For 2025, Subaru simplifies the Ascent lineup by dropping the base model and making Premium the new starting point. That single decision pushes more equipment into every buyer’s driveway without a steep jump in price. You still get the brand’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard, the same confidence-inspiring ground clearance, and the roomy three-row cabin but now with upgrades in convenience, connectivity, and safety that make day-to-day family life easier.
Design: Rugged Presence with Premium Touches

The 2025 Ascent wears a refreshed look that fits school runs as well as mountain getaways:
- Redesigned grille with gloss-black and chrome accents delivers a bolder face.
- Sculpted body sides and geometric alloy wheels sharpen curb appeal.
- Bronze Edition adds bronze wheels and cabin stitching for a warm, adventurous vibe.
- Onyx Edition Touring leans blacked-out and sleek, with Nappa leather seats for a richer interior look.
- 8.7 inches of ground clearance keeps the body clear of urban obstacles and trail ruts.
The result is an SUV that looks upscale without sacrificing the tough stance long associated with Subaru.
Quick Summary
Item |
Details |
---|---|
Vehicle Type |
Three-row midsize SUV |
Powertrain |
2.4-litre turbocharged Boxer, CVT (8 simulated ratios) |
Output |
260 hp, 277 lb-ft |
Drivetrain |
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard across range) |
Ground Clearance |
8.7 inches |
Seating |
7 or 8 seats (captain’s chairs optional) |
Cargo/Passenger Friendliness |
Up to 153 cu ft passenger space; third-row legroom 31.7 in |
Towing |
Up to 5,000 lb (properly equipped) |
Fuel Economy (approx.) |
20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway |
Key Tech |
11.6-in touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, USBs in all rows, foot-activated power tailgate |
Safety Highlights |
EyeSight Driver Assist, Emergency Stop Assist, Reverse Automatic Braking, 360° camera available |
Trims (2025) |
Premium (new entry), Onyx Edition, Bronze Edition, Touring |
Starting Prices (approx.) |
Premium $38,800; Onyx $42,000; Bronze $44,000; Touring $50,000 |
Official Site |
Powertrain and Performance: Strong, Sure-Footed, and Efficient
Every Ascent is powered by Subaru’s 2.4-litre turbocharged Boxer four-cylinder, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a continuously variable transmission tuned to mimic eight fixed ratios, so part-throttle acceleration feels more natural. Daily benefits include:
- Symmetrical AWD standard, optimizing traction in rain, snow, gravel, or mixed surfaces.
- Up to 5,000 lb towing capacity, enough for small boats, pop-up campers, or utility trailers.
- Estimated 20/26 mpg city/highway, competitive for a standard-AWD three-row SUV.
Around town the Ascent is quiet and composed; at highway speeds the turbo engine settles into a relaxed lope, and the chassis feels planted even when fully loaded.
Interior: Space, Flexibility, and Family-Proof Materials
Open the wide doors and you find one of the class’s most accommodating cabins:
- Up to 153 cu ft of passenger volume, with generous headroom and shoulder room in rows one and two.
- Third row with 31.7 inches of legroom, acceptable even for teens on longer drives.
- 7- or 8-seat configurations: choose a bench for maximum capacity or captain’s chairs in row two for easier third-row access.
- StarTex water-resistant upholstery available ideal for spills, pets, and sandy weekends.
- Three-zone climate control and an available panoramic sunroof make the cabin bright and comfortable.
- Foot-activated power tailgate simplifies loading when your hands are full of bags, strollers, or camping gear.
Thoughtful small-item storage and flat load floors help the Ascent play the role of family utility vehicle without feeling utilitarian.
Technology: Big Screen, Fewer Cables
The centre stack is anchored by Subaru’s 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen on upper trims (dual 7-inch screens on entry variants), with a clear, simple menu structure. Tech highlights include:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for cable-free maps and media.
- Multiple USB-C ports in all three rows, so no one fights for charging.
- Wireless charging pad to keep the front row decluttered.
- Digital instrument information that surfaces driver-assist status and trip data at a glance.
The interface feels modern without burying key functions; climate and core audio remain easy to reach.
Safety: EyeSight as Standard, Plus New Assists
Subaru builds its family reputation on safety, and the 2025 Ascent advances it with standard and available features designed for real-world protection:
- EyeSight Driver Assist standard across trims, with adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist.
- Blind-Spot Detection and Lane Change Assist for safer highway merges.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Reverse Automatic Braking for parking-lot confidence.
- Emergency Stop Assist can bring the vehicle to a controlled stop and request help if the driver is unresponsive.
- Automatic Emergency Steering helps avoid collisions at lower speeds when braking alone may not be enough.
- Available 360-degree camera to improve visibility around curbs, bicycles, and tight garage spaces.
These systems work quietly in the background, stepping in when attention lapses or conditions turn tricky.
Trims and Pricing: More Value Where It Counts
Subaru positions the 2025 Ascent to make higher-demand features easier to access:
Trim |
Starting Price (approx.) |
Highlights |
---|---|---|
Premium |
$38,800 |
Keyless entry, power rear gate, AWD, big-screen infotainment |
Onyx Edition |
$42,000 |
Black exterior accents, sport styling cues |
Bronze Edition |
$44,000 |
Bronze wheels, unique interior stitching and trim |
Touring |
$50,000 |
Nappa leather, panoramic sunroof, upscale audio and amenities |
Whichever you choose, the Ascent bundles Subaru’s standard AWD, robust safety tech, and strong resale reputation, making it a sensible long-term buy.
Everyday Experience: Quiet Confidence for Busy Lives
The Ascent’s steering is light for parking but steady on highways. Ride tuning smooths out patched asphalt and speed bumps, while the cabin remains impressively quiet at a cruise. Parents will appreciate the wide-opening rear doors and low cargo liftover; kids will appreciate the plentiful charging, cupholders, and headroom. Weekend campers and cyclists will value the AWD traction and towing headroom.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) What changed for 2025?
The base trim was removed; Premium is now the entry point with richer standard equipment.
2) Is AWD standard on every Ascent?
Yes. Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard across the lineup.
3) How many people can the Ascent seat?
Choose 8 seats with a second-row bench or 7 seats with captain’s chairs.
4) What is the towing capacity?
When properly equipped, the Ascent can tow up to 5,000 lb.
5) Does it support wireless smartphone mirroring?
Yes, upper trims offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a wireless charging pad.
6) Which safety features are standard?
EyeSight Driver Assist with adaptive cruise and lane keeping; other aids like Blind-Spot Detection and a 360° camera are available by trim.
7) What are the approximate prices?
About $38,800 for Premium, $42,000 for Onyx, $44,000 for Bronze, and $50,000 for Touring.
8) Where can I configure or locate a dealer?
Visit the official product page: https://www.subaru.com/ascent.
Verdict: A Complete Family Package
With more standard features, a cleaner trim walk, and the same rugged practicality Subaru is known for, the 2025 Ascent lands exactly where families need it: roomy, safe, easy to live with, and genuinely all-weather ready. If you want one SUV that can do school, sports, road trips, and winter without drama, the Ascent belongs on your shortlist.
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