How roomy is the Subaru Ascent?
The Subaru Ascent is a notably roomy three-row SUV, offering seating for seven or eight and ample cargo space for family travel and daily use.
Seating and passenger comfort
The space inside the Ascent is designed to accommodate families and those who regularly shuttle passengers. The model offers two-row versatility and a three-row layout that can be configured for different passenger needs.
These points help illustrate how the interior handles people and their cargo:
- Seating configurations: 8-passenger layout with a full second-row bench, or 7-passenger layout with second-row captain’s chairs that ease access to the third row.
- Second-row comfort and access: ample legroom in the second row, with easy access to the third row whether you choose a bench or captain’s chairs. Captain’s chairs reduce capacity to seven but often improve comfort for passengers in the middle row.
- Third-row usability: the third row accommodates adults better on shorter trips and is generally more comfortable for kids on longer journeys; space is practical but not expansive for full-size adults on long drives.
- Overall cabin feel: front seats provide generous space and supportive ergonomics, while the middle and rear rows offer a balanced amount of headroom and legroom for average-sized adults and children.
In everyday use, the Ascent delivers a versatile interior that prioritizes passenger comfort for families, with trade-offs typical of three-row SUVs where the third row is best suited for children or shorter trips.
Cargo capacity and flexibility
For families who prioritize cargo, the Ascent offers a tiered set of space configurations that change with seat usage. The numbers below reflect typical measurements across recent model years and trims.
Key cargo space figures help demonstrate how flexible the rear area is:
- Behind the third row: roughly 17 to 19 cubic feet of cargo space when all seats are in use.
- Behind the second row (with third row folded): about 46 to 47 cubic feet.
- Maximum with both second and third rows folded: around 86 to 87 cubic feet of total cargo space.
With the rear seats folded flat, the Ascent becomes a practical hauler for larger items, weekly groceries, or travel gear. The cargo floor is generally low enough to load items without excessive lifting, and the rear opening remains fairly wide for easy stowage.
Real-world usability for families
Beyond raw measurements, real-world space includes ease of use, storage features, and access. Subaru has aimed to balance passenger comfort with practical cargo handling for daily life and road trips.
- Second-row slide/tilt access: easier movement between rows and access to the third row, which is helpful when you frequently ferry passengers of varying ages.
- Folding configurations: seats fold in a user-friendly manner to maximize cargo space without complicated procedures.
- Storage options: multiple cargo hooks, tie-downs, and small-item compartments help organize luggage, groceries, and gear.
Overall, the Ascent’s interior space is well-suited for families who need to balance passenger seating with usable cargo room. The trade-off remains that the third row is most comfortable for children or shorter trips, but the second row and cargo area adapt well to a range of everyday needs.
Model year and trim variations
Space and seating flexibility can vary slightly by year and trim, though the core layout remains consistent. Most trims offer the 7- or 8-seat configurations described above, with the captain’s-chair option in the second row changing capacity from eight to seven. Other space-related differences are typically modest and relate to seating materials, seat adjustability, and cargo-related convenience features rather than fundamental room measurements.
- Seating: 8-passenger setup with a second-row bench, or 7-passenger setup with second-row captain’s chairs.
- Access and convenience: second-row seating often includes sliding/forward-access features to ease third-row entry.
- Cargo features: most trims include a wide cargo opening, split-folding rear seats, and tie-downs; higher trims may add power liftgate or other organizing aids.
When choosing a model year or trim, consider how often you’ll use the third row and how much cargo you typically carry. The configurations are designed to cover most family needs without sacrificing everyday drivability.
Summary
The Subaru Ascent strikes a practical balance between passenger space and cargo capacity in the midsize three-row SUV segment. It offers flexible seating for seven or eight, with a second row that delivers solid legroom and easy third-row access. Cargo space scales well from daily errands to longer trips, especially when the rear rows are folded. For families prioritizing space versatility and user-friendly practicality, the Ascent remains a strong, roomy choice within its class.
Bottom line
If you need room for a full family with gear for weekend trips, the Ascent delivers confident interior space, sensible configurations, and a cabin that feels roomy without driving awkwardly large. For those who regularly carry tall passengers in the third row or require maximum cargo, the 7- or 8-passenger layouts give you flexible options to fit your specific needs.
Summary of space highlights (at a glance)
- 7- or 8-passenger configurations depending on second-row seating (bench vs. captain’s chairs).
- Second-row legroom: ample and comfortable for adults on short to medium trips; captain’s chairs reduce seating to seven but ease access.
- Third-row legroom and headroom: usable for adults on shorter trips; better suited for kids on longer journeys.
- Cargo behind third row: approximately 17–19 cu ft.
- Cargo behind second row: roughly 46–47 cu ft.
- Maximum cargo with both rear rows folded: around 86–87 cu ft.
What is a Subaru Ascent comparable to?
The main competitors to the Subaru Ascent are other three-row SUVs like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Mazda CX-90. Other competitors include the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, and Toyota Grand Highlander. The Ascent stands out with its standard all-wheel-drive and a focus on safety and ruggedness.
Direct competitors
- Honda Pilot
- Toyota Highlander
- Hyundai Palisade
- Kia Telluride
- Mazda CX-90
- Chevrolet Traverse
- Ford Explorer
- Toyota Grand Highlander
Other competitors
- Nissan Pathfinder
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Kia Sorento
- Buick Enclave
- Jeep Grand Cherokee L
- Acura MDX
- Infiniti QX60
This video compares the Subaru Ascent with its main competitors: 1mBruce KnowsYouTube · Sep 1, 2025
Is the Subaru Ascent's interior spacious?
Spacious Interior for Families
The Subaru Ascent offers three rows of seating that can accommodate up to eight passengers, making it one of the most spacious vehicles in its class.
Is a Subaru Ascent bigger than a RAV4?
The RAV4 only has room for five passengers, so it might be trickier to find a seat for everyone. The Subaru Ascent Has More Cargo Space: When you need room for cargo, the Ascent offers plenty. With the rear seats folded down, the Ascent offers up to 86.5 cubic feet of space, while the RAV4 only has 69.8 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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