Is the Subaru Ascent good for camping?

For many families and groups, the Subaru Ascent stands out as a practical, capable option for weekend camping trips. It blends all-wheel drive, interior flexibility, and solid space into a single package. Here’s a clear look at how well it works in real-world camping scenarios.

In short, the Ascent is a solid camping companion for those who value seating capacity, all-weather capability, and ample gear storage. It excels on mixed terrain and highway drives alike, but it isn’t a purpose-built camper, so sleeping setups and long-term comfort depend on how you configure the cargo area and seating.

What makes the Ascent camp-ready

The following points highlight the features that specifically support camping lifestyles, from cargo capacity to everyday practicality.

• Symmetrical all-wheel drive (standard on most trims) helps with slick access roads, dirt paths, and winter camping routes.


• Large cargo footprint: about 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, and up to roughly 86 cubic feet of space with both rear rows folded flat for gear and sleeping setups.


• Flexible seating: up to eight occupants with a mix of bench and captain’s-chair configurations; second and third rows fold flat to extend the cargo/load floor.


• Roof rails and crossbars ready for rooftop gear, tents, or cargo boxes to keep inside space uncluttered.


• Ground clearance around 8.7 inches helps with light off-road approaches to campsites that aren’t paved.


• Toeing capability up to 5,000 pounds enables light trailer use if you’re transporting extra gear or a small camping trailer.


• Modern driver-assist tech (EyeSight) and a comfortable ride support longer trips and family travel, reducing fatigue on backroads.

Together, these traits make the Ascent a capable option for families or groups needing substantial passenger capacity and gear storage without stepping up to a larger SUV or a van.

Sleeping and sleeping-area options in the Ascent

Car camping often centers on how to create a comfortable bed surface. With the rear seats folded, you can form a long, flat floor using a sleeping pad or mattress that spans the cargo area. Some campers also use a folded second row plus a slim mattress across the floor to sleep two to three people. Be mindful of the overall height and width of your setup, as the Ascent’s interior is spacious but not a dedicated camper van interior.

Limitations to consider for camping with the Ascent

While the Ascent offers many camping-friendly features, there are trade-offs campers should keep in mind.

• Third row is best suited for kids or short trips; adults may find the rear-most seating cramped for longer durations.


• Creating a comfortable overnight bed typically requires padding or a folded-into-the-floor setup, which can reduce available cargo space.


• Interior height and width limit some sleeping configurations; rooftop tents are an option, but they add cost and setup time.


• Real-world fuel economy can dip into the low-to-mid 20s mpg range when carrying heavy loads or towing, more than enough for many campers but worth factoring into trip planning.


• The cargo area can feel tight once eight passengers and their gear are loaded; prioritize gear organization to maximize usable space.

In practice, the Ascent works best for families or groups who want to travel with people and gear in one vehicle, and who are comfortable adapting their sleeping setup to the cargo area rather than relying on a fully flat, purpose-built camper interior.

Bottom line

The Subaru Ascent is a strong pick for camping households that need three-row seating, solid AWD capability, and flexible cargo space. It handles mixed terrain, harsh weather, and road trips with relative ease, making it a versatile all-around option. If your camping style emphasizes compact two-person trips and you prize the lightest possible setup, you might explore smaller SUVs like the Forester or Outback. For larger groups or more elaborate camper setups, consider how you’ll arrange sleeping space and gear in advance to ensure comfort and practicality on longer trips.

Summary

Overall, the Ascent offers a compelling blend of space, capability, and value for campers, especially families that prioritize seating and cargo versatility. It isn’t a dedicated camping vehicle, but with thoughtful planning—utilizing fold-flat seating, roof racks, and careful gear organization—it serves as a reliable, well-rounded choice for weekend adventures and longer road trips alike.

Which Subaru is best for camping?

The best Subaru for camping depends on your needs: the Outback is ideal for maximum interior space, especially for sleeping, while the Forester is a great all-around option with excellent visibility and a slightly more compact, nimble feel. For those needing more seating, the Ascent is the best choice for larger groups, and the Crosstrek is a good, budget-friendly option for smaller loads and backcountry trips. 
Outback

• Best for: Maximum cargo and sleeping space. 
• Pros: Its wagon-like body style provides the most interior length for sleeping, and it has generous cargo capacity. Wilderness models offer enhanced off-road capability. 
• Considerations: It is longer than the Forester, which is a key advantage for sleeping comfortably. 

Forester

• Best for: A balance of space, visibility, and efficiency. 
• Pros: Offers a good amount of cargo and passenger space, with a high seating position for better visibility. A new design brings updated tech and comfort features. 
• Considerations: It is slightly shorter than the Outback, but still offers enough room for camping, especially if you use the space in the front footwells. 

Crosstrek

• Best for: A compact, affordable option that is still capable. 
• Pros: Excellent for smaller groups and backcountry adventures due to its smaller size and maneuverability. The Wilderness trim has impressive towing capacity. 
• Considerations: It has the least amount of interior space compared to the Outback and Forester. 

Ascent

• Best for: Larger groups and families.
• Pros: A three-row SUV that can carry up to 8 people and their gear. Foldable seats provide flexible cargo space. 
• Considerations: It's a larger vehicle, which might be less ideal for those looking for nimble off-road performance. 

Can you camp in a Subaru Ascent?

With the Subaru Ascent, you not only gain a reliable camping platform but also a versatile vehicle ready to take on wild, off-the-grid adventures.

Do Subaru Ascent seats lay flat?

Yes, all seats in the Subaru Ascent fold flat, but the process varies slightly between the 60/40-split bench and captain's chairs. The third-row seatbacks and the optional second-row bench seat are designed to fold down and create a flat surface. The second-row captain's chairs also fold down to nearly flat, though they may have a slight elevation and require pulling a second lever to achieve their flattest position.
 
You can watch this video to learn how to fold the seats down: 47sCarnivautoYouTube · Apr 22, 2025
Third-row seats

• Use lever one to tilt the seatback forward.
• Use lever two to unlock the seatback and fold it down.
• Ensure you secure the seatbelts to avoid damage. 

Second-row seats

• Bench seat: Pull the lever to fold the seat down. The bench seat folds down to a very flat surface. 
• Captain's chairs: Pull the lever on the side of the seat to tilt the backrest forward. To fold it flatter, pull the second lever (labeled "2") located on the seat itself to fully unlock it and lay it down. 
• For both second-row seat types, you can pull a lever or handle on the seat's base to move it forward, providing more access to the third row. 

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