2026 Subaru Ascent Specs, Price, Review – After undergoing a significant update the previous year, which included a reworked front end, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a standard 11.6-inch touchscreen that is angled vertically, the Ascent continues to be totally unmodified until the year 2026.
Table of Contents
2026 Subaru Ascent Redesign and Update Plan
Exterior & Interior
By having a higher driving position and a variety of seating options, the interior of the Ascent has all of the characteristics that are characteristic of a big crossover vehicle. The third-row passenger capacity is smaller than that of larger and more spacious competitors like the Volkswagen Atlas, despite the fact that the interior can carry a significant number of people. It is unfortunate that only the top two versions are offered with desirable options like heated rear seats, a memory driver’s seat, a power-adjustable passenger seat, and leather-trimmed upholstery.
These features are available only on the top two models. Although the Ascent has the capacity to accommodate up to eight passengers, our tests revealed that it could only accommodate five carry-on bags behind the third row. The Subaru featured less internal cubby storage spaces than the majority of its competitors, despite the fact that it was one less than what we could store in the Traverse. In spite of this, it continues to be a reliable travel buddy that offers some ingenious cargo options. These include Velcro straps in the cargo compartment that may be used to hold the load floor in place in the event that you require additional space. In the car that we tested, there were optional captain’s seats in the second row. These chairs had various levers for adjustment and can be folded almost completely flat. 2026 Subaru Ascent Specs
Subaru’s infotainment system does not have the same level of customization options or user-friendly controls that are available on other leading rivals’ systems. Despite this, it is equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, all of which are desirable amenities for customers. The basic touchscreen is 11.6 inches and features huge symbols that are shown on the screen. These icons are simple to read and respond swiftly to your actions. Despite the fact that touch-only implies there are more possibilities for drivers to become distracted, this problem is mitigated by the position of the screen and the size of the icons.
2026 Subaru Ascent Specs
Engine & Performance
With the all-wheel-drive system that is the company’s hallmark, the Ascent is an excellent choice for family vacations that take place during all four seasons. Despite the fact that it may be loud when under pressure, its 260-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder powerplant is capable of pulling a camper trailer or speedboat. Its acceleration is average, with a period of 6.8 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour. One of the factors that adds to the noise is the continuously variable automatic gearbox (CVT) that the Subaru has. Under all other circumstances, the gearless gearbox proved responsive and stable. Those individuals who desire a greater degree of control over the gearbox can make use of paddle shifters that are located on the steering wheel. 2026 Subaru Ascent Specs
A certain amount of time was required to become accustomed to the throttle response of the Ascent, which was especially harsh at low speeds throughout town. The Subaru, on the other hand, provides a ride that is quite pleasant; despite the fact that our test car was equipped with 20-inch wheels, it performed an excellent job of separating us from rough roads and absorbing severe impacts. Unfortunately, as we were driving on the highway, we discovered that there was a great deal of wind and road noise. Although it may not have the same level of fun-to-drive quality as the Mazda CX-90, the Subaru’s spacious three-row cabin was very well composed when driving in regular conditions. When traveling at greater speeds, its steering seemed comfortable and light, and it responded quickly to movements that were performed quickly.
Each and every Subaru Ascent is capable of towing a maximum of 5000 pounds. During our long-term test with one, which spanned 40,000 miles, we put this capability to the test by transporting a variety of toys, including snowmobiles and even an Airstream camper. In the course of these hauls, the Ascent frequently saw a decline in fuel efficiency that was in the single digits.
2026 Subaru Ascent Fuel Economy
The Ascent is anticipated to get 16 miles per gallon on the highway and 20 miles per gallon in the city. Customers who choose the most expensive Limited and Touring versions will see a loss of one mile per gallon in both categories. Still, the Ascent boasts EPA estimations that are above average, and our real-world test at 75 miles per hour proved that these values are accurate. Our path resulted in the Onyx Edition Limited achieving 28 miles per gallon, which is higher than the EPA’s highway rating. In comparison to competitors like the Honda Pilot and the Kia Telluride, this stands out as superior.
2026 Subaru Ascent Safety Features
Subaru places a high focus on safety, and the 2026 Ascent comes standard with a complete suite of cutting-edge safety technologies that are designed to safeguard you and your passengers while you are driving. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automated emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring are just some of the cutting-edge technologies that are incorporated into Subaru’s most recent model. These technologies are designed to help avoid accidents and reduce the impact of unanticipated risks upon the vehicle. 2026 Subaru Ascent Specs
2026 Subaru Ascent Release Date & Price
The 2026 Subaru Ascent has a starting price of $35,740 and may go as high as $49,790, depending on the trim level and the options that are purchased.
Based on our analysis, we believe that the Onyx Edition Premium model offers the optimal combination of desirable features and complete value. In spite of the fact that all four wheels are driven by the same resolute turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant, the basic, Premium, and Onyx Edition Premium trims have somewhat higher fuel-economy ratings from the EPA than the more costly ones. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a Wi-Fi hotspot that requires a subscription, captain’s chairs in the second row, hands-free passive entry, a power-operated rear liftgate, and rear automated emergency braking are some of the upgrades that are included in the Onyx Edition Premium. 2026 Subaru Ascent Specs
