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Check out our comprehensive review of the 2025 Subaru Ascent for details on the cabin, technology, amenities, and safety of this three-row crossover.What’s New for the 2025 Subaru Ascent?
On sale since 2019, the Subaru Ascent enters 2025 with a trim reshuffle that involves eliminating the former base model and making the Premium variant the new entry point. This means more content than before, but it also bumps the entry price for the Ascent by about $3,000 versus the 2024 model.
Other updates include a new Bronze Edition model with, you guessed it, bronze-colored features and a new range-topping Onyx Touring Edition. Additionally, the EyeSight bundle of advanced driver aids gains blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
2025 Subaru Ascent – subaru.com | Shop 2025 Subaru Ascent on Carsforsale.com
Carsforsale.com Score
8/10
Powertrain
Score
7.75/10
Interior
Score
8.25/10
Technology
Score
8.75/10
Value
Score
8/10
The Breakdown
Packed with standard features
Snazzy Bronze Edition wheels
Strong safety ratings
Base price jumps by $3,000
Relatively small cargo hold
Not great on fuel efficiency
Big on value
2025 Ascent Specs
- 260 horsepower from base engine
- 277 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 6 available trims
- 17.6 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 75.6 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Top scores from both safety agencies
- Cabin Connect interior PA System
- 5 Year Powertrain Warranty
2025 Subaru Ascent Powertrain 7.75/10
Subaru fits every 2025 Ascent with a 2.4L turbocharged flat-4 engine good for 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with a CVT to spin all four wheels via Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system. A system that comes with active torque vectoring and the automaker’s X-MODE aimed at maximizing traction regardless of conditions. All models are rated for 5,000 pounds of towing and come with trailer sway control.
Ground clearance is a usable 8.7 inches, but fuel efficiency is just so-so at 22 mpg combined for base models and 21 for those with 20” wheels. This is right on par with the Honda Pilot, which we compare to the Ascent here, but more than 10 mpg off the pace set by Toyota’s Highlander Hybrid.
One of the Subaru Ascent’s biggest hurdles in the competitive three-row arena is its relatively small interior size. Maximum cargo space comes in at 76 cubic feet, which is 10 less than the Honda Pilot offers, and a significant 22 below the Chevy Traverse. Nonetheless, it’s a nicely outfitted space with room for up to 8 on Premium and Limited models.
Both of these offer second-row captain’s chairs at no extra charge, or you can look at Onyx and Touring Ascents where 7-passenger seating is standard. Upholstery choices include cloth, water-repellent StarTex, and Nappa leather with desirable content like heated front seats and triple-zone automatic climate control standard across the board.
2025 Subaru Ascent Interior 8.25/10
One of the Subaru Ascent’s biggest hurdles in the competitive three-row arena is its relatively small interior size. Maximum cargo space comes in at 76 cubic feet, which is 10 less than the Honda Pilot offers, and a significant 22 below the Chevy Traverse. Nonetheless, it’s a nicely outfitted space with room for up to 8 on Premium and Limited models.
Both of these offer second-row captain’s chairs at no extra charge, or you can look at Onyx and Touring Ascents where 7-passenger seating is standard. Upholstery choices include cloth, water-repellent StarTex, and Nappa leather with desirable content like heated front seats and triple-zone automatic climate control standard across the board.
2025 Subaru Ascent Technology Features 8.75/10
Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system features a 11.6” central touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, all of which are standard on the 2025 Ascent. Limited models bump the standard 6-speaker stereo up to a 14-component system from Harman Kardon and feature a navigation system.
Along with a reputation for reliability, Subaru’s are known for being safe and the latest Ascent follows suit with a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. The standard EyeSight suite of advanced safety nets includes forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a lane-keeping system, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control.
2025 Subaru Ascent Trims & Pricing
Premium – $38,910
In Premium trim, the 2025 Subaru Ascent comes with 18” wheels, adaptive LED headlights, keyless entry, a power-operated liftgate, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat with cloth upholstery.
Onyx Edition – $42,310
Onyx Edition variants sport black-finished 20” wheels, a panoramic moonroof, a heated steering wheel, and StarTex upholstery to go with the leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter.
Limited – $46,110
The Limited model boasts leather, heated second-row seats, the Cabin Connect intercom system, a Harman Kardon audio system, and a surround-view monitor.
Limited Bronze Edition – $47,110
In Bronze Edition guise, highlights include bronze-colored 20” wheels, a bronze-colored front intake cover, and bronze upholstery stitching inside.
Touring – $49,110
At the Touring level, buyers will find LED fog lights, climatized front seats, Nappa leather, an ambient lighting system, a 120-volt power outlet, and a digital rearview mirror.
Onyx Edition Touring – $49,110
The range-topping Onyx Edition Touring blends Touring model content with 20” black wheels, a black roofline spoiler, and exclusive black Nappa leather upholstery with silver contrast stitching.
2025 Subaru Ascent Overall Value 8/10
Much as I dig the Bronze Edition color scheme, the 2025 Ascent Premium is a fine place to start. The only model that starts under $40,000, it is very well equipped for the price. The 2025 Kia Telluride S is similarly equipped and priced but adding AWD to that SUV requires an extra $2,000 unlike the Ascent on which it is standard. That said, Subaru’s 5-year powertrain warranty term is only half as good as the 10-year coverage provided by Kia.
CarsForSale.com Overall Score 8/10
2025 Subaru Ascent – subaru.com | Shop 2025 Subaru Ascent on Carsforsale.com
Much as I dig the Bronze Edition color scheme, the 2025 Ascent Premium is a fine place to start. The only model that starts under $40,000, it is very well equipped for the price. The 2025 Kia Telluride S is similarly equipped and priced but adding AWD to that SUV requires an extra $2,000 unlike the Ascent on which it is standard. That said, Subaru’s 5-year powertrain warranty term is only half as good as the 10-year coverage provided by Kia.
2025 Subaru Ascent FAQ
How much can a Subaru Ascent Tow?
The 2025 Subaru Ascent is rated for 5,000 pounds of towing.
Does the Ascent have 3-rows?
Yes, every Ascent has 3 rows of seating with room for 7 or 8 depending on configuration.
Does the Ascent have keyless entry?
Yes, keyless entry is standard on the 2025 Subaru Ascent.
