2026 Subaru Ascent

In 2019, Subaru entered the three-row SUV game with the Ascent. This midsize family hauler offers extra passenger room and cargo capacity for Subaru fans who had outgrown their two-row Foresters and Outbacks. It received a minor update in 2022 but has otherwise soldiered on relatively unchanged, while many of its primary competitors have introduced all-new versions. Last year, Subaru dropped the base trim and added two new trims with premium features. Usually those types of moves would indicate an all-new vehicle on the horizon, but our crystal ball is cloudy on exactly what Subaru has in store for its biggest vehicle.

Edmunds spotlight: What's next?

Though it made a strong first impression when it debuted, the Ascent hasn't kept up with its competitors. Sales have steadily declined despite strong selling points like a 260-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, standard all-wheel drive and modern tech. While nothing has been confirmed, rumors have swirled that the Ascent's replacement — which may or may not still be called "Ascent" — will be a three-row fully electric SUV built on Subaru's global electric platform using batteries supplied by Toyota. However, muted EV growth may have thrown those plans into flux, and it's just as likely we could see the current car continue on for a while longer, or as a mildly redesigned model based on today's platform (Subaru took a similar tactic with the recently overhauled Forester).

Competitors to consider

There's certainly no shortage of competitors for the Subaru Ascent. Most obvious is the Toyota Highlander — which is similar in size — or our Edmunds Top Rated SUV for 2025, the Toyota Grand Highlander, which offers considerably more third-row space. The Honda Pilot is another strong pick, as are the Kia Telluride and Mazda CX-90. While the Ascent offers good value due to its competitive pricing, its rivals generally have more space, a more refined driving experience or nicer interiors.

The Subaru Ascent is a great example of how competitive today's market is. A strong option when it first came out, it's now struggling for recognition. If you're a die-hard Subie fan who needs three rows, it's an obvious choice. For anybody else, there are better picks out there.