2026 Subaru Ascent: NHTSA Safety Rating & Pricing
— NHTSA, IIHS, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
The 2026 Subaru Ascent scores well for safety compared to 201 other mid-range SUVs. NHTSA has no recall campaigns on file for this vehicle.
- Starting MSRP
- $40,795 - $51,995
- EPA Combined MPG
- 22 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $2,700 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 4 / 10
- Recalls on File
- No recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- $2,250 more over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 1 on file
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $1,357 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.84
- Brand Origin
- Japan
The 2026 Subaru Ascent is a SUV priced from $40,795 to $51,995 with 7 trims. For a vehicle your family depends on, the safety, recall, and long-term cost data below is where the decision starts.
- Fuel cost $592 per year above mid-range SUVs average
- Zero recalls on file (SUV average: 1.7)
- Base price $800 more than 2025 model
2026 Subaru Ascent at a Glance
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
Strengths in the data
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA. Safest SUVs 2026 →
Cautions in the data
- 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 per year 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.
Similar vehicles to compare
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 |
A strong NHTSA score is a good starting point. IIHS testing adds scenarios NHTSA does not cover, including the small-overlap crash that accounts for a significant share of real-world fatalities.
How Did the 2026 Subaru Ascent Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent was evaluated by IIHS but fell short of Top Safety Pick criteria. The individual crash test results below show where it scored well and where it did not. 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
A strong crash test result tells you the vehicle was well-engineered for collisions. The recall record tells you whether any defects have been found after production began.
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 1.7 campaigns. Source: NHTSA.
No recalls on file with NHTSA
What Do 2026 Subaru Ascent Owners Report to NHTSA?
NHTSA has 1 owner complaint on file for the 2026 Subaru Ascent. This is below the average of 9 complaints for 2026 SUVs. Owner complaints are self-reported and unverified, but patterns across many reports can indicate real issues.
1 in the last 90 days · most recent filed 2026-03-20
Most-reported problem areas
- Brakes2
- Speed Control1
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-04-16.
For a vehicle your family depends on daily, fuel cost adds up fast. The EPA data below shows how the 2026 Subaru Ascent's efficiency compares to other SUVs in its price range.
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 $2,700. That is $592 more per year than the $2,108 average for mid-range SUVs. EPA estimates are based on standardized laboratory tests. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium 7-Passenger CVT | 22 MPG | 19 | 26 | $2,700 per year |
| Premium 8-Passenger CVT | 22 MPG | 19 | 26 | $2,700 per year |
| Limited 8-Passenger CVT | 22 MPG | 19 | 26 | $2,700 per year |
| Limited 7-Passenger CVT | 22 MPG | 19 | 26 | $2,700 per year |
| Limited Bronze Edition AWD GAS | 22 MPG | 19 | 26 | $2,700 per year |
| Touring AWD GAS | 22 MPG | 19 | 26 | $2,700 per year |
| Onyx Edition Touring AWD GAS | 22 MPG | 19 | 26 | $2,700 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel cost is $13,500 based on EPA data.
Fuel is the cost you plan for. Insurance, maintenance, and depreciation are the costs that surprise you three years in. For a vehicle your family depends on daily, the full ownership picture matters.
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 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,873 per year |
| Depreciation | $5,074 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $862 per year |
| Financing | $1,815 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $13,584 per year |
| Cost per mile | $0.84 per mile |
For a family vehicle, the trim choice comes down to which safety features, space, and cost level fit your household. The comparison below shows all 7 options side by side.
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 | $2,700 per year | 4,433 lbs | $94,615 |
| Premium 8-Passenger CVT | $40,795 | 22 MPG | $2,700 per year | 4,449 lbs | $94,615 |
| Limited 8-Passenger CVT | $47,885 | 22 MPG | $2,700 per year | 4,597 lbs | $126,305 |
| Limited 7-Passenger CVT | $47,885 | 22 MPG | $2,700 per year | 4,581 lbs | $126,305 |
| Limited Bronze Edition AWD GAS | $48,995 | 22 MPG | $2,700 per year | 4,581 lbs | $127,415 |
| Touring AWD GAS | $51,165 | 22 MPG | $2,700 per year | 4,590 lbs | $129,585 |
| Onyx Edition Touring AWD GAS | $51,995 | 22 MPG | $2,700 per year | 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
last available 2024
- Base AWD GAS
- Onyx Edition AWD GAS
- Onyx Edition Limited AWD GAS
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 22 MPG | — | — |
| Limited 8-Passenger CVT | $42,095 22 MPG | $47,885 22 MPG | $47,885 22 MPG |
| Limited 7-Passenger CVT | $42,095 22 MPG | $47,885 22 MPG | $47,885 22 MPG |
| Onyx Edition Limited AWD GAS | $46,795 22 MPG | — | — |
| Touring AWD GAS | $48,695 22 MPG | $51,165 22 MPG | $51,165 22 MPG |
| Limited Bronze Edition AWD GAS | — | — | $48,995 22 MPG |
| Onyx Edition Touring AWD GAS | — | $52,050 22 MPG | $51,995 22 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
Once you have settled on a trim, long-term dependability becomes the deciding factor. The section below shows the third-party reliability rating currently available.
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.
Reliability data tells you what to expect. Warranty coverage tells you what Subaru will fix for free if something goes wrong within the covered period.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Subaru Ascent Come With?
Subaru provides the following warranty coverage for the 2026 Ascent. Coverage periods start from the original purchase date and vary by component. Source: manufacturer-published warranty terms.
| Basic Warranty | 3yr/36k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k |
What Are the 2026 Subaru Ascent Specs?
Core specifications for the 2026 Subaru Ascent as reported by the manufacturer. Figures may vary by trim, option packages, and production date. Source: manufacturer data.
EPA vehicle class: Mid-size SUV
| Engine | 2.4L flat 4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 260 hp |
| Power-to-Weight | 117.3 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $157 - $200 |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank | 19.3 gal |
| Est. Range per Tank | 425 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| 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. For a family vehicle, the safety ratings, recall history, and long-term cost data above are the sections that matter most. Data is refreshed periodically.
Source links
Verify this data
2026 Subaru Ascent FAQ
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.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Subaru Ascent?
Vehicles similar to the 2026 Subaru Ascent in price and segment include 2026 Chevrolet Traverse, 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and 2026 Tesla Model Y. The Chevrolet Traverse is the closest in price (starting at $40,800, 5-star NHTSA, 21-22 MPG). Each has its own fact sheet with EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, and cost data for comparison. 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 $225 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,357 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Where is Subaru based?
Subaru is a Japan-based automaker. The 2026 Subaru Ascent may be assembled in a different country than where Subaru is headquartered. Check the window sticker or VIN decoder for the specific assembly location of any individual vehicle. See our Japan-brand cars 2026 list.
What other Subaru models are available for 2026?
Each 2026 Subaru vehicle has its own fact sheet. Data coverage varies by model. See the complete Subaru lineup on our Subaru models page.
What is the 2026 Subaru Ascent safety rating?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and has 0 recall campaigns on file. See the safety and recall sections above for the full breakdown, including IIHS results and specific recall details.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
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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.