2027 Subaru Ascent
The three-row SUV segment is a bare-knuckle brawl. Every automaker is vying for the attention of American families who need space, safety, and capability without surrendering to the minivan.
In this crowded arena, the Subaru Ascent has been a reliable, sure-footed contender—the sensible choice for those who value standard all-wheel drive and a reputation for safety.
However, the clock is ticking for a significant overhaul, with rivals like the Toyota Grand Highlander and Kia Telluride upping the ante on style and technology.
Whispers from Gunma, Japan, suggest a ground-up redesign is on the horizon. Let’s dive into the crystal ball and explore everything we expect from the 2027 Subaru Ascent.
The Hybrid Heart: A Powertrain Revolution
Let’s address the elephant in the room: fuel economy. The current Ascent’s 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine is competent, but its MPG figures are average in a class increasingly embracing electrification.
This is where we predict the most significant leap forward for the next-generation Subaru Ascent. The headline news will almost certainly introduce a Subaru Ascent Hybrid.
Leveraging Subaru’s strengthening partnership with Toyota, it’s highly probable the 2027 Ascent will adopt a hybrid system similar to the one found in the Grand Highlander Hybrid.
This move would be a game-changer, potentially boosting combined fuel economy into the 30-35 MPG range.
This wouldn’t just be an “eco” option; it would likely be the powertrain of choice, offering smooth, instant torque for city driving while retaining enough grunt for highway passing and moderate towing.
The standard turbocharged engine may remain in lower trims. Still, the hybrid will be the show’s star, finally giving buyers a compelling reason to choose the Ascent on efficiency alone. This will be crucial for a modern family SUV.
Exterior Styling and the Wilderness Factor
Subaru has found its design groove lately. The new Crosstrek and Forester showcase a chiseled, assertive look with bold cladding and intricate lighting elements.
Expect the Subaru Ascent redesign to follow this successful formula, scaling it up for its flagship SUV. We anticipate a more upright grille, more pronounced fender flares, and C-shaped headlights that are both more aggressive and technologically advanced.
The goal will be to shed the current model’s slightly soft, anonymous silhouette for a presence that screams “capability.”
Of course, no modern Subaru lineup is complete without its off-road halo trim. The Subaru Ascent Wilderness is guaranteed to return and will be more than just a cosmetic package.
Expect a factory lift for increased ground clearance (likely over 9.5 inches), unique front and rear bumpers for improved approach and departure angles, and all-terrain tires on distinctive 18-inch wheels.
The 2027 Subaru Ascent Wilderness will remain the go-to choice for adventurous families who venture off the pavement, paired with a returned X-MODE and a more robust roof rack. It solidifies the brand’s rugged identity in the three-row Subaru SUV space.
The Command Center: A Tech-Forward Interior
If the exterior evolves, the new Subaru Ascent interior will be a revolution. The centerpiece will undoubtedly be the large, portrait-oriented 11.6-inch (or larger) STARLINK infotainment screen, which has become standard fare across the Subaru lineup.
This will serve as the digital nerve center for navigation, climate control, and vehicle settings, dramatically modernizing the cabin’s look and feel.
Beyond the screen, expect a significant upgrade in material quality. Subaru has been listening to feedback, and we anticipate more soft-touch surfaces, higher-grade plastics, and more sophisticated trim options like Nappa leather on the top-tier Touring models.
Ergonomics will remain a priority but with a more premium execution. Expect clever storage solutions, an abundance of USB-C ports for all three rows, and potentially a more flexible second-row seating configuration—perhaps offering captain’s chairs with a removable center console for the ultimate blend of comfort and utility. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be standard, making connectivity seamless.
Next-Generation Safety and Platform
Subaru’s reputation is built on a foundation of safety, and the 2027 Subaru Ascent will push that legacy forward.
The vehicle will ride on an updated version of the Subaru Global Platform, engineered for improved rigidity, crash absorption, and ride comfort.
This stiffer chassis enhances safety and provides a better foundation for the suspension, leading to more responsive handling and a quieter ride.
The true star, however, will be the next-generation Subaru EyeSight driver-assistance suite. We expect a wider field of view from the cameras, smoother inputs for the adaptive cruise control, and the addition of a new driver monitoring system to ensure attention remains on the road.
Features like Automatic Emergency Steering, which can help you navigate an obstacle, will likely become standard.
This relentless focus on safety, combined with the unflappable traction of Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, will remain the Ascent’s core selling proposition, offering confidence that resonates deeply with its target audience.
The brand’s commitment to Subaru Ascent reliability starts with this fundamental engineering.
Market Position and Pricing
When it arrives, likely in late 2026 as a 2027 model, the new Ascent will face a murderer’s row of competitors.
The Toyota Grand Highlander, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, and Kia Telluride all offer compelling packages.
However, with the addition of a class-leading hybrid option, a ruggedly handsome redesign, and a state-of-the-art interior, the 2027 Ascent will be armed to fight for the top spot, not just participate.
Pricing will likely increase to reflect the new technology and hybrid powertrain. We anticipate the base model starting around $38,000, with the popular Premium and Limited trims landing in the mid-to-high $40,000 range. A fully loaded Touring or a new Subaru Ascent Wilderness model could push past the $55,000 mark.
The 2027 Subaru Ascent is poised to be more than just an update; it’s shaping to reimagine what a Subaru family hauler can be completely.
By blending its traditional strengths of safety and all-weather capability with the modern demands of efficiency, technology, and style, Subaru isn’t just building a new SUV—it’s building the next chapter of its legacy.
