MSRP: From $40,795
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Overview
Three-row family SUVs tend to be judged by passenger space, cupholders, and how painless they make school runs. The 2027 Subaru Ascent midsize 3-row SUV approaches that assignment with standard all-wheel drive, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four producing 260 hp. Its CVT sends power to all four wheels, and its 5,000-pound towing capacity adds weekend utility.
The ride is comfortable, the steering is vague but light, and the third row suits smaller passengers best. Subaru’s generous EyeSight safety suite helps the Ascent make its case, even as newer rivals raise the standards for refinement.
What’s New for 2027
Subaru’s changes are modest but useful. Second- and third-row passengers gain updated USB-C charging connections alongside USB-A ports, while a new cargo-light OFF switch prevents late-night loading from waking sleeping passengers. Limited and higher trims receive an LED rear-gate light, and the paint palette welcomes Ascent-exclusive Deepwater Blue Pearl (main image and below).
The wholesale redesign and hybrid powertrain remain absent, leaving the familiar five-trim lineup intact.
Exterior
Subaru favors hiking boots over dress shoes here. A broad grille, angular LED headlights, prominent wheel-arch cladding, and raised roof rails give the 2027 Ascent a practical, outdoorsy character. Premium models wear black 18-inch alloy wheels, while Limited and Touring get 20-inch wheels with dark-gray accents.
The Limited Bronze Edition earns its name with bronze-finished alloys, and Onyx Edition Touring takes the blacked-out treatment further. With 8.7 inches of clearance, the Ascent is unusually comfortable with the idea of an unpaved driveway.
Interior
The cabin prioritizes usefulness over theater, with straightforward storage spaces, 19 cupholders, and seating for seven or eight. Premium and Limited offer either a second-row bench or captain’s chairs, while Limited Bronze Edition, Touring, and Onyx Edition Touring seat seven. The third row has 31.7 inches of legroom, so taller adults may prefer shorter journeys.
An 11.6-inch touchscreen comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although its menus could use some housekeeping. Premium gets water-resistant StarTex upholstery, heated front seats, and a power driver’s seat. Limited adds leather, heated second-row seats, a panoramic moonroof, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon system. Limited Bronze Edition swaps in StarTex and bronze accents, while Touring and Onyx Edition Touring upgrade to Nappa leather and ventilated front seats.
Kristen Brown
Kristen Brown
Price Range and Best Value Trim
The 2027 Subaru Ascent’s price range spans five trims.
| Trim | MSRP |
| Premium (7 or 8 seats) | $40,795 |
| Limited (7 or 8 seats) | $47,985 |
| Limited Bronze Edition (7 seats) | $49,095 |
| Touring (7 seats) | $51,165 |
| Onyx Edition Touring (7 seats) | $51,995 |
The Premium makes the strongest financial argument. At $40,795 before destination, it delivers the same 260 hp and standard AWD as the $51,995 flagship, along with StarTex leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, an 11.6-inch touchscreen, EyeSight driver assists, and a power liftgate. Stepping up to Limited costs $7,190 for additional comfort and luxury features, but buys no extra horsepower. For families who value traction and equipment over leather upholstery, the base version is the smart money.
2027 Subaru Ascent Key Specs
Powertrain Options
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Transmission | Drivetrain |
| 2.4L Turbo Boxer I4 | 260 hp | 277 lb-ft | Lineartronic CVT | Standard AWD |
Fuel Economy (MPG)
| EPA Rating | Premium | Other Trims |
| City | 19 | 19 |
| Highway | 26 | 25 |
| Combined | 22 | 21 |
| Estimated driving range | 425 miles | 405 miles |
Dimensions
| Measurement | Specification |
| Length | 196.8 inches |
| Width | 76.0 inches |
| Height | 71.6 inches |
| Wheelbase | 113.8 inches |
| Ground clearance | 8.7 in |
| Fuel tank | 19.3 gallons |
| Legroom (Front / Second / Third) | 42.2 / 38.6 / 31.7 inches |
| Cargo Behind Third Row | 17.8 cu-ft (17.6 with moonroof) |
| Cargo Behind Second Row | 43.5 cu-ft (42.1 with moonroof) |
| Maximum Cargo Capacity | 75.6 cu-ft (72.8 with moonroof) |
Warranty
| Coverage Type | Duration |
| Limited Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | Not included |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Standard AWD and 8.7-inch ground clearance
- Comprehensive standard safety features
- 5,000-pound towing capacity
- Generous equipment on the Premium
Cons:
- No hybrid alternative
- Noisy engine and abrupt low-speed throttle response
- Tight third row and modest cargo space
- Dated infotainment interface
Verdict
The Ascent remains a reassuring companion for families whose weekends involve rain, snow, or a trailer rather than winding-road heroics. Its compliant ride, sensible cabin, and standard safety systems all work in its favor, and the Premium offers a particularly persuasive equipment list for the money.
Yet the gruff engine, overenthusiastic throttle, and cramped third row make life easier for competing 3-row SUVs. The absence of a hybrid is increasingly conspicuous, too. The 2027 Ascent is a practical, adventure-ready choice, but shoppers who place refinement and passenger room first have stronger alternatives. Subaru fans are no doubt eagerly awaiting the redesigned 2028 Ascent.
Kristen Brown
Competitors
About the author
Cobus F. Potgieter
Reviews and Features Editor