Subaru Ascent model years, specs and prices

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The Subaru Ascent is a three-row SUV sold since the 2019 model year, all in one generation with a 2023 refresh. The 2027 Ascent costs $40,795 to $51,995 before destination and uses a 260-hp 2.4L turbo with a CVT, standard all-wheel drive, 7 or 8 seats and up to 5,000 pounds of towing.

Type
Midsize three-row SUV, standard all-wheel drive
Price (MSRP)
$40,795–$51,995 (2027 MY) · MSRP excl. $1,545 destination and delivery. Lowest = Premium, highest = Onyx Edition Touring.[1]
Powertrains
Ascent 2.4 turbo (Premium), Ascent 2.4 turbo (Limited, Touring, Onyx) · 260 hp
Towing
up to 5,000 lb (Up to 5,000 lb, properly equipped, with standard Trailer Stability Assist; Subaru called it the most of any Subaru when the Ascent launched.)[1]
Current generation
First generation, 2019–present

2027 Subaru Ascent price and trims

The Ascent is still in its first generation, which launched for 2019. The 2027 model adds USB-C ports in every row, a one-touch interior-light off switch and the Ascent-only Deepwater Blue Pearl paint. Premium and Limited come with 7 or 8 seats; the Bronze and Touring trims are 7-seat only.[8]

Subaru Ascent trims with 2027 model-year base MSRP (USD) and powertrains
TrimMSRP (2027)Powertrain
Premium$40,795excl. $1,545 destination (2027 MY); 7- or 8-passenger2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER flat-4 (260 hp, 277 lb-ft)[8]
Limited$47,985excl. $1,545 destination (2027 MY); 7- or 8-passenger2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER flat-4 (260 hp, 277 lb-ft)[8]
Limited Bronze Edition$49,095excl. $1,545 destination (2027 MY); 7-passenger2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER flat-4 (260 hp, 277 lb-ft)[8]
Touring$51,165excl. $1,545 destination (2027 MY); 7-passenger2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER flat-4 (260 hp, 277 lb-ft)[8]
Onyx Edition Touring$51,995excl. $1,545 destination (2027 MY); 7-passenger2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER flat-4 (260 hp, 277 lb-ft)[8]

Every Ascent trim compared, with standard equipment and previous-generation prices →

Subaru Ascent engines, horsepower and mpg

Subaru Ascent powertrains with Subaru-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
VersionEngineHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)TransmissionDriveEPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
Ascent 2.4 turbo (Premium)Premium2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER flat-4[1][2]260277Lineartronic CVT with 8-speed manual modeSymmetrical AWD19/26/222027 MY[2]
Ascent 2.4 turbo (Limited, Touring, Onyx)Limited, Limited Bronze Edition, Touring, Onyx Edition Touring2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER flat-4[1][3]260277Lineartronic CVT with 8-speed manual modeSymmetrical AWD19/25/212027 MY[3]

Output is as rated by Subaru; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

Towing and capability

Every Ascent uses the 260-hp 2.4L turbo, and Subaru rates it to tow up to 5,000 pounds, which it called the most of any Subaru when the Ascent arrived. Trailer Stability Assist, which brakes individual wheels to counter trailer sway, is standard.

All Ascents have Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, X-MODE with Hill Descent Control and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.[5][1][7]

The 2023 refresh

For 2023 Subaru gave the Ascent new styling, enhanced safety features and updated multimedia, keeping the 260-hp turbo and 5,000-lb tow rating. Models from 2019–2022 are pre-refresh; 2023 and later are post-refresh.[7]

Seating and price over time

The Ascent seats seven or eight; for 2027 both layouts are offered on Premium and Limited, while Touring models are seven-seaters. The 2019 launch lineup started at $31,995 for a base trim; the 2027 lineup starts at $40,795 with Premium.[6][1]

Subaru Ascent generations by year

Every US Subaru Ascent generation with model years and engines, newest first
GenerationUS model yearsEnginesNotes
First generation2019–present2.4L turbocharged flat-4 (260 hp, 277 lb-ft)Debuted at the 2017 Los Angeles auto show as Subaru's largest vehicle ever, built in Lafayette, Indiana, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Launch prices ran from $31,995 to $44,695. A 2023 refresh brought new styling, enhanced safety features and updated multimedia.[4][5][6][7]

Subaru Ascent problems and recalls

The most significant documented Ascent problems cluster in early model years: 2019 Ascents had recalls for missing B-pillar spot welds, a CVT pressure sensor, a PCV valve and fuel pumps, and 2019–2020 models got CVT software to stop the drive chain slipping. A 2019–2022 heater ground-bolt recall carries a fire risk.

