The 2026 Subaru Ascent Premium is ideal for families prioritizing safety, all-weather capability, and a comfortable ride for up to seven passengers, especially those who value Subaru's renowned reliability and standard AWD.
Strengths
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive provides confident handling in various conditions.
Achieved top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features.
Offers a comfortable ride and a well-appointed interior for its class.
Good overall value proposition compared to other three-row SUVs.
Tradeoffs
Acceleration can feel sluggish, and the engine can be noisy under heavy throttle due to the CVT.
The third row is best suited for children, with limited space for adults on longer trips.
Interior storage for small items is not as generous as some competitors.
Fuel economy, while decent, lags behind some rivals in the mid-size SUV segment.
What you might regret
Those seeking exhilarating performance, a truly spacious adult-friendly third row, or class-leading fuel efficiency might find the Ascent Premium falls short of their expectations.
Specifications
Body typeSUV
DrivetrainAWD
Fuel typeGas
Horsepower260 hp
MPG (city / hwy / combined)19 / 26 / 22
Cargo space75.6 cu ft
Seating capacity7 passengers
Safety rating5 / 5 NHTSA
Available trims (7)
Premium 7-PassengerSelected
$40,795260 hp
Power LiftgateParking SensorsAdaptive CruiseHeated Seats
Premium 8-Passenger
$40,795260 hp
Power LiftgateParking SensorsAdaptive CruiseHeated Seats