2026 Subaru Ascent Premium Review

In a time when it feels like every three-row SUV costs an arm and a leg, the 2026 Subaru Ascent is priced not as the flagship it is, but as a budget-conscious family hauler with loads of standard safety and convenience features that are second to none.

A YouTube Star Reviews the Subaru Ascent

In a new video by YouTuber Ben Hardy, the focus is on the Ascent and how it stacks up in an ever-competitive landscape.

Excellent Pricing and Trim Levels

Subaru has priced the Ascent well, starting at $42,245, with five trim levels to choose from, including the Premium and Limited, which are offered with your choice of seven or eight seats, and the Limited Bronze Edition, Touring, and Onyx Edition Touring, which seat seven.

You Don’t Have to Compromise Passenger Seating with the Ascent

Eight-passenger models have a bench middle row of seats, while seven-passenger trim levels have captain’s chairs with a space between them to easily access the third row. However, even when a rear bench seat is equipped, it is very simple to move the seats so that children and adults can get into the last row. Getting in and out of the second and third rows is also made easier thanks to the rear doors that open at such a wide angle.

A Powerful Engine, Great Fuel Economy, and Plenty of Towing Power

Powering the big Subaru is a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, and it uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to improve both fuel economy and overall engine efficiency. The EPA estimates 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. With the healthy amount of power, torque, and the intelligent CVT, every Ascent model can tow up to 5,000 lbs. when properly equipped, and with standard Trailer Stability Assist, you won’t have a tough time pulling a boat, jet skis, a vehicle, an RV, or even a horse.

Subaru Gives You Control

Subaru added steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and an 8-speed manual mode, giving drivers more control. This is especially helpful when downshifting to pass vehicles on the highway or fast back roads, or when holding lower gears on mountain roads.

A Quiet Ride with Plenty of Power

Once Ben took the Ascent for a drive, he noted how nicely the engine performed and that it had plenty of pickup in all situations. He even said he hopes to see the torquey engine offered as an option in other Subaru crossovers. Another thing he highlighted was the double-paned windows Subaru has added, making the interior whisper-quiet no matter the speed.

The Ascent Offers More Than Most

The interior features a standard 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus touchscreen infotainment system that comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Bluetooth, HD Radio, and four months free of SiriusXM with 360L and SiriusXM Travel Link. There are 19 cupholders, as well as plenty of USB-A and USB-C ports for all three rows of seats to charge any devices easily.

Cargo Capacity for Days

Behind the third row, the Ascent offers plenty of space with 17.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Folding the third row down gives you 43.5 cu.ft, and 75.6 when all rear seats are folded flat.

Standard AWD, Unlike the Competition

Driving on uneven, treacherous terrain is easier for Ascent owners, thanks to standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Most larger crossovers and SUVs come standard with front- or rear-wheel drive with all- or four-wheel drive as an option.

An IIHS Safety Standout

The 2025 model year Subaru Ascent earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) Top Safety Pick award. While the 2026 winners have not yet been announced, the 2026 Ascent has scored better in multiple IIHS crash tests on the IIHS website than the 2025 model. Expect the Ascent to continue its unbroken tradition of being named a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ every year since its 2019 debut.

Brilliant Standard Safety Tech

Every Ascent model comes standard with high-end safety features, including Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology that includes Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, a wide-angle mono camera with Emergency Stop Assist, Automatic Emergency Steering, and Reverse Automatic Braking.

In Conclusion

In the end, Ben said the 2026 Ascent is a great value in the $40,000 price range, especially given its three rows of seating, safety, all-wheel drive, and cargo space compared to the competition.

Ewing Subaru of Plano Has the Right Vehicles at the Right Price

If you’re in the market for a new or used three-row SUV, the Ascent is one of the best values you can find, and no place will treat you better than Ewing Subaru of Plano. The knowledgeable sales staff will ensure you get all the answers you need while helping you find the perfect vehicle at the best price around.

Why Choose Ewing Subaru of Plano

Ewing Subaru of Plano has the hottest prices on all new and used vehicles. With hundreds of vehicles to choose from, our sales team and finance department will work hard to get you the best price. Our service department will work tirelessly to ensure your vehicle is in the best possible condition, keeping your travels safe and enjoyable.

We look forward to serving you soon!