2021 Subaru Ascent

Design & Comfort

The Touring trim feels really nice up front. I love the wood trim, contrast stitching, and perforated leather. It feels premium without being over the top, and it’s a comfortable place to spend a lot of time.

Tech & Controls

The dash isn’t fully digital, and information is split between two screens. It works, but I wish everything lived in one place, especially with how much space this dash has. The steering wheel has a lot of buttons, but they’re large and easy to use, with adaptive cruise control, a heated steering wheel, Bluetooth, and voice controls.

Screen, Climate & Storage

The center screen is smaller than some competitors, but it’s responsive, built-in, and easy to use. I appreciate the physical climate controls, plus heated and ventilated front seats. The center console is a decent size, and the small organizer inside is great for coins or little items. USB ports up front make charging easy.

Space & Seating

The second row offers solid space, even with the front seat set for a taller driver. The captain’s chairs are comfortable, but the center aisle to the third row is narrower than expected, especially for adults. It works better for kids moving through than grown-ups.

Features & Amenities

Second-row passengers get their own climate controls, heated seats, built-in sunshades, USB ports, and an outlet. These are all features I really like seeing in a family vehicle and make a big difference for everyday use.

Car Seat Setup & Access

Lower anchors are available on the second-row outboard seats, and all seating positions have tether anchors. Car seat installation itself is straightforward, but rear-facing seats can limit front-seat legroom, especially for taller drivers. The sliding seat tracks help adjust space, but this is something families will want to plan for.

One thing I do appreciate is that when a car seat is installed using lower anchors, the second-row seat can still slide forward to create access to the third row. It’s not perfect, but it does provide a workable path for kids to climb back.

All headrests are removable, which helps with proper car seat and booster positioning. Trims below Touring also offer a second-row bench seat, which may actually work better for some families than captain’s chairs, depending on car seat layouts and long-term needs.

With the third row up, cargo space is limited but usable for everyday items. Folding the third row down makes a big difference and opens up a much more practical cargo area.

There’s a fully lined underfloor storage compartment that’s great for muddy shoes or wet items, and I love that the seat backs are protected to prevent wear. The third-row seats are easy to fold and lay flat, making it simple to switch between passenger space and cargo space.