Subaru Luxury SUV: Is It Worth It?

Yes, Subaru offers luxury SUV options, primarily the Subaru Ascent, which blends premium features with Subaru’s renowned practicality and safety. Whether it’s “worth it” depends on your priorities, but it’s a strong contender for those seeking a well-equipped, safe, and capable family hauler without the stratospheric price tag of traditional luxury brands.

Many car shoppers wonder if Subaru, a brand celebrated for its ruggedness and affordability, ventures into the luxury SUV market. It’s a common question for those looking for a comfortable, feature-rich experience but also value Subaru’s legendary all-wheel-drive and solid engineering. You’ve come to the right place to find out if a Subaru luxury SUV is the right fit for your lifestyle and budget. Let’s explore what Subaru offers in this segment and break down whether it truly delivers a premium experience.

Does Subaru Have a Luxury SUV? Unpacking the Ascent

The short answer is yes, but not in the way you might typically think of “luxury” brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, or Lexus. Subaru’s approach to luxury is more about offering a high level of refinement, advanced technology, and comfort within their existing, well-regarded vehicle platforms. The Subaru Ascent is their flagship, three-row SUV, and it’s the closest Subaru gets to a luxury SUV.

The Ascent is designed to compete with mainstream family SUVs that offer upscale trims, rather than directly challenging established luxury marques. This means you get a generous package of amenities, safety features, and a comfortable interior that rivals many vehicles with significantly higher price points. It’s a smart strategy for consumers who appreciate premium features but are also budget-conscious and value Subaru’s core strengths.

What Makes an SUV “Luxury”?

Before diving into the Subaru Ascent specifically, it’s helpful to understand what generally defines a luxury SUV. While the lines can blur, common characteristics include:

• Premium Materials: Higher quality leathers, real wood or metal trim, soft-touch surfaces throughout the cabin.
• Advanced Technology: Large, intuitive infotainment screens, premium audio systems, advanced driver-assistance features, and often a digital instrument cluster.
• Comfort and Refinement: Superior ride quality, quiet cabin, supportive and comfortable seating (often with heating and ventilation), multi-zone climate control.
• Performance: Often more powerful engines, smoother transmissions, and refined handling.
• Exclusivity and Brand Prestige: The perceived status and heritage associated with a luxury brand.
• Attention to Detail: Thoughtful design touches, excellent fit and finish, and a sense of meticulous craftsmanship.

Subaru aims to hit many of these points, particularly in the areas of materials, technology, comfort, and safety, even if they don’t offer the same level of engine power or the prestige of a European luxury badge.

The Subaru Ascent: Subaru’s Flagship SUV

The Subaru Ascent is Subaru’s largest SUV, offering seating for up to eight passengers. It’s built to be a capable family vehicle, excelling in areas where Subaru has always been strong: safety, all-wheel drive, and practicality.

Key Features and Trims:

The Ascent is typically available in four main trim levels::

• Base: Even the entry-level Ascent comes with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a comprehensive suite of EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology.
• Premium: Adds features like a larger 8-inch touchscreen, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. This trim often strikes a good balance between features and price.
• Limited: Steps up with leather-trimmed upholstery, heated second-row seats, a power liftgate, and a panoramic moonroof. It offers a more premium feel.
• Touring: This is the top-tier trim, truly leaning into the “luxury” aspect. It includes premium leather, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a second-row panoramic moonroof, a high-resolution rearview mirror, and a premium Harman Kardon® audio system.

Is the Subaru Ascent “Luxury”? A Closer Look

When comparing the Ascent, especially in its Limited and Touring trims, to other mainstream SUVs with upscale packages, it holds its own remarkably well. Let’s break down how it stacks up against the definition of luxury:

Materials and Interior Comfort

The Ascent’s interior is well-designed and functional. In the higher trims (Limited and Touring), you’ll find comfortable, supportive seats, often upholstered in quality leather. The dashboard and door panels use soft-touch materials, and the overall fit and finish are generally excellent. While you won’t find the exotic wood veneers or the ultra-premium leathers of a true luxury brand, the Ascent’s cabin feels refined and pleasant, especially for a family vehicle.

The ride quality is also a strong point. The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and road imperfections effectively, contributing to a relaxed driving experience. The cabin is also relatively quiet, minimizing wind and road noise, which is a hallmark of a more premium vehicle.

Technology and Infotainment

Subaru’s infotainment systems are user-friendly and feature-rich. The larger 8-inch touchscreen (standard on Premium and above) is responsive and easy to navigate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are seamless, making it simple to access your smartphone’s apps, navigation, and music. Higher trims offer features like built-in navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a premium sound system, further enhancing the perceived luxury.

Subaru’s commitment to safety technology through its EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology is a significant value proposition. Features like adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane-keeping assist are standard or available across the lineup, often exceeding what’s offered as standard on many competitors, including some luxury models.

Performance and Capability

The Ascent is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine that produces 260 horsepower. This engine provides adequate power for daily driving and highway merging, though it’s not going to set any speed records. The power is delivered smoothly through a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Where the Ascent truly shines, and arguably offers a unique advantage even against luxury competitors, is its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. This system is renowned for its ability to provide excellent traction and stability in various weather conditions, from rain and snow to light off-road excursions. For families who live in areas with challenging weather or enjoy outdoor adventures, Subaru’s AWD is a significant benefit that often comes at an extra cost or isn’t available on many luxury SUVs.

