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What is Subarus largest SUV?

Subaru's largest and most spacious SUV is the Ascent, a three-row family hauler that can seat up to eight passengers. The Ascent offers a compelling blend of utility, capability, and Subaru's signature all-wheel-drive technology, making it a popular choice for active families and adventurers.


Introducing the Subaru Ascent


The Subaru Ascent was introduced in 2018 as the brand's flagship SUV, filling a gap in their lineup for a larger, more accommodating vehicle. Designed to compete with other midsize and full-size SUVs, the Ascent boasts a spacious interior, ample cargo room, and a powerful turbocharged engine. It's Subaru's largest and most versatile model to date.


Key Features and Specifications



  • Seating for up to 8 passengers
  • Standard all-wheel-drive
  • 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine with 260 horsepower
  • Up to 5,000 lbs of towing capacity
  • Generous cargo space with up to 86.5 cubic feet behind the front seats
  • Available in multiple trim levels, including Base, Premium, Limited, and Touring

The Ascent's combination of size, capability, and Subaru's renowned safety and reliability make it a compelling choice for families and adventurers alike.


Subaru's Design and Engineering Approach


Subaru took a thoughtful approach in designing the Ascent, leveraging the brand's expertise in all-wheel-drive systems and incorporating features that cater to the needs of modern families. The Ascent is built on Subaru's global platform, which provides a sturdy foundation and enhances the vehicle's safety and handling characteristics.


The turbocharged Boxer engine, a Subaru hallmark, delivers a compelling balance of power and efficiency, while the standard all-wheel-drive system ensures confident traction in a variety of driving conditions. Subaru's commitment to safety is also evident in the Ascent, with a suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies available across the lineup.


Conclusion


The Subaru Ascent is the brand's largest and most versatile SUV, offering a compelling blend of space, capability, and Subaru's signature all-wheel-drive technology. With its spacious interior, powerful engine, and array of family-friendly features, the Ascent is a top choice for those seeking a practical and adventurous three-row SUV.

Which Subaru SUV is bigger, Outback or Forester?


The Subaru Outback is bigger than the Forester in terms of exterior length and cargo space, while the Forester is slightly taller with more passenger volume in some configurations. The Outback is about 8 to 9 inches longer and has more cargo space behind the rear seats, whereas the Forester is roughly 2 inches taller, giving it more headroom and a higher driving position.
 
Subaru Outback vs. Subaru Forester

Feature Subaru Outback Subaru Forester
Exterior Length Longer (approx. 191.1-191.9 inches) Shorter (approx. 183.3 inches)
Exterior Height Shorter (approx. 66.1 inches) Taller (approx. 68.1 inches)
Cargo Space More (approx. 75.6 cu. ft. with rear seats down, 32.6 cu. ft. behind second row) Less (approx. 74.4 cu. ft. with rear seats down, 29.6 cu. ft. behind second row)
Passenger Volume Slightly less (approx. 109 cu. ft.) Slightly more (approx. 110.8 cu. ft.)
Towing Capacity Higher (up to 3,500 lbs with optional turbo engine) Lower (1,500 lbs)
Overall Better for cargo and towing needs Better for headroom and a more upright driving position
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Which is larger, a Subaru Ascent or Outback?


Yes, the Subaru Ascent is significantly bigger than the Outback in terms of overall dimensions, passenger capacity, and interior space. The Ascent is a 3-row SUV that can seat up to eight people, while the Outback is a 2-row vehicle that seats five. 

Feature Subaru Ascent Subaru Outback
Size Larger, longer, and taller Smaller
Passenger Capacity Up to 8 passengers 5 passengers
Passenger Volume 153.2 cubic feet 109 cubic feet
Cargo Space (behind 1st row) 75.6 cubic feet 75.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space (behind 2nd row) 43.5 cubic feet 32.6 cubic feet
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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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Is there a 7 seat 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. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.