The Subaru Ascent has carved out its place as the brand’s largest SUV, and the 2025 model keeps building on what families love most: standard all-wheel drive, roomy three-row seating, and a reputation for safety. If you’re in the market for a practical SUV that doesn’t shy away from bad weather or weekend adventures, the Ascent should be on your short list.
On the outside, the 2025 Ascent doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it keeps Subaru’s familiar rugged-yet-approachable design. Bold grille work, LED headlights, and wheel options up to 20 inches give it some upscale curb appeal, while still carrying the no-nonsense vibe Subaru buyers expect. The Ascent isn’t flashy — it’s dependable, versatile, and family-focused.
Inside, the Ascent is all about space and usability. With seating for up to eight passengers, it’s one of the roomier midsize SUVs in its class. Buyers can also opt for second-row captain’s chairs, which drop capacity to seven but add extra comfort and easier access to the third row. Higher trims bring premium touches like leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic moonroof. Standard across the lineup is Subaru’s intuitive infotainment system with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and available Harman Kardon premium audio.
Under the hood, every Ascent comes with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. That might not sound thrilling, but it delivers smooth, confident power for merging, highway cruising, and even towing up to 5,000 pounds. The standard all-wheel drive system and 8.7 inches of ground clearance give the Ascent an edge over many rivals, making it a confident choice for snowy commutes or family camping trips.
Ride quality in the 2025 Ascent is balanced and comfortable, soaking up bumps and keeping passengers happy on long drives. Subaru’s engineers have fine-tuned the suspension to reduce road noise and vibration, and handling feels composed for a vehicle of its size. It’s not a sporty SUV, but it feels predictable and reassuring, which is exactly what families want from a three-row daily driver.
Safety has always been a Subaru hallmark, and the 2025 Ascent doesn’t cut corners. Every trim comes with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are available, and top trims add a 360-degree camera system for extra confidence in tight spaces. Subaru’s strong crash-test scores only add to the Ascent’s family-friendly appeal.
The 2025 Subaru Ascent is a smart pick for families who want three rows of seating, standard all-wheel drive, and Subaru’s reputation for reliability. It may not be as flashy as some rivals, but it nails the fundamentals and adds all-weather confidence that few competitors can match. Before heading to the dealership, check Quotes.EverymanDriver.com — a free tool that lets you instantly compare real-time dealer pricing and incentives in your area. It’s the fastest way to make sure you’re paying the lowest price for your next SUV.
