Test Drive the 2026 Subaru Ascent in Berlin, CT

2026 Subaru Ascent for Sale at Schaller Subaru in Berlin, CT

If you need a spacious, all-wheel drive three-row SUV that never feels out of its element, the 2026 Subaru Ascent delivers with serious capability, premium features, and versatile configurations for seven or eight passengers. At Schaller Subaru in Berlin, CT, you’ll find the full gas model lineup, including Premium 8-Passenger, Premium 7-Passenger, Limited 8-Passenger, Limited 7-Passenger, Limited Bronze Edition 7-Passenger, Touring 7-Passenger, and Onyx Edition Touring 7-Passenger. Every trim brings a unique mix of upscale amenities, thoughtful tech, and cargo-ready space to match your lifestyle.

From weekend trailering to weekday drop-offs, the 2026 Subaru Ascent holds its own against larger rivals like the Toyota Grand Highlander, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Ford Explorer while staying true to what makes Subaru vehicles stand out: long-term reliability, all-weather performance, and user-focused design. This is more than just a big SUV. It’s a complete solution for families that do a little of everything.

Interior: Premium Comfort

Every 2026 Subaru Ascent model offers three full rows of seating and up to 153.2 cubic feet of passenger volume, giving it more space than many other vehicles in the class. Eight-passenger seating is standard on the Premium and Limited trims with second-row bench seats, while all other trims feature captain’s chairs and seat seven.

Front seat passengers enjoy 42.2 inches of legroom and 41.2 inches of headroom, while the second row offers 38.6 inches of legroom and 40 inches of headroom. Even the third row provides 31.7 inches of legroom and 36.2 inches of headroom, making it usable for adults.

Comfort and convenience features vary by trim but include:

• Tri-zone climate control with second-row controls and vents for all three rows
• Heated front seats on all trims
• Heated second-row seats and a heated steering wheel on all Limited and Touring trims
• Ventilated front seats on Touring and Onyx Edition Touring
• Reclining 60/40-split rear seats in all rows
• 19 total cup holders
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter handle
• Cargo-area underfloor storage tray
• Up to 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded
• Upholstery materials span from StarTex® to Nappa leather depending on trim:
• StarTex® upholstery with silver or bronze contrast stitching on Premium and Limited Bronze Edition
• Leather-trimmed upholstery on Limited trims
• Nappa leather on Touring and Onyx Edition Touring

The Limited Bronze Edition stands out with bronze accents, while the Touring trims come equipped with memory functions for the driver’s seat and side mirrors, plus exclusive access to Cabin Connect voice amplification and a 120-volt AC power outlet.

Exterior Style that Fits in Anywhere

The Ascent combines strong design lines with practical exterior elements built for function and flair. Measuring 196.8 inches long and standing 71.6 inches tall with roof rails, the Ascent is substantial without feeling bloated. All trims ride on 20-inch wheels, except the Premium models which feature 18-inch black finish alloys. Each trim level has distinctive finishes to make it easily recognizable, from bronze metallic wheels on the Limited Bronze Edition to black-finish wheels and exterior accents on the Onyx Edition Touring.

Standard exterior features include:

• LED Steering Responsive Headlights
• LED fog lights
• Roof rails
• Crystal Black Silica-finish power-folding mirrors with turn signals
• Windshield wiper de-icer
• Rear window wiper
• Panoramic power moonroof on all trims except Premium

Chrome door handles are included on the Touring trim, while the Limited Bronze Edition and Onyx Edition Touring offer black badging and black or bronze trim elements for a bold look.

Available paint colors include:

• Autumn Green Metallic
• Crystal Black Silica
• Sapphire Blue Pearl
• Crimson Red Pearl
• Dark Mahogany Pearl
• Ice Silver Metallic
• Crystal White Pearl
• Magnetite Gray Metallic

Performance: Powertrain that Pulls Its Weight

Every 2026 Ascent model is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter SUBARU BOXER 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a Lineartronic CVT, it delivers smooth and responsive power for daily driving and towing alike. Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive comes standard on every trim, as does X-MODE with Hill Descent Control for confident off-road handling.

All trims offer 5,000 pounds of towing capacity and include Trailer Stability Assist. Fuel consumption is competitive for a vehicle this size, with EPA-estimated ratings of up to 26 mpg highway and 19 mpg city on Premium models and 25/19 mpg on higher trims.

Key mechanical highlights include:

• Raised four-wheel independent suspension
• 8.7 inches of ground clearance
• Active Torque Vectoring
• Vehicle Dynamics Control and Traction Control System
• Ventilated disc brakes with Brake Assist and Brake Override

This powertrain setup allows the Ascent to feel surprisingly nimble while still being more than capable of hauling a trailer, family gear, or both.

Tech that Keeps You Entertained and Informed

Subaru packed the 2026 Ascent with meaningful connectivity features to keep drivers informed and passengers entertained. Premium models include the Subaru 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus System, while all others upgrade to the 11.6-inch Multimedia Navigation System.

Available technology features include:

• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
• Bluetooth®* hands-free phone and streaming audio
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability
• Harman Kardon® premium audio system on all trims from Limited upward
• Surround View Monitor on Touring and Onyx Edition Touring
• Cabin Connect voice amplifier on Touring models
• USB-A and USB-C ports in all three rows
• Smart auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® on Touring trims

The combination of screen clarity, sound quality, and wireless integration makes this SUV feel as smart as it is spacious.

Safety Comes Standard

Subaru’s safety-first design shines in the 2026 Ascent with active and passive systems standard across the board. EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology is included on all trims and integrates features like Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering and Pre-Collision Braking.

Advanced safety and driver support systems include:

• Reverse Automatic Braking
• Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Automatic Emergency Steering
• DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System on all trims from Limited and up
• High Beam Assist
• Rearview camera with washer
• Surround View Monitor on Touring and Onyx Edition Touring

Subaru’s passive safety also includes a full suite of airbags, whiplash-reducing front seats, LATCH anchors, and three-point height-adjustable belts for front occupants.

As always, Subaru backs every 2026 Ascent with:

• 3-year or 36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty
• 5-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty
• 5-year rust perforation coverage with unlimited mileage

Check Out the 2026 Ascent in Berlin, CT, Today

Whether you're loading up kids, gear, dogs, or friends, the 2026 Subaru Ascent has the space and confidence you need. This three-row SUV blends safety, strength, and smart design into every drive, and Schaller Subaru in Berlin, CT, is ready to help you find the configuration that works for your family.

Looking for something electrified? Ask us about Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid or the Forester Hybrid. But if you’re looking for a fuel-efficient, road-trip-ready SUV with true all-weather traction, the gas-powered 2026 Subaru Ascent should be your first stop.

Schedule a test drive today and experience what makes the new Ascent one of the smartest 3-row SUVs in its class.

* Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Subaru is under license. A compatible Bluetooth®-enabled phone must first be paired. Phone performance depends on software, coverage, and carrier.

* All fuel economy mpg listing in the content above are EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary.

*Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.