How many cubic feet is the Subaru Ascent?
The Subaru Ascent offers about 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, about 47.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and roughly 86.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat in front of you. These figures illustrate how the space expands as you fold seating to accommodate gear, luggage, or equipment.
The Ascent is a three-row SUV aimed at families and active lifestyles, so cargo capacity is a key consideration for buyers. This article breaks down the official cubic-foot measurements for common configurations and explains what they mean in real-world use, along with notes on year-to-year variations and trims that can affect space. Readers will find a clear guide to how much you can carry with seats up versus folded, and practical context for planning trips or daily errands.
Cargo-volume figures by seating configuration
To help you picture how much space you’ll get in everyday scenarios, below are the standard cargo-volume figures Subaru lists for typical configurations.
Measurement conventions
Subaru reports three primary cargo-volume figures for the Ascent: space behind the third row (seats in use), space behind the second row (third row folded), and space behind the first row (both second and third rows folded). These numbers are standard across recent model years, though minor year-to-year variations can occur.
- Behind the third row: 17.8 cubic feet
- Behind the second row: 47.0 cubic feet
- Behind the first row: 86.5 cubic feet
These figures show a clear progression: as you fold more rear seats, cargo capacity increases substantially, giving you room for groceries, sports gear, luggage, or larger items.
Interpreting the numbers for real-world use
In daily driving, you’ll typically rely on the third-row or second-row configurations. With all three rows in use, you’ll have about 17.8 cubic feet for groceries or small items. Folding the third row expands cargo space to around 47.0 cubic feet, useful for larger suitcases, strollers, or sports gear. Folding both the second and third rows opens up about 86.5 cubic feet, providing ample room for sizable items or bulkier loads.
Keep in mind that these are official, volume-based measurements. Real-world space can vary slightly with floor configurations, floor mats, cargo organizers, and the exact trim or year. If you’re planning a specific load, it’s wise to measure the items and compare against these figures for your model year.
Notes for shoppers: year-to-year and trim considerations
While the three primary figures—17.8, 47.0, and 86.5 cubic feet—cover the core configurations, small adjustments can occur with different model years or upholstery and storage options. The Ascent has been sold in 7- and 8-passenger setups, and some trims may alter floor height or cargo tie-downs, subtly affecting usable space. Always verify the exact specifications for the specific year and trim you’re considering.
Summary
The Subaru Ascent provides approximately 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in place, about 47.0 cubic feet with the third row folded (second row up), and around 86.5 cubic feet when both second and third rows are folded for maximum cargo. These figures help prospective buyers gauge how the vehicle fits their luggage, gear, and passenger needs, with minor year-to-year variations possible. For precise planning, check the cargo specifications for the exact model year and trim you’re evaluating.
What are the weaknesses of the Subaru Ascent?
Common Subaru Ascent cons include poor fuel economy, a CVT (continuously variable transmission) that can feel disconnected and noisy, and brake issues like premature wear and juddering. Other drawbacks cited by owners are limited interior cabin width, inconsistent technology and infotainment, and engine noise, particularly under acceleration. Some owners also report issues with electrical systems, and despite a decent engine, some feel it is underpowered for the vehicle's size, particularly with its CVT.
You can watch this video to learn about the common problems and weaknesses of the Subaru Ascent: 52sNexologyYouTube · Sep 11, 2025
Performance and powertrain
- Poor fuel economy: Some owners report fuel economy that is worse than advertised.
- Underpowered engine: The turbocharged 2.4-liter engine is often considered underpowered for the Ascent's heavy weight.
- Noisy CVT: The CVT can cause a "droning" noise and a disconnected feeling, while competitors use more traditional automatic transmissions.
- Inconsistent throttle: Some drivers find the throttle too touchy at low speeds or sluggish at higher speeds.
Brakes
- Premature wear: Owners report premature wearing of brake pads and rotors.
- Vibration and noise: Complaints include pulsating or vibrating brakes and squeaking noises.
Interior and technology
- Limited interior width: Despite being a large SUV, the cabin is narrower than many competitors, reducing usable space for passengers.
- Frustrating technology: Some owners find the technology and infotainment systems frustrating to use.
- Driver assist system issues: In some conditions, such as heavy rain, the EyeSight driver assist system can shut down.
Other issues
- Engine and transmission problems: In addition to the CVT, other engine and transmission-related issues have been reported by owners.
- Electrical system issues: Reports include problems with interior lights and other electrical components.
- Repairs: Some owners report that repairs for certain issues, like replacing a windshield, can be expensive and trigger other cascading problems.
This video discusses several issues with the Subaru Ascent, including the CVT, brake problems, and electrical system: 1mFuel ForceYouTube · Aug 4, 2025
What is the cargo volume of the Subaru Ascent?
When you configure it for maximum storage, the Ascent provides up to 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row and up to 43.5 cubic feet behind the second row. This impressive Subaru Ascent storage capacity is possible with both the second and third rows of seating that fold into various positions.
How many cubic feet is the interior of a Subaru Ascent?
The Subaru Ascent has a total passenger volume of 153.2 cubic feet and offers a maximum of 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded down. Behind the second row, it provides 43.5 cubic feet of cargo space, and behind the third row, it offers 17.8 cubic feet (note that some sources may show slight variations, but these are the most common figures).
Passenger volume
- Total: 153.2 cubic feet
Cargo volume
- Behind the third row: 17.8 cubic feet (with a small amount of underfloor storage available)
- Behind the second row: 43.5 cubic feet
- Maximum (behind the first row): 75.6 cubic feet
Is the Subaru Ascent as big as the Toyota Highlander?
The Subaru Ascent is slightly longer and taller than the Toyota Highlander, but the Highlander has more maximum cargo space when both rear rows are folded. The Ascent offers more third-row legroom, while the Highlander provides more cargo space behind the second row.
You can watch this video for a comparison of the 2025 Subaru Ascent and Toyota Grand Highlander: 56sEveryman DriverYouTube · Jun 20, 2025
| Feature | Subaru Ascent | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Length | 196.8 inches | 194.9 inches |
| Overall Height | 71.6 inches | 68.1 inches |
| Third-Row Legroom | 31.7 inches | 27.7 inches |
| Max Cargo (Seats Down) | 75.6 cubic feet | 84.3 cubic feet |
| Cargo Behind 2nd Row | 43.5 cubic feet | 48.4 cubic feet |
| Cargo Behind 3rd Row | 17.8 cubic feet | 16.0 cubic feet |
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