Which 2027 Subaru Ascent Trim Level Should You Buy?

October 9th, 2026 by

The 2027 Subaru Ascent Premium stands out as the optimal choice for most families, delivering a superior blend of essential features, interior versatility, and utility. This trim comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru BOXER engine, EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, an 11.6-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, and a robust 5,000 lbs towing capacity.

Selecting the right trim depends on how you plan to use your three-row crossover every day. Buyers who need maximum seating capacity or plan to transport up to eight people will want either the Premium or Limited trim, as these are the only configurations offered with a second-row bench seat. Families needing eight-passenger capability for school runs or weekend outings will find the Premium trim provides all the essential comfort and safety technology at an approachable price point.

If your priorities lean toward added luxury and convenience, higher trims introduce distinct interior and exterior upgrades:

  • Premium: Available in seven- or eight-passenger seating, featuring water-repellent StarTex upholstery, dual-zone front automatic climate control with automatic rear climate control, heated front seats, and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel.
  • Limited: Adds leather-trimmed upholstery, 20-inch alloy wheels, a heated steering wheel, and optional second-row captain’s chairs.
  • Limited Bronze Edition: Integrates unique bronze-finish 20-inch wheels, black StarTex seating with bronze contrast stitching, and built-in navigation.
  • Touring: Features Nappa leather seating, ventilated front seats, a panoramic power moonroof, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon Quantum Logic Surround Sound system.
  • Onyx Edition Touring: Combines top-tier Touring luxury with blacked-out exterior accents, 20-inch black alloy wheels, and unique styling touches.

For drivers navigating steep mountain grades around Mountain City, standard all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance ensure confident year-round traction. To explore our current inventory of new Subaru models, you can give our team a call at (828) 264-0675 or visit our Boone showroom for a personal test drive.

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What Trim Levels Are Available for the 2027 Subaru Ascent?

The 2027 Subaru Ascent lineup consists of five primary trim levels: Premium, Limited, Limited Bronze Edition, Touring, and Onyx Edition Touring. Regardless of the trim chosen, a destination and delivery charge applies across all configurations.

Every 2027 Ascent is powered by the same mechanical foundation. Under the hood sits a 2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru BOXER engine delivering 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, routed through a Lineartronic CVT with an eight-speed manual mode and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard across the board, guaranteeing consistent performance at every tier.

The lineup offers various trim levels with specific seating configurations:

  • Premium (7-Passenger or 8-Passenger)
  • Limited (7-Passenger or 8-Passenger)
  • Limited Bronze Edition (7-Passenger)
  • Touring (7-Passenger)
  • Onyx Edition Touring (7-Passenger)

While the base model delivers substantial standard equipment, stepping up through the trim structure unlocks premium materials and technology. The jump from Premium to Limited introduces leather seating and larger wheels, while the Limited Bronze Edition adds dark exterior elements with gold-bronze accents. The Touring and Onyx Edition Touring represent the peak of cabin refinement, offering ventilated seating, smart rearview mirrors, and elevated audio performance. If you are comparing family crossovers across various model years or price ranges, you can also explore our pre-owned vehicle selection to evaluate pre-owned options alongside new inventory.

What Standard Features Come on the 2027 Subaru Ascent Premium Trim?

Standard equipment on the 2027 Subaru Ascent Premium includes an 11.6-inch Subaru Multimedia Plus touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, heated front seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, water-repellent StarTex upholstery, dual-zone front automatic climate control with automatic rear climate control, and a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Subaru equips the Premium trim with a comprehensive suite of safety and convenience technologies. Safety features include standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Reverse Automatic Braking, and Automatic Emergency Steering. The standard All-Weather Package adds heated side mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer, which proves exceptionally practical for early morning drives along US Highway 421 near Zionville during colder months.

In-cabin convenience and cargo versatility on the Premium trim include:

  • STARLINK 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus: High-resolution touchscreen with Bluetooth audio streaming, SiriusXM, and wireless smartphone integration.
  • Power and Charging: USB-A and USB-C connectivity and charging options help keep passengers connected, with additional USB-C charging ports near the third-row seats for 2027.
  • Seating Configuration Options: Choice of an eight-passenger layout with a second-row 60/40-split bench seat or a seven-passenger layout with second-row captain’s chairs.
  • Towing Capability: Standard trailer stability assist and cooling hardware supporting up to 5,000 lbs of towing.

To prepare for upgrading your family vehicle, you can estimate your trade-in value online before visiting the dealership.

Is the 2027 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition Available in 8-Passenger Seating?

The 2027 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition Touring is configured exclusively as a seven-passenger vehicle with second-row captain’s chairs and is not offered with an eight-passenger bench seat.

Subaru designs the Onyx Edition Touring for buyers seeking a sportier, exclusive aesthetic paired with top-tier luxury amenities. The inclusion of second-row captain’s chairs provides an open center aisle that makes accessing the third row easier for children and adults alike. While this configuration maximizes individual passenger comfort in the second row, it caps total seating capacity at seven.

If your family requires an eight-passenger layout, you must choose either the Premium or Limited trim levels. Both of these trims feature a second-row 60/40-split folding bench seat that accommodates three passengers across the middle row.

