2026 Subaru Ascent
The 2026 Subaru Ascent is a SUV priced from $40,795 to $51,995 with 7 available trims. This page brings together safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, fuel economy data from the EPA, reliability scores from RepairPal, ownership cost estimates from AAA, and manufacturer specifications. Every number below is sourced from its original publisher and can be independently verified.
Among 199 mid-range SUVs, the 2026 Subaru Ascent earns a C for fuel cost. NHTSA rates it at 5 stars. RepairPal gives it 3.5 out of 5 for reliability. NHTSA has no recall campaigns on file for this vehicle.
What the published data indicates
Compared with similar SUVs in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2026 Subaru Ascent are high published crash-test results. The main caution is that estimated five-year cost runs high.
- safety
Strongest published signals
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA. Safest SUVs 2026 →
Limits and cautions
- Best estimated five-year cost in the lineup still lands about $1,875 above the similar-vehicle average.
- Reliability is not a standout here: RepairPal 3.5/5.
- AAA estimates $13,584/yr in non-fuel costs for the Medium SUV class: insurance $1,873, maintenance $1,817, depreciation $5,074. These are class averages, not specific to this model.
Comparable models
- Starting MSRP
- $40,795 - $51,995
- EPA Combined MPG
- 21-22 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $2,000 - $2,100/yr
- Recalls on File
- No recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- $2,250 more over 5 yrs
- Brand Origin
- Japan
How Safe Is the 2026 Subaru Ascent?
NHTSA awarded the 2026 Subaru Ascent a 5-star overall rating, the highest available. This places it among the 82% of SUVs that earned top marks in frontal, side, and rollover crash tests. Source: NHTSA.
Overall Safety
82% of SUVs share this top rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
Rollover Risk: 17.0%
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Forward Collision Warning | Standard |
| Lane Departure Warning | Standard |
| Crash Imminent Braking | Standard |
| Dynamic Brake Support | Standard |
NHTSA evaluates frontal, side, and rollover performance. IIHS adds small overlap and roof strength tests. Both sets of results are shown here.
How Did the 2026 Subaru Ascent Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS has tested the 2026 Subaru Ascent but did not award a Top Safety Pick designation. Individual test ratings are shown below. IIHS tests complement NHTSA ratings by evaluating different crash scenarios. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | G Good |
| Side | G Good |
| Headlights | G Good |
| Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian) | G Good |
| Seat Belt Reminders | G Good |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | G+ Good+ |
IIHS vehicle class: Midsize SUVs
Crash tests measure how a vehicle performs in a collision. Recall data reveals whether the manufacturer or NHTSA has found safety defects requiring correction.
Does the 2026 Subaru Ascent Have Any Recalls?
As of the data shown, NHTSA has not issued any recall campaigns for the 2026 Subaru Ascent. The average for SUVs is 1.8 campaigns. Source: NHTSA.
No recalls on file with NHTSA
Owner-Reported Problems
NHTSA complaint data is not available for the 2026 Subaru Ascent. This does not mean there are no complaints. The model may not yet be tracked in the NHTSA database.
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-03-07.
Safety data covered, the next consideration is what this vehicle costs to run. Fuel economy is where most owners feel the difference between trims.
What Is the 2026 Subaru Ascent Fuel Economy?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent achieves up to 22 combined MPG according to EPA testing, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,000. That is $292 more per year than the $1,708 average for mid-range SUVs. EPA estimates are based on standardized laboratory tests. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).
Ranges from 21 to 22 combined MPG depending on trim and drivetrain.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium 7-Passenger CVT | 22 MPG | 19 | 26 | $2,000/yr |
| Premium 8-Passenger CVT | 22 MPG | 19 | 26 | $2,000/yr |
| Limited 8-Passenger CVT | 21 MPG | 19 | 25 | $2,100/yr |
| Limited 7-Passenger CVT | 21 MPG | 19 | 25 | $2,100/yr |
| Limited Bronze Edition AWD GAS | 21 MPG | 19 | 25 | $2,100/yr |
| Touring AWD GAS | 21 MPG | 19 | 25 | $2,100/yr |
| Onyx Edition Touring AWD GAS | 21 MPG | 19 | 25 | $2,100/yr |
Fuel costs are predictable from EPA data. The less visible costs, insurance, maintenance, and depreciation, are estimated by AAA for this vehicle class.
