The 2025 Subaru Ascent continues to strengthen Subaru’s presence in the midsize SUV market. Since its debut in 2019 and refresh in 2023, the Ascent has become the brand’s go-to option for families who need three rows of seating, advanced safety features, and Subaru’s renowned all-wheel-drive capability. For 2025, Subaru streamlines the trim lineup, introduces refined cabin features, and maintains its focus on practicality and reliability.
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2025 Subaru Ascent Expert Review
The latest Subaru Ascent embraces the company’s reputation for building safe, capable, and family-friendly vehicles. It competes in a crowded field of midsize SUVs where space, technology, and efficiency are top priorities. Updates for 2025 include minor adjustments to the trim levels, new design accents, and subtle technology upgrades to keep the model fresh.
With competitors such as the Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Grand Highlander, the Ascent stands out by offering standard all-wheel drive, versatile seating, and a cabin designed for real-world use. The 2025 Subaru Ascent may not boast the flashiest technology or boldest styling, but it offers a solid mix of practicality and Subaru’s dependable engineering.
Performance and MPG
Under the hood, the 2025 Subaru Ascent features a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission and Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system, which remains standard across all trims.
Fuel efficiency is expected to be about 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, which places the Ascent in line with many rivals in its class. The driving experience is stable and composed, though some drivers may notice that the suspension feels slightly firm on rougher surfaces. Towing capacity is rated at up to 5,000 pounds, making the SUV capable of hauling small trailers, boats, or camping equipment.
New 2025 Subaru Ascent Trims
Subaru offers a variety of trims for 2025 to suit different buyers. The 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium provides an affordable upgrade from the base model, with added features such as heated seats, blind-spot monitoring, and upgraded materials inside the cabin. It strikes a good balance for families who want more than the basics without moving into higher price ranges.
The 2025 Subaru Ascent Limited builds on that foundation with leather-trimmed seating, a power liftgate, premium audio options, and additional driver-assistance technologies. This version is appealing to buyers who want extra comfort but still prioritize practicality.
For those who prefer a sportier appearance, the 2025 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition stands out with blacked-out design details, a panoramic sunroof, and water-resistant interior upholstery that works well for active families. It combines style with function while keeping Subaru’s rugged personality intact.
At the top of the lineup, the 2025 Subaru Ascent Touring delivers near-luxury refinement with Nappa leather, ventilated front seats, a surround-view camera, and a Harman Kardon sound system. This trim is the most feature-rich in the lineup, giving drivers a premium experience while retaining Subaru’s safety-first approach.
Safety Ratings and Features
Safety remains central to Subaru’s identity, and the 2025 Ascent continues that tradition. The vehicle comes standard with the EyeSight Driver Assist suite, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims add blind-spot detection, reverse automatic braking, and a driver attention alert system that monitors fatigue or distraction.
Previous models of the Ascent performed well in crash tests from the IIHS, and Subaru expects to maintain similar results for 2025. Families will find reassurance in the Ascent’s abundance of airbags, child seat anchors, and durable safety engineering, making it one of the most dependable choices in its segment.
Cargo Space and Subaru Ascent Interior
The Subaru Ascent Interior is spacious and practical, offering three rows of seating for either seven or eight passengers, depending on configuration. The second-row captain’s chair option improves comfort and accessibility, while the standard bench layout maximizes seating capacity.
Cargo space is one of the Ascent’s strong suits. Behind the third row, there are 17.8 cubic feet of storage. Folding down the third row expands this to 47.5 cubic feet, and with both rear rows down, drivers have access to 86.5 cubic feet of total cargo room. The layout of the cabin emphasizes convenience, with wide-opening doors, multiple USB ports, and clever storage compartments throughout. While the interior design is straightforward rather than flashy, it is built with practicality and durability in mind.
Technology
Technology in the 2025 Ascent is centered around an 11.6-inch touchscreen that comes standard on all trims. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and higher trims add navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and premium Harman Kardon audio.
Although the interface is user-friendly and straightforward, it lacks the sophistication found in some competitors’ systems. Even so, the Ascent’s infotainment remains functional, easy to operate, and intuitive for new users, ensuring families can stay connected and entertained during road trips.
2025 Subaru Ascent Trims and Pricing
Pricing for the 2025 Subaru Ascent is competitive given its standard features and all-wheel-drive system. The base model starts at around $39,995. The 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium is priced near $42,295, while the 2025 Subaru Ascent Limited comes in closer to $46,500. Buyers seeking the sporty 2025 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition can expect a price of around $48,200, and the top-tier 2025 Subaru Ascent Touring reaches approximately $52,450.
This pricing strategy places the Ascent directly in line with key rivals, making it a well-rounded option for families shopping for a capable midsize SUV.
Subaru Ascent Top Competitors
The Ascent competes with several popular midsize SUVs. The Toyota Grand Highlander offers slightly more interior refinement, while the Honda Pilot emphasizes smooth driving dynamics. The Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade are praised for their upscale cabins and advanced tech features, while the Ford Explorer brings strong engine options and traditional styling. Despite this tough competition, the Subaru Ascent maintains its advantage with standard all-wheel drive, safety innovations, and a reputation for long-term dependability.
Looking Ahead: 2026 Subaru Ascent
Details about the 2026 Subaru Ascent remain limited, but expectations point toward incremental updates rather than a complete redesign. Subaru is likely to refine interior technology further, update safety systems, and potentially add new trim variations to keep pace with rivals. For buyers considering a long-term purchase, the 2026 Subaru Ascent will likely continue building on the strengths of the current model without straying from Subaru’s core values of safety, practicality, and durability.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Subaru Ascent delivers a reliable mix of safety, practicality, and capability for families who need a three-row SUV. From the well-equipped 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium to the luxurious 2025 Subaru Ascent Touring, there is a version to fit a wide range of needs and budgets. The sporty 2025 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition adds unique style, while the 2025 Subaru Ascent Limited strikes a balance between value and comfort.
With its spacious Subaru Ascent Interior, generous cargo capacity, and standard all-wheel drive, the Ascent remains a strong contender in the midsize SUV class. While some rivals may offer flashier designs or more refined technology, Subaru’s focus on safety, dependability, and versatility ensures that the Ascent will remain a family favorite.
For a closer look at another family-friendly SUV, check out our full review of the 2025 Buick Enclave.
FAQs
Is the Subaru Ascent changing in 2025?
Yes, the 2025 Subaru Ascent gets updated trims, refined tech, and minor styling enhancements while keeping its core design.
What are common 2025 Ascent problems?
No major issues are reported yet, but like past models, some drivers may notice firm ride quality or infotainment lag.
Is there going to be a 2026 Subaru Ascent?
Yes, Subaru plans a 2026 Ascent with incremental updates, focusing on safety and interior tech improvements.
What is new for Subaru in 2025?
For 2025, Subaru introduces refreshed trims, updated infotainment features, and design tweaks across its SUV lineup.
Off-road enthusiast, adventurer, and nature lover – that’s Chris. Follow him as he conquers rugged terrains and shares the untamed beauty of the great outdoors through the lens of his trusty all-terrain vehicle.
Off-road enthusiast, adventurer, and nature lover – that's Chris. Follow him as he conquers rugged terrains and shares the untamed beauty of the great outdoors through the lens of his trusty all-terrain vehicle.
