What is the liftover height of the Subaru Ascent?
The Subaru Ascent does not publish a formal liftover (loading) height in its official specifications. For practical reference, the vehicle’s ground clearance is published, but the exact cargo-floor lip height isn’t listed by Subaru. This article explains what that means and how you can determine the measurement for your specific model year and trim.
What liftover height means and how it differs from other measurements
Liftover height, also known as loading height, is the vertical distance from the ground to the edge of the cargo floor where you lift items into the rear cargo area. It is distinct from ground clearance (the distance between the lowest point of the vehicle and the ground) and from overall vehicle height. Vehicle manufacturers rarely publish a dedicated liftover height, especially for SUVs, because it can vary with trim, spare tire location, and minor design changes across model years.
Official specs and what Subaru publishes
Subaru does publish a single widely cited height-related spec: ground clearance. For the Ascent, Subaru lists a ground clearance of 8.7 inches (221 mm). Beyond that, the loading lip or cargo-floor height is not included in the standard spec sheets or owner’s manuals. This means there isn’t a single, widely cited liftover height published by the manufacturer.
To make sense of this gap for practical use, you should treat the liftover height as a measurement you may need to determine yourself if you frequently load tall or heavy items into the rear. The exact number can vary by trim level, tire size, and the presence or absence of a spare tire or jack assembly stored in the cargo area.
How to determine the liftover height for your Ascent
If you need an exact figure for loading items, you can measure it directly on your vehicle. The steps below will help you get an accurate measurement for your specific model year and configuration.
- Park on a level surface and engage the parking brake for safety.
- Open the rear hatch to access the cargo area.
- Place a tape measure or ruler on the ground at the edge where you would lift items over the cargo floor lip.
- Measure vertically from the ground to the top edge of the cargo floor where items are loaded (the loading lip).
- Repeat measurements at the left, center, and right portions of the cargo opening to account for any slight variations in floor height.
- Record the average of your measurements to use as your practical liftover height.
Concluding note: Measuring it yourself provides the most accurate figure for your specific vehicle, year, and configuration. If you need to compare with a different vehicle or a different year, repeat the process on that model as well.
Practical implications for owners and buyers
What the liftover height means in daily use is similar to how accessible you want your cargo area to be. A higher liftover can make loading bulky items more challenging, while a lower lip eases loading of everyday gear. Since Subaru does not publish this metric, prospective buyers who regularly haul tall or heavy cargo should consider a hands-on measurement or a test load when evaluating an Ascent at a dealership.
Related considerations
Other height-related factors to keep in mind include the Ascent’s ground clearance (8.7 inches) and overall cargo capacity (up to 86.5 cubic feet with rear seats folded). These figures influence how you use the vehicle for camping gear, sports equipment, or luggage, even if the exact liftover height remains unlisted.
Summary
In short, the official liftover height (loading lip height) for the Subaru Ascent is not published by Subaru. The most reliable published metric is the ground clearance of 8.7 inches. For exact loading lip height, measure the cargo floor lip height yourself on your specific model year and trim. This hands-on approach provides the precise figure you need for planning cargo transfers and loading tasks.