What Does the 2026 Subaru Ascent Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Subaru Ascent ranges from $94,615 to $130,415 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Medium SUV class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,817/yr |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,873/yr |
| Depreciation | $5,074/yr |
| Registration & Taxes | $862/yr |
| Financing | $1,815/yr |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $13,584/yr |
| Cost per mile | $0.84/mi |
With 7 trims available, the cost and equipment differences are worth examining. The comparison below shows how price, fuel economy, and features vary.
How Do the 2026 Subaru Ascent Trims Compare?
With 7 trims priced from $40,795 to $51,995, the 2026 Subaru Ascent offers a range of equipment levels. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. MSRP figures below do not include destination, taxes, or dealer fees.
| Trim | Base MSRP | Combined MPG | Est. Annual Fuel Cost | Curb Weight | Est. 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium 7-Passenger CVT | $40,795 | 22 MPG | $2,000/yr | 4,433 lbs | $94,615 |
| Premium 8-Passenger CVT | $40,795 | 22 MPG | $2,000/yr | 4,449 lbs | $94,615 |
| Limited 8-Passenger CVT | $47,885 | 21 MPG | $2,100/yr | 4,597 lbs | $126,305 |
| Limited 7-Passenger CVT | $47,885 | 21 MPG | $2,100/yr | 4,581 lbs | $126,305 |
| Limited Bronze Edition AWD GAS | $48,995 | 21 MPG | $2,100/yr | 4,581 lbs | $127,415 |
| Touring AWD GAS | $51,165 | 21 MPG | $2,100/yr | 4,590 lbs | $129,585 |
| Onyx Edition Touring AWD GAS | $51,995 | 21 MPG | $2,100/yr | 4,588 lbs | $130,415 |
The Subaru Ascent lineup has contracted from 8 trims in 2024 to 7 trims in 2026. The entry price has increased $6,400 since 2024.
New trims since 2024
- Limited Bronze Edition AWD GAS (added 2026)
- Onyx Edition Touring AWD GAS (added 2025)
Trims no longer available
- Base AWD GAS (last available 2024)
- Onyx Edition AWD GAS (last available 2024)
- Onyx Edition Limited AWD GAS (last available 2024)
Price changes since 2024
- Limited 8-Passenger CVT $42,095 (2024) → $47,885 (2026) +$5,790
- Limited 7-Passenger CVT $42,095 (2024) → $47,885 (2026) +$5,790
- Premium 8-Passenger CVT $36,995 (2024) → $40,795 (2026) +$3,800
- Touring AWD GAS $48,695 (2024) → $51,165 (2026) +$2,470
- Premium 7-Passenger CVT $38,455 (2024) → $40,795 (2026) +$2,340
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base AWD GAS | $34,395 22 MPG | — | — |
| Premium 8-Passenger CVT | $36,995 22 MPG | $39,995 22 MPG | $40,795 22 MPG |
| Premium 7-Passenger CVT | $38,455 22 MPG | $39,995 22 MPG | $40,795 22 MPG |
| Onyx Edition AWD GAS | $41,795 21 MPG | — | — |
| Limited 8-Passenger CVT | $42,095 21 MPG | $47,885 21 MPG | $47,885 21 MPG |
| Limited 7-Passenger CVT | $42,095 21 MPG | $47,885 21 MPG | $47,885 21 MPG |
| Onyx Edition Limited AWD GAS | $46,795 21 MPG | — | — |
| Touring AWD GAS | $48,695 21 MPG | $51,165 21 MPG | $51,165 21 MPG |
| Limited Bronze Edition AWD GAS | — | — | $48,995 21 MPG |
| Onyx Edition Touring AWD GAS | — | $52,050 21 MPG | $51,995 21 MPG |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
Beyond the purchase decision, the next question is long-term dependability. Here is the reliability rating currently available for this vehicle.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Subaru Ascent?
