Heading into this assessment, my family and friends weren’t particularly eager for me to evaluate a Subaru Ascent, but I was quite enthusiastic. After being accustomed to back-breaking sporty compacts, a pause in a spacious, plush SUV certainly has its allure—especially one that prioritizes comfort above all.
At seven years old now, if you can imagine that, the Subaru Ascent doesn’t particularly excel in comparisons on paper, unless those comparisons involve cupholder count. It’s not thrilling to drive, its design both inside and out reflects products from the last decade, it generates a lot of noise, and it features the most irritating infotainment system of any vehicle I’ve encountered in recent memory. All things considered, it isn’t the nearly-three-row SUV that anyone should purchase.
Nevertheless, I did feel somewhat nostalgic about seeing it leave. What the Ascent lacks in aesthetics and technology, it compensates for—a bit, certainly not wholly—in comfort and convenience. Subaru should likely replace it in the not-too-distant future, yet the largest (and oldest) SUV from the brand has an odd, peculiar charm about it.
The Essentials
The 2026 Subaru Ascent has a starting price of $42,245, including a $1,450 delivery fee; my test model, an Onyx Edition Touring variant, was priced at $52,615. Every Ascent trim includes Subaru’s turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four—a modified version of the WRX engine, adjusted somewhat for family transport duty—producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent through a CVT to all four wheels.
Each Ascent also features three rows of seating. Buyers can choose between a full second row or two captain’s chairs, based on the trim level. The all-wheel-drive system comes equipped with X-Mode, which provides two power distribution settings—one for dirt and snow, and another for heavier snow and mud. Additionally, the standard features list is quite robust. A cold-weather package with heated front seats and eight-way adjustable power for the driver, adaptive cruise control, steering-responsive headlights, power-folding mirrors, and a 5,000-pound towing capacity are standard across all grades.
The dashboard is likely where the Ascent shows its age the most. The gauge cluster is primarily analog, aside from a small display nestled between the two dials. Personally, this is a positive aspect for me; however, it aptly sets expectations for what’s inside.
The angular, upright design of the dashboard and climate vents was outdated by the time the Ascent debuted, and time has not been particularly forgiving. That said, it’s merely a visual issue. Luckily, visibility is exceptional in this vehicle, as are the materials. Everything from the wood accents to the very comfortable Nappa leather seats in this Touring trim felt premium. My 5-foot-10 frame could even squeeze into the third-row bench, though I wouldn’t want to endure long hours back there.
And yes, there are cupholders—many of them. I counted a total of 19, including a rather unusual three for the right-side third-row passenger, compared to two for the left.
The vertically oriented 11.6-inch central touchscreen is also standard equipment, although I wouldn’t necessarily classify it as a bonus. This is Subaru’s older infotainment interface, and it truly feels that way, with cluttered, bright graphics, a general delay in responsiveness, and an unwillingness to recognize dragging or scrolling gestures.
I’m unsure if this is a resistive touchscreen—you know, the older types that Palm Pilots used to employ, prior to the iPhone revolutionizing swiping ease—but it might as well be. The interface it runs is also just baffling. The top portion of the display is allocated for customizable widgets, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t figure out how to display the widget labeled “fuel efficiency” with any actual data. Most climate controls, regrettably, are confined within a cramped section at the bottom of the panel. Sadly, this is one area where the Ascent didn’t adhere to its outdated design and maintain physical HVAC buttons, aside from temperature adjustments.
Operating the 2026 Subaru Ascent Touring
Surprise, I know, but the Ascent is a vehicle crafted to be simple to drive above all, and it generally accomplishes that goal. Steering is exceedingly light, and the brake pedal possesses a kind of elasticity to it, rendering it very responsive to even slight pressure. The ride is immensely compliant, to the point it could be described as bouncy over pothole-ridden roads, which we often see in the Northeast during early spring. There’s nothing sporty about the Ascent’s driving behavior, but concurrently, it doesn’t feel unwieldy or cumbersome on twisted roads, either.
The powertrain discussion, however, is a bit more intriguing. While not exclusive to Subaru, the Ascent’s 2.4-liter flat-four is an unusual engine for this category, bringing with it some unique traits. To start, it’s quite noisy, and the CVT does no favors in this regard. There’s a wheezy character to the Ascent at speed—my partner notably mentioned it “sounded like it had a cold”—that is unexpectedly from a three-row SUV. The cabin is otherwise quite insulated from external noise, but you will simply have to tune out the engine’s raspy note over time.
Combine all this, and it’s no surprise that highway travel leaves Subaru’s largest SUV feeling the least comfortable. Because, believe it or not, this thing has an unexpectedly energetic startup. The Ascent engages its healthy 277 lb-ft at just 2,000 rpm, which makes it quite fit for urban driving. And, similar to other FA24 variants, that torque is sustained well through the rev range.
However, once you’re in motion, you often feel as though you’re catching the CVT at an inopportune moment whenever you press the accelerator. It’s as if you can hear it faltering, profusely apologizing for failing to notice you there, or realizing you aimed for that overtake. It’s akin to the Hugh Grant of powertrains, but less endearingly quirky.
