The 2025 Subaru Ascent is a more refined version of Subaru’s largest and most family-oriented SUV, with better performance, newer tech, and more features to appeal to a broader range of consumers. Building on the success of the previous models, the 2025 Ascent has lots of updates and improvements to stay competitive in the midsize SUV segment. Known for its rugged reliability and family practicality the 2025 Subaru Ascent balances power, utility, and comfort.
Powertrain and Performance
Subaru has tuned the 2025 Ascent’s powertrain to improve its performance while maintaining its reliability. The vehicle comes with a turbocharged 2.4L 4-cylinder engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. With Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the Ascent is smooth and controlled on the road, whether city or off-road. The Ascent’s towing capacity is still impressive at 5,000 lbs, making it perfect for families who tow trailers or recreational equipment.
One of the big updates in the 2025 model is the suspension system which provides better handling and a quieter more comfortable ride. Subaru’s attention to the driving experience puts the Ascent ahead of the competition in its class, with a confident and composed drive on long highway stretches or twisty back roads. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) has also been tweaked for smoother acceleration and less drone, so the engine can work more efficiently.
Interior and Technology
One of the 2025 Subaru Ascent’s biggest selling points is its roomy and well-appointed interior. Designed for families, the Ascent has three rows of seats and can fit up to 8 passengers. For more cargo space, the second and third rows fold down to create a big area for gear, groceries, or larger items to make the vehicle more practical for daily use.
Inside Subaru has made big updates to comfort and tech. The cabin has premium materials, soft-touch surfaces, and stylish accents to create a refined atmosphere that doesn’t feel like a family vehicle. Available in several trim levels, Base, Premium, Limited, and Touring the Ascent has many interior configurations and finishes to choose from so you can pick the one that fits your style and needs.
On the tech front, the 2025 Ascent has Subaru’s latest Starlink system with an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and an 11.6-inch screen on higher trims. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so your smartphone integrates seamlessly. Subaru has also updated its driver assist tech making the Ascent one of the most equipped vehicles in its class for safety and connectivity. The vehicle comes with standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking to add an extra layer of protection for occupants.
Safety Features and Ratings
Like all Subaru’s the 2025 Ascent prioritizes safety. A top consideration for any family vehicle. Subaru’s EyeSight suite of safety features is standard on all trims. In addition to the features mentioned above the Ascent also has rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency steering which can intervene to prevent collisions. The Ascent’s solid build also provides a layer of protection in the event of a collision.
The Ascent also has a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a 5-star overall safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to go along with its family-friendly reputation. The standard all-wheel-drive also helps in slippery conditions so it’s even safer in wet or snowy weather.
Exterior and Practicality
The 2025 Ascent’s exterior design follows Subaru’s current design direction while maintaining the rugged and utilitarian look that’s synonymous with the brand. The SUV’s big front grille, sharp headlights, and sculpted body lines give it a more premium and sporty look compared to the previous model. The 2025 also has better aerodynamics for a quieter ride and better fuel efficiency.
The vehicle is big enough for urban and outdoor adventures. With its longer length, the Ascent has plenty of room for passengers but a smaller footprint for parking and city streets. Roof rails are standard and higher trims have a power rear liftgate for added convenience so you can load and unload gear when you’re on family trips.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency
Despite being a larger SUV Subaru was able to improve fuel efficiency for the 2025 model. The turbocharged engine with CVT gets an estimated 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway which is competitive in its class. With the big fuel tank the Ascent has a good range for long trips so it’s perfect for families who frequently go on road trips or outdoor activities.
Not the most fuel-efficient in its class but the Ascent is a well-rounded vehicle that can do it all. Subaru’s all-wheel-drive also means the Ascent can handle any kind of driving conditions whether on snowy roads or gravel paths without a big tradeoff in fuel efficiency.
The 2025 Subaru Ascent is a practical, comfortable, and technologically advanced vehicle. With its powerful engine, smooth handling, spacious interior, and robust safety features the Ascent is perfect for families who need an SUV that can do everything. Whether for daily commutes, weekend getaways or long road trips the 2025 Ascent is ready to give you the versatility and peace of mind that Subaru owners are used to.