What is a 7 seater Subaru?
The Subaru most people mean by a 7-seater is the Ascent, a three‑row SUV that can accommodate seven or eight passengers depending on the seating configuration.
In this article, we explain what makes a Subaru a true 7-seat vehicle, focusing on the current mainstream option in the United States and noting older or regional models that offered seven seats.
Subaru Ascent: the current 7- or 8-passenger model
The Ascent is Subaru’s midsize, family-friendly SUV designed with three rows of seats. It’s the core 7- or 8-passenger option Subaru sells in the United States today, and it can seat seven with second-row captain’s chairs or eight with a standard three-seat second row.
Below are the key characteristics and options that define the Ascent as Subaru’s current 7- or 8-passenger offering.
Important specifications and features to know about the Ascent include:
- Seating capacity: 7 or 8, depending on second-row configuration (bench seat for 8 or optional captain’s chairs for 7).
- Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER-4 engine, delivering strong low-end torque and solid highway power.
- Transmission: Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable automatic), with a manual shift mode for added control.
- Drivetrain: Symmetrical all-wheel drive as standard.
- Fuel economy: competitive for a three-row SUV, generally in the low- to mid-20s mpg range combined depending on configuration and wheel size.
- Interior and cargo: spacious cabin with flexible seating; third row folds down to expand cargo space for family gear.
- Safety: EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard on many trims, with features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking.
The following list highlights practical aspects and everyday use of the Ascent as a 7- or 8-passenger family vehicle.
Despite its size, the Ascent aims to feel maneuverable in daily driving and keeps Subaru’s reputation for AWD capability and safety features intact.
Practical considerations for the Ascent
- Family-friendly interior with easy ingress/egress for passengers in the second and third rows.
- Versatile seating configurations that let you optimize passenger space or cargo space as needed.
- Solid towing capability with proper equipment, supporting light to moderate trailers.
- Good ground clearance and standard AWD help with varied road conditions and light off-road use.
- Up-to-date infotainment options with smartphone integration and available rear-seat entertainment in higher trims.
In summary, the Ascent stands as Subaru’s current flagship for 7- and 8-passenger seating, pairing practical space with the brand’s safety and all-wheel-drive heritage.
Other 7-seat Subaru options (older or regional)
Beyond the Ascent, Subaru has offered other seven-seat configurations in different markets or generations. The Tribeca and the Exiga provided seven-seat layouts but are no longer part of Subaru’s main US lineup.
The Tribeca, a mid-size crossover SUV, was produced in the United States from 2005 through 2014 and offered seven seats with a six-cylinder engine. It has since been discontinued and was succeeded in the US by the Ascent, which provides a modern three-row layout with contemporary safety features.
The Exiga was a seven-seat wagon sold in Japan, parts of Asia, and some other markets from 2008 until around 2018. It was not offered in North America but demonstrates Subaru’s experimentation with three-row practicality in different regions.
Note that these older seven-seat models are not widely available new in the US today; they may appear on the used market or in overseas regions.
Summary
For most buyers seeking a seven-seat Subaru today, the Ascent is the model to consider, offering a flexible 7- or 8-passenger setup in a modern, well-equipped package with standard all-wheel drive and strong safety features. Historically, Subaru has explored seven-seat layouts with the Tribeca and Exiga in various markets, but those models are no longer current mainstream options in the United States.
Which Subaru model has 3rd row seating?
The only Subaru with third-row seating is the Subaru Ascent, which is the brand's largest SUV. It is available in 7- or 8-passenger configurations and is designed to provide space for families and cargo.
- Seating capacity: The Ascent can seat up to eight passengers and comes in both 7- and 8-passenger configurations.
- Versatility: The third-row seats can be folded down to increase cargo space, making it adaptable for different needs.
- Features: It includes standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and offers features like USB charging ports and adjustable headrests in the third row.
Which Subaru models have 7 seats?
Subaru Ascent
7-Passenger Subaru Ascent
Buy a new Subaru Ascent with seating for up to seven passengers to enjoy top-notch comfort and accessibility.
Which Subaru has 7 or 8 seats?
It fits your whole family and has everything they need. The 2025 Ascent is designed with performance reliability. And safety in mind with a bold front fascia.
Is there any 7 seater Subaru?
Yes, Subaru offers a 7-seater SUV called the Ascent. It's available in both 7- and 8-passenger configurations depending on the trim and your choice of second-row seating (a bench for 8 or captain's chairs for 7).
- 7-passenger option: This configuration uses captain's chairs in the second row, with an armrest for each passenger.
- 8-passenger option: This configuration comes with a second-row bench seat that can accommodate three passengers.
- Subaru Ascent: The Ascent is a mid-size SUV with three rows of seats and is the largest vehicle Subaru offers.
- Seating configurations: Some trims, like the 2025 Ascent Premium and Limited, offer both 7- and 8-passenger seating options, while other trims are exclusively 7-passenger models.
