After extensive testing and research, CR determined this car to be:
- SAFE AND RELIABLE
- GOOD PERFORMANCE
- COMFORTABLE AND CONVENIENT
one of our 146 recommended SUVs
2026 Subaru Ascent
Road Test Results
Overall
Acceleration
Transmission
Braking
Emergency Handling
Fuel Economy
Ride
Noise
Usability
Owner Reports
Predicted Reliability
Predicted Owner Satisfaction
Pros
- Comfortable ride
- Quiet cabin
- Lots of interior room
- Airy outward visibility
- Short stopping distances
- Most controls are easy to use
Cons
- Short on handling agility
Best Version to Get
Subaru has seven- and eight-passenger versions of the Premium (base) and Limited trims. The Premium includes standard niceties such as a power driver's seat, heated front seats, a power rear liftgate, push-button start, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Those looking for leather upholstery, driver’s seat memory, built-in navigation, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, and a panoramic sunroof will need to step up to the Limited, Touring, or Onyx Edition Touring trims.
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About Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports puts people first. For more than 80 years, CR has provided consumers with independent research, ratings and recommendations to help make good purchase decisions. As a nonprofit consumer testing and advocacy organization, CR works with businesses and government to improve the safety, performance, value and reliability of products and services.
Every year CR puts manufacturer claims to the test for thousands of products, from cars and appliances to baby products and sunscreens. CR purchases all the products that we test and uses scientific research methods to develop our ratings.