The 2026 Subaru Ascent isn’t a full redesign, but it’s not standing still either. Subaru’s biggest SUV enters the new model year with thoughtful updates that aim to make it more comfortable, more refined, and better equipped — all without losing the family-first, go-anywhere character that defines it.
Looks Familiar, Just a Bit Sharper
From the outside, the Ascent still looks like the SUV you know, but with a few cleaner, more modern touches. The headlights have a more angular LED design, the grille now features active shutters to help with aerodynamics, and there are fresh 20-inch wheel options on higher trims. Subaru also adds a new color — Ice Slate Pearl — across the board.
It still rides tall, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance. That’s more than most in its class and helps it stand out as one of the few three-row SUVs that still takes “outdoorsy” seriously.
Inside: Quieter, Comfier, Smarter
Subaru didn’t overhaul the cabin, but the changes it made for 2026 are smart ones. The seats are better padded, lumbar support has been improved, and second-row captain’s chairs get extra side support for long drives. The cabin also gets more sound insulation, especially in the rear — a quiet win for road-trip sanity.
Storage is a bit easier to manage now too. The redesigned center console is more functional, and a new wireless charger sits under the climate controls. Every row now gets USB-C ports, replacing the older USB-A ones.
There are also two new interior color combos: a cool Slate Blue with gunmetal accents for Premium and Onyx trims, and Saddle Brown leather with bronze stitching on the fancier Limited and Touring versions.
Same Engine, Smoother Feel, Slightly Better MPG
The Ascent’s turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four is back, still making 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. But Subaru’s retuned the CVT so it feels more like a regular automatic — with gear-like steps under acceleration — which should help it drive more naturally.
Fuel economy sees a mild bump too, now rated at 23 mpg city and 29 highway, thanks to those active grille shutters and lower-rolling-resistance tires on the Base and Premium trims. Tow rating holds steady at 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Tech That Keeps Up (and Maybe a Step Ahead)
All Ascents now come with Subaru’s latest STARLINK infotainment system, running on a tall 13.1-inch vertical touchscreen. It’s quicker, easier to use, and looks a lot more modern. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, now joined by built-in Google Maps and voice control via Google Assistant.
Higher trims add Amazon Alexa integration, over-the-air software updates, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system on the Touring model. Rear-seat passengers get their own setup too — dual 11.6-inch displays with HDMI input, Bluetooth headphone support, and parental controls accessible from up front.
Safety: Sharper Eyes, Smarter Reactions
Subaru’s EyeSight system gets a boost with new cameras that offer a wider field of view and better night vision. Adaptive cruise control now feels smoother, especially on curves, and the rear auto emergency braking system is faster to react.
Every trim comes with blind-spot monitoring and lane change assist, and the DriverFocus alert system (which uses facial recognition) gets a tweak for better responsiveness. Touring models now offer Traffic Jam Assist, letting the Ascent handle low-speed driving in heavy traffic — hands on the wheel, but with a little less stress.
Still Built for Families Who Haul Everything
The Ascent’s always been strong on space, and that doesn’t change for 2026. You get 17.6 cubic feet behind the third row, and up to 75.6 when both rear rows are folded. There’s also a new underfloor bin that’s deeper and better sealed for muddy boots or wet gear.
Access to the third row is easier too, thanks to a new one-touch slide-and-tilt system in the second row. Subaru even tweaked the seatback angles to make it easier to fit forward-facing car seats.
Same Trims, Sharper Differentiation
The trim lineup stays familiar: Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring. Onyx keeps its sportier look with blacked-out details and water-resistant StarTex upholstery. Limited and Touring now add standard ventilated front seats, ambient cabin lighting with 10 color options and a digital rearview mirror.
Not a Reinvention — Just a Better Version of What Works
Subaru didn’t reinvent the 2026 Ascent, and that’s kind of the point. Instead, it focused on polishing the things that matter — tech, comfort, quietness, and everyday usability. For families who need space, and capability, and trust Subaru’s reliability, this latest Ascent is a better version of what they already liked.