Documented Subaru Ascent issues and NHTSA recall campaigns
IssueGenerationYearsType
B-pillar may be missing spot welds (recall 18V508)[9]First generation (2019 onward)2019Recall 18V508
CVT hydraulic pressure sensor may read high (recall 19V855)[10]First generation (2019 onward)2019Recall 19V855
CVT clutch may engage before the drive chain is clamped (recall 21V955)[11]First generation (2019 onward)2019–2020Recall 21V955
PCV valve can break apart inside the engine (recall 19V856)[12]First generation (2019 onward)2019Recall 19V856
Low-pressure fuel pump may fail (recall 21V587)[13][14]First generation (2019 onward)2019–2020Recall 21V587
Driveshaft center support bolts may loosen (recall 19V519)[15][16]First generation (2019 onward)2019Recall 19V519
Cabin heater ground terminal may melt (fire risk) (recall 22V907)[17]First generation (2019 onward)2019–2022Recall 22V907
Front tie rod ends may not fit properly (recall 21V954)[18]First generation (2019 onward)2020Recall 21V954

All 11 documented Ascent issues and 9 recalls, with symptoms and pre-purchase checks →

MSRP is the starting point, not the transaction price. These CarWhere pages show buyer-reported prices and dealer invoice estimates for the Subaru Ascent.

More Ascent research

See how an Ascent was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Subaru build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Subaru build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

How many generations of the Subaru Ascent are there?

One. The Ascent has been sold since the 2019 model year, with a refresh for 2023.

How much can a Subaru Ascent tow?

Up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

How much is a 2027 Subaru Ascent?

From $40,795 for the Premium to $51,995 for the Onyx Edition Touring, before $1,545 destination and delivery.

What engine does the Ascent have?

A 2.4L turbocharged boxer four rated 260 hp and 277 lb-ft, paired with a CVT and all-wheel drive.

What mpg does the Ascent get?

EPA rates the 2027 Ascent Premium at 19/26/22 mpg and Limited, Touring and Onyx models at 19/25/21.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by Subaru for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

  1. Subaru Announces Pricing on 2027 Ascent 3-Row SUV (June 11, 2026) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  2. EPA fuel economy: 2027 Subaru Ascent (Premium) — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  3. EPA fuel economy: 2027 Subaru Ascent Limited/Touring/Onyx AWD — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  4. All-New 3-Row Subaru Ascent Makes World Debut at Los Angeles Auto Show With Dogs Behind the Wheel (November 28, 2017) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  5. Subaru of America, Inc. Presents All-New 2019 Ascent 3-Row SUV — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  6. Subaru of America Announces Pricing on All-New 2019 Ascent 3-Row SUV (February 15, 2018) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  7. Subaru Debuts Refreshed 2023 Ascent 3-Row SUV Featuring New Styling, Enhanced Safety Features, and Updated Multimedia (June 14, 2022) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  8. Subaru Announces Pricing on 2027 Ascent 3-Row SUV (Jun 11, 2026) — Subaru U.S. Media Center (media.subaru.com)
  9. Recall 18V508: Structure — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  10. Recall 19V855: Power Train — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  11. Recall 21V955: Power Train — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  12. Recall 19V856: Engine And Engine Cooling — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  13. Recall 21V587: Fuel System, Gasoline — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  14. Recall 20V218: Fuel System, Gasoline — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  15. Recall 19V519: Power Train — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  16. Recall 23V647: Power Train — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  17. Recall 22V907: Electrical System — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  18. Recall 21V954: Steering — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Subaru of America, Inc. or Subaru Corporation. Subaru and the model names are trademarks of their owners.