- The 2025 Ascent competes in the difficult 3-row midsize SUV segment
- Pricing starts at $41,415, including destination charge| Price it your way
- On sale now | See Ascent models on sale near you
The Ascent is Subaru’s largest SUV. The 3-row SUV competes against the Kia Telluride, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Mazda CX-90, and Honda Pilot.
With seating for up to eight people, the Ascent, like all Subaru vehicles, comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) across every trim. The 2025 model year saw the company make small changes to the lineup. It dumped the base trim but added the Bronze Edition, primarily an appearance package for the Limited trim, and the Onyx Edition Touring, an appearance package for the Touring model. This trim brings the total to eight choices.
With this in mind, let’s look inside the 2025 Subaru Ascent.
Passenger Room and Comfort
Subaru’s largest SUV is a roomy and relaxed driving companion. It doesn’t feel large from the driver’s seat. Cloth upholstery and manually adjustable front seats are standard, as is a second-row bench seat. Second-row captain’s chairs can be substituted, improving comfort and access to the third row. Captain’s chairs are available starting with the Premium trim, one level up from the base Ascent. We believe this upgrade is worth the added expenditure when you consider that the Premium also has heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.
If there’s a minor gripe with the Ascent, it’s this: There’s not much stretch-out space in the third row. With 31.7 inches of legroom, the Ascent’s rear seating best suits kids.
Features and Tech
The Ascent doesn’t skimp on onboard technology, even if you prefer to stick with more affordable lower trims. An 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, along with four USB ports, satellite radio, and a 6-speaker sound system. However, audiophiles rejoice as a Harman Kardon Quantum Logic Surround Sound system is available. With 13 speakers, a subwoofer, and 792 watts of power, the Ascent becomes a rolling concert hall. We also appreciate the infotainment system’s user-friendly nature and its menus’ clarity.
While the Ascent offers a slew of convenience and safety technologies, Subaru continues to employ knobs and buttons for the volume and climate controls. In terms of safety, all Ascent SUVs come equipped with Subaru’s impressive EyeSight suite of technology. It features driver aids like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Other features include the DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, Automatic Emergency Steering, Blind-Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and more.
Materials and Design
With room for as many as eight, you want an airy and accommodating cabin, and that’s what the Ascent offers courtesy of a panoramic power moonroof on the Onyx trim and higher. Subaru’s StarTex water-repellent upholstery and genuine leather trim are standard in higher trims like the Onyx Edition and Touring trims; otherwise, cloth is the option. While there are some budget-looking trim pieces here and there, particularly in lower trims, the overall feeling of the Ascent cabin is robust and built to last.
Cargo Room and Flexibility
The cargo room in the Subaru Ascent is fine for a midsize SUV. You’ll find 17.8 cubic feet of space behind the third row with every seat occupied. This area expands to 43.5 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded. A power liftgate is available on the Ascent Premium, as part of the Convenience package, which includes keyless entry with push-button start, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and reverse automatic braking.
Build and price your version of the 2025 Subaru Ascent to see this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see Ascent models for sale near you.
