2026 Subaru Ascent: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2026 Subaru Ascent is a simpler five-trim lineup: the Onyx Edition Premium is dropped, while Premium picks up much of its blacked-out look and water-resistant upholstery. The engine, all-wheel-drive system, and core safety features carry over without major changes.
About the 2026 Subaru Ascent
1st generation Ascent (2019-present), fourth model year after the 2023 refresh.
Subaru positions the Ascent as its biggest family SUV: a roomy three-row vehicle with seating for seven or eight, standard all-wheel drive, useful ground clearance, strong safety tech, and real towing ability. Rather than chasing flashy performance, the Ascent’s core pitch is family-road-trip practicality with bad-weather confidence. The standout differences versus many rivals are that AWD is standard across the range and the cabin is designed around everyday family use, cargo flexibility, and long-distance comfort.
Premium is the practical family entry point, with three-row seating, standard all-wheel drive, a large touchscreen, water-resistant StarTex upholstery, and a 5,000-pound towing capacity. Limited adds leather, navigation, premium audio, and a surround-view camera, while Touring emphasizes comfort with Nappa leather, ventilated front seats, and updated matte-finish woodgrain. Onyx Edition Touring pairs the high-end equipment with black exterior trim and wheels.
What changed, by category
2026 Subaru Ascent specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic, High Torque & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic, High Torque & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic, High Torque & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic, High Torque & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic, High Torque & 8-Spd Manual Mode |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 25 mpg | 26 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 260 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 72.8 cu-ft | 75.6 cu-ft | 72.8 cu-ft | 72.8 cu-ft | 72.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 31.7 in | 31.7 in | 31.7 in | 31.7 in | 31.7 in |
| Seats | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| 360 Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Subwoofer | |||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Third Row Seat | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2026 Subaru Ascent a redesign?
No. The 2026 Subaru Ascent is a light trim and appearance update, not a redesign. Its turbocharged engine, all-wheel-drive system, body structure, and core safety package carry over.
Did Subaru discontinue the Onyx Edition for 2026?
The regular Onyx Edition Premium is discontinued for 2026, but the Onyx Edition Touring remains. Premium receives several former Onyx-style details, including black exterior accents, black wheels, and water-resistant black StarTex upholstery.
What is new on the 2026 Subaru Ascent Premium?
The 2026 Ascent Premium gains black exterior accents, black-finish 18-inch wheels, black water-resistant StarTex upholstery, and standard LED fog lights. These updates give the entry trim much of the former Onyx model's appearance and cabin treatment.
Did the 2026 Subaru Ascent get a new engine?
No. Every 2026 Ascent retains the 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, continuously variable automatic transmission, standard all-wheel drive, and 5,000-pound towing capacity.
What changed on the 2026 Ascent Limited and Touring trims?
Limited makes its 360-degree Surround View Monitor standard for 2026. Touring receives updated matte-finish woodgrain trim and a Slate Black Nappa leather interior alongside Java Brown.