For all these eccentricities, the Ascent only achieves mediocre fuel economy within this segment. Rated at 19 miles per gallon in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, I averaged 20.3 mpg primarily on rural routes, with some interstate travel. That’s just 1 mpg higher than the Hyundai Palisade, similar to the Honda Pilot, and 1 mpg less than the Toyota Grand Highlander, when we’re considering the base powertrain, all-wheel-drive versions of each.
Brief Conclusion
Where the Subaru Ascent excels, at this stage in its rather long lifespan, is in terms of standard equipment and basic comfort. Those previously mentioned rivals might initiate at a slightly lower price, but they come with fewer features at the lower tier; conversely, their top-trim variations are notably pricier.
The Ascent aims for a value-for-money niche, and I discovered some of its most dated aspects—such as its physical gauges and 3.5-mm audio jack—strangely appealing. Others, however, simply feel beyond their prime. In one of the most competitive automotive categories that exists, you can certainly do better. And, I’m quite confident that Subaru can as well.
2026 Subaru Ascent Specifications
| Base Price (Onyx Edition Touring tested) | $42,245 ($52,615 for the tested model) |
| Powertrain | 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four | continuously variable transmission | all-wheel drive |
| Horsepower | 260 @ 5,600 rpm |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft @ 2,000-4,800 rpm |
| Seating Capacity | 7 or 8 |
| Curb Weight | 4,449-4,597 pounds |
| Cargo Volume | 17.8 cubic feet behind third row | 43.5 cubic feet behind second row | 75.6 cubic feet behind first row |
| Max Towing Capacity | 5,000 pounds |
| EPA Fuel Economy | 19 mpg city | 26 highway (25 for Limited and above) | 21 combined |
| Score | 6/10 |
Quick Overview
The Ascent excels in providing comfort and practicality. Unfortunately, this is also true for many competing three-row SUVs. Beyond that, what differentiates it is its age.
### 2026 Subaru Ascent Review: A Look at Comfort and Outdated Features in a Three-Row SUV
The 2026 Subaru Ascent remains an important contender in the three-row SUV market, recognized for its spacious cabin, family-oriented features, and all-weather performance. However, as the automotive landscape shifts quickly, the Ascent finds itself under scrutiny regarding its comfort offerings and the existence of outdated elements.
#### Comfort and Cabin Space
One of the significant strengths of the 2026 Subaru Ascent is its ample interior room. Accommodating up to eight passengers, the Ascent provides generous legroom and headroom across all three rows, making it an ideal choice for families. The second-row seats are adjustable and can recline, boosting passenger comfort on extended trips. Furthermore, accessing the third row is relatively straightforward, thanks to wide-opening doors and a thoughtful design that facilitates comfortable entry and exit.
The materials utilized in the interior tend to be of good quality, with soft-touch surfaces and optional leather upholstery that enhance the overall atmosphere. The Ascent also features a well-structured layout, with easy-to-use controls and a user-friendly infotainment system. However, some may feel that the overall design appears somewhat outdated compared to newer rivals that showcase more contemporary design features.
#### Infotainment and Technology
The 2026 Ascent comes equipped with a standard 11.6-inch touchscreen, serving as the main interface for its infotainment system. While the large screen is visually appealing, the interface can sometimes be less responsive than those found in competing SUVs. Additionally, the system lacks some of the modern smartphone integration options that have become standard, like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Although the Ascent is fitted with a variety of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking, some of these advancements feel less cutting-edge compared to what rivals provide. The lack of more state-of-the-art driver-assistance technologies may leave tech-savvy consumers feeling underwhelmed.
#### Performance and Handling
Under the hood, the 2026 Subaru Ascent houses a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 260 horsepower. This setup offers sufficient power for everyday driving and highway merging, yet it may struggle under the weight of a fully loaded vehicle with passengers and luggage. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) prioritizes efficiency but can occasionally produce a droning sound during acceleration.
The Ascent’s all-wheel-drive capability is a major asset, particularly for those living in areas with harsh weather conditions. The SUV performs well across various terrains, delivering a stable and confident driving experience. However, the ride quality can be somewhat rigid, and some drivers might find the suspension less forgiving on bumpy surfaces.
#### Cargo Capacity
Cargo space is another area where the Ascent excels. With all seats in use, it offers a satisfactory amount of room for luggage and equipment. When the third row is folded down, the cargo area expands significantly, making it conducive for larger items. The flexibility of the seating configurations allows for a practical approach to transporting both passengers and cargo.
#### Final Thoughts
The 2026 Subaru Ascent continues to be a solid option for families in search of a roomy and capable three-row SUV. Its comfort, safety features, and all-wheel-drive performance are commendable. Nevertheless, the presence of outdated technology and a less sophisticated infotainment system might deter some buyers who prioritize modern features and aesthetics. As the competition keeps advancing, Subaru may need to tackle these issues to preserve the Ascent’s desirability in a swiftly changing market.