Many rivals are nicer to drive than this Subaru
Subaru recently showed its sportier side with the debut of the youthful-looking Uncharted electric crossover, and we expect it to attract a new group of fans to the brand when it arrives. However, Subaru is still a pragmatic brand at heart, one that delivers value and practicality with a rugged edge. That much is still on display in the newly updated 2026 Ascent, the brand’s only three-row SUV. In a segment occupied by the likes of the Mazda CX-90, can the latest Ascent still stand out?
Simplified Trim Structure And New Interior Materials
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One trim level has been discontinued for 2026, and that’s the Onyx Edition. Customers now have the following trims to choose from:
- Premium
- Limited
- Limited Bronze Edition
- Touring
- Onyx Edition Touring
For the base Premium model, Black StarTex water-resistent upholstery has now been added, as has black accents for the exterior. This new upholstery replaces the previous cloth, and should make the cabin easier to keep clean.
On the more luxurious Touring, there are new woodgrain interior accents with a matte finish, which nicely complements the Java Brown Nappa leather. Slate Black Nappa leather is another alternative for this model.
That’s as far as the changes go for the latest Ascent. Subaru obviously feels that the model’s 2023 facelift, which included updated styling and a new 11.6-inch touchscreen, is still enough to keep the SUV fresh.
All models retain standard all-wheel drive and a 2.4-liter Boxer four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a CVT, it’s not the most inspiring powertrain in the class, and is still the main reason that rival SUVs are easier to recommend.
Related: 2025 Subaru Ascent: 3 reasons to love it, 3 reasons to think twice
No More Sub-$40,000 Ascent
The base 2025 Ascent starts at $39,995, making it the last model from the brand to start at under $40k, if only just. The 2026 Ascent range now starts at $40,795, an $800 increase.
Here’s the complete pricing for 2026:
- Premium: $40,795
- Limited: $47,885
- Limited Bronze Edition: $48,995
- Touring: $51,165
- Onyx Edition Touring: $51,995
Other than the base model, almost all other trims have the same MSRP as 2025. The Onyx Edition Touring is actually slightly cheaper than before. These prices exclude a destination and delivery charge of $1,450.
The Subaru faces stiff competition in the three-row segment. Not only is the Mazda CX-90 nicer to drive, but Hyundai has just launched an all-new Palisade. The Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot are other strong choices, and all of these vehicles have more power than the Ascent.
If you want standard AWD and a decent amount of safety features, the Subaru is still a sensible choice, but it fails to reach the highs of several rivals.