfectly. This ensures families always have access to the best vehicles possible. Let’s work together to make informed choices.
