Subaru’s SUV Made in America Becomes Pricier Without Significant Improvements | Carscoops

      The 2026 Ascent is back with slight updates, a higher starting price, and a reduced lineup as Subaru seeks to rejuvenate declining sales.

      Subaru has unveiled the 2026 Ascent with a base MSRP of $40,795.

      The entry-level model sees an increase of $800, but comes with several enhancements.

      This crossover is set to launch this fall, equipped with a turbocharged engine generating 260 hp.

      The Subaru Ascent has faced a tough year, with sales dropping 23.2% in the first half of the year. Unfortunately, the 2026 model is unlikely to reverse this decline.

      Expected at dealerships this fall, the American-manufactured crossover features a simplified lineup, as the Ascent Onyx Edition has been removed. Nonetheless, customers can still choose from the Premium, Limited, Limited Bronze Edition, Touring, and Onyx Edition Touring variants.

      As the crossover enters its later years, the changes are relatively modest. However, the base Ascent Premium adopts some design elements from the discontinued Onyx Edition, including black mirror caps, black accents, and 18-inch wheels with a black finish.

      Buyers will also notice a slightly updated interior featuring black trim and new upholstery. As part of the refresh, the model replaces cloth seats with water-resistant StarTex upholstery.

      In other trims, the $51,165 Ascent Touring features refreshed woodgrain trim. Although Subaru hasn’t provided photos, they suggested a new matte finish will be present.

      Finally, the 2026 Ascent comes with an updated color selection, where Sapphire Blue Pearl replaces Cosmic Blue Pearl.

      Despite the minor updates, the Subaru is well-equipped with features like a power liftgate and 18-inch alloy wheels. Buyers can also expect a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, and an eight-way power driver’s seat. Additional highlights include a tri-zone climate control system and an 11.6-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

      These features are complemented by various driver assistance technologies, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centering, and Pre-Collision Braking. Other features include Lane Departure Warning, Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

      Under the hood is a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 260 hp (194 kW / 264 PS) and 277 lb-ft (375 Nm) of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission and a standard all-wheel drive system.

      Pricing starts at $40,795, which is an $800 increase. However, pricing for higher trims remains consistent. The Onyx Edition Touring even experiences a slight reduction from $52,050 to $51,995, a decrease of $55, offsetting the increased destination fee from $1,420 to $1,450.

      2026 Subaru Ascent Pricing