MSRP: From $39,995
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Overview
The 2025 Subaru Ascent midsize SUV stays true to the Subaru template of all-wheel drive, a boxer engine, and high safety levels thanks to the standard EyeSight driver-assistance suite, but packages it in a roomy three-row vehicle that can seat up to eight people. A CVT automatic transmits the power to the wheels, and its generous ground clearance enables light-duty off-road work. Typical rivals include the Mazda CX-90, Kia Telluride, Toyota Highlander, and Honda Pilot.
Kristen Brown
What’s New for 2025
Subaru has dropped last year’s base trim, so the Premium, which has significantly more standard equipment, is now the base model. Two new trims are also added, the first being the Limited Bronze Edition with exclusive bronze-finished accents, bronze-metallic 20-inch wheels, black StarTex upholstery with bronze stitching, and a heated, leather-trimmed steering wheel with bronze stitching. The second is the blacked-out Onyx Edition, which comes in Premium and range-topping Touring variants, the latter boasting black Nappa leather with silver stitching, and a leather-trimmed and heated steering wheel with black and green stitching.
The Premium trim now includes heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Convenience package, which comprises a power liftgate, keyless entry with push-button start, reverse automatic braking, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink. The Limited trim gains a surround-view camera, power-folding Crystal Black Silica side mirrors with integrated turn signals, Cabin Connect, a power panoramic moonroof, a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and an 11.6-inch multimedia navigation system.
All 2025 Ascent trims are equipped with Emergency Stop Assist, Emergency Lane Keep Assist, blind-spot detection with lane-change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and dual third-row USB-A ports from this year.
Exterior
The Ascent cuts a fairly conservative figure, with a typically Subaru hexagonal grille, which is flanked by LED headlights and an imposing stance thanks to its 8.7-inch ground clearance, which eclipses most of its competitors. Alloy wheels range in size from 18 to 20 inches, with bronze-finished 20s on the new Bronze Edition and black 20s on the Onyx Edition. With a length of nearly 197 inches, it casts about the same shadow as a Dodge Durango or Volvo XC90.
Subaru
Interior
The unpretentious cabin puts function first, but the material quality is good, and the controls are easy to use, with large touchscreen icons minimizing the distraction of having to control the HVAC system via touch. The Premium has cloth seats, and the Limited gets leather, while the range-topping Touring is treated to perforated Nappa leather with front-seat ventilation.Â
The second-row bench is spacious, and can be exchanged for dual captain’s chairs, but the third row is more suited to children or adults of shorter stature over shorter distances – a typical mid-size three-row SUV malady. Cargo space behind the third row is competitive, with up to 17.8 cu-ft, expandable to up to 75.6 cu-ft with all the seats dropped. There are no fewer than 19 cupholders strewn about the cabin.
Kristen Brown
Subaru
Price Range and Best Value Trim
Base prices excluding $1,420 destination charge.
| Trim | Base Price |
| Base trim / best value Premium | $39,995 |
| Top Trim Onyx Edition Touring | $52,050 |
The 2025 Subaru Ascent’s price only just squeaks in below $40K for the time being. This is for the Premium trim, which offers the best value in the lineup with its comprehensive list of standard features that include notable items such as the EyeSight driver-assistance suite, cornering LED headlights, heated front seats, power-adjustable driver’s seat,keyless entry and start, and power liftgate.
2025 Subaru Ascent Key Specs
Powertrain Options
| Engine | Output | Transmission |
| 2.4L Turbo Flat-4 (all trims) | 260 hp / 277 lb-ft | CVT automatic |
0-60 mph: ~6.8-6.9 seconds
Fuel Economy (MPG)
| Configuration | City | Highway | Combined |
| Premium AWD | 20 mpg | 26 mpg | 22 mpg |
| All other trims AWD | 19 mpg | 25 mpg | 21 mpg |
In real-world driving, the Ascent can easily beat its highway claim by about 2 mpg.
Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds in all configurations. Cargo capacity is 17.6-17.8 cubic feet with the third row in use, expanding to 42.1-43.5 behind the second row, and a maximum of 72.8-75.6 cu-ft with both the rear rows folded.
Warranty
Subaru provides industry-average warranty coverage, but there is no complimentary maintenance.
| Coverage Type | Duration |
| Basic | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Corrosion | 5 years / unlimited miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Standard Symmetrical AWD for four-season capability
- EyeSight driver-assistance suite standard on all trims
- Excellent safety scores (IIHS Top Safety Pick+, NHTSA 5-star)
- Highway fuel economy of up to 28 mpg – better than EPA estimates
- Generous 8.7-inch ground clearance
- 5,000-lb towing capacity matches or exceeds most rivals
Cons:
- Coarse flat-four engine and abrupt low-speed throttle response
- CVT, wind, and road noise contribute to noise levels
- Third-row space is cramped for adults compared to some rivals
- Middling acceleration (6.8-second 0-60) trails sportier competitors
- Less interior cubby storage than most three-row SUVs
- No hybrid powertrain available
Verdict
On the road, the Subaru Ascent isn’t quite a class leader, with a coarse engine, notable road and wind noise, and a ride that can be somewhat firm at times. Though not sluggish, it also trails most of its rivals in outright performance. That being said, it impresses in real-world fuel consumption among gas SUVs, but doesn’t offer a hybrid option like many of its rivals do, such as the Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-90. Another criticism is the small third row, but this is par for the course for many three-row midsize SUVs.
There’s a lot to like, though, not least the roomy first two rows and the high general equipment level, now that the Premium is the base trim, instantly making this trim the best value in the lineup. The AWD system and ample ground clearance also make this SUV more amenable to light off-road use than most of its ilk, and you can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Rivals may offer more tech features, but the important ones are present here, including wireless smartphone integration. Safety is also beyond reproach, with excellent crash scores and lots of driver assists.
Competitors
About the author
Cobus F. Potgieter
Reviews and Features Editor