RepairPal rates the 2026 Subaru Ascent at 3.5 out of 5.0 for reliability, which is about average for mid-range SUVs. RepairPal ratings reflect repair frequency and cost data from a network of certified repair shops. Source: RepairPal.
Subaru backs this vehicle with the following warranty terms. Coverage begins from the original purchase date.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Subaru Ascent Come With?
Subaru provides the following warranty coverage for the 2026 Ascent. Warranty terms are published by the manufacturer and apply to all trims. Coverage begins from the date of original purchase. Warranty terms shown here reflect the most recently published manufacturer data.
| Basic Warranty | 3yr/36k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k |
What Are the 2026 Subaru Ascent Specs?
Detailed specifications for the 2026 Subaru Ascent as reported by the manufacturer. Specifications may vary by trim, market, and production date. Source: manufacturer-reported data.
| Engine | 2.4L flat 4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 260 hp |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank | 19.3 gal |
| Length | 196.8 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 76.0 in |
| Height | 71.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 113.8 in |
| Curb Weight | 4,433 - 4,597 lbs |
What Changed for the 2026 Subaru Ascent?
- Number of available trims changed
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
That is the complete data picture for the 2026 Subaru Ascent based on published data from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references as of the dates shown above. If any of these agencies publishes updated data, this page will reflect those changes automatically. For questions about how this data is collected and verified, see our methodology page.
2026 Subaru Ascent FAQ
How does the 2026 Subaru Ascent compare to other suvs?
Based on published data, the 2026 Subaru Ascent has a safety grade of B, a fuel cost grade of C, a RepairPal reliability score of 3.5/5, and zero recalls on file. These grades compare it against similar suvs in its price range. No single metric tells the whole story, so we recommend reviewing each section on this page. See our Safest SUVs 2026 list.
Which 2026 Subaru Ascent trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 7 available trims, the Premium 8-Passenger CVT has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $94,615, starting at $40,795 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $130,415. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
How much does 2026 Subaru Ascent insurance cost?
AAA estimates the annual insurance cost for the Medium SUV class at $1,873 per year, or about $156 per month. This is a class-level average, not specific to the 2026 Subaru Ascent. Your actual premium will depend on your driving history, location, and coverage choices. Source: AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How much does 2026 Subaru Ascent maintenance cost per year?
AAA estimates average annual maintenance for the Medium SUV class at $1,817 per year. This covers routine services, wear items, and unscheduled repairs. Combined with insurance ($1,873/yr) and depreciation ($5,074/yr), total non-fuel ownership costs run about $13,584 per year. These are class averages from the AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How fast does a 2026 Subaru Ascent depreciate?
AAA estimates the Medium SUV class depreciates about $5,074 per year, or roughly $25,370 over five years. On a base MSRP of $40,795, that represents about 62% of the purchase price. These are class averages and actual depreciation varies by trim, condition, mileage, and market demand. Source: AAA.
How much will I spend on gas with a 2026 Subaru Ascent?
The most efficient 2026 Subaru Ascent trim costs an estimated $2,000 per year in fuel, or about $167 per month, based on EPA ratings and national average fuel prices. That is about $292 more than the average for similar suvs. See our Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2026 list.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Subaru Ascent?
Based on price range, body type, and segment positioning, the closest competitors to the 2026 Subaru Ascent include 2026 Chevrolet Traverse, 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and 2026 Tesla Model Y. Each of those pages includes the same safety, fuel cost, reliability, and recall data so you can compare directly. Browse all 2026 SUVs.
What changed on the 2026 Subaru Ascent from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, 2 new trims were added, 3 trims were dropped, and the entry price increased by $6,400 for the Subaru Ascent lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2026 Subaru Ascent cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Subaru Ascent include about $1,132 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $167 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,299 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Is the 2026 Subaru Ascent safe for families?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent earned NHTSA's highest 5-star overall safety rating, which evaluates frontal crash, side crash, and rollover resistance. A 5-star rating does not guarantee safety in every situation but indicates strong performance in standardized crash tests. See our Safest SUVs 2026 list.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
Other Model Years
Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.