• Subaru has introduced the 2026 Ascent with a starting MSRP of $40,795.
  • Entry-level model costs an extra $800, but features numerous upgrades.
  • The crossover arrives this fall with a turbocharged engine developing 260 hp.

The Subaru Ascent is having a terrible year as sales plummeted 23.2% through the first six months. Unfortunately for them, the 2026 model likely won’t help to reverse that trend.

Set to arrive at dealerships this fall, the American-made crossover features a simplified lineup as the Ascent Onyx Edition has been eliminated. However, there’s no shortage of options as the 2026 model can be had in Premium, Limited, Limited Bronze Edition, Touring, and Onyx Edition Touring guise.

More: 2026 Subaru Outback Finally Comes Out As An SUV

Since the crossover is entering its twilight years, changes are relatively minor. That said, the entry-level Ascent Premium gains some styling cues from the discontinued Onyx Edition. This includes black mirror caps, black accents, and 18-inch wheels with a black finish.

Buyers will also find a lightly revised interior with black trim and new upholstery. As part of the makeover, the model trades cloth seats for ones featuring water-resistant StarTex upholstery.

Subaru’s American-Made SUV Gets More Expensive Without Getting Much Better
Subaru’s American-Made SUV Gets More Expensive Without Getting Much Better
Subaru’s American-Made SUV Gets More Expensive Without Getting Much Better
Subaru’s American-Made SUV Gets More Expensive Without Getting Much Better
Subaru’s American-Made SUV Gets More Expensive Without Getting Much Better
Subaru’s American-Made SUV Gets More Expensive Without Getting Much Better
Subaru’s American-Made SUV Gets More Expensive Without Getting Much Better
Subaru’s American-Made SUV Gets More Expensive Without Getting Much Better

Elsewhere in the lineup, the $51,165 Ascent Touring sports updated woodgrain trim. Subaru didn’t release pictures, but implied customers can expect a new matte finish.

Last but not least, the 2026 Ascent features an updated color palette. As part of the change, Sapphire Blue Pearl replaces Cosmic Blue Pearl.

While the updates are minor, the Subie comes nicely equipped with a power liftgate and 18-inch alloy wheels. Buyers will also find a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, and an eight-way power driver’s seat. Rounding out the highlights are a tri-zone climate control system and an 11.6-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Subaru’s American-Made SUV Gets More Expensive Without Getting Much Better
Subaru’s American-Made SUV Gets More Expensive Without Getting Much Better
Subaru’s American-Made SUV Gets More Expensive Without Getting Much Better
Subaru’s American-Made SUV Gets More Expensive Without Getting Much Better
Subaru’s American-Made SUV Gets More Expensive Without Getting Much Better
Subaru’s American-Made SUV Gets More Expensive Without Getting Much Better
Subaru’s American-Made SUV Gets More Expensive Without Getting Much Better
Subaru’s American-Made SUV Gets More Expensive Without Getting Much Better
Subaru’s American-Made SUV Gets More Expensive Without Getting Much Better
Subaru’s American-Made SUV Gets More Expensive Without Getting Much Better
Subaru’s American-Made SUV Gets More Expensive Without Getting Much Better
Subaru’s American-Made SUV Gets More Expensive Without Getting Much Better
Subaru’s American-Made SUV Gets More Expensive Without Getting Much Better
Subaru’s American-Made SUV Gets More Expensive Without Getting Much Better
Subaru’s American-Made SUV Gets More Expensive Without Getting Much Better
Subaru’s American-Made SUV Gets More Expensive Without Getting Much Better

They’re joined by an assortment of driver assistance systems including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centering, and Pre-Collision Braking. Buyers will also find Lane Departure Warning, Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

A turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine resides under the hood, where it produces 260 hp (194 kW / 264 PS) and 277 lb-ft (375 Nm) of torque. It’s paired to a continuously variable transmission and a standard all-wheel drive system.

Pricing starts at $40,795, which is an increase of $800. However, higher-end trims hold the line on pricing. In fact, the Onyx Edition Touring even sees a small price cut from $52,050 to $51,995. That’s a drop of $55, which is enough to make up for the destination fee which has increased from $1,420 to $1,450.

2026 Subaru Ascent Pricing
Trim    MSRPw/ Destination
Ascent Premium$40,795$42,245
Ascent Limited$47,885$49,335
Ascent Limited Bronze Edition$48,995$50,445
Ascent Touring$51,165$52,615
Ascent Onyx Edition Touring$51,995$53,445
SWIPE