Subaru Ascent vs. Traditional Luxury SUVs

To truly answer “is it worth it?”, we need to compare the Ascent to what it’s up against. The Ascent competes more directly with well-equipped trims of mainstream SUVs like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer, but its higher trims can also be cross-shopped with entry-level luxury SUVs from brands like Acura (MDX), Infiniti (QX60), and Volvo (XC90) if budget is a primary consideration.

As you can see, the Subaru Ascent offers a compelling value proposition. You get a significant portion of the luxury features and comfort for a considerably lower price. The trade-off is typically in the sheer power of the engine, the ultimate refinement of the cabin materials, and the brand cachet.

Who is the Subaru Ascent For?

The Subaru Ascent is an excellent choice for:

• Families: With three rows of seating, ample cargo space, and a strong emphasis on safety, it’s ideal for transporting kids and all their gear.
• All-Weather Drivers: Subaru’s standard AWD system makes it a top pick for those who frequently encounter snow, ice, or rain.
• Value-Conscious Buyers: Those who want premium features and a comfortable experience without the premium price tag of traditional luxury brands.
• Adventure Seekers: The robust AWD and decent ground clearance make it suitable for light off-roading and trips to outdoor destinations.
• Safety-Focused Shoppers: Subaru’s reputation for safety and the comprehensive EyeSight® system are major draws.

Potential Downsides to Consider

While the Ascent offers a lot, it’s important to be aware of its limitations:

• Engine Power: The 260 horsepower is adequate but not exhilarating. If you prioritize strong acceleration or towing capability, you might find it lacking compared to some competitors with larger V6 engines.
• CVT Transmission: While Subaru’s CVT is one of the better ones, some drivers simply prefer the feel of a traditional automatic transmission.
• Not “True” Luxury: If your definition of luxury includes brand prestige, ultra-high-end materials, and bespoke customization options, the Ascent won’t meet those expectations.
• Fuel Economy: While not terrible for its size and AWD capability, it’s not class-leading. Expect around 20 MPG city and 26 MPG highway for the AWD model.

Subaru’s Other SUV Offerings

While the Ascent is Subaru’s primary three-row SUV that could be considered “luxury-adjacent,” it’s worth noting Subaru’s other popular SUV, the Forester. The Forester is a compact SUV known for its excellent visibility, standard AWD, and practical design. While it doesn’t offer the same level of premium features or seating capacity as the Ascent, higher trims of the Forester (like the Forester Limited or Touring) can offer a comfortable and well-equipped experience for those who don’t need a larger vehicle.

For those seeking a smaller, more agile SUV, the Subaru Outback also bridges the gap between a traditional wagon and an SUV. It offers a comfortable ride, available premium features (like leather seats, Harman Kardon audio, and a larger touchscreen in the XT Touring trim), and Subaru’s signature AWD. The Outback, particularly in its higher trims, provides a more car-like driving experience than the Ascent but with increased capability and a touch of rugged elegance.

Conclusion: Is a Subaru Luxury SUV Worth It?

Yes, a Subaru luxury SUV, represented by the Subaru Ascent in its higher trims, is absolutely worth it for the right buyer. If you prioritize a blend of practicality, safety, all-weather capability, and a comfortable, well-equipped interior without the exorbitant cost of traditional luxury brands, the Ascent delivers exceptional value. It provides a premium experience that punches above its weight class in terms of features and comfort for its price point. However, if brand prestige, outright power, or the absolute finest interior materials are your top priorities, you might need to look at more established luxury marques.

The Ascent offers a smart alternative for those who want the benefits of a larger, more upscale SUV but are discerning about their spending. It’s a testament to Subaru’s ability to deliver a refined and capable vehicle that meets the needs of modern families looking for quality and value.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does Subaru make a three-row SUV?

Yes, Subaru makes a three-row SUV called the Subaru Ascent. It is their largest vehicle and is designed to accommodate up to eight passengers, making it suitable for families.

What is the most luxurious Subaru SUV?

The most luxurious Subaru SUV is the Subaru Ascent, particularly in its top-tier Touring trim. This trim level offers premium features like high-quality leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a panoramic moonroof, and an upgraded audio system, aiming for a more upscale experience.

Is the Subaru Ascent considered a luxury vehicle?

The Subaru Ascent is not typically classified as a “luxury vehicle” in the same vein as brands like Mercedes-Benz or Lexus. However, its higher trims offer a high level of comfort, advanced technology, and premium features that rival well-equipped mainstream SUVs and even some entry-level luxury models, providing a strong value proposition for those seeking a more refined experience.

What are the main competitors to the Subaru Ascent?

The Subaru Ascent competes with other three-row family SUVs such as the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Ford Explorer. In terms of its higher trims, it can also be cross-shopped with entry-level luxury SUVs like the Acura MDX or Volvo XC90 if budget is a significant consideration.

Does Subaru have a luxury brand like Lexus or Infiniti?

No, Subaru does not have a separate luxury brand. Subaru positions itself as a manufacturer of reliable, safe, and capable vehicles with a strong emphasis on all-wheel drive. Their focus is on offering high-value, practical vehicles across their lineup, with their top trims providing premium amenities.

What is the price range for a Subaru Ascent?

The price range for a new Subaru Ascent typically starts in the low $30,000s for the base model and can go up to the high $40,000s or low $50,000s for the fully-equipped Touring trim, depending on optional packages and current market conditions.

What makes Subaru SUVs stand out?

Subaru SUVs are renowned for their standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which provides excellent traction and stability in various conditions. They also consistently score high in safety ratings, thanks to their robust construction and advanced driver-assistance technologies like Subaru’s EyeSight®. Additionally, Subaru vehicles are known for their practicality, reliability, and good resale value.