Trims and Powertrain

Six trim packages are offered for the 2025 Subaru Ascent: Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Bronze Edition, Touring, and Onyx Edition Touring. They all come with seven-passenger seating (three rows with second-row captain’s chairs) by default, but the Premium and Limited are available with a second-row bench seat to raise passenger capacity to eight. A 260-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine pairs with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to form the powertrain. The CVT, which features an eight-speed manual mode function and steering wheel paddle shifters, sends power to the standard all-wheel drivetrain (AWD). The AWD system incorporates X-Mode with hill descent control for confident all-weather driving.

The Premium is EPA-rated to return 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Fuel economy changes to 19 mpg around town and 25 on the open road for the other trims. When it’s properly equipped, the 2025 Ascent can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Cargo space ranges from 42.1 cubic feet behind the second row to 72.8 cubic feet behind the first row. Storage capacity increases to 43.5 cubic feet and 75.6 cubic feet, respectively, for the Premium trim.

Standard Equipment by Trim

The well-equipped Premium is all about comfort in any kind of weather, as is evident from its standard tri-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, windshield wiper de-icer, second-row climate controls, and air vents for all three rows. It also has a stain-resistant fabric upholstery, a power tailgate, steering-responsive LED headlights, proximity keyless entry, and push-button start. This trim also has roof rails, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, six USB ports (two per row), a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Onyx Edition adds a heated steering wheel, StarTex water-repellent upholstery, heated power-folding side mirrors, a power panoramic moonroof, an eight-way power driver's seat, LED fog lights, unique exterior treatments, and 20-inch wheels.

The Limited sprinkles in more luxury with leather upholstery, heated second-row outboard seats, a 12-way power driver's seat, a four-way power front passenger seat, and a driver's position memory system. The Bronze Edition adds a stylish twist to the Limited with StarTex upholstery and bronze-finish accents on the side cladding, front intake cover, and wheels. The bronze theme continues in the cabin with contrast stitching throughout. The Touring dials up the Limited’s plushness factor with Java Brown perforated Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a rearview mirror with a rear camera display. The Onyx Edition Touring blends the unique interior and exterior elements of the Onyx Edition with the upmarket amenities of the Touring trim.

Advanced Driver Aids and Safety Technology

All 2025 Ascents are set up with Subaru EyeSight driver assist technology, which includes pre-collision braking, lane departure and sway warning, lane keep assist, automatic emergency steering, adaptive cruise control with lane centering, and automatic high beams. All trims also get blind-spot detection with lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking. Plus, adaptive cruise control (ACC) now includes emergency stop assist. When ACC is active, the system can detect an unresponsive driver, stop the vehicle, and initiate emergency-response measures. The Limited and higher trims have a driver distraction mitigation system and a surround-view monitor. All trims also get stability control, traction control, a set of airbags, anti-lock brakes, and a rearview camera with a washer.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Infotainment is channeled through an 11.6-inch touchscreen that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and hands-free text messaging. The Limited and higher trims add integrated navigation. All trims have access to a Wi-Fi hotspot and Subaru Starlink connected services (for emergency assistance, remote functions, and other features). While the Premium and Onyx Edition have a six-speaker audio system, the higher trims get a 14-speaker Harman Kardon upgrade, along with Cabin Connect (button-activated voice projection to the third row).