The Onyx Edition Touring distinguishes itself with specific design elements and upscale standard features:

  • Exterior Styling: Black-finish front grille, black window surrounds, black roof rails, and 20-inch black-finish aluminum-alloy wheels.
  • Cabin Refinement: Slate Black perforated Nappa leather-trimmed upholstery, gloss-black interior accents, and a high-grade leather-wrapped steering wheel with green contrast stitching.
  • Standard Comforts: Panoramic power moonroof, 14-speaker Harman Kardon Quantum Logic Surround Sound, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

When you are ready to explore purchasing options for an Onyx Edition Touring or another seven-passenger trim, you can submit an online credit application to streamline your buying process.

How Much Legroom Is in the Third Row of the 2027 Subaru Ascent?

The third row of the 2027 Subaru Ascent provides 31.7 inches of legroom, offering seating space for children, teenagers, and adults on shorter trips.

The Ascent offers generous passenger space across three rows, with sliding second-row seats that help occupants balance legroom between the middle and rear seating areas. Its versatile cabin also provides flexible cargo arrangements when additional storage is needed.

Interior dimension highlights include:

  • Front Row Legroom: 42.2 inches
  • Second Row Legroom: 38.6 inches
  • Third Row Legroom: 31.7 inches
  • Maximum Cargo Space: Up to 75.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded
  • Cargo Space Behind the Third Row: Approximately 17.6 cubic feet, depending on configuration

For extra comfort, third-row passengers benefit from dedicated overhead air vents, cup holders integrated into the side trim, and available third-row USB charging ports on select trim levels.

How Does the 2027 Subaru Ascent Compare to the Honda Pilot for Towing?

The 2027 Subaru Ascent offers a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, including on the entry-level Premium trim. Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Trailer Stability Assist, and its turbocharged engine help support towing performance.

The Honda Pilot is another popular three-row SUV, with towing capability that depends on the model year, drivetrain, and equipment. Certain all-wheel-drive Pilot configurations offer a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while front-wheel-drive configurations have lower towing limits.

Key Subaru Ascent towing specifications include:

  • Maximum Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds when properly equipped
  • Drivetrain: Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
  • Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder
  • Horsepower: 260 hp
  • Torque: 277 lb-ft
  • Towing Assistance: Standard Trailer Stability Assist

Drivers comparing the Ascent with a Honda Pilot should review the specific Pilot model year and drivetrain to confirm its published towing capacity.

The Ascent’s turbocharger generates peak torque at lower engine speeds (2,000 RPM), delivering responsive pulling power when accelerating uphill or pulling a trailer out of boat ramps.

Common Questions About Choosing a 2027 Subaru Ascent Trim

Q: Which 2027 Subaru Ascent trims offer eight-passenger seating? Eight-passenger seating is available exclusively on the Premium and Limited trims. Both configurations feature a second-row 60/40-split bench seat that accommodates three passengers. Higher trims like the Limited Bronze Edition, Touring, and Onyx Edition Touring come standard with second-row captain’s chairs, limiting total seating capacity to seven passengers.

Q: Does the 2027 Subaru Ascent offer a hybrid powertrain? No, the 2027 Subaru Ascent is powered exclusively by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder Subaru BOXER engine producing 260 horsepower. Every trim level comes standard with a Lineartronic CVT and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, optimizing all-weather traction and power delivery without a hybrid option.

Q: What is the fuel economy rating for the 2027 Subaru Ascent? The 2027 Ascent Premium achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Upper trims, including the Limited, Touring, and Onyx Edition Touring, are rated at 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway due to larger 20-inch wheels and added equipment weight.

Q: What safety systems come standard on all 2027 Subaru Ascent trims? Every 2027 Ascent includes standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which features Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Keeping, and Automatic Emergency Steering. Blind-Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Reverse Automatic Braking are also included as standard equipment across the lineup.

Q: What is the ground clearance of the 2027 Subaru Ascent? The 2027 Subaru Ascent features 8.7 inches of ground clearance across all trim levels. Combined with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-MODE with Hill Descent Control, this ground clearance helps the Ascent handle snowy roads, uneven surfaces, and challenging driving conditions. Actual capability depends on road conditions, tire traction, and driver judgment.

If you have additional questions about features or want to compare trims in person, our staff is available at (828) 264-0675 or at our dealership address at 185 Modern Drive.

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Finding Your Ideal 2027 Subaru Ascent in Boone

Selecting the right 2027 Subaru Ascent comes down to matching your seating requirements, budget, and desired comfort features with the trim level that fits your lifestyle. Whether you select the versatile Premium trim for eight-passenger family hauling or step up to the luxurious Touring or Onyx Edition Touring for Nappa leather and premium audio, every Ascent delivers standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, and a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Our team at Modern Subaru of Boone is ready to help you compare trim levels, explore available colors, and test drive the 2027 Ascent on local roads. Contact us today or visit our showroom to take the next step toward driving home in your new family SUV.

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Vehicle specification data © JATO Dynamics Limited.

Posted in Subaru Ascent