The 2025 Subaru Ascent, the brand’s flagship, is one of the most capable midsize three-row SUVs on the market. The Ascent is the biggest Subaru, and it’s perfect if you want an SUV that emphasizes performance, space, safety, and technology. In this article, we explore the key aspects of the 2025 Subaru Ascent and compare it with rivals, including the Kia Telluride, Hyundai PALISADE, and Ford Explorer. Our goals are to help you decide on your next family SUV and to show you what all the great Subaru Ascent reviews are all about.
The Ascent’s Competitors
The midsize SUV market is crowded, and the Subaru Ascent faces stiff competition from other three-row vehicles. First, the Kia Telluride is known for its powerful 3.8-liter V-6 engine that produces 291 horsepower and manages a towing capacity of up to 5,500 pounds in the highest trims. Compared to the Ascent, the Hyundai PALISADE offers a similar blend of luxury and performance. The Ford Explorer also offers strong performance and advanced technology.
Each of these models offers unique benefits, but the Ascent stands out for those seeking an SUV with more standard features and a design that blends rugged capability with family-friendly comfort. Now, we’ll take a look at what makes the Ascent stand out.
Pricing and Value
The 2025 Subaru Ascent Premium starts at an attractive price point of $38,910, and the highest trim begins at $49,995. This price range makes the Ascent a competitive option. However, it’s the Ascent’s value that can’t be beaten. The Ascent comes with a wealth of standard features, reducing the need for costly add-ons later. On top of this, you get the long-term value and reliability that the Subaru name is known for.
Performance and Handling
Performance is a critical factor in choosing a family SUV, and the 2025 Subaru Ascent doesn’t disappoint. Powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine, the Ascent delivers 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This setup provides sufficient power for both city driving and highway cruises.
The vehicle’s responsive handling is enhanced by its standard all-wheel drive system, ensuring optimal traction no matter the conditions. The Ascent also has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. Moreover, the SUV offers good off-roading performance, making it a strong contender for those who appreciate both everyday comfort and adventurous driving.
Interior Comfort and Space
If you’re looking for an SUV that comfortably accommodates the whole family and your gear, look no further. The Ascent has a passenger volume of up to 153.2 cubic feet, and it can accommodate up to eight people. However, choosing a second row with captain’s chairs reduces the seating capacity to seven. Stain-resistant cloth seats are standard on the base model, but you get options for StarTex water-repellent upholstery and nappa leather-trimmed seats as you go up the trim levels.
Heated front seats are standard across all trims, and second-row heated seats are available on all but the three lowest trims. If you want ventilated front seats, you’ll have to get the top-tier Touring and Onyx Edition Touring trims. There’s also plenty of storage space all over the cabin, including an underfloor storage tray for keeping small items out of view, and you get 19 cupholders in strategic locations. If you need to transport your gear or luggage, the second- and third-row seats fold flat for a maximum cargo space of up to 75.6 cubic feet.
Technology and Connectivity
The 2025 Subaru Ascent comes with a suite of modern technology features that enhance both the driver and passenger experience. An 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system provides wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, ensuring that your smartphone’s features are always accessible.
An auto-dimming rearview compass mirror is standard on all trims, and convenience features, such as a power liftgate with height memory, USB-C ports, and tri-zone climate control, make life easier in the cabin. While a six-speaker sound system is standard, the five top trims get a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio setup.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Safety is a top priority in the 2025 Subaru Ascent. All trims come standard with EyeSight driver-assist technology, which offers a suite of safety features. It includes adaptive cruise control with lane centering, precollision braking, lane departure and sway warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency steering.
Other driver assistance tech includes high beam assist, DriverFocus distraction mitigation system (on higher trims), blind-spot detection with lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking. These features have helped the Ascent earn a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Experience the 2025 Subaru Ascent at John Kennedy Subaru of Plymouth
If you’re looking for an SUV that offers a perfect balance of power, safety, and practicality, the Subaru Ascent should be at the top of your list. Visit John Kennedy Subaru of Plymouth in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, today to experience the Subaru Ascent firsthand. Test-drive it, explore our financing options, and see if this vehicle is the right choice for your lifestyle and family’s needs.
Connect with us
